Welcome

September 2, 2008

Dear Ledyard Center Families,

Welcome to the 2008 – 2009 school year!  We had a great first week of school and are looking forward to focusing on Learning, Climate, and Safety (LCS) where everyone supports the academic and personal growth of our students. 

In keeping with our use of Responsive Classroom techniques, we started our first day with all of our students and faculty at an all school meeting to get the school year off to a positive start.  On Friday morning grade 1 – 6 students met in grade level groups to explain behavior expectations with examples of what these rules “look like” and “sound like” in the classroom, around our school, at recess and on the bus.

We are pleased to welcome:

• Ashley Manwaring, Kindergarten
• Amy Doyle, grade 2
• Patti Teskey, grade 6
• Sandy Lucy, long term sub for Kim Pelletier
• Beth Borysewicz, paraprofessional
• Ted Schultz, special education intern

And we welcome back:

• Erica Chandler, Kindergarten
• Phyllis Davis, paraprofessional

           
Every year also brings new improvements at Ledyard Center.  This year we will:

• Set academic goals for each grade level
• Implement revised math curriculum in grade 6
• Expand roles of special education teachers in upper grade classrooms
• Continue participation in programs that increase appreciation of diversity
• Provide enhancements through LEAF grants:
• Host author visits and special programs  
• Use our office gallery to feature students at work
• Lock exterior doors during the school day
• Go “green” by increasing our recycling efforts
• Use new fitness equipment in our Physical Education program

In the beginning of every school year, there are many forms for you to review with your family.  Forms are sent home all together and we ask that you return the items requested to your child’s teacher by Monday, September 8th.

• Milk payment form
• Emergency closing plan
• Smiles dental program
• Student accident insurance form and HUSKY plan information
• Emergency information and health update card – complete both sides
• Board of Education policy booklet – signature requested 
• School calendar and elementary school handbooks are included for your reference

Reminders as we begin a new school year:

• Students start going to class at 8:25 AM.  Parents may drop off students at 8:15 AM outside the gym and leave through the same way they came into the school grounds.  All students head to class at 8:30 AM and begin working on classroom assignments. A late bell rings at 8:40 AM.
• Students are dismissed at 3:04 PM.  Please send a note to your child’s teacher if you will be picking them up at dismissal time. If you will be picking up your child every day, one note will be sufficient. Parents should wait in the front hallway for their child to be dismissed.

• When your child is absent, please call our absence line – 887-9246.  Please do not press #.  Dial 109-1198 to leave a message.

Upcoming dates for your calendar:

• 9/4     Grade 3 family picnic
• 9/5     LCS spirit day – wear your LCS gear
• 9/10    Parent Information Night for all grades, 6:30 – 8 PM
• 9/17    Early dismissal/professional development for teachers
• 9/18    First PTO meeting and Kindergarten family picnic
• 10/15 School picture day

Throughout the year, we will be sending home monthly school newsletters to keep you informed about the Learning, Climate, and Safety (LCS) at our school as well as district initiatives.  We believe that this communication will be helpful and welcome your comments and questions. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!