FROM THE DIRECTOR

Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year.  The first few days of school have gone very well.  The students are adjusting rapidly and it is going to be a great year. 

This newsletter is one of many ways we communicate with parents.  It will be sent home at the beginning of each month.  Please take a few minutes to read the important information in this newsletter.  Another way to find out information is through our web site.  The information is updated frequently. We will soon be launching a brand new website.

Over the summer we made many adjustments to improve the quality of education we deliver to our students.  The following are a few of the exciting changes:

• Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has replaced FACT Family as the main parent organization for parents at school.
• All brand new computers were purchased for the computer lab.
• Mrs. Erin Smith (former 2/3 teacher) is now the Technology Coordinator and will run the computer lab.  She will also serve as a math specialist for all students in the building.
• Mrs. Loretta Downing was hired as a new 2/3 teacher.  She formally served as our Librarian for many years before completing her teacher certificate last year.  We are very excited to have her back.

• Mrs. Amber Pelphrey (former Teaching Assistant), has been moved into the main office to assist Mrs. Timothea Bow.

• Mrs. Sheri Gerlinger has replaced Mrs. Alyssa Schlosser as the Resource Room teacher.  Mrs. Schlosser and her family moved to Pennsylvania over the summer. 

I am very excited about the many positive changes at New beginnings Academy.   I hope to see you at future school sponsored activities.  Thank you for your continued support.

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH – UNITY

Each month we focus on a different virtue. For September, the virtue is unity. Teachers do special activities focusing on this virtue, and we recognize students who are demonstrating this virtue in a special way. Please help us in promoting this activity by reminding your children of the importance of character development.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent-teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, September 27 (6-8pm), and Friday, September 28 (8am-4pm).  For those of you who are new to New Beginnings Academy, conferences are held at times to best accommodate your schedule.  The first conference is designed for you to work with the teacher and your child in creating the best learning environment for your child.  Please make an appointment to see your child’s teacher as soon as possible.

ATTENDANCE/TARDIES 

It is important that students are in school on a regular basis and on time.  We have not been tracking tardies this week because of all of us getting use to the new school year, and for many students and parents the new surroundings.  However, beginning Monday, September 10, any student who is not in class by 8:15 a.m. must report to the office and will receive a tardy pass.  Please review the Parent and Student Handbook for the attendance policy.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL 

Please help us make the arrival and dismissal safe and efficient by following the guidelines established.  The guidelines were placed in the enrollment packet.

·        Do not park in front of the school during arrival and dismissal times (not even to drop off forms in the office). 

·        Stay in line and we will deliver your child to you vehicle.

·        Do not park your vehicle in any of the Auto parts store spaces.

If you are going to pick your child up early for an appointment outside the school, please call in early so that we can have your child in the office when you arrive.  This will help minimize disruptions in the classroom.  Please do not pick your child up early to avoid the traffic during dismissal.  This is not an acceptable reason for early dismissal and sets a poor example for students.  Your cooperation in making our arrival and dismissal processes safe and efficient will be appreciated.

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS

Please make arrangements with your child’s teacher to visit or volunteer.  Your name will then be placed on a list in the main office and when you check (sign the roster) in you will be given the appropriate pass to go to the classroom. 
 

SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS 

Michigan weather and other factors in Michigan are unpredictable.  There is sometimes the need to cancel school because of dangerous weather conditions, power outages, or other reasons.  If we do have to cancel school because of weather, or any other reason, it will be announced on the following stations: 

WJR RADIO (760 AM)
WEMU RADIO (89.1 FM)
FOX TV (CHANNEL 2)
WDIV TV (Channel 4)
WXYZ TV (channel 7) 

The announcement will be for NEW BEGINNINGS ACADEMY.

If we have to cancel school after the students arrive, we will attempt to contact the parents by phone as well as announcing it over the radio and TV.  That is why it is important to keep your child’s emergency information card up to date with phone numbers.

If you have any questions about this procedure, please contact Dr. Millette at the school.

SCHOOL PICTURE DAY – SEPTEMBER 18

We will have school pictures taken on Tuesday, September 18.  We have again contracted with Lifetouch to take the pictures.  Information will be sent to you in the next few weeks about how you can order pictures.  This is also Casual Dress Day, so uniforms are not required that day.

CASUAL DRESS DAY 

Each month we have a Casual Dress Day.  On this day, students are not required to wear uniforms.  However, we do expect appropriate dress and shirts are to be tucked in.  Typically this special day is on a Friday each month.  However, since School Pictures are going to be taken on Tuesday, September 18, and uniforms are not required, we are making that our Casual Dress Day for September.

FORMS, FORMS, FORMS 

There seems to be a form for everything!  However, these are necessary for various reasons.  We take safety very seriously at New beginnings Academy.  Please complete all the forms promptly and turn them in to your child’s teacher.  Thank you for your cooperation and patience in this matter.
 

NCLB COMPLIANCE

The federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation requires schools to annually publish a letter regarding Title I services and qualifications of employees.  That letter is attached to this newsletter.

ANNUAL SCHOOL REPORT 

All Michigan Public Schools are required by law to publish an Annual Education Report for the previous year and make it available to the public.  Please know that the 2006-2007 Annual Education Report for New Beginnings Academy is available to parents in the office.  If you have any questions about the Annual Education Report, please contact Dr. Millette or Mr. Greene.

•  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.