August 2010

         We are gearing up for another exciting and productive school year. The summer has gone quickly as we anticipate the arrival of the eager faces of our students. Thanks to the wonderful efforts of the town Highway Department we have a new one way driveway. This will allow for a much safer traffic pattern for buses and emergency vehicles. Parents picking up students can still park in the middle of the driveway or temporarily park at the back of the parking lot above the field. School hours remain the same as last year. School begins at 8:45 and ends at 3:15. Students should not arrive at school before 8:35. Students being picked up at the end of the day will be dismissed at 3:10. 

        You are invited to join us for "Back to School Night" on Wed. September 22 at 5:30 for a cook out and to meet your child's teacher and visit the classrooms. We have some fun and challenging activities planned for this evening. We always look forward to kicking off our school year with this fun event. We are fortunate to have the PTO sponsor the cook-out.      

        Grand pal's Day is scheduled for Fri. October 22 at 11:30. The students enjoy having their grandparents or grand pals join them for lunch and a variety of activities. Our theme will be Halloween science. Be sure to put these important dates on your calendar.

        We are very fortunate that most of the staff is returning this year. As we wish Deb Taylor well on her semi-retirement, we welcome Jon Clancy as our new Speech and Language Pathologist. He will be here two days a week on Mondays and Fridays. Tamara Webber has stepped down from the Leadership Team. We have appreciated her valuable input over the years as she has so aptly served in this role. She will continue on as a classroom teacher. Suzanne Lull and Jane Johnson will continue as a two member Leadership Team.

         Students and staff will need to buckle up this year as we travel together to "Explore New Worlds" as our school wide theme. Students will be learning about immigration and how our country was built. They will be exploring their own heritage and we hope it all culminates on an Immigration Night for the family in March. Dig out those family trees and get ready! We are also planning to use challenging inquiry science activities to stimulate problem solving skills. Our first activity is planned for the first week of school and we would like each student to bring an empty one liter bottle with a cap to school by Tues. Aug. 31. It will be an exciting and engaging year.

         We value the support from our families and community as we all undertake this crucial endeavor of educating the next generation and instilling in them a love of learning. Communication between home and school is critical. Please contact us with any questions or concerns and check out our website at washingtonelementary.com.

        Thank-you for partnering with us as we start this new school year.

 

                                Leadership Team - Jane Johnson, Suzanne Lull