August, 2011

A Letter from Mrs. Synder

Welcome back! We are off to a wonderful start to our new school year thanks to our great parents, students, and, of course, staff. The smiles, laughter and chatter of our first day were wonderful to hear. As I write this the school has that hum of busy learners. What a great sound. It seems everyone came ready to learn and move forward.

You will notice some new signs in our halls. They are a gentle (and humorous, we hope) reminder to speak softly once school is in session. It is easy to forget that our conversations can disturb learning. We love having all of our parent volunteers in the school. We would not be what we are without them. If all of us could just remember students’ learning, we will be fine. In a few weeks you will be hearing about our new online grading system. (TeacherEase) Grades and report cards will be available to you online. Both students and parents can know exactly how they are doing at any time. Look for more information to come.

Time with family is so important. I understand that often you have no choice but to take your children out of school. Family emergencies occur. However, I plead with you to take your children out of school as little as possible. There is nothing like learning in a classroom, from a teacher and with other students. Your student may be very bright and have no trouble getting good grades. However, education is still lost by not being present. Teachers have a very difficult time getting work ready ahead of time, as many have requested. All teachers have plans for a week but, depending on the day, may not get to everything. Also, most teachers do their lesson planning on the weekend and simply do not have them the week before. Make-up tests in the morning or at recess are tough on the students. The class has moved on to something else and the student is trying to remember something that may have been taught 2 weeks ago. That being said, I fully understand that some travel is unavoidable. However, I am asking that, if possible, weeklong family vacations are put off until Christmas break, Spring Break, or summer vacation.

There will be two Open Houses this year. One for Pre School – 5th and one for 6th-8th. Hopefully, this gives enough time for everyone to see classrooms, meet with teachers and understand what the year holds.

I wish all of you a wonderful year. May God bless you for the gift of time and talent you share with our school. We are so lucky to have the parents we have.

Mrs. Snyder