LIFE AT THE LOCKE … Issue #1 2018-2019
September 4, 2018
Dear Parents/Guardians, Staff, and Students,
Welcome Back!!
In an attempt to improve communication with families, we started the Life at the Locke weekly newsletter of what is happening at the Locke. I hope to “publish” every Sunday night or Monday of a long weekend.
I hope you have all enjoyed the summer and are ready for school to begin. We have been busy this summer hiring new staff members and getting the building ready for students. I want to thank our custodial staff for working through the hot days to clean our school and having it ready for students and staff. I would also like to welcome the following staff members to the Locke:
Lauren Bidell – special education 7B, Paula Cabral – Librarian, Sue Jacobs – interventionist, Christina Mitza – ELA 8B, Samantha Myers – long-term substitute ELA 7A, Dan States – paraprofessional, compass, Alyssa Vozzella – paraprofessional 6A
One of our school improvement goals this year is focused on student engagement and motivation. We believe that all students should be provided with high quality, rigorous, engaging instruction. With that goal in mind, we are implementing the reader’s and writer’s workshop in the 6th grade and are piloting new math curriculum in the 6thgrade. We are committed to a standards-based educational environment where all students can grow academically. With your help and partnership, we will meet our goals and become a model of learning for others.
Another goal of ours is to utilize PBIS (positive behavior intervention systems) to improve our overall school climate. We are stressing the three tenets of RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, and SAFETY. We will be meeting with all students on the first day in grade level assemblies in order to review our goals and expectations.
Of course, another main focus of our year will be on the transition to a grade 5 through 7 middle school in the fall of 2019. In June, we will be saying goodbye to two-thirds of our student population and we will be planning throughout the year for this major change. It certainly is an exciting time at the Locke and in the district! We will do our best to make the transition a positive experience for all students.
As the year begins, we have a lot of information to provide to parents:
If your child is going to be absent, please call 978-528-8650 to report the absence. You can leave a voicemail at this number which goes directly to our secretary. You may also email our secretary, Ms. Battcock at pbattcock@billericak12.com
The first day of school for all students is Wednesday, September 5th. Student schedules will be provided in homeroom on the 1st day and they are also published on the aspen portal. School starts promptly at 7:30. Students should be in their homeroom at 7:30. The drop-off time for students is 7:10 -- 7:25. Students will be allowed to enter the building at 7:10. From 7:10 – 7:20, students that enter the building will be supervised in the cafeteria.
On the first day, students will receive the following forms to be filled out and returned:
- Emergency form
- Signed agenda book (p.14)
- Technology Release
- Communication Preference
- Photo-opt form (only send back if you need to)
For the safety of all students, please adhere to the following traffic patterns in the morning and afternoon:
Student drop-off traffic pattern in the morning:
Parents are to enter VIA URBAN ST (off Baldwin Road), drop students off at the sidewalk, make a U-turn, and exit via Urban Street.
Parents, please do not enter from Allen Road in the morning. The Allen road entrance is only for school buses.
Dismissal:
Bus students and boys’ and girls’ club are dismissed at 1:40
Walkers and pick-ups are dismissed at 1:50.
Traffic Pattern for Dismissal:
Parents enter via Urban Street and line up in lower circle. After the buses leave, parents are to pull around the circle in a SINGLE file line to pick up children. The pick-up zone is between the two crosswalks. This is the only place we would like children picked up. We do not want children stepping in front of cars to be picked up. Please keep the line single file.
FALL TRACK AND FIELD INFORMATION
Parents and students, it's time to sign up for middle school cross country this fall! Click on the following link register.
An email with additional information and a schedule will be out soon. Email coach Freda Ryder with any questions: fryder@billericak12.com
DC INFORMATION NIGHT – 8th grade parents
There will be an information meeting for the 2019 Washington, D.C. Trip on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the Locke Middle School Cafeteria. This is the same night as Back to School Night, so you won't need to schedule two separate evenings.
If you attended the early registration meeting in the spring, you don't need to come to this meeting as it is the same information.
Registration packets will be handed out to all 8th grade students on Monday, September 10th. Even if you have already registered, the packet has helpful information about the trip.
PTO CORNER
The Locke PTO welcomes you!!
Please see the attached welcome letter
We invite and welcome all Locke parents and friends to attend our monthly PTO meetings. The meetings are the first Monday of every month (with one exception this year) at 6:30 pm in the school library. The upcoming meeting dates are: September 17, 2018, October 1, November 5, December 3, January 7, 2019, February 4, March 4, April 1, April 29, and June 3. We look forward to seeing you!
1st Fundraiser – Please see the attached flyer for information on our 1st fundraiser. More information will be coming soon!
If you have any questions, please email Faith Stevens atBillericaLockePTO@gmail.com
Important Upcoming dates:
- First day of School is Wednesday, September 5th. All students report to homeroom.
- Breakfast Program Begins on Thursday, September 6th.
- Washington, DC information for 8th parents: Thursday, September 13th 6:00 PM (prior to back to school night)
- Back to School Night is Thursday, September 13th 7-9 PM.
- All forms, emergency information, etc.… are due byMonday, September 17th.
- PTO Meeting: Monday, September 17th at 6:30PM – Locke Library
- Early Release for Students Tuesday, September 18th11:40
- School Picture Day is Friday, September 21st .
- Late Buses start on September 24th : Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- Homework Club starts on Monday, September 24h. Homework club is held Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:45-2:45.
- Blackout Bullying Day is Wednesday, September 26th.
- After School Activities Begin on Monday, October 1st.
Two attachments this week:
If you have any questions, please contact me at tgaras@billericak12.com or call at 978-528-8655 I look forward to a great school year!!
Warmest regards,
Tony Garas, Principal