Vivian A. Ossowski
|
July, 2010
Dear Parents: It seems that before we turn around, September will arrive, and with it, the opening of school. Although there is always certain sadness at seeing summer end, the excitement of a new school year and all its possibilities offers its own irreplicable joy! I hope that each of you has enjoyed a wonderful summer with plenty of opportunities to create family memories that will last a lifetime and that you and your children are rejuvenated and ready to embrace the opportunities a new school year offers. Over the summer I have had the opportunity to reflect on much of the feedback I’ve received from you and your children regarding our Middle School and have considered that feedback as I made further plans for our continued growth as a Middle School Community. This year school will open for students on Tuesday, September 7 with a special opening day schedule. School will start at 8:30 AM and end at 3:00 PM with no first period or Activity Period. We will follow this same schedule on Wednesday, September 8. Schools will be closed for Rosh Hashanah on September 9 and 10 and our regular schedule will begin on Monday, September 13. Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, 7:45 AM (Period 1) or 8:30 AM (No Period 1) with an Activity Period from 2:30 to 3:00 PM. Friday 7:45 AM (Period 1) or 8:30 AM (No Period 1) to 2:35 PM (No Activity Period) Students should not be dropped off at school before 7:40 AM as there is no supervision available before that time. For safety purposes, children walking to school via Romer Avenue must use the crosswalks staffed by crossing guards. The Activity Period is designed to provide students who need additional help during the school day with time for teacher support. The Activity Period is not a regularly scheduled class. However, we request that you not schedule appointments during that time as your child may be mandated by a teacher to stay. Guidance counselors may also, in some instances, mandate an Activity Period schedule for certain students. Students use this time on an as-needed basis, with appointments arranged by students, and/or teachers. The priority of the Activity Period is academic support (extra help sessions, make-up lessons, make-up tests, make-up labs, exam review, etc.). Activity Period can also be used for club meetings, choral sectionals, instrumental sectionals, student government meetings, special rehearsals, etc. Students not attending the Activity Period are dismissed from school at 2:30 PM. At that time, they must either remain in the Cafeteria or leave school grounds. As always, the Middle School goals have been developed based on the goals set forth for the District by the Board of Education. At the Middle School, we will “create structures that clearly articulate and increase awareness of the learning process” and “inspire students to value learning for its own sake through deep study and self discovery.” The continued development of differentiated and extended opportunities for all students, interdisciplinary units of study, Global Awareness initiatives, study skills development, and our ongoing literacy initiatives across content areas all serve to actualize this goal. In the area of professional development, time has been allotted every Friday afternoon for the refinement of our RTI (Response to Intervention) plans. Melissa Brown, our Literacy Coach, Lea Macdonald, our Curriculum Coordinator and I will conduct weekly Adolescent Literacy Learning Walks. The purpose of these walks will be to specifically look at literacy as it is occurring in every classroom in the Middle School and to enable teachers to learn from each other. Professional development in the areas of educating children with severe disabilities in general education classrooms will continue as well as learning strategy development for all students. Recommendations of our foreign language, physical education and health evaluations will be reviewed and implemented. We will begin our Social Studies curriculum evaluation as well. In each curricular area we will continue and enhance the integration of literacy and learning strategies. The Board of Education’s goal to “revitalize communication approaches and extend outreach into all segments of the community, and make greater use of e-communication” will be mirrored in our own efforts in this area. We will continue our coffees for incoming fifth grade parents and invite them to tour our building as well. All Middle School information and forms as well as daily homework will be found on the District website. During the Middle School years, it is of paramount importance that parents and teachers engage in a true partnership to best meet each student’s needs and ensure their success. I encourage each of you to communicate any questions, concerns, or information regarding your child with his/her teacher or guidance counselor. I am incredibly grateful for the amazing support our school receives each year from our PTA. In addition to programs such as Cultural Arts, “Walk in My Shoes”, and after school clubs, the PTA voted to once again provide our school with almost $12,000 in gifts. These gifts include, but were not limited to, two flat screen televisions for indoor recess and school wide events, an outdoor speaker system, world language and literacy instructional enhancements, new recess equipment, and African drums, as well as continued funding for both our PAWS and Global Awareness Programs, Earth Day, Hemisphere Days and Parent Universities. SEPTA has also provided our school with amazing enhancements to our programs for all students and will be providing after school clubs for our students with disabilities. As students enter these years of rapid development they are continuously evaluating who they are and their place in the world. This is a challenging and exciting time. It is essential that we provide the support they need to transition comfortably to our school in order to fully access the opportunities offered as well as meet the increased demands they will encounter here. Wellness and sustainability initiatives such as our Edible Garden, and lifelong fitness activities in Physical Education classes along with clear expectations such as the goal of being positive, accountable, well mannered, and safe (PAWS) all address our Board of Education goal specifically concerning our students. As we approach the new school year, I feel so fortunate to be part of this community where children and their educational opportunities are treasured and our educators are of the highest caliber. As parents and teachers working together, I know that we can truly ensure our children’s optimal educational, emotional, and social development. And so, I urge you to create a partnership of open communication with your child’s teachers and guidance counselor. Mrs. Brandenberg will be the fifth and seventh grade counselor and Mr. Marra will be the sixth and eighth grade counselor. Of course you are welcome to call Mrs. Weill or me at any time as well. Working together, we can make these Middle School years happy, productive, and safe for our children. Students will be required to purchase locks for their lockers. For security reasons, ONLY SCHOOL PURCHASED LOCKS WILL BE PERMITTED ON SCHOOL LOCKERS. Non-conforming locks will be removed from the lockers. School locks can be purchased through the school office for $5.00 and can be used throughout your child’s four years of Middle School. Each student will receive a student planner. The purpose of the planner is to organize homework, projects, and long term assignments. In the front of the planner you will find a summary of the Code of Conduct. Please review this code of conduct with your child. Have a wonderful remainder of the summer. I look forward to a terrific school year! Yours truly, Vivian Ossowski
Position:
Principal
Contact:
|
|
