Welcome from the Lower Division Dean

I trust this note finds you well and your family has had a restorative summer. In anticipation of the beginning of a new school year, I write to share information relevant to our return.

The Big Read
In June, students and families were invited to participate in a community-wide author study featuring the works of Jaqueline Woodson. As we return to campus, we will engage in a range of activities associated with her books. More information will be shared in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you haven’t yet secured a copy of the Woodson book assigned to your child’s class, please call the office–we have extra copies available for borrowing!

Daily Schedule
The lower division’s academic school day now runs from 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Our dismissal time has been adjusted to accommodate more time for gentler transition periods throughout the day. Lower division students will also enjoy an additional afternoon recess.

Orientation
Orientation will take place on August 23 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.. Students will be greeted by their teachers and preview their classrooms and schedules. More information about the details of the day can be found through your guardian Pirate Page. Please reach out to me with any additional questions.

Conclusion
My colleagues and I remain devoted to a team-oriented approach to ensuring that your child’s education is caring and first-rate. This summer, our teachers’ professional development experiences included studies in the teaching of reading and writing, social and emotional learning, learning and the brain, music, Spanish, project-based learning, and student leadership. As a result, we are especially eager to greet you and our students this fall with newly discovered knowledge and a renewed sense of energy and insight. Thank you for your continued patience, trust, and feedback as we step into a new year together.

Go Pirates!

Respectfully,

Kate Bitter
Dean of the Lower Division