Off to a Great Start!

September 10, 2009

Dear Families:

We had a great first week at West Side. This week our focus was on setting routines in the classroom and in those areas of the school where we all meet together. I met first with students in Grades 3-5 and later with theK-2 classes. Together we talked about the rules and procedures we’ll all follow in assemblies, the cafeteria, the playground and hallways. We form these rules and agree upon them together, and then we practice how to observe them. The students have done a great job so far of following their own expectations.

I’d like to ask all of you to join me in setting and following some expectations for student safety, especially at arrival and dismissal times each day. If you are dropping off your child at school in the morning, please enter the visitor’s parking lot and clear the entryway before you stop to let your child exit the vehicle. If you are behind a car dropping off a child, please do not pass that car since the children exit from the passenger side of the vehicle. It’s really worth those couple of extra seconds in line to be certain the children are safe.

At dismissal time please be certain your children stay with you until you reach your vehicle. Drivers may not be able to see a child darting between cars in the visitor’s lot as they exit or pull out from a parking space.

Our procedures have been developed from feedback that many of you have given us regarding student safety. Thank you for your suggestions. We believe that everyone can stay safe if we follow them. We’ll review these procedures at some time during the year and invite your ideas and comments at that time.

I know there are many little things you do at home each day that make the children’s day - and ours -a delight. Thank you for the support, encouragement and great effort you give!