Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,

As we move into April, we continue to strive for excellence! Each of the grade levels maintains high expectations for each student and success is blooming around VanCortlandtville.

There was a wonderful turnout for both Open Houses and we hope that you enjoyed our celebration of young scientists during your visit. Throughout our Science 21 program we integrate projects and activities to promote discovery. We continue to be proud of our accomplishments and want to share them with all of you.

We would like to thank our many volunteers for their continued support and service to our students and staff. Please remember that our office staff will only allow those people with appointments to proceed through the building during the school day. Special snacks, lunches and other items may be dropped off and we will be glad to distribute them for you. Maintaining instruction and safety are our primary goals.

On April 9th we will hold a special Parent Place for all kindergarten parents, “Ready, Set, Kindergarten…Here we come!” at 9:00 a.m. in the VCES café. We are excited to meet our incoming Kindergarten students. Screening will take place the week of April 14th-18th. Students will participate in a variety of activities and get to know the staff. This year we will offer a special “Parent Room” event. Parents will be invited to stay for coffee and donuts while viewing some educational videos and have opportunities to look at literature.

This year’s annual Read-a-Thon begins on April 18th with a whole-school assembly celebrating points of interest across the USA. Students will be asked to log pages read throughout their break as well as the last week of April. Special activities will include, guest readers, D.E.A.R (Drop Everything and Read), hat day and will concluded with a character dress up celebration on May 2nd. The PTA Book fair and evening kick-off begins on April 30th.

During the week of April 21st-25th, school will be closed for the spring break. Please mark your calendars and have a safe and healthy vacation.

As the end of the year approaches, we would like to give you a quick snap shot of VanCortlandtville’s – first All School Field Day. The Site Based Team has designed a wonderful, high energy, healthy three days. A special kick off assembly will focus on teamwork and healthy exercise and eating habits. Next, two amazing team building days will follow with healthy picnic style lunches. Although this will replace individual grade level picnics, we hope that our focus on comradery and school spirit will create a unified student body!

We look forward to your continued support and feedback.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Figueroa                                      

Theresa Wilkowski