March 11, 2008
“Though hast only to follow the wall far enough and there will be a door in it.”
_The Door in the Wall, Marguerite de Angeli, 1949
My father always said that as we get older time would seem to go much faster. I guess I must be getting older because here it is almost March and we are working on our budget for next year.
As far as budget goes, we are in great shape. At this moment, we are funded for 13 teachers, an increase of 1 classroom teacher. We will also have one ½ day more of a nurse, and office assistant. We will have a .5 counselor next year and two ½ time teachers to help with math and reading to decrease class size in those areas. Staff has chosen to put our money into staffing. Thankfully, we have the most giving PTA a school could want and resourceful. I know if we run out of paper, between all of us we can find some. Again, I am so impressed with all you do for our children. Thank you.
To hear the full state of the report be sure to join us on March 27th for our general PTA meeting. The business portion of the meeting will start at 7 pm with room 1 starting us off in song.
Now that spring has sprung (almost) and the time has changed, I just want to remind everyone about the importance of getting the students here on time. Yesterday we had 35 late students. On average, we have had between 25-35 students late since returning from Mid-winter break. It is difficult for a child to be able to just transition in to the morning without some introduction from the teacher. It seems like five minutes isn’t important until you know that those are the five minutes used to introduce the day, say good-morning, and give the layout of the land. Please, set those alarms for 5-10 minutes earlier and lets start the students out on time. Thanks
In our technology age, it is so easy to just fire off an e-mail to a teacher or principal or parent. Just a reminder if you send one to anyone in the Seattle Public Schools, once you hit send, it is part of public record. Just be sure to re-read and check your message. I know from experience that what I thought I was saying was not perceived the way I intended and caused more work to fix the communication then it would have to pick up the phone and call or just have a face to face chat. It is important that we continue to practice those daily conversations.
Last but not least, I want to invite you all on Friday, March 28th to join me in the Hall of Virtues and share your Buzz about the Beach. You all bring a treat, I will provide some hot or cold beverages and I will grab a couple of tables out there so we can chat and socialize in the hall. This way, there is no disruption of classes in the lunchroom and the foyer is being used effectively! Would love to see a big crowd come visit and share ideas and such. If you can’t come in March, we will also have another Buzz at the Beach opportunity on April and May 30th.
Have a wonderful week.
Joanne