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Dear Parents,
Welcome to all families of the 2010-2011 Caribbean School. I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer break.
I have really missed Ponce and the rest of the island. I spent three weeks back on the mainland. I was in Florida, Indiana and Ohio. There was plenty of time spent catching up with friends and family. I also took a fabulous course at the PTC. I got to see almost every World Cup soccer game but unfortunately I played no golf.
The rest of this letter will contain helpful information for the beginning of the new school year.
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Orientation
Parents of Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten students are requested to meet with their children’s teachers on Tuesday, August 3 from 7:00-8:00PM in the AV Room (Pre-kindergarten parents) and the Elementary School Library (Kindergarten parents). This will be an informational meeting regarding procedures and curricular offereings.
School Hours
The first day of school is Thursday, August 5 for grades 1 – 6. The school day begins at 8:00 AM and will dismiss at 2:45 PM.
Exception for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students –
On Monday, August 9, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students will have a shortened first day and dismiss at 11:00 AM. After this first day the Kindergarten will have normal school days (kindergarten students will dismiss at 2:30 PM).
Pre-Kindergarten only will have a shortened day on Tuesday, August 10 and dismiss at 11:00 AM. By Wednesday August 11, all elementary students will be following the regular schedule and pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students will dismiss at 2:30 PM. Students should be picked up no later than 15 minutes after their dismissal time. Please remember – when a child is dismissed early from school, a parent is required to sign out the child from the school office. School office hours are from 7:30 AM to 4:00PM.
Parent Teacher Organization (“PTO”) News
PTO Family and Staff Fun Day
This event is scheduled Friday, August 27, at 3:00 PM -7:00 PM.
School Supplies
Students may purchase school supplies at the PTO Store on Monday, August 2 at 10:00 AM. A copy of necessary supplies is available on the counter in the Business Office and Elementary School Office. Preordered school supplies may also be picked up on this date and time.
School Uniform
The Caribbean School uniforms are available at Casa López, Calle Isabel, downtown Ponce. Student are expected to be in the proper uniform on the first day of school
Schoolbags
This is a reminder that the elementary school students should bring a backpack or schoolbag that is the appropriate size for a child to be able to carry up the stairs by him/her self. Please, do not send the large, rectangular “bultos” with wheels. Backpacks with wheels are allowed as long as the backpack is a reasonable size and can be picked up and carried by the child. Your child is expected to be able to pick the bag up to go to the second floor. Please do not put your child in an uncomfortable position and ask them to carry more than they are able to manage on their own.
Visitor’s Parking
Due to the limited number of parking spaces, parents will need to park outside on Calle Navarra. After signing in at the gate with the security guard, please report directly to the Elementary School Office.
Class Lists
Class lists with classroom/homeroom teachers will be posted outside the Elementary School Office as of August 5.
Snack Time Policy for All Grades
Beginning in the 2008-2009 school year, the school implemented a policy regarding snack foods and drinks. We did this for two reasons. First of all, there had been problems with ants and rodents in the classroom – problems which stem from foods left and drinks spilled in the classroom. The second reason is students were bringing snacks which contained too much sugar or were unhealthy in other ways. Since behavior is often dictated by what we eat, we once again offer a list of foods and drinks that are nutritious, filling and satisfying.
Below are the list of approved food and drinks for snack time.
| FOOD |
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Drink (8 oz) |
Piece of fruit |
Raw vegetables |
Juice box |
Pop tart |
Dry cereal |
water |
Roll-up |
Ritz Bits |
milk |
Jell-O cups |
Yogurt |
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Granola bar |
Cheese sticks |
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Below are a list of foods and drinks that are NOT acceptable for snack time.
| FOOD |
|
Drink (8 oz) |
Sandwich |
Chips |
any soda or sugared drink |
snackables |
Popcorn |
Gatorade |
Leftovers from last night’s supper |
PowerAide |
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Any candy or sweets |
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A word about birthday parties –
While we want to celebrate every child’s special day, we would like the celebrations to be reasonable. Each teacher makes an effort to make a birthday special for every student. If a parent wishes to bring something to eat, it must be no more than a small treat (cake, cookies, piece of candy) and a drink (water, juice, milk). Once again I would emphasize the harm of eating of foods with excessive sugar and the problem of unwanted ants and rodents.
Back to School Night
The program is planned for Thursday, August 12, 2010 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM. The purpose is to orient parents to the Elementary School and to meet the current teachers.
I look forward to having an awesome school year and I am anxious to see all the children again.
See you on Thursday, August 5.
Most sincerely,
David Jett
Elementary School Principal
July 2010
Dear Parents of Advanced Placement and Honors Students:
As we begin the new school year, I would like to inform you that if your son/daughter has selected to enroll in any of our Advanced Placement or Honors courses. You are required to attend an orientation meeting for more details on these programs.
The meeting is scheduled to take place on August 4th at 1:00 pm in the AV room. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Frances Rivera
Secondary School Principal