***ARCADIA ELEMENTARY LAST WEEK INFORMATION & REMINDERS***
Parents,
The following is information and reminders for our last week of school. I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by. I have loved working with you and your children. I hope you have a great summer! The first day back to school will now be Wednesday, August 14, 2024.
Parent Teacher Request Letter Clarification
There was some confusion about the teacher request letter I recently sent to parents. The letter is intended to inform parents that they are discouraged from asking for teacher changes after the class lists have been posted on the front windows on July 31, 2024.
The reason for the letter is that inevitably, I have parents request a teacher change after the class lists have been posted and finalized mostly because their children complain their friends are in other classes or they don’t like the teacher to which they have been assigned. These types of requests are disruptive and cause me and the office staff extra work trying to figure out the right student-teacher ratio and if the request is reasonable and can be granted. Normally, I resist changing teachers after the class lists have been posted as parents have had all summer to contact me before the lists are finalized.
I usually post the letter on the windows with the class lists. This year, I’m trying to be more proactive and communicative by sending it home before school lets out as parents tend not to read the notice when looking for their child’s teacher in August.
If you would like to request a teacher for next year, you’ll need to email or drop off a note to me in the office before the third week of July. I will consider each request and do my best to honor it. This year, almost every early parent request was granted.
Upcoming Celebrations
The half-day kindergarten BUG lunch is today at 11:15 a.m. This is a celebration to recognize those in the half-day class for following the school rules and for good behavior.
The Quarterly Principal’s Party will be today at 2:30 p.m. in the gym. We’ll draw 150 purple tickets and invite those drawn to the party. We’ll have snacks and music to dance to. This party is like BUG Lunch as it celebrates students who have consistently followed the school rules and schoolwide behavioral expectations throughout the quarter.
RISE Golden Ticket Drawing: On Tuesday, we will announce the winners of the drawing, who will receive prizes for doing their best on the RISE tests.
Awards Assembly – Our assembly will be on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Teachers chose students for the following categories: Academic Excellence, Most Improved, Citizenship, Perfect Attendance, Superior Attendance, Sportsmanship, Creativity, Leadership, Outstanding Effort/Work Ethic, Positive Attitude, School Service, and Special Talents/Skills. If your child comes home with an award, please praise them, and put the award somewhere everyone in the house can see it.
Preschool End-of-Year Program: Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in the library.
After School Clubs Party: Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in the gym. Thank you to the PTA for hosting this celebration!
Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony: Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the gym.
Kindergarten Graduation: Thursday at 12:00 p.m. in the gym. Parents may check out full-day kindergarteners after the ceremony. Just let me, the teacher, or the secretaries know you are taking your child home. Thursday is the last day for kindergartners. They will have their own field day/beach party. Please check with the teachers on when that will be if you’re interested.
Whole School Lunch & Field Day/Beach Party (Volunteers still needed): Friday at 12:15 p.m. on the front lawn. Students will then be excused to go to the back of the school where the PTA and teachers will be facilitating games and fun activities. If parents want to watch, they must obtain an orange visitor’s pass from the front office. No adults without an orange pass will be allowed in the back of the school during this time.
Thank you for your support this year. Have a great summer. We’re looking forward to an even better year next year!
Warm regards,
Matthew Graham, Principal, Arcadia Elementary School
