AREA  40               www.makineducation.blogspot.com

Equinox Holistic Alternative School

Hello Parents and Guardians

Welcome everyone.  It is back to school time again!  This year your child is in the Grade 2/3 class in Area 40 with 20 children.  If this past week has been any indication, we WILL be having a great year.

With is an introductory letter, I am sending home the September calendar.  This calendar indicates all the field trips that are planned as well as all the special events.  The calendar also indicates the Gym and Music periods that Area 40 will be having.  Gym and music will be taught by Philip this year.  Day 1, Music and Gym, Day 2 Music, Day 3 Gym, Day 4 Gym, Day 5 Music and Gym.  The library and computer s chedule still needs to be arranged.

Students that go home for lunch will be dismissed at 11:45am.  At the end of the day all of the children will be dismissed at 3:30pm.  Both dismissals will be at the Ashdale doors.  Students are expected to be matched up with a parent or caregiver before leaving the school.  The children must give me a High 5 when they see the person picking them up.  This gives me the security of eye contact with the child and a verbal verification that they have a safe pick up.

It would be a big help if your child had a water bottle at school at all times.  This reduces interruptions during lessons and congestion at the drinking fountain.  Students can fill their bottles at the sink first thing in the morning.  I would encourage them to bring them home frequently for washing.  I have also asked that indoor shoes be brought to school.  The shoes will be used in the school as well for gym on rainy days as well as during the winter months.  If the children do not have proper running shoes for gym they will be asked to participate in bare feet for safety reasons.

Periodically I will be sending home flyers for Scholastic Book Clubs.  I will order books for those who are interested.  Cheques should be made out to Scholastic.  I will also take cash orders.  As well the librarian will hold the occasional book fairs throughout the year.

It would be helpful if you could send in material scraps into the class room as we will be using them for a major art project this fall.

As well, I have developed a class blog.  It contains all the important dates and events that are happening in Area 40.  It can be found at  www.makineducation.blogspot.com.  It is a continual work-in-progress.  Some of your children’s work will be posted as well.  The blog also contains websites for both students and parents.  If you have something to share please let me know and I will post it as well.  I would like to keep open communication with you through your child’s agenda.  Please feel free to write me notes and inquiries in the margins.  I check the agendas each day.  Please make sure that you read the agenda each evening to make sure that you keep abreast of Area 40’s happenings.

I am looking forward to a great year with your child and you!

Heather Webb Makin, OCT