From the Director’s Desk
Dr. Wayne R. Millette

We are rapidly approaching the last few days of the 2006-2007 school year.  This is always an exciting time of the year for students.  We have many special activities planned for the students.  However, we still need to concentrate on the academics and we need your assistance.  Please continue to send your child to school ready to learn.  The last day of school for the 2006-2007 school year is Tuesday June 12.

I am close to completing my first year as Director at New Beginnings Academy and I must report that it has been a great and exciting year.  I have enjoyed getting to know all the students, staff, and parents at the school.  Thank you all for your wonderful support all year long.  A lot of good things have been accomplished this year, and next year promises to be even better. 

Have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you the rest of this year and next year as well.                     

New Computers  

All computers in the computer lab will be replaced over the summer.  This exciting change will give us the opportunity to incorporate the latest technology and learning software into the curriculum.  Our goal is to replace every computer in the building over the next two years. 

NEW POSITIONS FOR 2007-2008

Technology Director (part time)
With the upgrade of all new computers in the computer lab, we hope to use the lab to infuse greater use of technology to enhance learning.  The Technology Director will work 20 hours per week and teach every class in the building. 

Math Specialist (part time)
This position will focus on learners who need the greatest assistance in mathematic. This person will work with students in small groups and individually to supplement their in-class math curriculum. 

YEARBOOKS

There are a few more yearbooks available for purchase for this 2006-2007 school year.  The cost for yearbooks is $10.00 and they can be purchased in the office.

2007-2008 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Attached is the approved 2007-2008 School Calendar.  You may find it helpful as you plan for next year.

LOST AND FOUND 

Be sure to check the lost and found box in the main hallway of the gym!  Any items remaining at the end of the school year will be donated to charity.  The bin is currently overflowing.

Some parents ask about which teacher their child will have the following year.  We have a process for assigning students and do not accept request for a particular teacher.  There are several reasons why we do not allow specific teacher selections: 

1. Each child has a certain learning style and each teacher has a particular teaching strategy.  We try to match that as best possible.

2. We do not want to burden a particular class with a certain specific instructional or emotional needs.  This would be unfair to the students and the teacher.

3. There are certain combinations of children that should not be together all day.  We try to prevent that as best possible given that we have only a few sections at each level.

4. We attempt to balance classes by gender, although instructional and emotional needs take precedent.

5. If we allow parents to choose a particular teacher, some may not get their wish because the class is full and that would not be fair to those parents.

6. If we allow parents to simply choose a particular teacher, many or all of the above conditions may not be met.  That is not good for the overall balance of our school.

7. If a child is in Kindergarten, second, or fourth grade, they will remain in the same class unless:  A particular teacher leaves which requires a change; or, one of the above reasons for assignment exists.

We take class assignments very seriously, and our staff works together very well and knows all the students.  For new students, we have parents complete an informational form on their child because we do want input from the parents.  However, please know that for the reasons stated above, a specific request will not be recognized.  Your cooperation and trust in this matter will be appreciated.  The class lists will not be available until mid-August.

FACT FAMILY TO BE RE-NAMED PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

In an attempt to better reflect and capture to important work of our current FACT Family organization, we are changing the organization name to the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).  Starting fall of 2007, we will also request $20.00 PTO dues payment from each New Beginnings Academy family.  The dues will be used to reduce and subsidize field trips and other activities at school. 

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH – RESPONSIBILITY

The virtue for June is responsibility.  This is an appropriate virtue for this month because of the need for students to take responsibility for maintaining a focus on school as we get close to the end of the year.  We have a lot of activities planned but still need to focus on academics right to the end of school.  Your assistance with this will be appreciated.

PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM 

We are actively recruiting students to fill our pre-school program for the 2007-2008 school year.  The program is not yet a certainty.  We are at the mercy of the State.  Once the State approves pre-school funding for next year, we will know shortly after, if our application will be funded.  Thus, we are planning for the program in the mean time.  I recommend that parents interested in the program establish a back-up plan in case the State decides not to fund the program.

I am very proud of our staff members Tracy Spears and Danielle Birdyshaw for working diligently in establishing the pre school program.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARDS

Awards will be given each month to students who have perfect attendance. To earn such an award, the student must:

* Not miss any school for any reason that month (not even a half day).

* Not be tardy more than three (3) times for the entire trimester. If a student is tardy more than three times in one trimester, he/she cannot earn a perfect attendance award for any month in that trimester.

Students who have earned the perfect attendance award for May are:

Ms. Deska’s Class  Ryan Brown Jasmine Embry Kyra Frye Jayla Fuller Kayla Glispie Layna Herron Hayley Johnson Jordan Sheets   Ms. Crout’s Class  Willaim Allen Tyler Harrison Charis Henderson Arius Richmond Josephina Stylles Aziah Whitfield   Mr. Kojiro’s Class  Dorian Cooper Cameron Howell Jovan- Mckinney-Woods Larry Brooks

Mrs. Smith’s Class  Jocelyn Harris Ashlie Hill Alexis Macklin Savion Patterson Kendrick Purifoy-Cummings Kamryn Thomas Jeshawn Whitfield   Ms. Barton’s Class  Jaylen Boone Bre’Onna Washington Courtney Bow Dillon Carrington Teresa DeBacker Aidan Reid Markeisha Wilson Angel Wirrick Domanique Brooks Douglas Hampton

Mr. Parks Class  O’livia Anderson-Williams Bernard Bonner Cameron Bow London Carrington Keanna Hughes Tyler Morris Erin Reid   Mrs. Brooks Class  Katherine Acosta Jadah Anderson Robert Ducharme Matthew Stafford   Mrs. Burton’s Class  Beyounce Bonner Maniya McGill Tailyah Morgan Asia Parson Brianna Henderson Cody Osgood

 

DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, June 11                   Fifth Grade Graduation    9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 12                   Field Day & Cookout     LAST DAY OF SCHOOL 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR  Wednesday, August 29          Parent Orientation for 2007-2008 – 6:30 p.m. in Gym  Tuesday, September 4           FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR 2007-2008

•  I am a good person.

• I can and will learn.

• I will work toward positive goals with the help of my parents and my teacher.

• I am proud of myself, my home, and my community.

• I am a New Beginnings student.

Have a safe and joyful summer!