September 2008 - Dear Parents,

Our beginning of the school year has gone very smoothly. Students seem very excited about being back to school. The teachers have worked very hard to prepare for a positive start. I have also noticed how the children continue to be Safe, Respectful and Responsible.

Our Open House and ice cream social on Monday, August 25 was a huge success. It was great to see all the children and parents before the start of school. Thank you for coming.

Our first PTA meeting is Wednesday, September 3 at 6:30 in the library. I encourage you to come to this meeting. It is a way to meet people and be an active part of our school community. Ms. Brown or I are always at these meetings, so it is a good means of asking us questions. Also, Grandparents’ Luncheon is Monday, September 8. I always love this day because the school becomes filled with visitors and students are thrilled to have a special person, like a grandparent, visit the school.

We will begin the MAP testing on Wednesday, September 3 for grades 1-5. We take this data to gear instruction for each student. The state NECAP testing for grades 3,4 and 5 will be at the beginning of October. Please make every effort to have your child get plenty of sleep and eat a good breakfast during these testing periods. Teachers will be informing you as to the exact dates. Also, please be sure that they come to school every day and be on time. I ask that you refrain from making appointments for your child during the school day during this time..

The traffic pattern of drop off and dismissal is coming along. Thank you for your
cooperation and sense of humor. I also appreciate that you do not arrive until after 2:35. There is still the issue of parents dropping children off in front of the school between 8:00 and 8:30. This is a real safety issue since there are many busses in the front of the school where your child is walking. I ask that you use the drop off at the primary gate. Children cannot be dropped off at this gate until a duty teacher arrives, which is 8:00, because there is no supervision. Grade 4th and 5th parents seem to want to drop the student off at the playground. I realize this is faster for you, however, please don’t drop off in the front of the school or on Brock Street directly in front of the school or along the road leading into the playground.

Everyone should have received a school calendar, a Parent and Student Handbook as well as a District Student and Parent Handbook. Please let the teacher know if you have not received them. All Medical Emergency Forms need to be turned in ASAP.

Other Dates to remember:
September 10 –early release at 1:15; no kindergarten
September 25 – Pictures
September 30 –Banking for students with HRCU will begin.

Respectfully,
Principal Arlene Walker walker.mcl@rochesterschools.com