Starting the School Year
July 30, 2018
Dear Elementary Parents,
Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year. We hope that your family has enjoyed the summer months and your children are eager for the start of school. During the summer, we have been preparing for a great school year.
When you walk on campus, you will notice a number of facilities improvements in the elementary school. Some examples include air filtration and cooling throughout the entire elementary building (including hallways), a pilot 4th floor with expanded lighting and flexible furniture, an expansion of “Little Dragons Park” on the playground which includes climbing boulders and a ‘Secret Bamboo Garden’, an additional room for small group instruction, some hallway furniture for small group work, and an expanded recycling and resource room.
As the school year begins, you will notice a number of educational improvements. We have expanded our staffing by adding an elementary counselor position and three EAL positions, which now allows each grade level to have one full-time EAL teacher to work with the students in only that grade level, and we have created an Explorers Program Coordinator position to increase the quantity and quality of field trips and guest speakers.
You will receive a separate email with additional information about your child’s orientation process for the start of this school year.
Sincerely,
Daniel J. Keller, PhD
Elementary School Principal
Important Dates for Start of School
The following events are relevant for students in all grades:
| Grades | Date | Time | Event | Notes |
| All grades | August 3 | 17:00 | Communicating Class Lists | All parents will be emailed class assignments for their children. Class lists will also be displayed in the Atrium on August 6. |
| August 16 | 18:00 – 20:00 | Curriculum Night | This event is intended for parents only. |
The following events are relevant for specific grades:
| Grades | Date | Time | Event | Notes |
| Early childhood and Kindergarten | August 7 | Time varies | Interview: Teacher, Parent, Student meetings | For half of class: Additional information will be sent in a separate letter |
| August 8 | Time varies | Interview: Teacher, Parent, Student meetings | For other half of class: Additional information will be sent in a separate letter | |
| August 9, 10 | 7:45-15:00 | Staggered start | Additional information will be sent in a separate letter | |
| August 13 | 7:45-15:00 | First day of full classes for all early childhood students. | Please bring students to classrooms | |
| Grades 1-5 | August 7 | Time varies | New school year orientation | Additional information will be sent in a separate letter |
| August 8, 9, 10 | 7:45-15:00 | First full day of classes | Please bring students to the “Atrium” in the mornings to meet their class teacher. | |
| Grades 4, 5 | August 7 | 14:00 – 16:00 | Technology Orientation for Parents and Students | This introduces the laptop program guidelines, requirements, and supports. Students should bring their laptops. Additional information will be provided. |
