
Freeland Learning Center Newsletter
August 30, 2019
First Day of School ~ Tuesday, September 3rd
With the first day of school just around the corner, I wanted to extend a warm welcome to the Learning Center and the 2019-20 school year! We were all very excited to see you earlier this week at our Open House event and are very much looking forward to next Tuesday.
As we approach the first day of school, one of the important routines that I wanted to review is our morning drop-off procedure. For students that are being dropped off, parents may do so at the north set of doors (nearest the parking lot - see Student Drop-off Map). Parents wishing to walk their child into school and down to their classroom are welcome to do so during the first week of school. If you wish to do so, please know that the building does not open until 8:30 and no one is permitted in the hallways/classrooms until our first bell rings at 8:55. Everyone arriving between 8:30 and 8:55 must wait in the gym. When the 8:55 bell rings, the students will be released from the gym, at which time you may accompany your child to his/her locker and classroom before saying goodbye. During the first week of school, it is important for students to develop independence, i.e. leading the way to their desired location (cafeteria/gymnasium, classroom, locker), carrying their own backpacks, etc. If you are planning to accompany your child beyond the first day, I would encourage you to provide them with the opportunity to develop that independence by gradually giving them more responsibility each day that you are with them.
End-of-Day Dismissal Process
At the end of the school day, we do not exit the building until the 3:55 bell rings AND the buses have arrived and parked along Third Street (in front of the building). If the buses are running behind, as they must first pick up students from Freeland Elementary, that impacts our dismissal time. At the start of the year, the buses tend to run a little behind, and I realize that adjusting to this routine can be challenging and frustrating, so I appreciate everyone's patience in advance.
All Y5/K students will exit through the doors in the north wing (nearest the parking lot). Our 1st grade students will temporarily exit the doors at the south end of the building so that their teachers can more easily walk them up the sidewalk to each of the buses. If you are picking up your 1st grade student, you will want to wait on the sidewalk near the south end of the building. As soon as the 1st grade teachers feel confident that their students can travel independently to the buses, they will then change and use the main entrance as their exit location for the remainder of the school year. When that time comes, 1st grade parents will want to wait outside the main entrance to pick up their student.
Important ~ Learning Center Hours
8:55 ~ First bell rings; students released off buses; students go to classrooms
9:05 ~ Second bell rings; school day begins
3:55 ~ Bell rings; student dismissal begins
Lunch Times
- 11:25-11:50 Young 5's
- 12:00-12:25 Kindergarten
- 12:35-1:00 1st grade
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Lunch Volunteers ~ Young 5's / Kindergarten
In an effort to ensure a smooth lunch experience for our Y5/K students, we are seeking parents to volunteer during the first two weeks of school. Students will need help navigating the cafeteria, managing their lunch trays, and opening milk cartons and food items. If you are able to lend a hand, just come to the office a few minutes prior to the start of the lunch period.
The Young Fives and Kindergarten lunch times are as follows:
- 11:25-11:50 Young 5's
- 12:00-12:25 Kindergarten
Falcon Apparel
Medication Forms
Transportation Changes
Picture Day ~ Friday, September 6th
Learning Center Picture Day will be held on Friday, September 6th. Hard copies of the Picture Day flyer were provided at Open House, but may also be ordered online using the information in the link below.
Pants Donations
We try to maintain a decent selection of clothing for our students that experience accidents or spills during the school day. If you happen to have any new or gently used pants that you would be willing to donate to the Learning Center, your generosity would be greatly appreciated.
PTO Meeting
Mobile App
The app can be downloaded for free in the following ways:
Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptegy.freeland
iPhone:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/freeland-community-schools/id1418588052?ls=1&mt=8
Once you've downloaded it, you will want to go to "settings" to edit your notification preferences.