Altamont Elementary School
March Newsletter-2015
Principal's Message
However, I sometimes wonder how far my (our) influence extends for a child. Do they remember our teachings and positive influences in middle school, high school, college, adult-hood? I'd like to think there are those moments when a former student, who is now an adult, recalls something special about their time in elementary school.
A few weeks ago, a mother contacted me to inform me that her child (now a young adult) had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. She called because she wanted the school's address. She was writing the obituary and she wanted any expressions of sympathy to benefit Altamont Elementary School. As she talked with me and told me all about her amazing son, she shared that he just loved his time at Altamont. She talked about how the teachers cared for him, helped him, and how safe he felt at this school. She told me how much he grew at Altamont and how he always had the best memories about his time in this school. As I listened to this mother share these happy memories, at THE most difficult time in her life, I couldn't help but feel a little goodness through the intense sorrow of the moment. The memories made in the elementary years (in school) served this parent with joy and love that lasted a lifetime.
As the conversation came to a close, I thanked her profusely for thinking of our school at such a difficult time. But what I should have really thanked her for was reminding me of the role we play that extends beyond the classroom and academics. The role in helping a child feel safe, cared-for, and connected in a school community. How education, at every level, is so much more than a curriculum or tests. I should have thanked her for sharing with me the knowledge that what really matters most in life is family, health and happiness. This mom, in her grief, reminded me of the preciousness of youth, the true gift of time with loved-ones, and just how very blessed I am to interact with your child every day.
Creating Classrooms for Next Year
Dear Families,
Soon we will begin planning classroom assignments for the 2015-2016 school year. Placement of students in the next grade level is a complex process that impacts the overall atmosphere of our school. Some of the factors that are important to consider are:
- The academic abilities/needs of the student;
- The social needs of the student;
- The balancing of each class by gender, performance and special student needs;
- The type of assistance which can be provided within the class; and the impact of students on each other in the same classroom.
All placement decisions are a result of a team effort. Your child’s present teacher
will meet with other teachers at this grade level, support and special area staff and me to develop classes for next year. Our placement process is based on the following assumptions:
- Our belief that a balanced class of diverse learners is the most important factor in ensuring the success of all the students.
- Our belief that any teacher in our school is capable of teaching any child.
- Our belief that children benefit from a variety of educational experiences, and that they will grow from their interaction with different teachers and a variety of teaching styles.
Your thoughts about your child are important to us as well. You MAY write a
letter but it is NOT necessary or expected. At this point, teachers have not yet been assigned for next year’s grade levels. Please understand that it is not possible to honor requests for a particular teacher. In fact, I request you do not specifically request a teacher. You may want to share any special considerations for us to review as part of this process, including those students who will be attending FMS in the fall. Instead of requesting a particular teacher, letters should include information concerning your child’s needs as a learner, the type of learning environment in which you feel he or she can be most successful.
All communications about placement must be in writing. In order to give full consideration to your thoughts, I ask that your letter be sent to me by Friday, March 13, 2015. These letters will be shared with classroom teachers during the placement process. Letters received after this date may not be considered. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Peter J. Brabant
Principal
Reading For Ronald McDonald House
Also, local universities are participating in this event and some SUNY Albany Soccer Players will be coming to our school to read to classes. Please consider supporting this initiative. It's good for our students and good for other children as well.
New York State Testing
PTA News & Upcoming Dates/Events
Dates to remember:
Thursday, March 5 - Superintendent presents 15-16 budget at 7:00
Friday, March 6- 5th Grade Celebrate America @ 6:00 pm
Friday, March 6 - No Enrichment Classes
Friday, March 6 - Grade 4 Colonial Day
Sunday, March 8 - Spring Ahead-Daylight Savings Time
Tuesday, March 10 - Board of Ed. Mtg at 7:00
Wednesday, March 11 - Bus Evacuation Drill at 9:00
Thursday, March 12 - PTA Meeting @ 6:00 pm
Friday, March 13 - Parent Placement Letters Due for 15-16 School Year
Wednesday, March 18 - Spring Picture Day
**Thursday, March 19 - K-2 Early Dismissal at 11:30
Monday, March 23 - Student Composer Night at FMS
Tuesday, March 24 - Board of Ed. Mtg at 7:00
**Tuesday, March 24- K-5 Early Dismissal at 11:30
**Wednesday, March 25 - No School (Superintendent Conf. Day)
**Monday, March 30 - K-2 Early Dimissal at 11:30
Tuesday, March 31 - Altamont Building Cabinet Mtg at 2:10
Wednesday, April 1 - PTA Meeting @ 6:00 pm
**Friday, April 3 - 10 Spring Recess-No School
Friday, April 24 - AES Bingo Night @ 6:30
Yearbook News:
5th Grade Parents – If you have not done so already, please send in your child's baby picture for the yearbook. Don't let your child be left out!
Yearbooks will be on sale starting in March. Order envelopes will come home in backpack mail. Yearbooks will be $12.00 if ordered before March 20th ($15.00 after that date). Please contact Ruth Anne Burby @ 861-5892 or mburbyfamily@gmail.com with any questions regarding the yearbook.
Box Tops for Education
Please continue to send in your box tops to the school. The PTA has already received $504 this school year through this program.
Tyson Project A+
This year we will be collecting labels from bags and boxes on Tyson products. We will receive 24 cents per label to help fund PTA activities.
Through the Campbell’s Labels for Education program we can get free merchandise for our school. Send in proofs of purchase (UPC codes) from participating Campbell products.