LIFE AT THE LOCKE … Issue #2 2019-2020

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September 8, 2019
Dear Parents/Guardians, Staff, and Students,
We had a successful opening week at the Locke. Students and staff made it through locker assignments, bus numbers, new schedules, and the lunch line! It was great to see our students excited to be back and ready for an awesome year. I hope everyone is having a restful weekend as we prepare for our first full week of 5 DAYS OF LEARNING!
For parents and guardians, we have attached some tips to help you and your child through the transition to middle school.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. – A.A. Milne
BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT
On Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 PM we will be having our annual Back-to-School night. The evening is for parents to follow their child’s schedule and receive an overview of classroom curriculum and procedures from each teacher.  At 6:00 you will report to your child’s homeroom and then follow their schedule with each class being about 15 minutes. We ask that you arrive early as the program begins promptly at 6:00 and parking spaces are limited. We look forward to seeing you on the 12th.  Again, when you arrive please report to your child’s homeroom.
We also have a presentation from our health teacher, Mrs. Carpenter happening at 5:00 PM:
5:00 PM in the auditorium – special workshop for parents/guardians of Grade 5 & 6 students. 

Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Child Thrive in Middle School
The transition to middle school can be a challenge - for students AND parents. The good news: it doesn’t have to be. There are simple strategies and routines (at school and at home) that can help your child be successful. At the workshop, Mrs. Carpenter (5th & 6th grade health teacher) will share:
*How your children are handling movin’ up to middle school
*Top ten stressors for tweens at the start of school
*How to take the ‘hassle’ out of homework
*Routines that work for tweens (and why it’s important to establish a routine)
*Six scenarios: how to help when things go wrong
Solid information, a few simple strategies, and the right attitude and approach will empower you to help your middle schooler have a successful year.  We look forward to seeing you at the workshop.

As the year begins, we have a lot of information to provide to parents:
BREAKFAST
Student breakfast will begin on Monday, September 9th. We are starting a grab-and-go program. Students will report to homeroom first and let their homeroom teacher know they are getting breakfast. Students will then pick-up breakfast in the cafeteria and return to homeroom to eat. We ask that students do not bring in breakfast from home or from fast food chains.
ABSENCES
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. Brewster at nbrewster@billericak12.com  
SCHOOL TIMES
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.
Bus students are dismissed at 1:40. Walkers and pick-ups are dismissed at 1:50.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB VAN
The van begins pick-up on Monday, September 9th. Please note the change to the pick-up procedure. Students taking the van will report to the cafeteria with walkers and pick-ups and be dismissed after the buses. The van will pick-up in front of the car line.
FORMS
If you have not already done so, please return the following forms to your homeroom teacher.
  • Emergency form
  • Medical form
  • Signed agenda book (p.19)
  • 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 (beginning Monday, September 9th.)
Walkers and pick-ups are dismissed at 1:50 after the buses depart.
Traffic Pattern for Dismissal:
Parents enter via Urban Street and line up in lower circle. After the buses leave, parents are to pull around circle in a SINGLE file line to pick up children. The pick-up zone is between the two cross walks. 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.
PLEASE DO NOT PICK UP STUDENTS IN THE LOWER LOT.
PTO CORNER
The Locke PTO welcomes you!!
Please see the attached for the members of the board and contact information.
The PTO will be at back-to school night. Please visit our table to purchase gift cards, Locke clothing, and find out how to get involved. Our next PTO meeting will be at 7:00 pm October 2. It will be held in the library. 
Our first fundraiser will be Yankee Candle and will run from September 13-September 27. Information will be sent out this week. 
We have two open spots on the PTO: Secretary & Treasurer
We are also looking for help with the following programs:
Special Programs Coordinator
Labels Program (Box Tops, etc)
Locke Apparel
Restaurant/Family Nights
School Time Fundraisers (Trinket Sales) 
Scrip Gift Card Program
Locke Holiday Tree
Scholastic Book Fair
Walkathon
Field Day Chairperson/Committee 
If you are interested in any of these positions, please contact the Locke PTO
Important Upcoming dates:
  • Breakfast Program Begins on Monday, September 9th .
  • Boys and Girls Club Van starts Monday, September 9th
  • Parent Presentation for 5th and 6th grade parents -- Thursday, September 12th 5:00 PM auditorium
  • Back to School Night is Thursday, September 12th 6:00-8:00 PM.
  • All forms, emergency information, etc.… are due by Monday, September 16th.
  • Early Release for Students Tuesday, September 17th 11:40 Dismissal
  • School Picture Day is Wednesday, September 18th  . 
  • Late Buses start on September 23rd  : Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
  • Homework Club starts on Monday, September 23rd . Homework club is held Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1:45-2:45.
  • After School Activities Begin on Monday, September 30th .
  • Blackout Bullying Day is Wednesday, October 2nd .
  • PTO Meeting: Wednesday, October 2nd 7:00 PM Library
Two attachments this week:
If you have any questions, please contact me at tgaras@billericak12.com or call at 978-528-8655 Have a great week!!
Warmest regards,
Tony Garas, Principal

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