Welcome to the 2012-13 School Year!!

1. Welcome to the 2012-13 School Year!!

2. Tonawanda Elementary A Community Where Inspired Learners Grow 389 STRONG!!

4. Building Improvements - Exterior Paint & power wash Parking lot repair Playground repair New dumpster enclosure Repair of outdoor classroom Benches & planters Exterior lighting Additions to our video surveillance system (from 3 cameras to 16)

5. Building Improvements - Interior Pod furniture Bell & PA system Paint (common hallways and gym) Hallway flooring Main entrance doors & carpet Renovation of main restrooms (students & staff)

6. “Sitting Pretty” Elm Grove Community Foundation & Elm Grove Business Foundation Sponsored by the Nelson family Created by local artist, Virginia Hilton

7. Welcome New Staff!! Michele Hoffman (Kdgn.) Jennie Katrichis (Psych) David Schimpf (3rd grade) Nichole Grube (Soc. W) Jenny Schultz (4th grade) Cathy Berrall (Sp/L) Rick Ziolkowski (4th grade) Tricia Ortell (PE) Susan Mildren (Special Ed.) Ann Bumgardner (Health Rm.) Sara Gull (Librarian) Arlean Falkner (Sped. Asst.) Amy Jacobson (Art) Julienne Thomas (Lib. Sec.) Jesse Graves (Art) Debbie Haynes (ELL Asst.) Caitlin Birrenkott (St. Teacher)

8. Keys to a Successful Year

9. Tonawanda’s morning bells ring at 8:45 and 8:50 True Or False?

10. True! First Bell 8:45 – doors open Second Bell 8:50 – students in classrooms Punctuality is so important! Tardy = not in room by 8:50

11. State Law allows up to 15 absences each school year True Or False?

12. False • State Law Allows up to 10 Absences • Every day counts!! • Family Vacation Request Form • Notify the office of health, family, and other issues

13. Parents should bring left-behind boots, trumpets, and lunches directly to the classroom. True Or False?

14. False Avoid disrupting instruction whenever possible Leave materials at the office Arrange classroom visits ahead of time Use teacher mailboxes, email, and voicemail during the day

15. Periodic screenings for lice are a parent’s responsibility. True Or False?

16. True! Nits= a tiny white egg at the hair shaft When in doubt, call or visit our health room Guidelines for handling lice can be found on our website

17. When after-school plans change… Send a note with your student in the morning Email the teacher and Jackie as early as possible in the day Assume your student(s) will let the staff know. Call the office just before dismissal with the information.

18. A & B! A. Send a note with your student in the morning B. Email the teacher and Jackie as early as possible in the day • For special circumstances & emergencies, call the office before 3:00 • Play dates need to be arranged outside of the school day.

19. Emergency School Closing Forms need to be updated frequently. True Or False?

20. True! Be sure they are updated and accurate Go over the plan with your student(s) Parentlink call will inform you of closing Bus is preferred mode of transportation Consider weather conditions when making plan

21. Tonawanda’s parking lot is a BUSY place at 3:40 each day. True Or False?

22. Very True!! • Stay out of the bus lane at all times • Give buses the right of way • Pick Up Options • Park and meet your student(s) under the awning • Drive up to the flagpole

23. Parents can stay informed through… Classroom newsletters and blogs District website & weekly emails www.elmbrookschools.org (sign up for daily announcements here) Friday folders Parentlink calls & emails PTO meetings All of the above!!

24. Be Involved! A message from Tonawanda’s 2012-13 PTO Presidents * * * * SibylleTasker SharieSinson

25. Let’s Have a Fantastic Year!