Sarah Seney and Joshua Hetrick will now be sending out newsletters for their buildings twice monthly. I am now sending out only the Fairview Newsletter.
It has been an interesting week at Davis -- electrical problems, school canceled for Davis students on Thursday and now on Friday as well. We believe we have isolated the cause of the problem and repairs will occur soon. School will be in session for Davis students on Monday, hopefully at Davis, but if not at Davis, in another school facility.
Fairview newsletter:
Fairview Elementary News
Nancy Beck, Head Elementary Principal
October 1, 2009
The school year is well underway and going well. Thanks to all of you for getting
things off to a good start. Have you visited your child’s classroom yet? You are
always welcome to come and visit. Please check in at the office when you come.
We look forward to seeing you.
Thanks to all for observing the driveway signs indicating that the front drive is
for buses only from 7:30 - 8:15 A.M. and from 2:45 - 3:15 P.M. Almost
everyone is observing this rule. This rule is in effect for the safety of all children.
If you have someone new bring your child to school please tell them of the rule.
Also, even if you are running late and your child is almost late to class, do not
drive through the front drive. We do not want a child to be hit as they are
crossing the driveway.
When you come to pick up your child at the end of the school day, please wait in
the lobby or outside for your child. The teachers will walk to the entry (and then
outside, weather permitting) with the children. Kindergarten and second grade
students walk out the main, northwest entry door, while first grade students and
preschoolers exit from the southwest entry. It creates a safer exit for all when
parents wait for the students rather than going to the rooms for the students.
Also, please note that supervisors will be bringing bus students out the front
doors for boarding buses. Clear the way for those bus lines if possible.
Weather Dismissals
Now that the heat has passed and colder weather is here we begin thinking of
winter weather and possible schedule changes due to winter weather. If a
decision is made to cancel classes or to dismiss early, KGRN and area television
stations are notified and the schedule change is posted on the Grinnell School’s
website. If you cannot listen to the radio or watch television, ask a friend who
can listen to contact you. You can also sign up for notification by email. Check
the Grinnell-Newburg website for directions for signing up for that notification.
We know it is a concern for the young students to be dismissed and parents not
know about the dismissal. Make plans now so you won’t be surprised when bad
weather hits.
Focus on Attendance
Regular school attendance is very important for your child’s education. Please
see that your child is at school regularly. Lengthy vacations when school is in
session greatly impact the learning of your child. Plan those vacations or trips
out of town during school breaks if at all possible. We are emphasizing
attendance again this year. It’s also very important for your child to arrive at
school on time. Arriving about 8 A.M. will get your child off to a good start each
day. I will be sending out some attendance letters in the near future to those who
have been absent more than 10% of the school year.
Videotaping in Classrooms
I want to let you know that videotaping will often take place in the school and your
child’s classroom. Small group activities, plays, or other special or classroom
events may be videotaped for educational purposes.
No Animals
We will not allow animals in the building this year, not even for sharing time. We
have at least one student who is very allergic to animal hair and we cannot take
chances. Also, no dogs are allowed on the school grounds, not even on a leash.
If you walk your dog to school with your child, please stay off school property with
the dog.
October 7 Professional Development
Teachers will be working together on the afternoon of October 7 to plan literacy
strategies and implementation of the new reading and writing instructional
materials. This professional development time is vital for teachers, allowing time
to collaborate and plan for effective instruction. Teachers will also be sharing
information on the Iowa Core Curriculum (ICC). Although the elementary schools
do not have to implement the Iowa Core Curriculum for several years, work has
begun so we can learn about ICC and plan for its implementation. Remember
October 7 has a noon dismissal.
Hy-Vee Fundraiser
We are again participating in the Hy-Vee fundraiser from October 1 to
October 10. Forms are available at the school or you can email me and I
will send you a form. The school receives 3% of sales when the form is
used.
Upcoming Events:
October 6 Firemen’s Visit, PK-1
Faulconer Gallery field trips begin
October 7 National Walk to School Day, Noon dismissal
October 8 Fairview PTO, 7 pm
October 9 Fall Festival
