August 16, 2021
Dear Families,
I wanted to send a brief update as we get closer to the start of the school year. There are a lot of changes going on at school and I think both students and families will love the new paint and flooring! We feel very blessed to be receiving these updates to the school and look forward to putting classrooms back together and getting our students back into school.
I have received many emails about masks and the Governor's mandate. At this time, all children 5 and older must wear masks indoors at school. I am still getting clarity around the 4's and the 3's is optional, but recommended. Please remember that masks will help us all stay in school. If we have a COVID case and children are in masks, only the child affected will need to quarantine. We want to keep school open as much as possible. You will be receiving more information regarding COVID policies in the near future, along with parent handbooks.
I am also receiving questions about uniforms. As mentioned below, all plaid, light blue and logo items must come from Dennis uniforms. Our school is listed on their website. The girls can wear all items, regardless of age and the same goes for the boys. There are not separate uniforms for preschool and primary.
Currently, the only other option is to purchase basics from Lands End. This would simply be the shorts, pants and polos. Our navy is very dark and will be difficult to match from other companies. Please help us get the year off to a smooth start by following our uniform guidelines. Also, children may bring non-uniform coats for recess but will need uniform fleece and sweatshirts for inside the school. Please be sure to put your child's name in all clothing items.
As many of you know, we have created a 2nd/3rd grade blend class which will be taught by Mary Esterline. She has tremendous experience in teaching both levels and working in multi-age classrooms.
At this time, it is looking like we will also have a first/second grade blend, taught by an experienced teacher, Stephanie Clark. We have not yet made this decision and will let you know once we have.
Please be assured that your child(ren) will receive an appropriate, rigorous and exceptional education regardless of class placement or configuration. Good teachers meet children where they are at, honor their strengths, and see them as competent and capable learners. When we take away the focus of what "grade" a child is in, it creates an environment in which we can focus clearly on the individual needs of each child. This is developmentally appropriate practice at its best.
Some of the benefits of multi-aged classrooms include:
- Multi-age classrooms put learning at the center, both socially and academically. The older students in the class help teach the younger students by modeling more sophisticated, complex problem solving and critical thinking.
- Children develop a sense of family with their classmates. They become a "family of learners" who support and care for each other. - Older children have the opportunity to serve as mentors and to take leadership roles. - Children are more likely to cooperate than compete.
- Creating homogeneous groups does not mirror real life and is artificial. In any group of 6- or 7-year-olds you already have a tremendous range of ability levels.
- Research has shown students in multiage settings were found to have higher self-esteem, more positive self-concepts, less anti-social behavior and better attitudes toward school than their peers in single-grade classes.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions and/or would like more information.
Please be sure to read the information below about the FACTS SIS parent portal. We need ALL FAMILIES to create an account and fill out important medical/safety information for your child(ren). This is important information we need from each of you before your child can come to school. There will be no exceptions. If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected].
We are still missing tuition contracts from many families. With waitlists in all of our classes, it is crucial that you get your contract turned in if you would like to keep your spot(s) at our school. If you have made other arrangements, please let us know. We understand the complexities of making difficult decisions right now.
Finally, you can find school supply lists on our website for each class. Students will be using the cubbies this year, so no laundry baskets needed. All students will also need a labeled water bottle and lunchbox.
Please stay tuned for more information and let me know if you have questions or concerns.
With care,
Tresa Rast
Principal
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