October 1, 2010

Greetings,

It’s hard to believe that October is here!  The weather has been beautiful and the school year is going well!  Last week, we had a phenomenal week, which culminated in a well-attended Homecoming dance!  Student spirit and participation was at an all-time high.  I was truly proud to be an Olympian!

Administrators are visiting classrooms on a daily basis to validate the great instruction that is occurring, while making recommendations for improvement strategies and/or techniques.  Students are being encouraged to be on time to class and remain engaged in the instruction, while they’re in class.  We are addressing any disruptions to the learning environment in a timely fashion!

Teachers are familiarizing all students with the format for national testing, via their 5-minute bell ringers or warm-up activities!  Additionally, we are focusing on DI, Differentiated Instruction, to address the various ways that students learn.  RTI, Response to Intervention, is our focus, as well, as we develop ways to address the instructional needs of our students.

In an effort to field community concerns and provide a vehicle for parental input for our learning community, I will conduct a Principal’s Parent Advisory Committee, which will kickoff on November 10, 2010 at 6:30 pm in the Little Theatre at Rich Central.  If you are interested in becoming a part of this monthly committee, please contact me at pwelch@rich227.org and provide me with your name, address, telephone number and your child’s name and grade level.  You may also send this information to me at the school’s address.

The purpose of this advisory committee is to offer ideas for building successful alliances with the communities.  We will include the parents of incoming eighth graders, as well.  We will schedule specific days where parents will be able to visit classrooms and take tours of the facility.  We encourage every concerned parent to become a part of this committee!

All–school testing will take place on Monday, October 18th and this will be a 1:25 pm dismissal.  You will receive a letter detailing the specifics of this day.  Please encourage your child to do his/her very best on this assessment!

Once again, we need your support, in order to make this school year a positive and productive experience for your child!  Don’t listen to negatives about your child’s school! Get first–hand knowledge about the GREAT things that are happening at Rich Central!

I look forward to adding our strength to yours in making this school year Exceptional!

Sincerely,

Principal Patricia Welch