ROCK CONNECTION

Dear Strasburg Elementary Families,

I hope this letter finds you well and ready for the exciting new school year ahead. My name is JaLee Kitzman, and I am honored to introduce myself as the new principal at Strasburg Elementary School. Although this is my first year here, I bring with me 25 years of experience in teaching and leading schools. I am eager to join this vibrant community and work alongside you and our exceptional staff to make this year truly memorable.

Our team has been diligently preparing for the school year, and we are thrilled to welcome our students back next week. To kick off the year, we are hosting a Meet and Greet on Wednesday, August 7th, from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM. This event is a fantastic opportunity for you and your children to meet their new teachers, explore their classrooms, and familiarize yourselves with the school environment. We encourage you to attend and help your students get excited for the year ahead!

In our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and efficiency of our school operations, we have realigned the pickup and drop-off lines. These changes are designed to streamline morning and afternoon traffic, reduce tardiness, and ensure a smooth start to each school day. We believe that with the added lanes and revised parking arrangements, we will improve attendance and make the drop-off and pickup process more convenient for everyone.

One of the most exciting developments this year is the professional development our teachers are receiving. This training will help them enhance their instructional practices, ultimately fostering greater student growth and achievement. We are committed to providing a high-quality education and creating a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

As we look forward to a year filled with engaging activities, memorable experiences, and a focus on shaping our students' futures, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful learning community. Consistent attendance is crucial for a successful school year, and we appreciate your support in ensuring that your child arrives on time each day.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are excited about the journey ahead and cannot wait to see all the great things our students will accomplish.

Warm regards,

JaLee Kitzman, Principal

Strasburg Elementary School

Please be aware that the parking lot flow has changed for drop off and pick up. Please take a look at the map before the first day of school. We will have staff outside to help direct traffic. Please be patient as we are trying something new to help with the flow of traffic. Thank you for your patience.

Reminder that Preschool and Kindergarten do not start school until August 15th.

Pre-School

Half a Day

7:50-10:25

And

11:30 - 3:15

Full Day

7:50 - 3:15

Kindergarten

7:50-3:35

1st - 5th Grades

7:50 - 3:40

Kids can be dropped off at 7:30am for breakfast in the cafeteria or if they are not eating breakfast, they can go to the playground. Breakfast will not be served in the classrooms this year. Breakfast will end at 7:50am. Please do not drop your student off before 7:30am as there is not any supervision.

8/7 Meet and Greet from 8:30-11:00am

8/8 First day of school 1st-5th grade

8/9-11 Hometown Days

8/15 Preschool and Kindergarten first day of school

The Power of Bedtime Reading: Enhancing Your Child’s Educational Journey

As we gear up for another exciting school year, we want to highlight a simple yet powerful practice that can significantly enhance your child's reading and educational experiences: reading before bed.

Spending just 10-20 minutes each night reading with your child can have a profound impact on their learning and development. This cherished routine not only fosters a love for books but also supports numerous aspects of their growth:

1. Strengthening Reading Skills: Regular bedtime reading helps children build vocabulary, improve comprehension, and develop fluency. The consistent exposure to new words and stories supports their literacy development and prepares them for academic success.

2. Encouraging a Lifelong Love of Learning: Sharing stories and discussing books together makes reading an enjoyable and valued activity. This positive reinforcement can lead to a lifelong passion for reading and learning.

3. Enhancing Bonding and Communication: Bedtime reading creates a special time for connection between you and your child. It’s an opportunity to bond, share ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations, all of which are important for emotional and social development.

4. Promoting Relaxation and Routine: A bedtime reading routine can help your child wind down after a busy day, establishing a calming pre-sleep ritual that contributes to better rest and overall well-being.

We encourage you to make bedtime reading a regular part of your family's routine. Choose books that interest your child and explore different genres to keep the experience engaging. Remember, it’s not just about the quantity of time but the quality of the interaction that counts.

By incorporating this simple yet impactful habit, you are setting your child on a path to greater academic achievement and a lifelong love of reading. Together, let’s make this school year the best one yet!

Let me know what else you will need.

Thanks for your help!

JaLee

Free and reduced forms are now available. You must fill a new one out every year. Forms are available in the elementary office or you can also find them on our website at strasburg31j.com. Please see letters below.