Dear Peirce Families,
I hope that September is treating your family well! We have settled into routines at Peirce, and we are grateful for everyone’s help with our change in morning arrival procedures. Based on observations and feedback, it seems that all is working smoothly with students entering the building independently.
I look forward to seeing you at Curriculum Night this evening! Teachers will present information about grade-level benchmarks, curriculum, and instructional strategies. PTO Co-Presidents Rebecca Anderson, Maria Conroy, and Suzanne Demeo and I will also hold a general session in the auditorium to give a general overview of life at Peirce School and ways in which all of you can get involved to make this an outstanding learning community. Please see the evening’s schedule below and note that this event is for adults only. If you are unable to join us on Curriculum Night or would like to preview some of the information that will be available that evening, please see the Newton Public Schools’ Curriculum page at: http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/770.
Curriculum Night Schedule (Tuesday, September 26th):
6:30-7:10 Grades 3-5 with teachers in classrooms
7:15-7:45 General Session in Auditorium: Principal and PTO Presidents
7:50-8:30 Grades K-2 with teachers in classrooms
7:00-8:15 Specialists in Gym
We ask that everyone please make a specific effort to visit our Specialists in the Gym.
Early Release: Please remember that dismissal is at 12:30 tomorrow, September 27th!
For Kindergarten Families: Please note that the first long day for Group A will be next Monday, October 2nd. The first long day for Group B will be this Thursday, September 28th.
Volunteer Opportunities: We encourage all parents to think about ways that you might be able to volunteer your time, talents, and energy in the life of our school. Volunteer opportunities may come in the form of field trip chaperones, room parents, Library helpers, coordinators for special curriculum programs, and other roles that teachers will define. If you are interested in volunteering in the school this year in any role, please be aware that you will need to have active CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sex Offender Registry Information) forms on file with the school system. These forms are available in the school office and must be resubmitted every three years. Please note that the forms must be returned with a copy of a Driver’s License or other valid picture ID.
Important Reminder: If your child will be absent from school for any reason, please call the Student Absence Line at 617-559-9650 before 8:00. Please do this even if you have also sent an email to your child’s teacher.
Flu Clinic: This year’s flu clinic will be held on October 6th. Attached are the forms, which are due on October 4th.
Flu Vaccine 2017 Student Forms.pdf
PTO/Principal Coffee Dates: You are invited to join the principal and PTO Presidents for coffee this Friday, September 29th, at 8:35 a.m. in the Art Room. Future coffees will be held in the Art Room (8:35-9:15 a.m.) on November 17th, January 12th, February 2nd, March 16th, and May 11th.
Early Release Dates: Please note that the following Wednesdays and Thursdays will have dismissal at 12:30 for the purpose of professional development and conferences: September 27th, November 2nd, December 7th, February 7th, March 8th, and May 3rd.
Winter Concert Date: Please mark your calendars for the Fourth and Fifth Grade Band/Strings/Chorus Winter Concert. The concert will be held on January 23rd (snow date: January 30th). There will be 10:00 a.m. (for students and staff only) and 7:00 p.m. (for families) performances.
Spring Concert Date: Please mark your calendars for the Fourth and Fifth Grade Band/Strings/Chorus Spring Concerts. The Fourth Grade concert will be held on May 22nd. The Fifth Grade concert will be held on May 29th. There will be 10:00 a.m. (for students and staff only) and 7:00 p.m. (for families) performances.
Photo Retakes: Our school portrait retake day is scheduled for Thursday, November 2nd.
With best wishes,
Mark Chitty