September 2011

Gayhead
Elementary
School
September 2011
Gayhead Elementary School, 15 Entry Road, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 Telephone:845-227-1756
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year at Gayhead!! I hope you have had a wonderful
summer, full of fun and relaxation.
We have a busy month as we step off into the new school year. On September 9th
th
Gayhead School re-dedicated our September 11 garden in the front of the building.
Staff and students proudly wore their red, white and blue. Mr. Olavarría spoke, Mrs.
Hack spoke and Mr. Nurre read ―The American Hero,‖ a poem by Roger J. Robicheau
to our students and staff. Please see the next page for pictures and words to the
poem.
15 Entry Road
Hopewell Junction, NY
12533
Phone:
845-227-1756
Fax:
845-227-1764
Our children…Our
future
During the second week of school we have Parents as Partners Nights – September 13
will be for the Number Team classes and September 14 will be for the Letter Team
classes and kindergarten. Both evening meetings are from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, September 20, the Gayhead PTA will meet at 7:00pm in our small
cafeteria. Please try to attend this informative and enjoyable evening.
Our Board of Education will meet in the auditorium at Wappingers Junior High School
th
on September 12th and 26 . Public session begins at 7:30. There is no school on
Thursday September 29.
As we begin a new school year, I’d just like to remind parents that buses may be a little
off schedule for the first few days of school until everyone gets used to the routine. We
appreciate your patience and understanding.
There will be a breakfast program every morning here at Gayhead starting the first day
of school. The cost is $1.15. Please see inside this newsletter for more information.
In addition, the price for school lunch has changed to $2.30.
Please visit our website to keep up with what’s going on in our school and for important
dates and announcements – just go to www.wappingersschools.org, click on
SCHOOLS on the top bar, look on the left side of the page for Gayhead Elementary
School and click there. When our page comes up on your computer, you can choose
from several different links to find information. On the left side about mid-way down
you’ll find a link to our calendar to learn about events here at school. You’ll also find a
link to our newsletter which we hope you will check out each month.
If you wish to be notified in the event of an unexpected emergency early
dismissal, please send a note to my office with your child’s name, teacher’s
name, the name of the person who should be notified and the telephone number
where that person can be reached.
If you have any questions concerning your child’s progress, please do not hesitate to
contact your child’s teacher. Please do not wait until the November report card
conferences if you have concerns about your child.
Have a terrific fall season!
Sincerely,
José J. Olavarría
The American Hero by Roger Robicheau
The American Hero always comes through
To capture our hearts with a spirit so true.
Some proudly are soldiers who march in harm‟s
way
Insuring our freedom, courageous they stay.
While others come forth as civilians so brave
Determined in purpose, so steadfast to save.
We should always keep clear a place in our heart
For each has a value beyond precious art.
Their duty to country will not be surpassed.
Please honor their courage, for some it‟s their
last
We live in world which can be hard to bear.
Thank God for these people, how greatly they
care
Do ponder new heroes and what they will face
And pray for their safety no matter their place.
Our heritage brings out the best, we all know
Our great book of heroes is destined to grow.
Beginning the first day of school, September 6, 2011 “grab „n go”
breakfast will be available every morning for purchase in the
kitchen.
If your child wants to purchase breakfast, your child should get off
the bus at the 2nd Gayhead bus stop (Main Entrance) and go
through the cafeteria to the kitchen. The children will chose items
for their “grab „n go” bag, then head right to their classroom where
they‟ll eat and drink what‟s in their bags as students settle down to
start the day. Wrappers and containers go back in the bag which
are then are tossed in the trash.
GRAB AND GO BREAKFAST -- $1.15
Choose One:
* Egg Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bagel or Roll
OR
* WW Bagel/Roll w/Cream Cheese or Butter
OR
* Breakfast Bar
OR
* String Cheese with ½ Bagel or Roll
Choice of Juice – Apple or Orange
Choice of Milk
Breakfast may be purchased with cash or your child may use his or
her account (PIN number).
If your child is eligible to receive a free or reduced price lunch, he
or she is eligible for free or reduced price breakfast. The reduced
breakfast meal price is $ .25.
We would like to mention a reminder concerning the dropping off of children in the morning. Children
should not be dropped off prior to 8:50 a.m. Your cooperation is appreciated. If you wish to drop your
children off, please do so at the lower parking lot where our staff members are there to assist with a
safe drop off for your child. Please drive slowly. We thank you for your cooperation in following these
directions.
Please remember, it is unlawful to pass school buses when they have their red lights flashing,
even when on school property.
If your child has a medical or dental appointment and it is necessary for you to pick your child up from
school, during the school day or at dismissal time, please send a note on the day you will be picking
up your child. We must have the name of the person who will pick up – even if it’s the mother or
father –so please include that in your note. We absolutely need to know the name of the person who
will pick up.
If you are picking up during the school day, please come to the main office. If you are picking up at
dismissal, please come to the lower level entrance near the lower playground. Doors open at 3:25
p.m. when parents/guardians will sign their children out on our lower level.
Please do not call the office to arrange pick-up. This manner of notifying the office and teacher can
be confusing not only for your child, but for the teacher (who may be in the middle of a test or
teaching a lesson). It’s also difficult to track down teachers and students especially at the end of the
day. What it comes down to is a matter of safety. In order to avoid a mistake or confusion, PLEASE
send a note with your child if you are picking up.
Of course we understand that emergencies occur and we will certainly accommodate those
emergencies. Thank you again for your understanding and cooperation.
SEPTEMBER 2011
9/6
Tue.
First Day of School
9/13
Tue.
Parents As Partners Meetings in
Number Team Classes
6:30-7:30pm
9/14
Wed. Parents As partners Meetings in
Letter Team Classes & Kindergarten 6:30-7:30pm
9/20 Tue.
We’re on the Web!
See us at:
www.wappingersschools.org
9/12
PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m. – small cafeteria
(Coffee and greetings 6:45 p.m.)
Board of Educ. - 7:30 p.m. – Wappingers Junior H.S.
9/29
No School
9/26
Board of Educ. – 7:30 – Wappingers Junior H.S.
OCTOBER 2011
10/10
No School – Columbus Day
10/12, 13, 14 Book Fair – (Friday, Oct. 14 – Ice Cream Social 6-8pm)
10/12
PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m. – small cafeteria
(Coffee and greetings 6:45 p.m.)
10/17
Board of Educ. – 7:30 p.m.
10/28 & 29
School Pictures
Enjoy the beautiful fall season!
Greater Newburgh YMCA staff member recognized as
―Outstanding Director of the Year‖
Marcia Smoot, Greater Newburgh YMCA before and after school Site Director at
Gayhead Elementary School, has recently been recognized as the ―Dutchess County
Outstanding School-Age Childcare Director of the Year‖ by the Childcare Council.
Marcia strives to provide enriching activities for the children in the YMCA program in a
safe and nurturing environment.
The Greater Newburgh YMCA will again be offering their popular before and after school
program at Gayhead Elementary School.
The morning program runs from 7:00AM to the start of school and the after school
program runs from dismissal to 6:00PM. Activities include homework assistance, arts
and crafts, creative games, community service projects and indoor and outdoor
recreation utilizing ―SPARK‖ and ―CATCH‖ programs. YMCA programs stress their core
values – Honesty, Caring, Responsibility and Respect.
For more information and registration forms please visit www.newburghymca.org or call
845-562-1088.
Ready to learn
Setting up routines
Bruce and John are close friends with similar abilities.
Bruce does well in school, but John struggles. He
often seems tired and misses assignments.
Why the difference? One reason is that Bruce’s family establishes daily routines to
help him do his best. Consider the routines below to make your child feel more…
Relaxed. Music can help your child avoid the morning rush. Play a soothing tape
and ask him to be dressed and ready by the time it’s over. Tip: On Sundays, have
him put each day’s outfit for the coming week on hangers labeled Monday through
Friday.
Energized. A good breakfast increases concentration. Offer your youngster healthy
choices. Examples: a whole-wheat bagel with peanut butter; orange juice blended
with fruit and yogurt; instant oatmeal.
Connected. Talking about the school day lets your child know you care. Ask him to
share two good things that happened during the day. Prompt him with specific
questions, such as ―Which multiplication tables did you practice?‖
Prepared. Studying a little every day is the best way to learn new material. Help
your youngster choose a time for homework when he is most alert—and try not to
change it.
Rested. A set bedtime helps kids fall asleep more quickly. Suggest that your child
get in bed 15 minutes early -- to read, make up stories, or talk quietly with you. ♥