Altamont Elementary School
September Newsletter
Principal's Welcome-Back Message
I hope this finds you enjoying a wonderful summer filled with many happy family moments. Summer is a special time for families. Being outside and spending time together on trips and adventures creates those memories that last forever. The elementary years are magical times. It is my hope that your child’s return-to-school is also part of your many happy summer experiences and both you and your child are excited to begin a new school year in a caring and nurturing school environment.
Your child’s school year is a partnership between the home and school-community. This partnership requires time, effort, and good communication. Children need time to adjust and adapt to the school year. They also need encouragement from home and the teacher to work hard and try their best. Lastly, parents need to take time to talk to their child about the school-day, work with him/her on facts and reading and continue the child’s education through enriching family activities.
Communication extends beyond just the child/student. Parents and staff need to communicate often and regularly. We need to listen with the intent to understand and ask questions to clarify understanding. When both the school and the family commit the time and effort necessary, the student/child benefits the most and that is why we are all here. We’re fortunate to be in this school and this community working together to help these amazing kids learn and grow.
If you are interested in volunteering in the Lunch Room , Library, and/or classrooms this school year, please give us a call. Our number is 861 8528.
Hopefully, you and your child are reading some great books over the summer and practicing some math facts. Make sure you become active in our PTA this year. The PTA does so much for your child and our PTA members make a difference. We keep the meetings as brief as possible and the parents that do attend feel more informed about their child’s education.
This is the most exciting time of year for educators; everything is new and full of endless potential. I look forward to working with each of you and ensuring your child enjoys a safe and enriching school year. On behalf of the entire Altamont staff, I welcome you back to school and pledge to do my best for your child. I can’t wait to see everyone on the first day!!
Peter Brabant
Visit us at http://www.facebook.com/altamontelementary
Communication & Updates
It is important you sign up for the School News Notifier (SNN) system. This system is where the district and schools communicate information to parents. At the very least, you should sign up to receive information from Altamont and The District Office. Please use the link to sign up if you haven't already. https://snn.neric.org/guilderland/
The school's Facebook Page is also a great place to get information and communication. I'll post more events there and often share pictures of special events occurring at our school. The link is: https://www.facebook.com/altamontelementary?ref=hl
Your child's teacher may share other communication methods with you at Open House. Anytime, please feel free to call or come by the school. Face-to-face is always the best method:-)
New Security Entrance at Altamont
Security changes like this always take some "Getting Used to." On one hand, we want to have a welcoming school that is open and inviting to our community. While on the other hand, it is crucial these days to maintain a secure campus for our students' safety.
Altamont will always be a warm and welcoming school for our students, parents, and community. This new entrance procedure simply seeks to ensure our school is more safe; that is something we all can appreciate. With a little patience and time, this new thing will soon not be noticed at all. I thank you for your support and cooperation. We are hoping to have the new security measures in place by Thursday, of the first week of school.
First Day of School Procedures
Staff will help students to the locations, either upper or lower gym. Students get off the bus by grade levels and Kindergarten is first. Once everyone is in, the students will proceed to their new room as a class.
Kindergarten has a special practice where half the class comes on day 1 and half on day 2. This was shared in a previous letter. Please call the school with any questions. 861-8528.
*Please have your child ride the bus the first days of school. This is the time the drivers are getting to know students, faces, and drop-offs. If you want to see your child walk into school the first day, then put him/her on the bus and zip over to the school for the picture.
Information Blitz
ART CLASS: Please be sure your child has an old T-shirt or dress shirt with sleeves cut short for a smock.
P.E. Class: Always wear sneakers on physical education days. Also, be sure your child regularly wears a good shoe he or she can play and climb in as our students have recess on most days.
After-School Activity Periods: After-school activity period is from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays for special activities, pre-arranged, with classroom or special area teachers. Late buses are provided.
~Orchestra - Thursdays after school
~Band - Tuesdays after school
~Chorus– Mondays after school
Student Drop-Off: The buses release students at 7:45 to go to the classrooms. Students can be dropped off in the cafeteria at 7:30, not earlier.
Late Arrivals: Students should be at school by 7:50. Students are considered tardy after 8:00.
Bus Notes: A written note is REQUIRED when you child is going anyplace other than the normal drop-off location. Please plan ahead and send a note to school with your child. Any last minute changes must be called in to the school before 1:30.
Release of Student From School: When your child needs to leave school for any reason during the day, you MUST sign him or her out at the office. If your child returns to school that same day, they must stop in the office so we are aware that they have returned. A note given to the teacher informing him or her of the early dismissal is always appreciated.
Absentee Calls & Notes: Please call the school in the morning or evening before (leave message) whenever your child will be absent. If we are not notified, we will try to contact the parent.
News From The Nurse
Medications: Students are not allowed to carry prescription or over-the-counter medications (including cold medications, sore throat spray, or aspirin, etc.) while at school or on school property. If your child needs medication during the school day, please follow the guidelines below:
1. A parent needs to deliver the medication directly to the school nurse.
2. The nurse must have written instructions from the child’s doctor for both prescription and over-the-counter medications which indicates frequency and dosage.
3. The nurse must also have written permission from the parent to dispense the medication as prescribed by the physician.
4. Prescription medications must be in the original container and should include the student’s name, type of medication, and dosage information. *Please ask your pharmacist to dispense medications in two containers-one for school and one for home.
Physicals: Physical exams are required for all
students new to the district, as well as, Kindergarten, Second, and Fourth graders. Please send completed forms to the school as soon as possible.
Music at Altamont
The music department offers band and orchestra to 4th and 5th graders. Through the learning of an instrument they gain motor skills, social skills and problem solving skills. The instrumental program fosters responsibility in children through remembering their belongings and how to take care of their belongings. Once a week, the new musicians have small group lessons to work on their individual playing with rhythm and tonal skills. Once in 5th grade, they are also involved in a large ensemble setting where they learn how to multi-task by reading music, playing their instrument, and listening to their music all at one time. In these large groups they become team players. Band and orchestra provide a fun environment for discovering creativity, self-confidence, and talent! Enjoy their achievement and progression in concerts held in the winter and the springtime!
Student Dress Code at AES
Just a reminder that there is a Student Dress Code for Altamont Elementary School previously adopted by the Building Cabinet. In developing these guidelines, our goals are to ensure that students:
- dress in a manner that is safe;
- dress appropriately for the classroom and special area classes, such as physical education, music and art; and
- dress in a way that does not disrupt or interfere with the educational process.
The Student Dress Code guidelines include:
* Students should wear appropriate footwear at all times. Footwear, such as high heels or boots that may be a safety hazard is discouraged. Sneakers are necessary at all times for physical education classes and encouraged for outside recess.
* Hats and other head coverings (except for religious purposes) cannot be worn inside during the school hours. These items should be left in lockers during the day.
* Students should wear appropriate clothing for school and school functions. For example, clothing with writing on the seat of the pants would not be considered appropriate. Also students’ midriff, lower back, and undergarments should not be exposed at any time.
* For safety as well as discretion, students at the elementary grades should not wear extremely brief garments such as: halter tops or tube tops. To help ensure consistent application of the dress code for example, shorts or skirts/skorts should be long enough so that when a student’s arms are extended at their sides, their fingertips should align approximately with the bottom edge of the apparel.
Parents, thank you for your cooperation with this Student Dress Code.
Altamont Elementary School Staff List
Kindergarten: Laurie Critelli, Amy Nowak
1st Grade: Colleen Ciccarelli, Kristen Johnson
2nd Grade: Melissa Raguette, Trish Abatto
3rd Grade: Dana Doak, Annemarie Farrell, Laurie Poelma
4th Grade: Amy Martin, Carolyn Vogel
5th Grade: Karen Shaffer, Robert Whiteman
Primary Skills Class: Rose McKee
Intermediate Skills Class: Karen Lockwood
Music: Diana Ackner
Instrumental Music: Dan Cordell
Physical Education: Don Favro, Tamara Bryngelson-Eppard* (Ms. B)
Art: Trisha Zigrosser
Special Education: Molly Bradley, Rachel Ehatt
Reading: Michelle Rispole, Laura Flynn, Rachel Ehatt
Social Worker: Louisa Lombardo
Library: Anne Johnson
Math Specialist: Katie Sanger
OT: Cathi Strain, Lori Leach PT: Kelly Vrooman ESL: Kimberly Scalia*
Speech: Bonnie Martel, Karen Lajeunesse
Psychologist: Dr. Jennifer Rickert
School Nurse: Kathy Oliver
Teaching Assistants: Suzanne Arduini, Kayla Bills*, Deb Blaauboer, Jill Bodo, Carol Candeloro, Linda Ciabotte, Kathy Dillinger, Jenn Hale, Barbara Levingrub, Kim Miller, Tammy Owen, Alice Plue, Joann Pommer, Katlyn Trestick.
Secretaries: Theresa Clemons, Sandra Huber
Custodial Staff: Michael Papa, Patricia West, Brandon Dederick
Kitchen Staff: Chris LaTorre, Raquel Sylvester
Cafeteria Monitors: Shelly Dockey, Tammy Davis
* Indicates new staff to Altamont this year
Open House Dates
~A Special Evening for our Parents~
Thursday, September 17th for grades 3-5 at 6:30
Thursday, September 24th for grades Kdg-2 at 6:30
Please join us at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria for this opportunity for PARENTS to get to know our teachers and educational program. We know that a successful year for students means a collaborative effort from all. At Open House you will receive important information from your child’s teacher and learn more about our school program. We hope to see you there.
*We kindly request that students and younger children remain at home on these evenings*
Important Dates & Events
Sept. 3 - Student Drop-In from 4:00-5:00; Students can drop by the school and drop off supplies in the lockers. Teachers will not be here at that time. Please do not come before 4:00.
Sept. 8- First Day of Class
Sept. 10 - PTA Meeting at 7:00PM
Sept. 14 - NO SCHOOL
Sept. 15 - Bus Drill for students at 9:00AM; BOE Mtg at 7:00 in LGI
Sept. 17- Open House for grades 3-5 at 6:30PM
Sept. 23 - NO SCHOOL
Sept. 24 - Open House for grades K-2 at 6:30PM
Oct. 2 - Fun Run for students at 1:20
Oct. 5 - Building Cabinet Meeting at 2:10
Oct. 6 & 20 - BOE Mtg at 7:00 at LGI
Oct. 8 - Picture Day; PTA Mtg at 6:00PM
Oct. 9 - 15 Minute Early Dismissal & BINGO Night at 6:30PM
Oct. 12 - NO SCHOOL
Oct. 29 - Early Dismissal at 11:30 for Parent Conferences
Oct. 30 - AES Costume Parade at 1:20PM
2015-2016 Cafeteria Information
Prices Per day
K-8 breakfast--$1.95
Elementary lunch--$2.80
FMS lunch--$3.05
GHS lunch--$3.05
Reduced-price (breakfast and lunch)--$0.25
Milk (white and chocolate)--$0.60
Please note: All checks for breakfast/lunch should be made payable to GCSD School Lunch Fund. Parents can also set-up an online payment account for their child(ren) using ParentOnline. LEARN MORE
The Menu doesn't format well for the newsletter, but below are the dates and meals. This is also available from the district's web-page.
Septermber 8
Italian Dunkers (2-1 oz WW Bread Sticks w/2 oz LS Spaghetti Sauce) &
4 RF Mozzarella Sticks
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
WG Fresh Pizza
(2 Protein & 1 ½ Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Fresh Baby Carrots
½ c Steamed Broccoli
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Fresh Orange Wedges
Fresh Banana
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 9
Baked Nachos w/ 2 oz Spicy Meat,
2 oz Melted Cheddar Cheese
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
Popcorn Chicken Served in a Bag w/1 PC BBQ Sauce
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
RS Hot Dog on WW Bun Served w/ 2 PC’s Ketchup
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Fresh Baby Carrots
Fresh Cucumber Slices
½ c Steamed Carrots
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Fresh Grapes
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 10
WG RS Turkey Corn Dogs
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
WG Fresh Pizza
(2 Protein & 1 ½ Starch)
or
2 Bosco Sticks served w/ ⅓ c Marinara Sauce
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Fresh Baby Carrots
½ c Steamed Corn
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Fresh Watermelon
Fresh Orange Wedges
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 11
1/2 c WG Rotini w/ 1/4 c Cheese Sauce Over Top Served w/ 1 Cut Up Hot Dog
or
Breaded Chicken Pattie Served on a WW Bun Served w/ 2 PC’s Ketchup
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
WG Mini Maple Pancakes Served w/ Chicken Sausage
(1 Protein & 2 Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Assorted Fresh Vegetables
½ c Vegetarian Beans
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Assorted Fresh Fruit
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 14, Guilderland Schools Closed
September 15
Italian Dunkers (2-1 oz WW Bread Sticks w/2 oz LS Spaghetti Sauce) &
4 RF Mozzarella Sticks
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
WG Fresh Pizza
(2 Protein & 1 ½ Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Fresh Baby Carrots
½ c Steamed Broccoli
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Fresh Orange Wedges
Fresh Banana
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 16
RF Baked Nachos Served w/ 2 oz Spicy Meat Sauce, 2 oz Melted Cheddar Cheese & 1 oz Salsa
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
2oz WW Grilled Cheese Sandwich and 6 Tater Tots
(2 Protein & 2 Starch & 1 Veg)
or
2 oz Scramble Eggs Served w/ 2 Slices of Bacon, 6 Tater Tots, 2 PC’s Ketchup and WG Biscuit
(2 ½ Protein & 2 Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Fresh Baby Carrots
Fresh Cucumber Slices
½ c Steamed Carrots
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Fresh Grapes
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 17
WG Mini Maple Pancakes Served w/ Chicken Sausage
(1 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
WG Fresh Pizza
(2 Protein & 1 ½ Starch)
or
Grilled or Breaded Chicken Pattie Served on a WW Bun Served w/ 2 PC’s Ketchup
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Fresh Baby Carrots
Fresh Celery Sticks
½ c Steamed Corn
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Fresh Watermelon
Fresh Orange Wedges
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 18
5 WG Chicken Nuggets Served w/ 1/2 c Long Grain Brown Rice and
2 PC’s Ketchup
(2 Protein & 1 Starch)
or
Hot Pretzel Sandwich
2 oz Ham and 1 Slice of American Cheese on a Pretzel Roll
(2 1/2 Protein & 2 Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Assorted Fresh Vegetables
½ c Vegetarian Beans
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Assorted Fresh Fruit
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 21
Popcorn Chicken Bowl
(10 WG Popcorn Chicken Served over ½ c Mashed Potatoes w/ Topped w/ 2oz c of Grated Cheddar Cheese)
(2 Protein & 1 Starch & 1 Veg)
or
RF Baked Nachos Served w/ 2 oz Spicy Meat Sauce, 2 oz Melted Cheddar Cheese & 1 oz c of Salsa
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
WG Mini Maple Waffles Served w/ Chicken Sausage
(1 Protein & 2 Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Fresh Baby Carrots
Fresh Celery Sticks
½ c Cooked Green Beans
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Fresh Apple
Fresh Orange Wedges
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 22
Italian Dunkers (2-1 oz WW Bread Sticks w/2 oz LS Spaghetti Sauce) &
4 RF Mozzarella Sticks
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
WG Fresh Pizza
(2 Protein & 1 ½ Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Fresh Baby Carrots
½ c Steamed Broccoli
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Fresh Orange Wedges
Fresh Banana
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 23, Guilderland SchoolsClosed
September 24
Dutchmen
(Egg, Chicken Sausage, Cheese on
a WW Bun) Served w/ 6 Tater Tots
(2 Protein & 2 Starch & 1 Vegetable
or
WG Fresh Pizza
(2 Protein & 1 ½ Starch)
or
RS Hot Dog on WW Bun Served w/ 2 PC’s Ketchup
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Fresh Baby Carrots
Fresh Celery Sticks
½ c Steamed Corn
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Fresh Watermelon
Fresh Orange Wedges
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 25
4 oz Chicken Alfredo Served Over 1 c WG Pasta
(3 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
WG Mini Maple Pancakes Served w/ Chicken Sausage
(1 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
5 WG Chicken Nuggets Served w/
1/2 c Long Grain Brown Rice
and 2 PC’s Ketchup
(2 Protein & 1 Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Assorted Fresh Vegetables
½ c Vegetarian Beans
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Assorted Fresh Fruit
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 28
WG Chicken Quesadilla Served w/ 2 oz c of Salsa
(2 Protein & 2 Starch
or
Ham & Cheese Melt
(2 oz Ham and 1 Slice of American Cheese on a WG Croissant)
(2.5 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
3 WG Chicken Tenders Served w/ ½ c Long Grain Brown Rice and
2 PC’s Ketchup
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Fresh Baby Carrots
Fresh Celery Sticks
½ c Cooked Green Beans
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Fresh Apple
Fresh Orange Wedges
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
September 29
Italian Dunkers (2-1 oz WW Bread Sticks w/2 oz LS Spaghetti Sauce) &
4 RF Mozzarella Sticks
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
WG Fresh Pizza
(2 Protein & 1 ½ Starch)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Fresh Baby Carrots
½ c Steamed Broccoli
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Fresh Orange Wedges
Fresh Banana
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
30
RF Baked Nachos Served w/ 2 oz Spicy Meat Sauce, 2 oz Melted Cheddar Cheese & 1 oz Salsa
(2 Protein & 2 Starch)
or
Baked Potato Served w/
2 oz Meat, 2 oz Melted Cheese, 1 Slice of WW Bread
(2 Proteins, 1 Starch & 1Vegetable)
½ c Vegetables (may take 2)
Fresh Baby Carrots
Fresh Cucumber Slices
½ c Steamed Carrots
½ c Fruit (may take 2)
Fresh Grapes
3 Varieties of Asst. Canned/Frozen Fruits
A fruit or vegetable must be taken by a student for a meal to be reimbursable otherwise ala carte pricing will be charged
Also available on the following days:
MONDAYS
2 oz WG Bagel
2 PC’s Margarine or 1 PC Cream Cheese and
2 oz cup of Peanut Butter
4 oz Yogurt
May Choose:
2 Fruits
2 Vegetables
8 oz Milk
or
PB & Jelly Jamwich
May Choose:
2 Fruits
2 Vegetables
8 oz Milk
TUESDAYS
2 oz WG Bagel
2 PC’s Margarine or 1 PC Cream Cheese and
2 oz cup of Peanut Butter
4 oz Yogurt
May Choose:
2 Fruits
2 Vegetables
8 oz Milk
or
Bagged Lunch
4 oz Yogurt
1 oz Mozzarella Stick
1 Pkg of WG Graham Crackers
May Choose:
2 Fruits
2 Vegetables
8 oz Milk
WEDNESDAYS
2 oz WG Bagel
2 PC’s Margarine or 1 PC Cream Cheese and
2 oz cup of Peanut Butter
4 oz Yogurt
May Choose:
2 Fruits
2 Vegetables
8 oz Milk
or
PB & Jelly Jamwich
May Choose:
2 Fruits
2 Vegetables
8 oz Milk
THURSDAYS
2 oz WG Bagel
2 PC’s Margarine or 1 PC Cream Cheese and
2 oz cup of Peanut Butter
4 oz Yogurt
May Choose:
2 Fruits
2 Vegetables
8 oz Milk
or
Bagged Lunch
4 oz Yogurt
1 oz Mozzarella Stick
1 Pkg of WG Gold Fish
May Choose:
2 Fruits
2 Vegetables
8 oz Milk
FRIDAYS
2 oz WG Bagel
2 PC’s Margarine or 1 PC Cream Cheese and
2 oz cup of Peanut Butter
4 oz Yogurt
Choose:
2 Fruits
2 Vegetables
8 oz Milk
or
PB & Jelly Jamwich
May Choose:
2 Fruits
2 Vegetables
8 oz Milk