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New School Year Notes - Sept 2009

Note: This was an information email sent to subscribed parents. It is printed here because at the beginning of the new school year, most sixth grade parents will not be subscribed and would not receive this important communication. The easiest way to subscribe to future messages of this type is to attend PTA meetings and add your email address to the signup sheet.

September 1, 2009

***FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

Dear Students and Parents:

I hope you have enjoyed the summer. I am looking forward to the school year and to meeting you. The information below may answer some of your questions about the first days of school.

· School starts on Wednesday, September 9th at 8:40AM.

· Sixth and seventh graders enter the school building each day through the courtyard on 107th Street. Eighth graders enter the building through the doors on Columbus Avenue.

· Sixth graders will be dismissed from the doors near the flagpole each afternoon. Seventh graders will be dismissed through the doors closest to their official classroom. Eighth graders will exit through the doors on Columbus Avenue.

· On the first few days of school many members of the staff will be outside and available to answer your questions. A FEW CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE OVER THE SUMMER TO THE CLASS ASSIGNMENTS. PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK THE CLASS LISTS, WHICH WILL BE POSTED OUTSIDE, TO BE SURE YOU HAVE THE MOST UPDATED CLASS ASSIGNMENT.

· Many parents (especially sixth grade parents) escort their children to school on the first day. If you decide to do so, you will by no means be the only parent here. Some parents meet their children at the end of the day as well.

· Parents may not escort students to their classrooms or into the building. There will be many members of the staff available inside to direct the students to their classrooms. I know some students will be anxious, but we will do our best to help ease everyone's first day jitters.

· Your child will report to his/her official class upon entering the school. During an extended official period, teachers will welcome the students to school, answer all their questions, give them their class schedules and their first day packets, introduce them to other students and give them a tour of the school.

· Students will begin their regular class schedule at the start of third period.

· Students should bring their completed summer assignments on the first day. Official teachers will collect them.

· Students who have already purchased the majority of their school supplies do not have to bring them all on the first day. Students should come on the first day with paper, a folder, a pen and pencil. Some teachers will distribute more specific supply lists on the first day. There is a chance that you may have to go to your local school supply store after school or during the first week to get some additional supplies.

· This year, we are recommending that you purchase Writers Inc: A Student Handbook for Writing and Learning by Patrick Sebranek (ISBN 066952994x.) This is a valuable book which your children will use throughout their years in middle school, high school and maybe even college. It covers writing various forms of papers and essays, the rules for using references including technological resources, MLA and ALA citations and standard formatting and various other study skills. The teachers will be using the book in school, and it is a great resource for students to have at home as well.

· On the first day, students will bring home a welcome folder which contains important forms for parents to complete and return and information about the school policies and procedures. Please return the forms as soon as possible.

· All students will receive academic planners in which they will be expected to record their assignments. Students are required to have them with them every day.

· Students may bring their lunch to school or get lunch from the cafeteria. At this time, there is no charge for lunch. The menu for each month is on the Department of Education's website.

· Parents of students who are new to the New York City Department of Education must officially register their children. This should be done as soon as possible. You will need to bring the required documentation with you to register.

The Sixth Grade Orientation begins on Monday, September 14th. The Sixth Grade Student Orientation Program will take place from September 14th – 17th and from September 21st- 23rd. The orientation begins at 8:02am and will end at 8:40am each morning. This special program will cover important information and skills to help your child succeed in middle school. A list of topics which will be covered can be found in the Welcome Folder. The Sixth Grade Orientation is also a wonderful opportunity for the students to meet each other. I hope you will encourage your children to attend.

In addition, the Sixth Grade Parent Orientation will take place from September 14th – 17th. It will also begin at 8:02am and conclude by 8:40am each morning. The topics covered will be similar to those covered by the students, but from a different view point. A list of topics will be in the Welcome Folder. I hope you will join us for the topic that most interests you.

Back-To-School Night is on September 24th. It begins at 5:30PM. On that evening, you will have an opportunity to follow your child's schedule and to meet and meet the teachers.

I look forward to greeting your children on Wednesday.

Sincerely,

Elana Elster