Dear Parents,

We had a wonderful beginning to the 2009-10 school year. Most of the children are diligently wearing their uniforms, there is a sense of respect among all students, and everyone is working hard daily to raise our academic results. There are daily smiles and so many reasons for them. Among them are:

• Our Welcome Back! Picnic and Health Fair was our best ever! Thank you for coming.
• We have welcomed 17 new teachers into our family:  Mrs. Hojsan – Grade 4, Mrs. Cartonia – Grade 4,  Mrs. Glomb – Grade 5, Mr. Killinger – Physical Education, Ms. Relyea – Vocal Music, Ms. Bugenhagen – Vocal Music, Ms. Whitefield – Instrumental Music, Ms. Sciolino – Reading Coach, Ms. Poplawski – Guidance Counselor,  Ms. Connor – Technology Integration, Ms. Scheiten – Special Education, Ms. Lee – ESL, Mr. Bodkin – Math, Ms. Oswald – Math, Mr. Snekser – ELA, Mr. Clauss – Science and Ms. Noonan – Social Studies.
• Project Wisdom announcements – a daily announcement of stories and sayings that promote right choices and character education and start the day off on a positive note.
• A continuation of our Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Program (FFVP) which provides a daily healthy snack. This will begin October 1.

The Waterfront School Association is looking for more parent volunteers to help us in our many programs. Please respond to the flyer that will be coming home shortly. The adage goes “Many hands make work light.” We need those hands! Take an active role in making Waterfront School the best it can be.

A new addition to my monthly newsletter will be some book suggestions that are worthwhile family and individual reading. Reading together bonds families and also provides opportunities for worthwhile family discussions and the teaching of family values. These books are readily available in both the public and school library. This month’s selections are:

K-2

• Strega Nona, T. dePaola
• How to Lose All Your Friends, N. Carlson
• Stone Fox, J. Reynolds Gardiner
• Amazing Grace, M. Hoffman

3-5

• Thank You, Mr. Falker, P. Polacco
• Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman, K. Krull
• The Other Side, J. Woodson

6-8

• Number the Stars, L. Lowry
• Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, M. Taylor
• Tuck Everlasting, N. Babbitt

May October be bountiful in its blessings to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Linda Brancatella,

Principal of Waterfront #95