November Panther Pause
Now that we have had an early taste of the winter that may be ahead, let me remind you to make sure that you have registered for our School Messenger system, and also have checked out the numerous ways we inform the public of any emergency closings. Should you have any questions, please be sure to let us know as soon as possible so that we may attempt to remedy any specific situation. As this calendar year draws to a close and the upcoming new year, 2012, is upon us, let me remind you to check our website (www.lopatcongschool.org) regularly for updates. Mr. Shea works hard to keep the website up-to-date and current for the many needs of our school community. I ask that you pay special attention to the parent section and inform us if we may improve our communications here at all. Of special interest should be the upcoming podcasts that you may view at your leisure. Specifically the following podcasts will be added to those podcasts and videos already available: Mrs. Dutt and Mrs. Kondikoff will present information that was shared with our Board of Education regarding curriculum and instruction updates and the current and upcoming procedures required by the New Jersey Department of Education, Mr. Bonney will present current information on Power Walkthroughs being conducted by administrators that provide in depth data regarding the teaching and learning in our classrooms based on Robert Marzano’s book entitled Classroom Instruction That Works, and Mr. Krusman along with other Board members will provide current information on the workings of our Board of Education. In addition to this information, please be aware that we are working on expanding our Virtual Backpack to provide information straight to your computer’s in box! You can also find Lopatcong Township School District on Facebook where specific school information can be viewed.
Moreover, now that the first marking period has come to a close, it is my hope that you have met with your child’s classroom teacher to receive updates on his/her academic achievement. Should you still have questions or concerns, I would encourage you to contact your child’s teacher and ultimately the building principal. As administrators, we have been working with staff members to enhance our before-school and after-school program offerings. Programs ranging from before-school tutoring and after-school homework will hopefully be part of larger program offerings that include targeted instructional opportunities along with specialized reading options and study skills sessions. Postings have recently been distributed to staff members via email, and as such, data will be collected by building administrators in order that children’s needs are met. Should you have questions or comments about any of the program options that will be occurring in the near future, please contact your child’s building principal.
Our Special Education Parent Advisory Committee met in October and suggested that program offerings in some social/club activities be made available for both children with special needs as well as typical age peers. Funds were allotted as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act (IDEIA) to allow for some types of programs. In our brainstorming session, we discussed some club activities for children at the intermediate/middle level and some positive parenting sessions for children at the preschool/kindergarten/primary levels. Plans are still being sorted out, and should you be interested in this or have suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Our next Parent Advisory Committee Meeting is listed on our school calendar and is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:00 in the Middle School CST Office. Reminder notices will be sent out as a courtesy; I certainly hope to see you there!
As the spirit of the holiday season is upon us, please take the time to be involved in your child’s education. Working with my daughter as she plans her summer wedding and with my son as he pursues his college degree, I can tell you all too well just how fast time really does fly! Remember that in an article regarding Power Walkthroughs, Howard Pitler and Bryan Goodwin state “…there’s no single right way to teach, great teachers employ a variety of teaching strategies…and use each strategy intentionally”. Similarly, in my opinion, there is no single right way to enjoy or appreciate this special time of year. Cherish the special family times you have together and may 2012 bring you all the best that is possible!
Living and Learning in Lopatcong,