September 4, 2018
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Hello and happy September! A very warm welcome to you and your child. Grade1 and Grade 2 is an eventful year filled with many new experiences. It is my hope that we can work together to ensure that this is a positive year for your child. I am including the following information items to help make this year enjoyable and effective for both you and your child.
Entry and Dismissal
Upon arrival at school, supervision by a teacher is at 8:55 a.m. in the Primary Yard. Parents are asked to drop their children off no earlier than 8:55 a.m. Entry bell is at 9:05 a.m. with a prompt start to our day at 9:10 a.m. If you are after this time, doors will be locked and you will have to sign in at the office. Dismissal is at 3:40 p.m. Parents picking up their child are asked to meet their child at the Primary Yard doors at 3:40 p.m. Bus students will be escorted to the buses just before regular school dismissal. Children not picked up by 3:55 p.m. will be taken to the office. To ensure the safety of your child, any irregularities in picking up or dropping off your child should be specified in a written note to me. (eg. If a bussed child is to be driven home on a particular day or if someone other than the regular caregiver is to pick up the child.) Without a written note or a phone call from you, a bussed child will be put on his/her regular bus.
Clothing/Indoor Shoes
Please provide a change of clothing to be left in their backpacks in case of small accidents. They should be sent in a large ziplock bag on which your child’s name has been printed clearly. In order to keep the classrooms clean and for gym use, your child will be required to keep a pair of INDOOR SHOES at school. We recommend running shoes with velcro closures to speed up dressing routines and non-skid, non-marking soles for safety reasons. Loose fitting shoes or sandals present a safety hazard both indoors and outdoors and are not recommended for school. Since many children have identical clothing, please remember to LABEL your child’s outdoor wear. Also, please dress your child for the weather! Make sure they have what they need. We will be going out for a morning recess and lunch recess. I am asking for each child to bring in one box of kleenex for classroom use. A box will be placed in the room for the children’s use and replaced as needed.
Snacks/Lunches
Our snack time is at morning recess. Please make snacks/lunches peanut free always! My personal policy on snack time is that they eat their healthy snack first before they indulge in treats. Of course I encourage all snacks to be healthy, however, I realize that everyone needs a treat once in awhile! Also, please inform me of any allergies that your child has. Our lunch time is at 1:00-2:00 p.m. We are outside, weather permitting from 1:30-2:00 p.m. Please send a lunch that is easy for your child to handle opening and closing. Send lots of healthy food and drinks! Students are permitted reuseable water bottles in the classroom. Please make sure to label your water bottle. If you are picking up your child for lunch, please let me know by a note or phone call.
Toys
Toys from home are discouraged to be brought to school. I am going to be sending home in the next few weeks an exert from my long range plans about programming/curriculum content. I will be launching a program called “Special Me” in which the child who is “Special Me” can bring some personal belongings to school during their time to orally share with the class.
Communication
I believe that parent-teacher relationships are necessary for maximum school success. Throughout the year, I will communicate with parents/guardians through notes, telephone calls, emails, classroom blog, report cards and parent-teacher conferences. I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any time. You can call me at the school (905) 841-6225 or send me a note in their agenda. Agendas are used daily and are essential for communication this year in Grade One and Two. As well as Agendas, there will be a B.E.E. (Bring Everything Everyday) bag sent home daily. PLEASE make sure that this B.E.E. bag comes back to school daily. Any pertinent notes/letters will be sent home in these and are a great organizational tool. I am available for conferences regarding your child’s progress by appointment only on school days.
Thank you for your patience and co-operation during this period of adjustment. Some things may seem overwhelming now for you and your child, but very soon routine will settle in. I look forward to a wonderful year getting to know you and your child.
Sincerely,
Judith Petramala
Grade 1/2 Teacher Rm 214
Rick Hansen PS
(905) 841-6225