It is a pleasure meeting you as you drop off your Transfer Slips. Many of you have questions for the first days of school that we will address at the Open House. In the event you will not be able to attend, below are some answers.

OPEN HOUSE: Meet the Staff

Meeting starts in the cafeteria

Thursday 8/27 4:30-5:30

Friday 8/28 7:30-8:30 am

School Hours

First Day: September 1^st (Tuesday) 8:30-4:00

Children should report at 8:20. Parents will walk children into the gym where they will meet their teacher. At the designated time, parents may walk their child into the classroom. You may briefly say goodbye there or in the gym. The staff would like at this point to focus on the students’ first day and start classroom routines.

Drop Off/Pickup

Giles Street will be blocked off for both drop off and pickup. Teacher Assistants will be available to open car doors, to help students, and to assist bus students.

For pickup:

If the teacher does not know you yet, please show identification.

Before School/After School Program

The S.T.A.R.R., Inc. program starts on the FIRST DAY, Sept. 1^st. in the cafeteria.

Before School: 7:45-8:20

After School: 4:00-6:00

Applications and program flyer will be available at the Open House and first days of school. The program cost includes peanut-free breakfast and snacks. Parents may register for the year, month, week, or day. Activities include: arts/crafts, exercise, dramatic play. A staff member will be available in the afternoon to assist with the supervision of the program. Parents picking up will ring the doorbell at the Broadway Street entrance and sign child out. The Teacher Assistant supervising will take bus students to the bus.

Cost: $1300 per year

Private Instrument Lessons

Information on this exciting offering will soon be provided.

Lunch/Snacks

Please provide you child with a healthy lunch and two snacks. We have scheduled an hour for lunch and two 15-minute am/pm snack/recess breaks. Please send your child with extra water. The school lunch program starts in October.

Dress Code

The Family Handbook, which will be handed out at the Open House and the first days of school, describes this at length. For now comfortable, cool attire: shorts, t-shirts, sandals, with backs for safety, or sneakers.

Kindergarten

Please send in a large beach towel labeled with the child’s name for rest time.

Art: K and 1

Please send a shirt or t-shirt labeled with the child’s name to be used as a smock.

Transfer Slips

We are aware of the effort you are making getting the Transfer Slips! Please get them as soon as the public school issues it. Your child is able to start school without it. On the day in September you need to get the slip with your child, your child may come to school late.

As we embark on this new journey together, I am asking you to contemplate this question:

What will ensure our success in forming a strong community of learners?

We quickly answer:

resources, students, teachers, administration, vision

I am asking all our families to ponder that success comes in developing trust. Trust in the spirit of collaboration between parents, staff and administration… trust in each other!

The staff and I are looking forwarding to seeing you soon!

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Marta Bergamini

August 22, 2009