Davis Thayer News
September 1, 2016
Welcome to a New School Year!
Dear Davis Thayer Families,
Welcome to a brand new school year at Davis Thayer! Our second floor has beautiful, new carpet. The library's mini makeover was completed just in time to begin the year. Students were heard to exclaim on Tuesday that, ".....this is a REAL library!" After summer cleaning and teacher preparation the classrooms were welcome spaces for the students to begin a new year.
I want to take this opportunity to welcome all of our new students and their families! Our friendly staff and students will help you to learn your way around Davis Thayer as you become part of the wonderful school culture that currently exists.
A round of applause goes out to Mrs. Gleason, our secretary and to Mr. Gilderubio and Mr. Letourneau, our custodians and their helpers, for all of their hard work getting everything ready for the upcoming school year.
This week came to a close quickly! I had a chance to be in classrooms getting to know students. They were excited to share summer experiences as well as hopes and dreams for this year. I was able to participate in a few morning meetings, giving me the opportunity to learn names and get to know the teachers and students better. For me this was a fabulous week where I was able to experience the inclusive community of Davis Thayer that I have been hearing and learning about over the last few months.
I hope that you will be patient with us as we get back into arrival and dismissal routines. It takes a week or two for buses, students, teachers and families to systematically complete these procedures so that we are quick and efficient while remaining safe throughout this process.
Below is some helpful information for you as we begin this new year! I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend.
Warmly,
Kathleen Gerber
Principal
New Staff
We have some staffing changes for the 2016 – 2017 school year. Davis Thayer welcomes the following new staff:
PE/Health: Mr. Jeff Melo
School Psychologist: Mrs. Chrishelle Leonard
Title One: Mrs. Jennine Cassidy
Kindergarten Long Term Substitute: Ms. Kelly Fahey
Occupational Therapist: Ms. Robin Towle
Art Teacher: Ms. Lauren Gould
Educational Assistants: Mrs. Bianca Palmieri
We look forward to having their energy and expertise in the building!
Arrival and Dismissal
YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY is our primary concern. Your cooperation and support with the following procedures are greatly appreciated.
Arrival
· Students will begin to exit buses and cars at 8:15 AM when supervision is available.
· Students are expected to be in classrooms ready to learn at 8:30 AM. Please arrive by 8:25 AM.
· Students arriving prior to 8:15 AM need to register for the Solutions Program.
· All walkers should use sidewalks and always cross with the crossing guards. Please enter the yard through the playground gate on Union Street due to traffic.
· Parent permission is necessary for all bike riders. Helmets must be worn.
· All cars should enter the school yard through the School Street gate and exit onto West Central St. This is a ONE-WAY traffic area. Please do not drop students off at the Union Street parking lot.
Dismissal 2:40 PM
· “Walkers” will be checked out by a staff member. Bus students line up according to their buses. All buses leave before students going home in cars are dismissed.
· “Car pickups”: Enter the school via School Street. Please do not get out of your car. As we see you, we will direct your child to your vehicle.
· You may also pick up your child at the playground guard rail (“Parent pickups”). These students will line up and be checked off by a staff member.
* All procedures are subject to change should safety become a concern.
School Lunch and Snack
The Franklin Public schools provides the opportunity to purchase breakfast & lunch by cash, pre-paid via check, or on-line. More information can be found here:
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/pages/franklindistrict_Foodservice/index
Breakfast: $1.80
Lunch: $2.50
Milk: $.50
Children are encouraged to bring a nutritious snack and drink in daily for classroom snack time.
Student Absenses
It is important for us to know if your child is going to be absent from school. Call 508-541-5288 by 8:30 AM to leave a message.
Davis Thayer Handbook
The Davis Thayer Family Handbook contains very important information regarding everything you need to know as part of the Davis Thayer community. It can be found on our website. After you read it, please contact the school office should you have any questions. A “student friendly” guidebook version was distributed on the first day of school. Be sure to sign the last page and send it back to school.
First Day Pictures to Enjoy
About Davis Thayer.......
508-541-5263 ext 3710
Mrs. Wasik's contact information:
508-541-5263 ext 3719
Website: http://thayerelementary.vt-s.net/Pages/index
Location: 137 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Phone: 508-541-5263
Twitter: @DT_Bobcats