Bristow Run Elementary School

“A Fully Accredited School”

 

From The Panther’s Pen

 

“A Team on Track for the Future”

 

8990 Worthington Drive

Bristow, Va. 20136

703-753-7741

Fax - 703-753-7604

 

Andrew Buchheit, Principal

Jo Linda Toth - Assistant Principal

/brun/bristowrun.htm

 

January 2003

Hello Panthers!

            Wow – can you believe it is 2003 already? It seems as if we were just welcoming in the Millennium and here it is already 2003.  Well, we have all successfully completed our first semester of school.  It has been an Awesome 18 weeks and I am looking forward to the next 18 weeks. Welcome to the first edition of our new quarterly newsletter – From The Panther’s Pen.  Although, we will continue to provide weekly updates in our World Famous Panther Press, this 9 week expanded version will give us a chance to elaborate on topics, review policies and highlight upcoming events..

            It has been great to see so many of you at Family Fun Nights, Spirit Nights, PTA Programs, as volunteers in the classrooms, for classroom celebrations and in the cafeteria during lunch. If you have not had a chance to meet with your child’s classroom teacher, what are you waiting for???  Call now and schedule an appointment. Your child’s teacher will be happy to meet with you. As you probably already know, our school motto is:  “A Team on Track for the Future”.  At Bristow Run we recognize that it takes all of us (Teachers, Staff, Students & Parents) working together to ensure the success of each student. We truly believe that by working together all children will learn to their fullest potential.   I look forward to continuing to work with you and your children this year. Below is a reminder of our school schedule:

 

FOR GRADES 1-5

Doors open:  8:35 a.m. Tardy at: 8:45 a.m. Dismissal Begins:  3:15 p.m. (1:00 on Thursday)                 

KINDERGARTEN

Morning class:  M,T,W,F:    8:45a.m.–12:00p.m.               Thurs. only:   8:45a.m.– 10:50 a.m.

Afternoon class:  M,T,W,F: 12:00p.m.– 3:15p.m.              Thurs. only:   10:50 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

 

Thanks for all you have done to help us have such a wonderful first semester of school. I anticipate a GREAT second semester!

 

Sincerely,

                                                                                    Andrew Buchheit

UPCOMING CALENDAR

 

ISIS IS COMING TO BRISTOW RUN

Starting Monday February 3rd, parents will have access to the PWCS Internet Student Information System or ISIS.  At the elementary school level, this communication system provides basic student records: name, address, telephone number, etc. Parents can review this information and check student attendance records.  Parents will continue to receive homework, grades, and other communications from teachers in the usual manner. Parents may register online for an ISIS account starting February 3rd.  Please refer to the Prince William County Schools’ web site: www.pwcs.edu and click on ISIS for more information.

           

BRISTOW RUN VISION

Recently our school staff and our Parent/Staff School Advisory Council met to review our school plan and vision statement. The following statement reflects the school vision of Bristow Run:

 

Bristow Run Elementary School is committed to the belief that all children

will learn to their fullest potential in a safe, respectful and motivating

environment of high expectations and continuous improvement

in partnership with our parents and community.

"A Team on Track for the Future"

 

PANTHER PRIDE RECOGNITION

We are proud and happy to recognize our students for their Outstanding Panther Pride. As we move into the 3rd 9 weeks, we are reminding parents and students how they can earn Panther pride recognition for the 9 week period. Students must meet the following criteria:

1.                  Conduct: S or S+ on the report card and no checks in the descriptors.

2.                  Work Habits: S or S+ on the report card and no checks in the descriptors.

3.                  Effort: No X for any area for the grading period.

4.                  Discipline Plan: Follows Discipline plan. No suspension from school or bus. No detention.

 

SOL RELEASED ITEMS

The SOLS or the Standards of Learning is our state curriculum. In the spring, our students take the SOL assessments, which have been developed to evaluate our students’ understanding of the curriculum. The State website routinely publishes previous versions of the SOL assessments. If you would like to review the 2002 SOL tests, you may want to look at this website: http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Assessment/Release2002

 

CMS TESTS

            If you are a parent or guardian of a 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th grader, chances are you have heard about CMS tests. So what are they? Well, CMS stands for Curriculum Management System. And these tests were developed by the county to help evaluate and assess student understanding and mastery of the state and county curriculum and help to better prepare students for The Standard of Learning (SOLS) tests. All schools in Prince William County are required to give these tests. Teachers may assign grades to some or all of these tests. If you have any questions at all about these CMS tests, please contact your child’s classroom teacher.

 

ATTENDANCE IN SCHOOL

            It is very important that all students attend school on a regular basis and on time. Children, who are not in school each day, arrive late or leave early miss important educational opportunities and learning experiences. At Bristow Run, we recognize, and I’m sure you will agree, that regularly being at school and being on time is very important for a child’s academic success. This may become a very serious issue.

            It is important to note that Prince William County policy states that: “students in kindergarten through grade eight, who miss ten or more days of school for the year, excused or unexcused, and who have completed little or no make-up work may be considered for retention.” In addition, we are required to notify our Attendance Officer in cases of excessive absences. It takes both students and parents working together to assure a child attend school as required. Your cooperation in helping your child get to school is very important. If you would like to work with our guidance counselors, MaryPat McCartney or Robin Vaneman, to make a plan for improvement or discuss these issues, you can contact them at 703-753-7741.

            Please continue to call in to let us know if your child is going to be absent and to send in notes to the teacher when he or she returns to school. As you already know, all our procedures and regulations are in place to help ensure the safety, security and continued success of all our students and not to inconvenience you. By working together, we truly can do everything better. Please let us know if you have questions or concerns by calling 703-753-7741. We thank you in advance for your support. 

Every 9 weeks, we will recognize students for “Perfect Attendance” -  meaning they have attended school each day and have no tardies or early dismissals in a 9 week period or  “Excellent Attendance” – meaning they have attended school each day and have no more than 3 tardies/early dismissals in a 9 week period.. Religious observations will not count as absences.

 

SCHOOL WEB SITE

            Did you know that Bristow Run has a website on the Internet? It is being updated continually. Read the latest Panther Press, see Advisory Council minutes and PTA news, look at teacher pages, check the lunch menu for Monday, read our school song, analyze the testing data in the Data Warehouse, look at student and teacher picks for the top 100 children’s books, and see what the weather is for our area at the News 4 weather Station at Bristow Run. After checking it out email us with any comments or questions

The web address is:  /brun/bristowrun.htm..

                       

ADVISORY COUNCIL

            Each school in Prince William County has a School Advisory Council comprised of parent representatives, teachers and staff representatives. The Advisory Council helps decide on the focus and direction that the school should take each year. It sets these goals out in our Annual School Plan. Anyone can attend an Advisory Council meeting.     

            2002-2003 Meeting Dates: January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6 and June 3. Meetings begin at 7:00 pm and are held in the Bristow Run School Library.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can also contact your 2002 -2003 Advisory Council Representatives:

Officers: Chair: Beth Peters, Vice-Chair: Jennifer Connaughton,  Secretary: Nancy Brosnahan
Parent Representatives:

Jim Rigney (kg), Nancy Brosnahan (1st), Robin Knies (2nd), Alesia Ruppen (3rd), Kelly Gallardy (4th) and Bradley Halberstam (5th)

Parent Alternates:

Karen Peppe (kg), Pam Edwards (1st), Pattie Bunner (2nd), Lora Klugh (3rd), Mary Crispino (4th) and Anna Field (5th)

Staff Representatives:

Nina Heider (for Kg/1st), Jennifer Connaughton (for 2nd/3rd), Sarah Gorham (for 4th/5th), Carolyn Kyker (for Specialists), Ami Tasker (for Special Ed.) and Kathy Scowcroft (for Classified personnel)

 

GIANT BONUSBUCKS

 

            Did you know that every time you shopped at Giant, you can designate Bristow Run Elementary School to receive points for the total that you spend?  These points earn our school money.

            Currently, our school has earned the third highest total in the Prince William County area. (Last month we had earned the second highest total).  

            All you need to do is fill out a quick form designating our school. It costs you nothing. Our school code is 03606. It is quick and easy. You can also register online at: http://www.giantfood.com/bonuscard_aplus_pin.cfm Once you register, you do not have to register again for this School Year. So if you have not already designated Bristow Run as your school, I ask you to take a moment to do so. It is one of our easiest and most successful fundraisers. Thank you.

 

 

INK JET RECYCLING PROGRAM

We want your used ink jet cartridges!!!. Please bring them to us. Put it in a small bag so that your child does not get messy and have him or her drop it off in our big recycling container in the front lobby. For each cartridge we recycle our school earns money. Money from this recycling program is often designated for technology needs.

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NEWS FROM MS.TOTH – YOUR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

I hope all of you are having a great new year.  It is officially the midway point of the school year.  We have had an interesting year so far with a fair share of snowflakes.  I just wanted to let everyone know that I coordinate the special education services at Bristow Run as well as the Child Study process.  If your child is falling below grade level in academic areas you can refer them to a child study meeting where your child’s teacher, myself, and a psychologist or social worker will discuss your concerns for your child and problem solve some recommendations to assist your student. After you discuss any concerns with your child’s teacher, you can contact me if you have any questions about the child study process. My email is tothjl@pwcs.edu. 

 

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND

             This year we have four Odyssey of the Mind teams representing Bristow Run Elementary School. The students on these teams work hard each week to solve their problems. This year, students are working on designing, building and running three small vehicles to transport items from an Orbit Area to an Assembly Station; creating and presenting a performance that includes two characters who perform at least five “illusions” that entertain other characters in the performance and creating and performing a song with lyrics that help to teach something while playing musical instruments that they made themselves.

            Odyssey of the Mind is an annual international creative problem-solving competition open to students in kindergarten through college. Students work together to help create, develop and build their solutions to one of several problems. They develop self-confidence and cooperation and learn how to evaluate their ideas, and make final decisions. All this comes together when they “compete” at the Regional Tournament on Saturday, March 8 at George Mason University in Fairfax. As we get closer to the tournament date, we will publish more information in case you would like to go and root for your school teams!!          Each team needs coaches and we want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Bauer, Mrs. Barry, Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Arrendondo for coaching or helping us coach our teams. We could not do it without them!!!

 

STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS

    The Student Council (SCA) would again like to thank everyone for their generosity and support during the Toys for Tots drive! 

    This week, the school sent Valentine thank you notes to the military overseas for the Operation M.A.L.E. project and  SCA reps and one grade level will be sending Valentines to senior citizen residents at Marywood Apartments in Manassas. 

     We will also be gearing up to begin the Pennies for Patients program!  Donations will be accepted for three weeks and run from February 10 - 28th.  A special quarter collection will take place on Feb. 21st in honor of George Washington's birthday. Last year, our school raised $1041.87 to help support cancer research.  SCA will sponsor a bake sale next month to raise money and  is encouraging  and challenging all students to come up with their own fun ways to help earn money to donate to the program.  Chances are you or someone you know will be touched by cancer.  Let's help make cancer a thing of the past.  SCA will also be taking orders for the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days.  Please support this worthy campaign by making a donation for daffodils by February 21st.  Fresh cut daffodils and potted daffodil bulbs are available.  Daffodils will arrive on March 11th.  Order forms will be sent home next Friday.  If any parents are able to help with classroom deliveries in the school on March 11th, please contact Cindy Clayborn at 703-753-7741 or email at claybocl@pwcs.edu.    As you can see, we have many exciting service projects ahead!  We appreciate all your support!  Meetings will continue every 1st and 3rd Friday of each month at 8:00 AM unless otherwise announced.  Thank you!

 

READING TIPS by Mrs. Shaver, Bristow Run Reading Specialist

            While there is still some discussion on how children best learn to read, one fact is certain-reading to your child will help him/her to become a better reader.  No child in elementary school is too young to be read to!  Reading aloud to a child can help a child to see what good readers do, develop vocabulary and build comprehension.  There are books on the market that list titles and brief summaries of books to help parents choose appropriate reading.  The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease is just one example.

            Another way to help your child with reading is to show them how many different ways you use reading during the day.  Point out how reading is important not only on the job but also in practical matters such as reading the directions for the DVD player, following a recipe or checking the nutrition information on a food item

            Have a child who is reluctant to read?  Remember, reading doesn’t have to be books.  There are magazines such as Sports Illustrated for Kids that often appeal to the more reluctant readers.  Turn off the sound on your TV and have your child read the closed captioning (they can also do a little editing by finding the misspelled words!).  Board games where the child has to read and leaving notes for your child are other ways of encouraging reading.

 Make sure your child has some quiet time to read on his/her own.  There is a direct correlation between how much time a child reads independently and scores on standardized tests.  And lastly, remind the children that our little panther pal Run needs their help to travel around the USA.  He is tiring of the northeast and wants to move on so our children need to read, read, read!  (A great web site for further information on encouraging your child to read is www.readingrockets.org)           

 

GRADE LEVEL NEWS – What to expect for the next 9 weeks.

 

Kindergarten  - We have been very busy in kindergarten!  Coming up in math we will be working on more, less, and equal, estimation, measurement, money, and of course our big 100th day celebration.  In science we will be experimenting with the three states of matter, dental health, weather/seasons, lights and shadows, and the five senses.  In social studies we will be learning all about the Presidents Washington and Lincoln. 

 

1st grade – In the third quarter, first grade students will continue to strengthen their reading strategies and reading comprehension. Parents, please be sure to encourage your child to read each night. In writing, we will work on writing more detail and practice using punctuation and capitalization rules. We will focus on reviewing our addition and subtraction facts to twelve, learning place value (ones, tens and hundreds), learning to tell time to the hour and half-hour and counting mixed coins un to $1.00. Our thematic units of study will include the human body, presidents, inventors, dental health, civic symbols, maps, Earth/Sun, ecology and spring. In February, we will celebrate the 100th day of school and Friendship (Valentine’s) Day.

 

2nd Grade-Our second graders will be busy!!

I. Units of Study

  1. Social Studies:         Egypt & China
  2. Language Arts:        Access & Retrieve Information, Writing Strategies,

Grapho-Phonemic Cues & "During" Reading Strategies.

  1. Science:                     Magnets, Metal & Matter
  2. Math:                         Finish up Subtraction, Measurement & Geometry

II.  Specials -Assembly About Native Americans by Billy B. Productions/In School Field Trip by Animal Ambassadors.

III. Stanford 9 Testing  This will take place the whole week after Spring Break (Apr 22-25) so don't take any extra vacation days !! J

 

Third Grade -      In third grade, our upcoming units of study are as follows:

Science – Soil, Energy, Sun, Moon and Earth.
Social Studies – Review Greece/Rome, Mali and Famous Americans        
Math – Multiplication, Measurement, Fractions and Decimals
Language Arts- Biographies and event sequencing.

 

Fourth Grade -      In fourth grade, our upcoming units of study are as follows:

Math       

*Students are encouraged to continue to practice their multiplication and division facts on a daily basis.  In the classroom the children will continue to learn the process of multiplying and long division.

*In the classroom, we will continue to build on problem solving skills.

Language Arts / Reading

*Teacher will continue to focus on required reading, comprehension, and vocabulary.

*In Writing, students will begin to practice completing a writing prompt (at least two paragraphs) for our upcoming 4th Grade Writing Predictor Test.

Social Studies

*Now that we have established a colony in the New World, we will declare independence and develop a new government.

*Look for our upcoming VA Project information.

Science

*Individual classrooms will continue to cover 4th grade science units.

Field trips  Over the next month or two, please watch for upcoming news relating to our spring field trip to Richmond.

Thank-you very much for all of your support so far this year.  We are very pleased with how hard the children are working in class!

 

Fifth Grade -      The fifth grade is planning an exciting field trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, March 19, 2003.  We will tour the Civil War battlefield and learn the importance of Abraham Lincoln's famous speech.

We are busy preparing our students for our first round of SOL tests.  We will administer the SOL Writing tests on Monday, March 3 and Wednesday, March 5.  The SOL Writing consists of a multiple-choice test and writing to a prompt.

Our emphasis in reading is varied as we concentrate on poetry and novels such as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Tuck Everlasting.  Students learn to utilize reading skills such as cause/effect and main idea as they read grade-level appropriate novels.

Students continue to enjoy switching classrooms to meet with their math teachers.  Fractions and division are the focus as we move toward measurement and geometry.

Science is taught on a rotating basis with each class studying individual units.  Our science curriculum includes Light/Sound, Cells/Plants/Animals, Oceanography, Changing Earth, and Matter.

In Social Studies, the fifth grade students are learning about the thirteen original colonies and their fight for independence.  Be sure to ask your child to name all thirteen colonies!

 

LIBRARY

1. Birthday Books

If you are interested in buying a Birthday Book in honor of your child's birthday.  Please pick-up the form in the Library Office.  The price for the Birthday Book is $15.00.  Make the check out to Bristow Run Elementary School (BRES).  This is a wonderful gift to your child and to our library.  This year’s response has been fantastic $2000.00 for new books for the library. 

2.  Book Fair

Thank you for your wonderful support of our Book Fair. Our total this year was $13,091.88.  Our profit from the fair was $3200.00.  We have ordered new books, repaired our cushions, ordered $1000.00 in Accelerated Reader Test, have prizes for our Question of the Week and our Accelerated Reader program.  This is such a supportive community when it comes to our school library.

    Thank you volunteers we could not have accomplished this without YOU!!!!!

    Our Spring Book Fair will be the week of  March 18th-21st.  Hope to see you at the Book Fair.

3.  Accelerated Reader

Accelerated Reader is a program that tests a child’s comprehension skills.  The student reads and book and takes a test on the book.  The companion program to Accelerated Reader is the Star Program. We give the students the Star Test twice a year this is one of  the measurements we use to determine their reading levels.   The student comes to the library and checks out books on that level.  When they finish reading the books they take the test.  We would like to encourage you to read this book with your child.  The more the child reads the book the better their score.  They may come anytime during the school day to the library to checkout AR books.

4 Volunteers

The library cannot have volunteers without U.  We would love to have you volunteer some time to the library.  Come in an sign up for some time in the library.  We are the place where there is always action and excitement.  Never a dull moment.

 

                        TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

Bristow Run’s computer lab provides a hands-on approach to reinforcing learning concepts.  Students in all grades attend the lab.  Activities teach proper use of hardware and software while expanding lessons being taught in the classroom.  Some of the many activities so far this year include:

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the PTO and all Bristow Run families for your outstanding support, which is a vital part of your child’s success.  Approval was recently granted for the purchase of new programs and materials:

·        WorldBook Encyclopedia 2003 edition – site license

·        Let’s Discover Virginia – site license

·        Speedway Math – site license

·        Printer ink cartridges for classrooms

 

Math Fact Practice - We are looking forward to implementing a new activity in the computer lab.  Math Drill Practice will provide students the opportunity to strengthen skills in basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.  Classroom teachers selected a limited number of students, as space is limited. Students will participate during lunch periods so that no time is taken from classroom instruction. After enjoying their lunch break, they will be escorted to the computer lab.  We need parent volunteers to take children from the lunchroom to the lab each Tuesday, from 11:00-1:30.  If you can help, please contact Mrs. Massey @ masseysl@pwcs.edu.  A variety of programs will be used to keep your child excited about math.  As always, we are excited to participate in another fun learning program with the students! 

 

GUIDANCE

            The Guidance and Counseling Program motto, “keeping students on track for the long run” was very much in evidence this first semester. The counselors taught lessons to all students (K-5) on the importance of being a good worker – now, with their job as a student, and in the future with their chosen career.

The “W.O.R.K.E.R.” objectives were as follows:

                W = Want to Work; a positive attitude is a key;

                         Good workers try hard to do their best work

                O = Organize all Tools; a good worker is a good

                        manager- in control and able to find supplies

                R = Respect Other Workers; teamwork and

                       cooperation are important in any job

                K = Keep Developing Skills; don’t give up;

                       keep practicing skills in and out of school

                E = Explore Career Choices; learn about career

                       clusters and the importance of matching

                       personal skills, values, and interests to

                       various career possibilities

                R = Reach for Goals; learn the steps in goal

                       achievement; set short and long term goals

 

SMALL GROUP COUNSELING

            Mrs. Vaneman and Mrs. McCartney have been counseling students, with parent permission, in small groups on the following topics: Work Habits, Social Skills, Parental Divorce /Separation, Anger Management, and Communication Skills. Referrals for individual counseling may come from parents, staff, the Child Study Committee, the Administration, or the students themselves.

 

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

            Ten 4th graders have been trained to welcome new students who enter throughout the school year. These “First Friends” take new students on a tour of the building, give new students coupons from the cafeteria, library, etc. and answer questions (peer to peer). The First Friends program is an example of students helping students.

Fourteen 5th graders have been trained as Student Mediators. They are available to help settle minor disputes for any students (K-5). Students who are experiencing a conflict with peers (name-calling, teasing, etc.) may ask any Bristow Run staff member to help them complete a referral for mediation. Mediations are voluntary and a school counselor is always present for student mediations.

MULTICULTURAL DAY

            January 24, 2003 was set aside to highlight different cultures from around the world. On this special day, students saw video presentations from several Bristow Run parent volunteers who shared the language, food, clothing, traditions, and climates of different countries. “Respect for Differences” was a major theme for the day. We encourage students to approach all sorts of differences with understanding and kindness.

CHARACTER COUNTS PROGRAM

            Again this year, we are working on the six pillars of good character: Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, Citizenship, and Trustworthiness. Building character requires a partnership between school and home. Students at school hear the definitions of these six traits; they get awards for being “caught” showing these traits; they discuss these traits as they appear in stories. The students also need to see that these pillars of character don’t just count at school. Parents can point out examples of these character traits as they see them and emphasize the importance of each one in their family. 

 

WINTER WEATHER REMINDERS

Some reminders about what to do in case we have even more Snow!!! If the announcement is for:

All Day Closing:

1. All activities are cancelled at the school.

2. All evening activities are cancelled.

3. Both AM and PM Kindergarten sessions are cancelled.

4. Color Codes mentioned in the announcements refer to school employees.

Two Hour Late Opening: (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday) –
Grade 1-5

1. Bus pick up will be two hours later than usual.

2. School will begin at 10:45 a.m. Lunch will be served. Breakfast will not be served.

3. Walkers should arrive at 10:35 a.m.

5. School will be dismissed at 3:15.

AM Kindergarten

1. Bus pick up will be two hours later than usual.

2. School will begin at 10:45 a.m. Lunch will be served. Breakfast will not be served.

3. Walkers should arrive at 10:35 a.m.

4. AM students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m.

PM Kindergarten

1. Bus pick up will be one hour later than usual.

2. PM session will begin at 1:00 p.m.

3. PM students will be dismissed at 3:15 p.m.T

Two Hour Late Opening: (Thursday)

Grade 1-5

1. Bus pick up will be two hours later than usual.

2. School will begin at 10:45 a.m. Lunch will be served; Breakfast will not be served.

3. Walkers should arrive at 10:35 a.m.

4. Elementary Planning time for teachers is cancelled. School will be dismissed at 3:15.

AM Kindergarten

1. Bus pick up will be two hours later than usual.

2. School will begin at 10:45 a.m. Lunch will be served. Breakfast will not be served.

3. Walkers should arrive at 10:35 a.m.

4. AM students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m.

5. Elementary Planning time for teachers is cancelled.

PM Kindergarten

1. Elementary Planning time for teachers is cancelled.

2. Bus pick up will be at approximately 12:30-12:45 p.m.

3. PM session will begin at 1:00 p.m.

4. PM students will be dismissed at 3:15 p.m.

Two Hour Early Closing:

Grade 1-5

1. School will be dismissed at approximately 1:00 p.m.

2. We will activate our "Phone Tree."

3. All evening activities are cancelled.

4. Make Certain Your Child Knows Where To Go.

AM Kindergarten

1. AM students will be dismissed at 11:00 p.m.

2. We will activate our "Phone Tree."

3. All evening activities are cancelled.

4. Make Certain Your Child Knows Where To Go.

PM Kindergarten

1. PM session is cancelled.

2. We will activate our "Phone Tree."

3. All evening activities are cancelled.

4. Make Certain Your Child Knows Where To Go.

Comments:

1. Please discuss these procedures with your child.

2. Please report any changes concerning your snow contact person to the school. We need a LOCAL contact person.

3. Please listen to the radio or television during inclement weather.

4. We will not activate the 'Phone Tree' for late openings or all day closings.

 

Going Home  - Walkers and Bus Riders

It is important for everyone’s safety to remember the following when walking or riding the bus home.  Walkers need to plan their trip so they don’t arrive at school before 8:30.  While walking, students should stay away from the road and not throw any items especially snow in this wintry season.  Bus riders also need to be careful at the bus stop to use good character by not throwing things or playing sports at the bus stop we don’t want anyone to get hurt.

 

Car Riders

Parents our goal is safety first.  Here a couple of things you can do to assist us with our goal of being safe.  Please have your child unload on the right side of your car.  They have to walk in front of or behind cars if they exit on the left side of your vehicle.  Another reminder is school starts at 8:45.  Our car line moves quickly but arriving early will assure that your child is on time for school each day. Also Mr. Uhtoff has asked us to pass along that he would like everyone including adults to walk on the sidewalk at all times. If you park in the spaces in front of the school please walk around to the sidewalk instead of walking in the street. This serves as a good model for our students. Thank you for your cooperation in these matters. We want things to run safely and efficiently and be a smooth process for you and your children. 

 

TESTING DATES

Upcoming testing dates for the rest of the year. 

 

Your child needs your help to prepare and get ready for these tests with encouragement, a good night’s rest and a nutritional breakfast the day of testing.  Please plan doctor’s appointments and things around these dates if possible.  Testing is done first thing in the morning so it is important that your child is not tardy. If they are tardy, they will be held in the office until the testing session is complete and will be tested under make-up conditions on another school day.  We understand this is a stressful time for your child.  If you have concerns please feel free to contact our guidance counselors Mary Pat McCartney or Robin Vaneman to assist your child with some coping strategies.