Welcome to the New School Year!

August 31, 2009 is the start of a wonderful new beginning. Schools are about the future -- the students we work with today are destined to be our leaders tomorrow. We are privileged to share our values and knowledge with these very special children. Sixty percent of today’s jobs did not exist thirty years ago. Values are challenged as the internet and media extend our exposure to more experiences every day. At the same time the economy restricts and refocuses our lives. 

At St. Mary Magdalen School we are making sure that the quality of education we offer continues to be of the highest caliber. We are totally committed to offering every student every opportunity possible. Our Accreditation report validated the excellence of the school. Every piece of curriculum was evaluated; every relationship and program was examined; school-parent-parish interactions were studied; finances and management were reviewed in depth. There is always room for improvement, but our school received the highest rank with praise and the longest term possible of six years. Recognizing this and grateful for the outstanding work of students, teachers, and parents, we pledge to continue to improve.

SCHOOL FOCAL POINTS FOR 2009-2010

TECHNOLOGY -- Advanced computer literacy classes will be offered to our students.

MATH -- Continued focus on excellence in math with a thorough understanding of the concepts appropriate to each grade level, and with opportunities for enrichment. It has been noted by experts that the standard elementary math curriculum is a “mile long and an inch deep”. It has also been reported that 25% of the population understands math intuitively (are natural mathematicians). The other 75% need structured rules and procedures. We all need to memorize our basic math facts and times tables. Our goal is to provide each student with the method which best meets their learning style.  

PARENT ENRICHMENT – We are inviting parents to informal meetings for open discussions of helpful topics regarding hints and helps and just plain sharing of items relating to student life. We are hoping for parents of all grade levels to attend and share. Our first meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22 at 8:30 AM. We’ll meet in the extension portable or if numbers warrant it, in the parish hall. Our first topic will be organization. Carla Phillips will facilitate the meeting and I, of course, will have some “gems” of advice.J

PENMANSHIP AND PLANNERS – Research supports the benefits of structure and organization. For the month of September I have asked the teachers to ask every student in grades 4-8 to practice exercises in handwriting (cursive). I have also asked them to oversee student planners. Seventh and eighth graders use a different form for planning, but these also will be monitored. Most teachers post their assignments on their classroom websites. However, student participation in the actual writing down and planning for homework is an excellent tool.

HEALTH – We will be concentrating on good health for all this year. Our first attention is drawn to the concern regarding H1N1 (Swine Flu). The actual risk involved in this flu is not evident yet, but we are vigilant in our plans to prevent an outbreak as far as possible. 

To date we know that this flu is pandemic world-wide. We know that we do have instances of it in our area as well as throughout the nation. We are complying with the Health Department guidelines and will keep our parents informed as to what all of us can do to remain healthy.

The main thing that is being stressed at this time is prevention through cleanliness. We ask all parents to help us teach students to cough and sneeze only in their elbows. Students will be required to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before lunch. We ask also that parents keep students home who show even the beginning of flu symptoms. Students who have a fever or are sick to their stomach must remain at home twenty-four hours after the fever has subsided. The school will require any student who is coughing or showing flu-like symptoms to go home immediately.  We sympathize with parents who must leave work or who are inconvenienced. However, it is better to prevent the flu than to experience an outbreak. 

Last year we had one case of a student who came down with the Swine Flu. She was sent to the office immediately as her alert teacher noted that she was not well. Her parents were extremely cooperative and came to get her. Because our students were diligent about washing their hands, the classroom was clean, and the student was removed immediately, no other cases were experienced in our building.

In addition to attention to our students’ preventative procedures, our classrooms will be disinfected regularly. We are confident that all issues of health will improve with our close attention and focus on this important topic.

Yes, we are embarked on a new beginning, filled with excitement, fun, new learnings and friendships. We are united in our faith community and in our mission to provide the absolute best for our students which is the reason we are all here.