As we move into our summer vacation, please continue to have your children read each day for at least 30 minutes. They have worked so hard this past year and I want them to continue with their good habits. We will be sending a summer reading list home with the final report cards on May 28, 2010. I also encourage you to take your child to the public library or book store to select additional books to read over the summer. Some students will be required to take an Accelerated Reader test on the selected books during the first ten days of school upon their return.
In spite of the budget cuts and financial challenges, our students still received a first-class education. Because of your support and teachers using their personal funds, we were able to provide many of the same classroom experiences as in previous years. After this last legislative session, it was decided that for the second year, schools would not receive any monies for instructional classroom supplies, library enhancement, professional development, or technology. Without these funds from the state, it makes it quite difficult to continue some services. There may be times in the upcoming year when you may be asked to provide financial assistance to the school. I would like to thank you in advance for your support.
To prepare for the upcoming year, there are several things that I would like to purchase prior to August. As most of you know, I have a passion for technology. I want our students at ASFL to be equipped with the tools neccessary to thrive in a technological society. In order to achieve my vision of every classroom being a 21st century classroom, there are several pieces of equipment that are needed for each classroom: Interactive Activboard, ELMO document camera, LCD projector, and a wi-fi laptop computer. Most of these materials are high-ticket items; although, I have received several wi-fi laptops donated by the U.S. Corp of Engineers. I have BIG dreams! However, we can begin small with purchasing items that will support the integration of technology.
I gave all of that background information to explain why I am approving next week as Casual for a Cause week. The students will be allowed to pay $5.00 and wear their casusal clothes for the entire week. You may donate more, if you desire. The funds will be used to purchase the following items:
- Access points for each wing of the building; wi-fi capability
- Ink cartridges for the three donated networked printers; thanks to the U.S. Corp of Engineers
- Technology professional development
- Required material to upgrade donated laptops that do not have wi-fi or bluetooth capability; I would like each classroom to have at least one wi-fi laptop computer; again thanks to the U.S. Corp of Engineers for the support with technology
In closing, I would like to wish you a very relaxing summer. If you need to contact me, please send me an e-mail. This is probably the best way to contact me at anytime. I will also be communicating with you via the parent blog, e-mail, or Parent Link.
Upcoming Events
May 20 - AR store will be open; Elementary Field Day; all students may wear casual clothes; no charge
May 21 - Student-Faculty Basketball game @ 1:45 p.m.; all students may wear casual clothes; no charge
May 24 - K-2 Awards Program @ 9:00 a.m.; 3-5 Awards Program @ 1:30 p.m.; this is Casual for a Cause Week; $5.00 charge; I suggest that the students wear Sunday dress for the awards program. They may change into play clothes.
May 25 - 6-7 Awards Program @ 1:30 p.m.
May 26 - 8th Grade Graduation @ 9:00 a.m.
May 27 - Parent volunteers needed to supervise students while teachers participate in professional development activity; 8:30 - 11:30 and 11:30 - 2:30
May 28 - Full day for students; Final report cards distributed; Parent volunteers needed to supervise students while teachers participate in professional development activity; 8:30 - 11:30 and 11:30 - 2:30
