Knowlton Academy Welcomes You Back To School!

 

August 31, 2009

 

Dear Parents\ Guardians,

 

The staff and I would like to welcome all the students back to school, from what I hope was an enjoyable and relaxing holiday. I’m looking forward to meeting any new parents and, of course all the parents from last year, in the next few weeks. A few improvements have been done around the school during the summer: The boy’s basement and the locker area downstairs have been painted. The school floors have been polished. The office and a few classes have also been painted. The propane tank outside has been secured. The swings have been painted, just to name a few of the things that were done during the summer time. We have been working hard the last few days, in preparation for the beginning of the school year.

 

You will find many important sheets in this package and you need to take the time to read through them with your child\ children. You will be receiving newsletters throughout the year. This will hopefully keep you updated on any changes, Governing Board meeting days, special events, etc. You can also visit our web site to read about our school and all the wonderful things we do at Knowlton Academy.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at the school and I will try to call you back as soon as possible.

 

Looking forward to meeting you soon, I remain,

 

Nathalie Chartrand (Mrs.)

Principal 

 

 

Nut-Free School:  Please note that Knowlton Academy continues to be a “Nut-Free School”.  We have students with severe life-threatening allergies to nuts.  Therefore, it is imperative that no food products containing nuts come to school.  While this may be an inconvenience to some, we appreciate your full cooperation for the safety of all of our students.  Please verify food labels carefully so as not to endanger the lives of these students.

 

Similarly, we also have life-threatening allergies to Fruit to Go snacks.  Therefore, please note that in the interest of health and safety of our children, Fruit to Go snacks & all nut products are prohibited at Knowlton Academy.

 

Cafeteria Services: Tamara Hamelin continues as our Cafeteria Services Provider.  A complete Hot Lunch will be $3.75.  While we will continue to accept cash in the cafeteria, we encourage families to use the cards.  “Snack Cards” will continue to be available at a cost of $21.  Once purchased, these cards are kept in the cafeteria.  Students may use these cards against the purchase of snacks.  Similarly, “Lunch Cards” will be available at a cost of $26.  At the request of parents, the “Lunch Card” was created to provide parents with a means of knowing the child is using his/her money for “lunch” rather than snacks.  The lunch card may only be used against the purchase of the day’s complete Hot Lunch, Soup, Salad or Sandwiches.  We will send the “used” cards home to indicate to you when your child needs a new card.

 

In the best interest of safety for our students, we do not have boiling water available at lunch.  Children wishing to eat hot soups or noodles will need to bring them already made in a thermos.

 

Please note that the microwaves are available only to reheat leftovers that are already precooked (no frozen dinners, please).  The delays in cooking frozen dinners causes great line-ups and delays for the children to eat.  In respect for all children eager to eat their lunch, please send only foods that take a minute or two to reheat.  All foods must be packed in microwave containers. Similarly, microwave popcorn is not permitted.

 

Knowlton Academy Staff:

 

Teaching Staff

K French          -           Josée Bourbeau

K English          -           Judy Foster     

                                   

Cycle 1, Yr 1   -           Ingrid Campbell

 

Cycle 1, Yr 1   -           Mylène Bessette                                   Resource:

Barbra Plouffe                                      Anne Stairs (Lead Resource)

                                                                                                Sylvie Turmel

Cycle 1, Yr 2   -           JoAnn Kay                                           Lynn McKelvey

                                                                                                Josie Gibbs                  

Cycle 2 Yr 1    -           Lori Lane                                             Nicolas Lemaitre

Cycle 2            -           Marie-Claude Lemieux                        Anne Ferland                                                                                                                           

                                               

Cycle 2, Yr 2   -           Lynne Hamilton                                    Engine Room:  

Cycle 2, Yr 2   -           Barbra Plouffe                                      Anne Stairs

                                                                                                Nicolas Lemaitre

Cycle 3, Yr 1   -           Wendy Harvey

Cycle 3, Yr 1   -           Sylvie Turmel

 

Cycle 3, Yr 2   -           Lynn McKelvey

Cycle 3, Yr 2   -           Anne Ferland

 

Cycle 3, Yr 2   -           Josie Gibbs

Cycle 3, Yr 2   -           Sylvie Turmel

 

Sec. 1              -           Josie Gibbs

Sec. 1 French   -           Anne Ferland

Sec. 1 Arts       -           Lynne Hamilton

                                                                                   

PE, Cycle 2 – Sec. 1                -           Nicolas Lemaitre

PE, K                                       -           Carolyn MacLean

PE, Cycle 1                              -           Sylvie Turmel

 

Arts (French)    -           Lynne Hamilton

Arts (English)    -           Josie Gibbs

ERC (French)   -           Carolyn MacLean (Cycle 1 & 3)

                                    Barbra Plouffe (Cycle 2)

ERC (English)                           -           Anne Stairs

Cycle 2 Science (French)          -           Marie-Claude Lemieux

Cycle 2 Science (English)          -           Barbra Plouffe

                                                                                     

Secretarial                                                                                         

Sandra Marchand

Shelley Paige                                                                Supervision

                                                                                    Debbie Melanson

                                                                        Debbie Brodie

Maintenance/Caretaking                                           Lynn Plouffe

Stephen Laduke                                                           Lisa Laflamme

Gail Metzger                                                                

                                                                       

Student Support                                                         Daycare

Debbie Brodie                                                              Jocelyn McLeod

Lynn Plouffe                                                                 Debbie Melanson                                

Lisa Laflamme

Sabrina Barr

 

Big Brome Fair:  We will celebrate the return to school with a visit to Brome Fair on September 4^th.  Please note that your child bring a letter home with all the pertinent information regarding this outing.  Take the time to complete the tear-off section of this letter returning it to school with your child immediately.

 

School Photos:  School photos will take place on Wednesday, September 16^th, 2009.

 

General Assembly and “Meet the Teacher Night”:  The General Assembly of parents to elect members of the Governing Board will be held on September 17, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the gym, followed by Meet the Teacher Night in the classrooms.

 

In an effort to accommodate parents with more than one child, the teachers will be offering 2 sessions where you will have an opportunity to meet them and to become more familiar with the program and class procedures.  Please understand that there will not be an opportunity to discuss individual students.  If you have specific concerns regarding your child please call the teacher or Mrs. Nathalie  Chartrand at school.  The teachers will be available in their classrooms at 7:00 to begin the first session.  The second session will begin at 7:30.  The presentations will be complete by 8:00 p.m.

 

Daycare:  If you have not yet registered your child(children) in daycare and you wish to benefit from this service, please call 242-1336.  Please note that daycare closes at 5:30 p.m.  Parents who wish to use the Daycare sporadically are reminded that a 24-hour advance notice is required and attendance will be granted if spaces are available on the requested date (we are required to respect supervision ratios).

 

Students may also benefit from the Daycare Service on Ped. Days, regardless of whether they are regular daycare students or not.  The daycare staff and committee work very hard to provide interesting activities that make the Knowlton Academy Daycare an enticing option for Ped. Day childcare.  Advance registration is required.  We continue to offer a Ped. Day Daycare Activities Brochure that will be issued shortly.  A copy of this brochure will be issued to the youngest in each family.  Please contact the Daycare for further details. (242-1336)

 

Arrival & Dismissal:  Morning arrival will be conducted the same as last year.  The busses will be dropping the children off from Victoria Avenue, where the children will step down directly onto the sidewalk and onto the Knowlton Academy property.  All vehicle traffic is to use the Academy Lane entrance.  Please understand that parking space is extremely limited and we greatly appreciate a smooth and safe movement of vehicles through this area.  To alleviate congestion on Victoria Avenue, it would be greatly appreciated if vehicles exiting Academy Lane during bus arrival could refrain from turning right onto Victoria.  Please turn left or detour around by the Marina to facilitate fluid movement of traffic for our community.  Under no circumstance are vehicles to drive around behind the school to the front driveway as our children may be playing in this area.  All vehicles must exit Academy Lane.  The front driveway will be closed to all traffic between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.  This is an effort to improve safety and to reduce the mix of vehicles and children.

 

Please note that supervision is in place as of 7:55 a.m.  For safety reasons, children may not arrive prior to that time.  Please note that the door will be open to students as of 7:55 a.m.  Students will not be admitted to the building prior to that time as there is no supervision.  For children who walk or come to school by car, please make sure they do not arrive prior to 7:55 a.m.

 

Parking space is often limited.  Parents who are volunteering at the school are asked to park along the grass at the back of the school, at the far end so that busses may park for the afternoon dismissal.  Volunteers or guests may continue to use the “Visitor’s Parking” at the front of the school if they are arriving after 8:15 a.m.

 

** Sign-Out Procedures for Dismissal**

Dismissal times remain the same with classes ending at 2:40 p.m. and buses departing at 2:50 p.m.  In the best interest of safety, we will continue with the procedures for the afternoon pick-up.  Students being driven home at the end of the day will now be dismissed at the front door rather than the basement.  Parents (or the delegate as indicated in the note from parent) will be required to sign their child out with the teacher on supervision duty at the front door (Mrs. Anne Stairs).  It is important that we receive a note from you indicating that the child is not to take the bus.  This note should be received preferably a day or two in advance, but no later than during homeroom on the day the child is to be picked up.  If your child will be picked up every day for the entire year, or for a specific period of time, one note indicating the dates where the child is to be picked up will suffice.  These notes will be used to prepare the sign out sheet.  Please remember that without a note, the teachers will be directing children toward their regular transportation arrangements.  When picking your child up, please arrive for the 2:40 – 2:50 dismissal period and meet your child and the supervisor at the front door.

 

The front driveway is to be used for parents picking their child(ren) up at the end of the day.  The busses still need to park at the back of the school at the end of the day.

Please understand that for safety reasons, no vehicles can enter the front driveway during recess (10:20 – 10:40) and lunch (12:10 – 1:10).  All vehicles that need to enter during this time must use the Academy Lane entrance.

 

When picking your children up from “After-School Activities”, please pick them up at the Academy Lane Entrance by the Daycare.  The front door is locked at 3:15 p.m. and under no circumstances can it be propped open.  The daycare entrance is the only entrance to be used between 3:15 and 5:30 p.m.  We ask that all vehicles refrain from using the front driveway after 3:15 p.m. as our Daycare children and students participating in other after school activities are often outside and we want to ensure their safety.

 

Emergency Forms/Authorizations:  Emergency Health Forms were issued with the Registration forms last year.  If there has been any change in this information over the summer, please notify the office immediately and we will issue a new form where you may provide the most recent and accurate information.  It is imperative that we receive accurate updated information, including contact numbers where we can reach you or a delegate in the event of an emergency.  We continue to have a problem with families not providing us with this emergency information, or not updating the information in a timely manner and we cannot reach the parent when the child requires emergency intervention.  Please note that in cases where we have not received complete and updated information we will have no choice but to contact the authorities should we be unable to reach a parental authority in an emergency.

 

Locks:  The older students will continue to have lockers.  In past years it has been  observed that very few children actually “lock” their lockers.  Please note that the school will not be issuing locks.  If your child has a locker and wishes to use a lock, please send one from home, making sure he/she provides the combination to his/her homeroom teacher.  Please reinforce to your child the importance of keeping his/her combination private.  In the event that we must cut the lock from a locker (defect or correct combination not provided to the homeroom teacher…), the school will not assume the cost of lock replacement. 

 

ELS:  Students in Cycle 2, Year 2 (Grade 4) through Secondary 1 will again each be receiving an iBook for their use this year.  We are preparing for deployment and the teachers will be informing their classes regarding the specific deployment times for their group.  Please note that the children will not be permitted to take the iBooks home until we have received the required forms signed by their parents.  Also, please be advised that the deductibles under the Loss/Damage/Theft policy remain the same as last year, the deductibles to $150 ($100 for Damage) for the first instance, $300 for the second and $500 for the third instance.  Please remind your child to take proper care of the laptop and all parts (these should be kept in the case at all times when not in use to prevent loss).  Also, there have been several instances of theft.  Please be reminded to never leave the laptop visible in your vehicle when unattended.

Students from Cycle 3, Year 1 (Grade 3) and Cycle 1 will have access to a mobile cart of laptops that can be used in the classroom.  We are also adding to our inventory of SMARTboards (interactive whiteboards), such that most classes will have opportunities to use the boards.

 

Personal Information/Address Changes:  If you have moved, or if you move over the course of the school year, you must notify us in writing of your new and complete address.  Similarly, if there are changes in your child’s transportation arrangements, emergency contacts, custody arrangements, etc…we must be notified so that our records are accurate and up to date.  Please contact the office immediately when you notice a discrepancy.

 

For safety reasons, we are not permitted to let children leave with anyone other than a custodial parent or guardian unless we have signed, written permission from the designated guardian(s).  If someone other than yourself is to pick up your child, please send a note to your child’s teacher.  Each year we are faced with difficult situations where the notification has not been provided to the school.  We cannot stress how important it is to advise us in writing of any change.  In addition, if alternative transportation is required, the request must be submitted in advance, as we cannot guarantee availability of alternate transportation.

 

Please note that non-custodial parents have access to school information pertaining to their child.  Please send us a written request, containing complete mailing address, at the beginning of each school year.

 

If a non-custodial parent is not to have access to information, then we require copies of the legal documents supporting this.  Without this documentation, we are required by law to share all school information with both parents and to permit the child to leave with either parent.

 

Alternative Bussing:  Children will not be permitted to travel on any bus other than their designated bus(es) through the month of September.  After this time, there may be restrictions for some busses due to available seating.  Permission must be requested in advance if you wish your child to take another bus.

 

Please note that changes in your child’s daily transportation arrangements must be made in advance in writing.  For safety reasons, we cannot accept last minute telephone requests.  Any change in bussing requires 24hr advance notice (the note must be handed in to the office the day before).

 

School Operation Hours:  Classes begin at 8:10 a.m. and end at 2:40 p.m.  We have a 60 minute lunch and continue to offer a 20 minute recess.  Children should not return to the school to pick up articles that were forgotten after dismissal.  The office public operating hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12:30 – 1:30).  If you wish to meet with a particular person, we ask that you please call ahead to make an appointment except in the event of an emergency.  For safety reasons, all visitors must report to the office to receive permission to circulate within the school.  A visitor’s pass will be issued to authorized guests and a volunteer pass will be issued to volunteers.  Only authorized individuals and staff may circulate through the building, both during and outside of school hours.

 

Lost & Found:  We consistently have a tremendous amount of unclaimed articles left at the school.  Please clearly identify your children’s property as much as possible so that they may easily be returned/claimed.  The “Lost and Found” is located at the bottom of the central stairwell.  There is another “Lost and Found” located in the “Girl’s Basement” (K-3 entry).

 

Sick Room:  Please note that we appreciate children not coming to school if they are sick.  If your child becomes ill during the day and is unable to stay in class, you will be required to arrange to have your child picked up.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

 

Head Lice:  Unfortunately, head lice frequently spread among school children.  It is important that everyone understand that head lice are not discriminatory and we are all susceptible…having head lice is in no way a reflection of one’s personal hygiene.  We can work to control the spread of head lice and we require the cooperation of everyone.  Please check your child’s head regularly for signs of head lice.  If you suspect your child may have head lice you must keep your child at home until you have applied the appropriate treatment and all nits have been removed.  In addition to treating the hair, there are also measures that must be taken to treat the home to prevent a recurrence.  All children should be reminded to never share hats or headgear.  More detailed information regarding identification and control of head lice may be obtained by calling Mrs. Sandra .Marchand.  We are organizing a school-wide head-check to begin on September 8th.

 

We are currently in need of additional volunteers to assist with the head checks that take place several times over the year.  If you would be available and willing to help with this important exercise, please contact the school.  We will be working to organize a training session for all new volunteers.

 

Please be aware of the following procedures that we are required to follow as per Santé Public regulations:

 

-         When live lice are found

o       The parent must be called and the individual must go home.

o       All live lice and nits must be removed before the individual may return to school.

o       Once all live lice and nits have been removed a parent/guardian must accompany the child to school at the beginning of the school day and report to the office for a “head-check”.  The parent/guardian must also return the forms that were issued, duly completed and signed.

o       We are required to notify the CLSC of all persistent cases.

o       We are required to notify Youth Protection in persistent cases where CLSC help/recommendation is refused.

 

According to Santé Public regulations, if there are no remaining live lice or nits, the child may return to school.  School regulations require that all lice and nits be removed.

 

School regulations require that, in addition to the measures listed above, children found to have dead nits, must also have all of these removed prior to returning to school.

 

While there is no foolproof way to prevent head lice, the following practices may help to reduce the spread of head lice:

 

-         prompt detection and thorough treatment as per Santé Public guidelines (check your child’s head regularly…ie. twice weekly…)

-         keep long hair tied and/or pinned back

-         do not share head gear

-         keep gym  clothes/change of clothes in a sealed bag when not in use and wash on a weekly basis

-         do not share clothing

-         avoid head to head contact

-         keep winter hats, caps and scarves in coat sleeves when not in use

-         contact the school immediately when you detect lice or nits

 

We will be conducting “head-checks” several times throughout the year.  You may anticipate “head-checks” any time school resumes after an extended break.

 

Dealing with head lice is costly, time consuming and often stressful for families.  With everyone’s cooperation in early detection and thorough treatment, we can assist each other in keeping the spread to a minimum…thereby making it a winning situation for everyone!

 

Newsletters:  In an effort to reduce paper use and unnecessary photocopies, we will not issue copies of all documents to all children in a family.  We will issue documents to the youngest child in the family.  Generally newsletters will be posted to the web-site (www.etsb.qc.ca/knowlton). 

 

School and Gym Uniforms:  School uniforms are mandatory.  Students must be wearing the uniform available through Mega Design International (more order forms are available through the office) or clothing that is not noticeably different (MUST BE SAME STYLE, COLOUR & SHADE…NO LOGOS).  Sweaters and “bottoms” must be in compliance with the Uniform policy as well, in this third year of implementation of the Mandatory Uniform Policy.  Sweaters are available from our uniform supplier, or can be not noticeably different (MUST BE SAME STYLE, COLOUR & SHADE…NO LOGOS).  Bottoms are to be black or navy blue, jeans are acceptable.  Consequences will be applied in cases where the child is not complying with the school policy.

 

The gym uniform remains the same (purple shorts, grey t-shirt) and is also compulsory.  These are also available through our uniform supplier, Mega Design International (please note there is an error on some of the order forms – the gym shorts read blue, but are actually the traditional “dazzle purple”).

 

Terry Fox:  We will continue our tradition of supporting the Terry Fox Run.  This year we will hold our event on Friday, September 25^th.  Please mark this very special date on your calendar, and join us in this very special celebration (for safety reasons, no pets, please).  More information will be available in the coming weeks.

 

Consumable & Supervision Fees:  Please see the attached notice of Supervision and Consumable Fees.  Please note that payment of $145 (less if your child is in our daycare / less if your child is in Kindergarten) is due by September 11, 2009.  If any special financial arrangements need to be made, please take the time to contact in writing Mrs. Marchand at the school office.  Parents will receive a second, smaller bill once we have received all invoices and calculated the per unit costs of consumable materials issued to your child (October/November).

 

Student Absences:  If your child is absent from school, the absence must be justified in writing by a note given to the homeroom teacher upon your child’s return to school.  In these instances, a phone call is not necessary.  If the child will be absent for an extended period, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.  Please note that the only school absences authorized under law are for illness, death in the family, court appearance or medical appointments.  If your child will be absent for any other reason, this should be arranged in advance and receive prior approval from the office.  Please understand that homework cannot be provided without advance notice and reasonable preparation time for the teacher. 

 

Behaviour Slips:  In an effort to improve both in-school and home-school communication, we will continue to use “Behaviour Slips” this year.  Both positive and negative behaviour may be noted on these slips.  If your child is issued one of these slips, he/she will be required to return a copy that has been signed by their parent/guardian the following day.  These slips are returned to the office.  The homeroom teacher, the parent and the office will each have copies of these slips.  In instances of negative behaviour where the child does not return the copy signed by his/her parent/guardian, the child may be required to serve detention at the office until the signed copy is returned.  Please be aware that not wearing the school uniform is considered negative behaviour, not respecting school rules, and will be treated as such. If a child repeatedly receives slips, consequences will be applied and the parent/guardian may be required to meet with school representatives.

 

 

 

 

 

We look forward to working with you and wish you a wonderful school year!