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From the Principal |
Student Safety — Periodically, it is important for parents to take time to speak to children about stranger awareness. The key times, with regard to school, are the times that children are going to school or coming home from school. In discussing this topic, students should be reminded not to talk to strangers or go over to a strange car to speak to an occupant. If a parent is late picking up a child at school, the child should be reminded that he/she should report immediately to the office so no one is standing outside unsupervised.
Happy Holidays! — It is hard to believe it is December! On behalf of the entire Coles staff, I would like to wish everyone in the Coles community a very happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous new year.
Holiday activities at Coles are kept to a minimum. They include some decorations and classroom activities, following the Board of Education policy. The main display case in the front lobby provides a representative display of holidays celebrated by Coles students. A party under the direction of each teacher and the room parents will be planned for December 23 following a school-wide sing-a-long.
Religious Observances and Homework — When religious observances conflict with school homework, please write a note to the teacher. We will make modifications and accommodations for religious observances.
Late Arrivals — If your child comes to school late, we cannot guarantee a school lunch. Please send a lunch from home if your child will be late.
Absences — Please remember when you call the office to report that your child will be absent or tardy, you must give a reason. If no reason is given, your child will be marked with an unexcused absence or tardiness. Please check the Coles Handbook, pages 6 and 7, for further information on Attendance, Absences and Tardiness.
Medical Examinations — Although the district will no longer require students to submit proof of a routine grade level physical examination as per recent changes in the State guidelines, we encourage you to have your child examined by your personal health care provider at regular intervals. An examination at least once during each of your childÕs developmental stages, early childhood (pre-school through grade 4), pre-adolescence (grades 5 through 8), and adolescence (grades 9 through 12) is strongly recommended.
Appreciation to the Coles PTA Safety Committee Volunteers Each Morning — You may not know that we have parent volunteers who continue to help supervise the morning arrival. Please join me in thanking Mrs. Prusik, Mrs. McColly, Mrs. Laki, Mrs. Weiss, Mrs. Ames, Mrs. Wilkins, Mrs. Christiansen, Mrs. Prelusky and Mrs. Besson.
Bus Safety — Thank you for your support! WeÕve had a good month. Please remind your child of the importance of sitting, staying seated, and wearing a seatbelt while on a school bus. This is important for class trips and for daily bus travel. All drivers know sudden stops are necessary on occasion. Talking quietly on the bus makes it easier for the drivers to concentrate on driving. Riding a school bus is a privilege that can be revoked if necessary to maintain safety for all.
Coles Adopt-A-Cop — Officer Mark Lynch, of the Scotch Plains Police Department, has been Òadopted" by Coles as part of an outreach program from the department. We are pleased that Officer Lynch is volunteering his time to get to know Coles students, be a friendly presence, and work with children on assembly programs. The first project is a bus safety poster contest. Posters must be submitted by Tuesday, December 7.
Again, have a wonderful holiday, and a happy, healthy new year!