From the Desk of Principal Anderson:

September 12, 2011

Dear Blackwell Parents and Guardians:

We have had a wonderful start to the 2011-12 school year.  On August 24th we had our first annual Blackwell Business Day where families could take care of most of the beginning of the year paperwork such as updating emergency information, paying for classroom supplies and signing up for PTSA.  When students got to school, we implemented a new lunch and recess schedule where students go to recess first and then come in for lunch.  In the past, students went to lunch and then out to recess.  We feel like this makes for a more relaxed lunch where students have time to eat and are better prepared to return to class to learn.  At the end of the first week, we had our first assembly.  We introduced new Blackwell staff members; Ms. Patino our new kindergarten teacher and Ms. Nelson our new secretary.  We also welcomed Ms. Dull, our new Quest teacher, who is moved her enrichment pull-out program from Mead to Blackwell Elementary.  We shared student behavior expectations and what we do in emergencies.  We also celebrated and honored 9/11 heroes and finished with Ms. Sabo’s short video, featuring lots of smiling Blackwell teachers and students.

Over the coming weeks, we will have several events welcoming parents to Blackwell.  First, parents are invited to Curriculum Nights on September 13th and 15th.  We will have a 30 minute presentation in the Cafeteria and then teachers will have a full hour to learn about the curriculum with classroom teachers.  The Blackwell PTSA will sponsor their annual Ice Cream Social on September 22nd.  I will be one of the Blackwell teachers scooping ice cream starting at 6:30 p.m. and I look forward to welcoming you to Blackwell.  We will have the Quest Open House on September 27th in the Commons.  Student Involved Conferences will be held on October 3rd, 4th and 6th.  These goal setting conferences are designed so students can help communicate what they will be learning this year.  There will also be a short time for the parents and teacher to have a private conversation at the end of the conference.

September is a time for Blackwell teachers and parents to get together and set positive learning expectations for the 2011-12 school year.  We look forward to working with Blackwell families to make this an outstanding school year.


Sincerely,

Mr. Anderson