Dear Parents/Guardians:
Welcome Back! We are excited to begin the 2023-2024 school year. Our teachers and staff have been busy this summer working on our new reading curriculum, revising our intervention services, and getting ready for the 2023 New York State Grade 5 science test. We also hosted our second summer SCOTS camp. Twenty campers joined us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this summer. We participated in several fun projects that centered around the theme of flight. Check out our Facebook page for the SCOTS Camp slideshow. Our Kindergarten Readiness program was held on August 10 and 11. We enjoyed meeting our new students and helping them prepare for their kindergarten year. We are looking forward to seeing our students back in the classroom and welcoming our new faculty members on September 6. See you soon!
Below is some information you may find helpful:
-Classroom Schedules: During the first few days of school, teachers will be sharing their classroom schedule with you. We have set aside 60-90 minutes for each of the core subjects (Math, ELA, and Science/Social Studies). These times may vary according to the grade level. This year there are two sections of Grades K-4 and we are implementing a middle school model in grades 5 and 6. We will continue to provide a full day 5 hour program for our Pre-Kindergarten students.
-Specials: We will continue the 5-day special rotation schedule. Your child will have art, music, library, and at least two PE classes each week. We are excited to add a maker space opportunity for our second and fourth graders and possibly some dance education. More information will be sent home in September.
-Intervention Blocks: Each 5 and 6 grade classroom teacher will provide intervention to their students. Intervention is typically a 30-minute block of time each day where teachers deliver extra help or enrichment in the various subject areas. At the K-4 level, reading intervention will be delivered by our RTI/AIS staff. We have added some extra support at the primary level this year with the addition to focused WIN (What I Need) time for grades K-4.
-Grades 3-6 New York State Testing: This year we administered the New York State ELA and Math Assessments. Our teachers and support staff will be sharing the results of these tests with you in September and providing any necessary academic support.
-New Faces: We are excited to welcome our new Superintendent, Mr. James Bennefield, and our new Junior/Senior High Principal, Mr. John Galarneau. We have been collaborating this summer on setting our district goals. I look forward to the great things we can accomplish for our ACS students.
-Open House: Our annual Open House will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023. We look forward to opening up our school this year and having our families visit our classrooms.
-Parent Teacher Conferences: Mark your calendars for November 13, 2023 and December 1, 2023. Our classroom teachers will be sending home information very soon.
-Attendance Matters: This is a goal we are working on this year. It’s important to have our students here at school everyday. Research shows that missing 10 percent of schools days can negatively affect a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month. We will be working with our families this year to ensure good attendance and support our students in any way we can.
Please know my door is always open. You can contact me anytime and I will do my best to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Thank you again for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you at our family events.
Sincerely,
Dawn Wood
Elementary Principal