September 2010 Newsletter
A Great Beginning
I want to thank everyone who attended our Annual Ice Cream Social. It was a terrific way to begin our year together. I know the teachers enjoyed getting to meet both students and their families. A huge thank you to Miamisburg Assembly of God, one of our community partners, who for the second year in a row donated a complete set of school supplies for every Mark Twain student! I also want to thank our PTO for their contributions to such a successful start of the new school year.
School Fees
School fees are due each year. Fees for the 2010-2011 school year are:
Kindergarten $15.00
Grades 1 & 2 $45.00
Grades 3, 4, & 5 $30.00
Checks should be made payable to Mark Twain Elementary. Questions or concerns can be directed to our school secretary, Mrs. Jones (866-2581).
Word of the Month – Respect
Each month our school counselor and teaching staff will introduce and target a positive character trait. Our word for September is Respect. Each month we will add a new trait while continuing to promote the ones from previous months. We hope you will join us in building a safe and nurturing school environment.
New School Hours
Just a reminder that school begins at 8:45 a.m. this year. Students must be in their class room by 8:45 to avoid being considered tardy. We recommend that all students not eating breakfast be dropped off or arrive at school not later than 8:40 a.m. to avoid being counted as tardy.
Breakfast
Breakfast begins at 8:25 a.m. If your child is eating breakfast at school, please make sure they are at school and ready to enter the building at 8:25 a.m. Our tardy bell rings at 8:45 a.m. and all students should be in their classrooms and ready to begin instruction by that time.
Arrival and Dismissal
Please help us to provide a safe and orderly arrival and dismissal. Students that are arriving or departing from school in a car should be dropped off (8:25 a.m.) and picked up (3:25 a.m.) from the “loop” off of Richard Street. Students walking to school with or without parents may enter the school grounds from either Richard Street or from Ninth Street. Be sure to use the sidewalks provided. If entering from Ninth Street, please remind your child to use the sidewalk area along the fence. No one should be walking through the parking area during arrival or dismissal.
Progress Book
We will go live with Progress Book after fall break. Progress Book will allow you to log in and view your child’s grades on line. We will send out login information in late October.
40 Developmental Assets
The Forty Developmental Assets were established as a guide to help young people grow up healthy, caring and responsible. Each month I will share five from the list of forty.
1. Family Support – Family life provides high levels of love and support.
2. Positive Family Communication – Youth and their parents communicate positively, and youth are willing to seek advice
and council from parents.
3. Other Adult Relationships – Youth receives support from three or more non-parent adults.
4. Caring Neighborhood – Youth experiences caring neighbors.
5. Caring School Climate – School provides a caring, encouraging environment.
Upcoming Events
Friday, Sept. 3rd – Principals Reading Challenge Pizza Party (During lunch)
Monday, Sept. 6th – Labor Day: No School
Tuesday, Sept. 7th – PTO Entertainment Book Fundraiser Sale Ends
Tuesday, Sept. 7th – Market Day Pick Up (6:00-7:00 PM) Gym
Tuesday, Sept. 7th – PTO Meeting (6:30 PM) Library
Wednesday, Sept 15th – Fall Picture Day (Flyers will be sent home w/details)
Thursday, Sept. 16th – Board of Education Meeting (7:00 PM) Neff Board Room
Friday, Sept. 17th – Donuts for Dads (7:45 AM) Gym
Tuesday, Sept. 21st – COSI on Wheels – “It’s Simply Chemistry”
