Dear Parent/Guardian;
We are 22 days into the start of the 2023-2024 School Year! It has been a successful start for our students and faculty, and I can say with the utmost confidence that we are all back into the regular routine of school.
A couple of items to keep in mind as we progress further into the school year are discussed below. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these items, please feel free to contact me.
Chain of Command
Following the correct chain of command is absolutely essential to maintaining a healthy climate and culture of a school district. In addition, it keeps the lines of communication between home and school open and transparent.
In almost all instances pertaining to student concerns, the first step in the chain of command is the classroom teacher. If the issue is not resolved from there, it advances to district administration. Please consider the proper channels of communication with any concern about the district or its students/staff.
Attendance
Students are allowed 10 absences per semester without documentation. If a student is going to be gone, for any reason, it is essential that a parent/guardian contacts the office to notify them of the absence. Any subsequent absences over 10 will require a doctor’s note and may require the student to make up lost instructional time, at the discretion of the school Principal.
Bullying
In today’s society, the term bullying gets used interchangeably with many other terms, i.e., picked on, mean to, disrespectful, etc. We take bullying very seriously and will do everything within our power to resolve a situation, should it arise.
The Olweus Definition of Bullying: “Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself.”
As adults, we all know how our youth can act from time to time. As parents, the unfortunate reality is that we may even see some of these behaviors out of our own children. While there is no excuse for bullying, please know that our school cannot do anything to remedy a situation UNLESS WE KNOW ABOUT IT. Unless a student or parent speaks up about a concern, or we witness it first hand, it may go unnoticed. Please feel free to voice any concerns with school personnel, following the appropriate chain of command.
Student Drop-Off/Pick-Up
As a father of 4, I completely understand how maintaining a schedule can help keep a family moving in the right direction. I also know the value of time devoted to preparation and planning. This time is equally important to our staff, and we need to respect that.
If you are dropping your child off in the morning, please do not have them here before 8:05 a.m.. This gives our teachers the opportunity to organize themselves before the first student walks through their door. At the end of the day, please do not enter the building before 3:25 p.m. to give your students and our staff the opportunity to dismiss with minimal disruptions. We understand that certain circumstances may prohibit these times, and would be willing to accommodate those instances ON OCCASION.
When picking up your child for appointments, family events, etc., please wait for your student in the School Office.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at the school.
Yours in Education,
Aaron Loff, Principal