“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” (John F. Kennedy)
I am expecting a great start when the new school year opens on Wednesday, September 9, 2009.When your child walks into the renovated and reconstructed School #43, they will be enjoying facilities that are designed to give the highest level of support to teaching and learning.Beyond the reconstruction, there are other wonderful changes in place for the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year.Additionally, we will be welcoming an expanded student population and additional teachers to serve those students.Many partners and programs have been put in place to work with our students and support their academic, social and emotional well-being.All of these changes give our teachers, students, staff and families all of the tools necessary to have an amazing year of learning & growing.
Over the past three years the performance of students at School #43 on New York State Testing has dramatically improved.In 2006 22% of our students scored as being proficient in English Language Arts.By 2009 55% of students at School #43 met or exceeded New York State standards in English Language Arts.In Math, 23% of our students were proficient in 2006.In 2009 70% of students at School #43 met or exceeded New York State standards in Math.These improvements have come because of the tremendously hard work by our teachers and staff, effort from our students, support from our families and the quality curriculum that the Buffalo Schools have put in place.
The students and families at School #43 will this year be able to access many services that help students focus on school work, resolve problems and grow in their character.Our “Closing the Gap” services consist of three full time staff members to work with our students and families.“Closing the Gap” also provides a wide range of other services and works with local agencies and organizations to help meet all of our student’s needs.We will continue our partnership with Boy’s and Girl’s Club to offer after school tutoring and activities for our students.After school programming with Boy’s and Girls’ Club is held every day until 5:00 pm.Furthermore, WNY United works with our students to develop leadership skills and the skills necessary to avoid trouble.Our school is also continuing to utilize Young Audiences to bring artists and performers into the classroom to provide activities for students.Through these extra supports and activities, students are given every opportunity to do their best in their school work.
As this summer ends, please prepare your child for the beginning of the school year.Discuss with them the wonderful things they will accomplish this year.Also make plans if at all possible to join us at on Wednesday, September 23 for the Lovejoy Discovery School #43 “Open House” held from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.At the open house we will be having an opportunity to see the new building, chances to learn more about your child’s classroom, information about programs at School #43 and other family activities.
“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” (Lao Tzu)
