December 18, 2009

Well, it has been a hectic week, not only because teachers and students have been working hard to finish last-minute projects, but because children (and teachers) are anxious for time they will be spending with family away from the pace that comes with school.
 
I hope you all had a chance to read the letter on our two Family Arts Nights that went home last week. We will welcome Rainbow Dance Company and Trashcan Joe to Beverly Cleary in January and February, respectively.  I hope you will be able to enjoy one of these evenings with your family.  There is no fee for the tickets, as we are using funds families and friends donated to our Run-for-the-Arts last spring.  You can pick up your tickets in either of our two school offices.
 
This past Wednesday during our late opening, the staff was involved in professional development in writing, which is the focus of our School Improvement Plan this year.  On Wednesday, we developed a plan for a morning of writing when we return from break.  For a thirty minute period, our students will be writing, K-8, on the same topic.  We will focus on the trait of "Ideas and Content" as we examine their work.  We will look at expectations at each grade level for meeting benchmark criteria in that trait area using either the State Scoring Guide (3-8) or the Developmental Writing Scale (K-2).  We will all be using the same writing process and developmentally appropriate prompt.  We are anxious to see the students' work and to discuss our observations of their

Last Saturday a team of students, under the leadership of Martin Jetton won first place in the "Teamwork" category at a Lego Robotics competition held at Catlin Gabel School.  We are proud of their efforts and thank Martin for his leadership.
 
I'd like to ask your assistance if you pick up children in the back of the school on the Fernwood campus.   Please
remember there is no stopping or parking once you enter the driveway.  Cars have been stopping and/or parking in the drop off/pick up area, which has resulted in other drivers being unable to enter the driveway so they have been backed up on to Hancock.  That, as well as cars parked illegally on the north side of Hancock have meant the school bus has, at times, been unable to get by.  Please heed our pleas for safety and avoid stopping or parking in the back unless there is an empty designated parking space.
 
I also need your help on another matter.  As you know, families and students are to wait outside until the bell rings unless it is raining.  Last week, however, because of the "arctic blast" students were able to wait inside the foyers and the cafeteria on the Fernwood campus.  We will continue to allow parents and students to wait inside in the foyers and cafeteria (BCF) on both campuses if it is raining or we get another blast of frigid temperatures.  On days when it isn't freezing or raining, however, we ask everyone to wait outside on both campuses.  The reason we have instituted this policy is because we do not have adequate supervision on either campus.  When we need to let people wait in the foyers and cafeteria, we have to pull staff from other duties to supervise.   Additionally on the Hollyrood campus it is difficult, if not impossible, for Kelly to hear on the phone when we have a group of people waiting inside on the Hollyrood campus.
 
At this time of year when we stop to reflect on the passing of one year and the beginning of a new one, may you and your family experience good health and happiness in 2010.
 
With unending thankfulness for all that you do for us,
 
Teri Geist