August 20, 2014

Dear Families,

First grade is such a special year in the life of your child. It is a year of tremendous
growth, as your child faces new experiences. We will not only be building upon the
excellent foundation established at home and in kindergarten, but we also will be
learning meaningful applications and extensions of newly explored knowledge and
skills. In order to have a success start to the school year, we thought it might be helpful
to reiterate some key information.

Please remember that children are allowed to enter the building at 7:55 a.m. This
provides them with enough time to organize belongings BEFORE instruction promptly
begins at 8:05. If they arrive prior to the 7:55 a.m. time your child(ren) should go to
morning recess. We encourage the children to arrive prior to the 7:55 a.m. time. This
allows children the opportunity to socialize before beginning their school day.

It is extremely important to notify us if there is any change in how your child is going
home in the afternoon. Please send a note detailing any change from what is the
customary procedure for your child. Additionally, if any last minute changes need to be
made, please call Michelle Saling (509-2258) at the Lower School office. She will make
sure we are informed of any changes. Do not leave that information on our
voicemail, as we may not hear our messages until after the school day is over.

We look forward to meeting with you to discuss the first grade curriculum, our goals,
and the classroom environment during Parents' Night, which will be held on Thursday,
August 28th, at 7:00 p.m. In each classroom the room parents will be introduced.
Thanks go to Fran Meyers, Shannon Crane, Beth Harpster, and Sara Kate Hill for
volunteering to take on these important positions. If you find that you have any
questions that cannot wait until Parents' Night, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you have not already completed the emergency medical form and health history forms
(these can be found online), please remember to do so. Additionally, please send in P.E.
shoes, swim suits (goggles optional), art smocks, and an extra change of clothing.
Please label all clothing and shoes with your childs name.

Educating children is a very important task. It is both a science and an art. We know
that with your support we can make this a successful year for your child. Thank you for
sharing your child with us.

Sincerely,
The First Grade Team

Ashley Schreiber and Cyndi Yakscoe Beth Klug and Taylor Edwards

Sarah Warstler and Katie Neenan Julie Simmons and Beth Downing