Q: Where do I pick up and drop off my child each day?
A: The children line up at the back of the school (courtyard area, between the new FDK addition and the original school) at the start of the day, as well as all recesses. Children are not allowed to come into the school before 9:00 a.m. We will meet the children each morning and dismiss them at 3:30. Please, do not come into the school to pick up your child. There are over 160 children who use our hallway. It is impossible to keep the children safe if there are adults in the hall at dismissal time. For the first few weeks, we ask that the children remain with their teacher until they see their designated pick-up person. This keeps us all safe.
Q: What Is bullying?
A: Some people may call it harassment, abuse, meanness, or drama. However bullying is labelled, it’s always considered to be harmful and unwanted behaviour. Bullying is done on purpose and is usually repeated.
Bullying is when someone uses their power to hurt, frighten, exclude or insult someone else. Bullying often occurs between people close in age and is never OK. Bullying can be a difficult experience, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
Q: What should I do if my child is bullied at school?
A: Please tell your child's teacher ASAP so we can deal with problems quickly. Oftentimes, children will open up at home and relay important information that we may be unaware of. Here are some ideas from the London Family Court Clinic and the Kids Help Phone on how to deal with bullies (most relevant for somewhat older children, however it still contains helpful ideas):
1. Talk to your children clearly and directly about bullying. Often kids don't want to tell their parents due to shame and embarrassment or fear that bullies will retaliate. Look for signs of bullying such as: fear of going to school, lack of friends, and increased fearfulness and anxiety.
2. Teach children to be assertive without being aggressive. Kids need to know that bullies only have power if you give it to them. Victimized kids should remain calm and not fight back.
3. If your child is timid and lacks friends, help to develop confidence and encourage new friendships. Bullies tend to pick on loners and those who are different in some way.
4. Avoid overprotection. Help children to develop positive skills to deal with conflicts
5. Make sure children understand that bullying can be both physical and verbal. Teach them to speak out and tell adults if they are bullied or if they see others being bullied.
Q: Which teachers will my child have this year?
Mrs. Davidson's class: Language, Math, Science, Social Studies and Visual Art with Mrs. Davidson / Music with Mrs. Inch / Drama, Dance, Gym, and Health with Mr. Harris
Mrs. Baldinelli's class: Language, Math, Science, Social Studies and Visual Art with Mrs. Baldinelli / Music with Mrs. Inch / Gym and Dance with Mr. Harris / Health with Ms. Williams
Mrs. Masciotra's class: Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, Drama, and Visual Art with Mrs. Masciotra / Health with Mrs. Schram / Gym with Mr. Harris / Music and Dance with Mrs. Inch