York Academic School -  Messages for March 2010

 We are accepting registrations for kindergarten to grade 6 for the 2010-2011 school year. 

 ‘Snack Wednesday’ has been a huge success due to all of the parent volunteers.  Our next ‘Snack Wednesday’ this month is scheduled for March 10 and March 24. 

Capital Health will be administering the third round of HEP B inoculations to all grade five students on Friday morning, March 12.

The Parent Council meeting will be on Wednesday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. All parents are welcome. If you require babysitting at the school while you attend the meeting, please contact the school office by Friday, February 12.

Tea with the Principal will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2010 from 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. This is an event that recognizes and celebrates successes of our students in a variety of areas.  Parents and selected students are formally invited to attend the monthly teas.

  Progress reports will be distributed on Friday, March 19, 2010.

Please attend Open House and Celebration of Learning on March 24, 2010 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Your child will be thrilled to share their learning with you.  Families new to the school are welcome to attend this evening.  

  The students will be having hot lunch on Friday, March 26.  It is also going to be our ‘Western Day’. 

  Spring Break is March 29 to April 5, 2010.  There will be no school on these days.

Each week, we have guest readers from the Northern Lights Club spend time reading with students.  They read with all grades either one on one or in groups of students.  We are very pleased to have these committed individuals take time out of their busy lives to assist our students with reading and encourage them to be the best they can be.  Their support for public education is truly valued.

York Academic students are becoming great listeners!  Each day at 12:45 the whole school stops and listens while music from great composers is played over the public address system.  A brief information introduction of the artist and melody is read prior to playing the music. Our students are becoming great listeners and are growing in their appreciation of the musical masters.

We, at York Academic, value parent involvement so please meet your teacher and offer assistance if you can.  Parents, teachers and students working together ensure not only academic success for our children but also their overall personal success.

Remember, every Thursday, students will be dismissed at 2:05 p.m.  The staff will use this time to develop grade plans, curriculum and professional development in support of the school wide instructional focus on reading comprehension.  This time is also used to continually update the programs offered to your child. York Academic staff is committed to delivering high quality education.

The parking lot located at the south end of the school is for staff parking only.  The stalls are rented and reserved each month.  We encourage you to use the community league parking lot, located behind the school or drop off along the south side of 140 Avenue, as your child will then be entering at the park where the supervisors are on duty. Safety over convenience! Thank you to those parents who are using the designated areas!

There is a designated bus parking area in front of the school.  Please do not use the area on the east side of the street from the fire hydrant to the staff parking lot entrance. All other areas are available to the public.

The School Patrol students do an excellent job ensuring the safety of all our students crossing the street near our school.  Thank you to these responsible students for their volunteer efforts throughout the school year.

York Academic School where good things happen every day!

Our principal, Mrs. Norris-Kartz, will be continuing to spend time in the classrooms this year to support the work of the teachers with the children. If you wish to meet with Mrs. Norris-Kartz, please call the school and we will be happy to set up an appointment for you.

Edmonton Public Schools’ is focused on supporting teaching and learning in the classroom. Each and every school will designate a focus for student achievement. At York Academic we are focusing on Literacy.  Teacher professional development, classroom resources and instruction are all aligned to further enhance the development of your child’s education.  The most important work done in the district and schools is the work teachers do in their classroom with the children.  Each month in the school newsletter you will find a reading or writing strategy featured.  We invite parents to encourage the love of reading with your child. You are your child’s first teacher.

In its continuing commitment to excellence in public education, the board has adopted the following priorities:

·      To ensure every student is successful in their program of students, with an emphasis on literacy and numeracy.

·       To instill in each student the attributes of citizenship and good character in a learning environment that promotes health, well-being and positive relationships.

·       To provide a collaborative, healthy and innovative workplace that recognizes individual contribution and supports opportunities for growth and professional developments.

Edmonton Public Schools’ priorities reflect our district’s enhanced focus on improving the achievement of all students, providing a safe and caring learning environment, promoting a broad view of student success, and recognizing the contributions all staff make to a student’s education.

York staff salutes the great work you are doing with your child. We look forward to working with you and your child throughout the school year.