Dear Students and Parents,

 

As the 2010-11 school-year begins there are a few things we at Palm would like you to know.  First, we are very excited to begin each year with a fresh start.  By providing each student with a Planner we are giving you the first tool for success.  If the Planner is used correctly, each homework assignment will be completed on time, you will be informed of all school activities, and parents and teachers have the opportunity for daily written communication.  The responsibilities are clear:  students must correctly copy the day's homework/class work assignment for each class, teachers will stamp or sign each day indicating the assignment was copied correctly, and parents will compare the stamped assignment with completed homework, ensuring that all assignments are completed in a timely manner.  This website is also a great tool for communication.  Both parents and students should access the website for announcements and current events.  There is also an email directory; use email to communicate with teachers about progress and assignments when students are absent.

 

In addition to using the Planner for tracking homework/class work, you will find:  a copy of the bell schedule which clearly communicates each day's schedule, a monthly calendar listing all know events, the writing rubric which details the grading criteria for most writing assignments, a copy of extra-curricular activities, promotion activity and promotion requirements, physical education requirements, and a copy of the sequential discipline standards.

 

School begins daily at 8:55 a.m.  That means your student MUST be in his/her seat in homeroom before the 8:55 bell rings.  At 8:55 school begins.  Wednesday flex day dismissal is 12:40 p.m. for all students.  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday dismissal time is 3:30 p.m.

 

Tuesday morning we offer tutoring.  Every teacher, in the school, will be in their classroom to offer extra assistance to any student.  The PE teachers will meet students who need to make up runs or non-suits on the track at this time.  On Wednesday mornings we will have what we call C.A.T.S. (Clubs, Activities, Tutoring for Students).  All teachers will be in their classroom either advising a club or offering more tutoring.  If your student chooses to participate in these activities, he/she should be here to begin at 8:15 a.m.  These activities are only on Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:15 to 8:50 a.m.

 

It is very important that you not send your student to school too early.  8:15 is the earliest any student should arrive on campus.  We must avoid having unsupervised students.

 

We need your help.  We have some parent organizations that cannot function without your support and attendance.  If your are willing to participate on School Site Council, ELAC, and/or PTSA, please contact the office and leave your name and contact number.  We also need parent volunteers for various activities.

 

We want to avoid the loss of instructional minutes so we are asking that you make appointments for your student after school or on Wednesday afternoons when we have early dismissal.

 

If you need to pick up your student for an early dismissal you must arrive at the office so that we can summons your student during passing time.  A bell schedule is inside the Planner to assist you to adhere to this rule.  This is necessary to avoid the loss of instructional minutes.  When we interrupt the class to get your student, the teacher has to stop teaching which means students stop learning.  Please assist us by being mindful of instructional time.

 

We hope you find this information useful and that you will utilize the Planner daily to gain the desired advantage.  Please read the page entitled "Common Violations Policy."  We have an "open door" policy and encourage all communication with students and parents.  Please contact the office or your child's teachers with any questions you may have.  We look forward to a productive and successful 2010-11 school year!

 

Nancy Ross
Principal