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From the Principal |
Thank you for supporting the school district budget. We have already begun to seek new teachers and make plans based on the budget for next year.
Many of you are starting to think about next year. If you have special requests regarding placement, please put them in writing. Send them directly to devans@spfk12.org. All requests should be sent to me by May 19. Our spring schedule will prohibit me from meeting directly with parents regarding these requests. I will consider letters describing the special needs of your child and requests for special characteristics or qualities of a teacher. Requests for specific teachers will not be considered. The placement process includes input from all teachers working with the children. Every effort is made to use all the information we have and create the best class combinations for all. As in the past, you will receive a letter notifying you of class placement the third week of August.
If you know anyone who has a child who may attend Coles next year please encourage them to call the office right away.
In Kindergarten, teachers assess students on a regular basis during class time. Often the children are unaware of the observations the teacher makes and the instructional modifications made according to this data. This is as it should be. Ongoing, informal assessment continues throughout a child's school years.
The district has developed specific assessments in the areas of mathematics and language arts literacy. The first grade teachers have a schedule for May 2-9 in order to complete the end-of-the-year assessments. If you can avoid absences and tardiness during this time, it will be greatly appreciated. Being well rested, and arriving on time, having had a nutritious breakfast, will also help your child do his/her best.
Please note that school will be closed Friday and Monday, May 26 and May 29.
If you are planning to move from the Coles School district over the summer, please notify the school office as soon as possible.
May 6, 2005 is the last day for submitting your application for the Jump Start Pre-Kindergarten Program, formerly known as the Title I Pre-Kindergarten.
The approved district calendar for 2006-2007 is attached for your information.
Vacations taken on school days count as unexcused absences. Please use the attached calendar to plan accordingly. The school calendars are also available on the school and district websites.
It is important that children are dressed to reflect attention to learning, safety, and the weather. Flip flops, platform flip flops, platform sandals, and wheelies are not safe for children in school. Sneakers or closed shoes are best for the children on outside recess days. It is best to consider school activities and recess play and refrain from sending children wearing very short shorts and skirts.
Significant Increase in Hearing Loss, New Technologies Blamed
A recent survey of high school students by ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) found over 50% of students exhibiting one or more symptoms of hearing loss. We have long known that a unilateral, moderate hearing loss increases the likelihood of academic difficulties tenfold (Vanderbilt University study, 1984). What is causing this alarming increase in hearing loss?
Many audiologists blame the abuse of iPods and MP3 players. It is widely accepted that noise levels greater than 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss. Why then are portable music players capable of producing sound levels ranging anywhere from 60 to 120 decibels? Apple iPods, for example, tested at decibel ranges of 120-125 at full volume (pain threshold), 98-101 at half volume (equivalent to a chain saw), and 80-83 at one-quarter volume (equivalent to a motor boat) (ASHA, February 2006).
For more information, contact Susan Buccola, Coles School Speech and Language Specialist at sbuccola@spfk12.org. ASHA webside: www.ASHA.org