George Washington Newsletter May 2008

A New School Year
At this time of year parents begin to wonder how class re-organization is handled for the coming school year. Our goals are:
          · To create heterogeneous classes (academic, social and emotional)
          · To maintain gender balance and class size balance
          · To provide for the unique needs of all children
Unless parents have worked with a specific teacher in the past, they only know teachers by reputation; therefore, requests for specific teachers cannot be honored. In each year, there are likely to be staff changes on one or more grade levels. We will consider a request that a younger child have a different experience if it is placed in writing. While the child’s current teacher and school staff have a good understanding of each child’s needs, if parents feel additional information would be useful, they should send it in writing to Mr. Norman.

The best way to prepare your child for a new school year is to realize that the end of June is a sad time for all children. Be positive and reassuring. Allow time for your child to meet others in his/her new class and become an active partner. We are fortunate to have an exceptional group of hard working and dedicated teachers. We appreciate your understanding in allowing us to make the best placements for all our students using our professional judgment.

Music News
          · All performing groups are currently rehearsing for the Spring Concert.
          · These rehearsals will continue until the May 14th performance.
          · Spring Concert – May 14 at Walter Panas High School; 7:00 p.m.

School Safety
School Safety is always a priority at George Washington School. This is just another reminder that ALL doors are locked during school hours so please use the main door to enter the building. We want to thank you all for signing in at the main office and for wearing a visitor pass. Your cooperation is GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week
May 15 is an observance in the United States that pays tribute to the local, state, and federal law enforcement officers who serve and protect us with courage and dedication. These observances also remind us of the ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime, especially to acts of extreme violence and terrorism. The United States federal law requires the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. The holiday was created 1 October 1961 when Congress asked the president to designate the 15th of May to honor law enforcement officers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Officers_Memorial_Day

Parking Safety
The staff at George Washington Elementary wants to ensure the safety of all students and adults. We are asking for all cars to be parked in an official marked parking spot. This action alleviates traffic concerns and creates a safer loading environment. If the front lot is full, please use the back lot at dismissal. In addition, please make sure to proceed through the parking lot in a single line at a minimal speed when you drop students off in the morning. PLEASE no double parking. This has become a great hazard.

New Report Card
Coming in the 2008-2009 school year, parents and guardians can expect a new elementary report card for grades 1-5. If you missed the presentation at the PTA meeting and want information, you can listen and view information regarding the report card at www.lakelandschools.org and click on district podcasts, and then elementary report card.

Reminder! Appropriate Dress for Spring Weather
The weather is always tricky this time of year. We can often continue to have cooler mornings, so please make sure that your child wears a jacket, a sweater, or something that will keep him or her comfortable during the chilly mornings. At the same time, the days are warming up as we move closer to May and June.

          · Shorts are permitted, however, please consider a general rule. Shorts             should not be shorter than the student’s arms straight down at his/her             side.
          · Parents please help out by asking your children to save spaghetti             strapped tops, blousy tank tops, mid-riff tops, and other “extremely             casual clothes” for the weekends or after-school.
         · In addition, backless sandals, flip-flops and platform shoes could be            dangerous when your child is playing outside during recess; we highly            discourage wearing these types of shoes to school.
         · We appreciate your help.

Recycling
Our plastic bag recycling effort has been a huge success. Thanks to everyone who is remembering to save those clean plastic bags and bring them to the bin in the front hallway. Westchester County's "Veggie Van" (which runs on bio fuel!) made its first official visit to GW to pick up the bags for recycling. We hope that it will visit us again. Dates which are tentatively planned are: May 8, May 29, June 5, and June 13. Keep those plastic bags coming, and keep your eyes open for the Veggie Van!

Mark your Calendar
May
Monday 5 PTA Meeting 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday 7 Celebrate ACES Day
Wednesday 14 Spring Concert at the PAC 7:00 p.m.
Monday 19 Book Fair Parent Preview 6:00 –8:00 p.m.
Tues – Thurs. 20-22 Book Fair in ½ of gym
Tuesday 20 Budget Vote 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Van Cort
Wednesday 21 Incoming K Visits
Monday 26 Memorial Day, School Closed