Summer 2009

Thank you to students and families for a wonderful school year.  I can’t believe how fast it went by and how much students learned.  As the last days are upon us, I have heard about some important things students learned this year.  Some of the ideas are typical, “I learned to multiply” and “I learned to add two digits with carrying.”  Other comments have been humorous and/or touching. “I learned that my mom was right, if I keep practicing, I can become better at reading!” and “I learned there are two Washingtons; one is a city and ours is the state” (This was a 2nd grader!).

When I ask students what they are going to do during this summer and what kinds of things their parents expect them to do, you’ll be pleased to know the good ‘ole’ values are still around.  Many students will go fishing, ride bikes, some baby sit, most have jobs they have to do around the house, and almost 100% say Mom or Dad will make them read every day!!  Please use this if your child says, “No one else has to do this!”  Now you know all parents promote reading.

Some exciting end of the year activities included Ms. Conte’s class selling more than $1,000 worth of apples during recesses.  Her students donated the money to the O Ambassador Fund and their donation purchased a cow, a pig and 4 trios of rabbits. The animals are given to families in Latin America to use to start a business and become more self-sufficient.  An anonymous adult was so impressed with what the children did that he donated another $600 that was given to the Feed the Children Foundation. Second grade students competed in their first ever Spelling Bee, all students had a fun week of “Camp Skeeter” activities and Mrs. Culnane’s class had a parade of learning.  These students made small floats and banners as visual evidence of what they learned and actually paraded through the halls.

The staff is planning for next year and much of that effort is focused on using assessment to create instruction. This is called formative assessment.  The WASL gives us a little of that but our local school system has created several common assessments for Monroe’s elementary schools to use in reading and math in all grades and writing assessments for 3rd and 5th grades.  The staff and I will be using the assessment results to guide us to continually create and modify instruction to challenge all the learners in our school. Our students range from highly capable students who choose not to attend the EXCEL program to children just learning their letters. Whatever the skill level, Frank Wagner staff has high expectation for each one.

On another note, several teachers are changing grade assignments and classroom locations.  This is to support our grade level configuration.  If you get a letter this August with a teacher’s name you think teaches * or * it is not a mistake. They are probably teaching a new grade level and may be in a new room. Ms. Rodriguez will be moving too, but just for a short time.  She will be the principal at Maltby Elementary for the first half the year as that school’s principal will be on maternity leave.  Ms. Rodriguez will be back with us in January.  All of us will miss her and especially me!  Mrs. Edmonds will be our Assistant Principal while Ms. Rodriguez is away. 

OPEN HOUSE is set for Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. This is a time for students get acquainted with their new classroom and put into their new desk any supplies from home that they wish to have at school.  You will be able to buy T-shirts, yearbooks, pay for lunches, or drop off completed free and reduced lunch applications. These applications are only good for one year so must be filed again the 2009-10 school year to continue in the program.

Speaking of lunch; the federal government provides funding for any child, enrolled at our school or not, to get a free lunch at Frank Wagner Elementary this summer. The meals start June 29 and lasts until August 14.   The lunch is served in the covered play area from noon to 1 p.m. daily.

Thanks again for a great 2008-09 school year.  I’ll see you in September.

Sincerely,
Robin Fitch
Principal

Neighborhood elementary school attendance areas