WELCOME BACK TO SBES!
I’d like to warmly welcome students, families, and staff to what I am sure will to be another exciting and important year in the educational lives of the students here at SBES. Stevens Brook Elementary School is a school committed to providing a welcoming environment and a positive school community. The staff here strives to work as a team and in partnership with parents, to best meet the needs of all learners, with an absolute goal of academic excellence for all. Joining a school community that holds these values is truly an honor. I am pleased and proud to be a member of the SBES school community.
Some helpful information for the new year follows:
Opening Day:
Wednesday, September 2nd is opening day for the 2009-2010 school year.
Our traditional First Day of School Festival will be held from 8:15 - 9:30 a.m., in the front lobby of our school. Parents are cordially invited to accompany their child(ren) to school and attend the festival. This event is designed to familiarize parents/caregivers with the various services and programs both the school and the town of Bridgton offer to families. It is a time not only to learn how to access the program(s), but to also connect a name with a face. Parents who participate will be included in a drawing of wonderful prizes. Come join us and help us make the first day of school a great beginning to the school year.
School Hours:
8:30 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Building opens at 8:15 AM.
Students are not allowed in the building earlier, as there is no supervision.
Students who are dropped off at school, walk, or ride bicycles should arrive between 8:15-8:30 AM.
Upon arrival at school, children will either proceed to the cafeteria for the breakfast program or on given days, participate in the walking program.
Teacher Letter
Before the start of school, your child will receive a welcome letter from his/her teacher.
Love Your Veggies Program:
Last year, the District was the recipient of a $10,000, Love Your Veggies, nutrition grant awarded by the makers of Hidden Valley Salad Dressings, as part of their Nationwide School Lunch Campaign. This grant funded a weekly program to introduce fruits and vegetables to elementary students. While this was a one-year campaign, leftover monies will allow the program to continue on a monthly basis for this next year. Data collected last year proved this to be beneficial in encouraging students to expand their intake of fruits and vegetables.
***** NEW THIS YEAR*****
Late Arrival: This year, on a trial basis, all schools in the district will participate in Late Arrival release time. This is release time scheduled at the start of the day and will take the place of the Early Release Wednesdays previously in place. These dates occur monthly on the calendar and are scheduled on Wednesdays. The purpose of this change is to allow teachers throughout the district, and across all levels, the ability to meet, work collaboratively, and engage in professional development.
STUDENT ARRIVAL TIME ON LATE ARRIVAL DAYS IS 10:30 AM.
Monthly School Meetings:
The change from Early Release afternoons to Late Arrival mornings necessitated a change in the School Meeting schedule. School Meetings will be held monthly, on Fridays at 2:00 PM. September’s School Meeting is on Friday, September 25th. Recognizing students and celebrating learning are integral elements of SBES’ success. We hope you will be able to attend each of our school meetings. On that same note, Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 17th from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Please save this important date, as it provides an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and become acquainted with the educational program designed for your child this year.
In closing, I would like to share that soon the building will be abuzz, with teachers excitedly planning and preparing for the new school year. As they eagerly share their thoughts and plans, their enthusiasm for the learning adventures that lie ahead is unmistakable. It is one of my favorite times of the year, as it highlights the noteworthy dedication and commitment of educators. Tapping into that renewed energy, when the staff gathers on the August workshop days, our thoughts and focus will be on improving our teaching practices to best support student achievement.
I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the new school year, and to serving the children and families of Bridgton.
Cheryl Turpin
Principal
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