Hawk Talk
The Monthly Newsletter for the Patricia A. Duran School
Principal's Message: Welcome Back!
We are so excited to start the 2022-2023 school year, and thank you for the opportunity to work with your amazing children! The first day of school is such a special day. The students and staff are excited for all that a new school year brings. I love meeting students and families new to our school and catching up with those I knew from last year. I love to hear the stories of student's summer adventures--the camps they went to, family vacations, and the books they have read. A huge part of the first days of school is getting everyone accustomed to the routines and procedures. I want to thank all of you for your patience around drop-off and dismissal time--this is a routine that we all have to get accustomed to as a school community. Details regarding these times are listed below.
The next few weeks will be busy as we continue to help students understand the routines in their classrooms. Staff will be working to assess students in literacy and mathematics, so we can focus our instruction on accelerating each individual child. Parents often ask how they can set their child up for success at home. Establishing after morning, after school, and nightly routines is a great way to start. Setting aside time each day to complete homework or read a book will establish a habit that will help children throughout their school years. For most students, homework will consist of reading, practicing math facts, or completing short assignments. Setting a consistent bedtime is very important as well. I was surprised to learn that the American Academic of Pediatrics recommends children in elementary school get 9-12 hours of sleep a night! Finally, morning routines are important to ensure that students arrive to school on time and ready to learn. While it may not seem like a big deal to arrive a little late each morning, it does impact a child's ability to adjust and settle in for learning. For the child, it means having to catch up to a class that has already started. For the teacher and the class, a late child disrupts learning as the teacher has to stop teaching to get the student started. We appreciate all families trying their best to make sure that students arrive on time.
Thank you all for your continued support of the Duran School. Just like my staff, I look forward to what this year brings!
Melissa Davis
Principal
Sneak-a-Peek and First Day Information
We also wanted to make families aware that we are no longer allowing parents to walk their child to their classroom on the first day of school. While we know this was typically done prior to COVID-19, we do have some concerns regarding safety, and would rather establish drop-off routines and exceptions the very first day of school. We appreciate your understanding around this matter.
Please rest assured that we take an "all hands on deck" approach to making sure that all students get to the appropriate classroom, and that they feel comfortable and supported on the first day of school.
We look forward to seeing our students and families at Sneak-a-Peek!
Extras!
Drop-Off Reminders
Bus Loop: Please do not park in the bus loop at any time. This ensure student safety and the ability for buses to enter and exit safely and efficiently.
Canopy: We understand that many parents want to drop their children off directly in front of the canopy, but this is not possible. By doing this, we are backing up traffic (sometimes out of the school and onto the road). There are staff available to ensure your child's safety along the sidewalk up to the canopy. We ask that you drop your child(ren) along the walk way and not wait for canopy access.
Parking: If your child need assistance exiting your vehicle, please park in the parking lot near the entrance of the school and walk them across. This ensures safety and efficiency for all drop-off parents.
Student Dismissal
The following information pertains to the different transportation locations:
Buses: The buses are called by grade level. Teachers will walk their class to the bus area and place their students on the appropriate bus.
Rec. Care: Students going to the Hermon Recreation Department’s After School Care are called between 3:06-3:08 as two groups to go to the Cafeteria.
Lobby Dismissal: Parents providing private transportation on a daily basis may fill out a form for Daily Lobby Dismissal. By signing this form, parents take responsibility for meeting their child in the Lobby area on-time every day. These students are called as one group at 3:10 to the lobby. We encourage PreK and Kindergarten parents to be near the front of the pick-up line- -this makes it easier for our littlest learners to see their parents. Parents should make eye contact or wave to the dismissing teacher before taking their child.
Pick-Up: Parents picking up a child on an occasional basis must send in a note for the teacher and the office. The child will receive a pick up pass to show the lobby duty staff.
Emergency Pick-Up: In the event you are picking up but your child does not have daily lobby or a note, you need to sign your child out at the office and they will be called down to the office individually.
School Picture Day
PK-1: September 22
2-4: September 23
Information regarding pictures and picture packages will be coming home soon.
Substitutes Needed
Reading is Key!
- Students are responsible for their library book(s). They are taught to handle their books with care since they are for everyone to share.
- Please keep books away from pets, food, and all liquids. Any item that is damaged should be reported to the librarian, Mrs. Goodrich, as soon as possible so repairs, if possible, can be made.
- Library items may be kept for three weeks, then must be returned. A book can be renewed (checked out again) if your child is not done reading it. An overdue, or late, book means the student cannot borrow another book.
- Please help your child bring their library book back on time.
- If an item is lost, payment toward a replacement, or another copy of the book, will be requested from you.
- If your family plans to move to a new school district, please return all library items before moving.
NWEA Testing Information
The best way to help your child prepare for testing is to ensure they get enough sleep prior to the day of testing, and that they eat a good breakfast. If you are curious about the NWEA assessment, or the district's policies related to assessment, please visit the district's assessment page here.
The guide below also provides useful information to parents. If you have additional questions, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Davis.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Upcoming Events
August 30 & 31: Kindergarten Screening Days
August 30: First Student Day (PK & 1-4)
September 1: First Student Day (Kindergarten)
September 5: No School
September 22: Picture Day Grades PK-1
September 23: Picture Day Grades 2-4
September 19-October 14: Fall NWEA Testing