August 2009
Dear Parents and
Guardians,
It is hard to believe
that the start of the 2009-2010 school year is almost here! The
first day of school for students in grades 1-5 is Monday, August
31st. Students in our three year old,
prekindergarten, and kindergarten programs are receiving
information in this mailing concerning the first days of school.
We are putting the
finishing touches on making the school sparkle for the students’
return! The 2008-2009 school year was a very successful year and
we are excited about the upcoming school year. We have many new
initiatives planned and are excited to introduce them to parents
and students as the school year gets started. We are also very
fortunate to welcome many new staff members to Lansdowne
Elementary this school year:
·
Mrs. Lisa Cusick,
Grade 2 Teacher
·
Mrs. Regina
Matthews, Grade 4 Teacher
·
Mrs. Donna
Jones, Special Educator
·
Ms. Amy Cirjak,
Title I Instructional Coach
·
Mr. Bryan
Welker, Instrumental Music Teacher
·
Mrs. Amber
Heron, Additional Adult Support Provider
·
Ms. Rachel Leess,
Additional Adult Support Provider
Back to School Night
will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2009. This is
before the school year officially begins. Back to School Night
will be for students and parents in grades 1-5. Prekindergarten
and kindergarten students and parents will receive similar
information during their gradual entrance days. Back to School
Night is intended to provide students and parents with an
opportunity to meet the teacher, see the classroom, learn about
classroom routines and procedures, and receive an overview of
the year. It is a wonderful and very important way to begin the
school year and we hope that all students and parents in grades
1-5 attend.
The following is
the schedule for Back to School Night:
6:15-6:45: Ice Cream
Social and Welcome Back Greetings outside in front of the
school (Prekindergarten and Kindergarten students and parents
are welcome to attend this portion of the evening.)
6:50-7:15:
Classroom Visitation for Grades 1-5
7:20-7:45: Classroom
Visitation for Grades 1-5 (Teachers will repeat the
presentation for parents with more than one child attending
school.)
Please take the time to
read the other information contained in the packet to ensure a
successful start to the school year. In addition to this
letter, this packet contains:
·
A letter from
your child’s teacher
·
A revised supply
list
·
Arrival and
Dismissal Procedures
·
Notification of
Availability of Asbestos Management Plans
·
Bullying,
Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form- On July 1, 2008, the
Maryland General Assembly directed the Maryland State Department
of Education (MSDE), in consultation with the local school
systems, to develop and adopt a model policy prohibiting
bullying, harassment, or intimidation in schools. The MSDE
approved its model policy on February 24, 2009. As a result of
the policy, the Board of Education (BOE) of Baltimore County
approved the new BOE Policy and Superintendent’s Rule 5580,
“Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation,” which prohibits
students from engaging in intentional conduct involving
bullying, harassment, or intimidation, which can substantially
interfere with a student’s educational opportunities, or any
acts of retaliation against those who report instances of
bullying, harassment, or intimidation. The Bullying,
Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form is used to track
alleged instances of bullying, harassment, or intimidation. The
form is available in the school’s office or on the Baltimore
County Public Schools’ website under the “Student” and “Parent”
tabs.
Also, for your
information the breakfast and lunch prices will remain the same
for the 2009-2010 school year. Breakfast will be $1.40 at
elementary schools. Reduced price breakfast will be $0.30. Lunch
will be $2.90 at elementary schools. Reduced price lunch will be
$0.40 and milk will be $0.60.
Free and Reduced
Applications will be sent home the first week of school.
Everyone must reapply for these benefits. It is important that
everyone completes these forms since they are also used to
determine our Title I status. Prior-year meal benefit
eligibility status expires on Wednesday, October 14, 2009.
Enjoy the rest of your
summer, read with your children, and practice their math
facts!! See you soon!
Sincerely,
