August 1, 2014
Dear Kindergarten Parent,
We are busy planning and preparing for arrival of our new Kindergarten students; and want to
share some important information as we know you, too, are getting ready for this exciting time in
your child’s life.
Save the Dates for Upcoming Welcome/Orientation events:
· Wednesday, August 27th from 12 to 2 pm – Petrides Summer Picnic, hosted by our
PTA. Students entering grades Pre K through 2 and their families are invited to this event which
will take place on the football field. Please bring a blanket and a basket of food and beverages
for your family. Fun will be provided! Materials, including class and teacher information and
bus/walker tags will be distributed at the picnic; it will be mailed home to families who don’t
attend the event.
· Tuesday, September 2nd at 6:00 pm – Kindergarten Pajama Party. Kindergarten students
and their parents are invited to join us for this gathering. Students will have an opportunity to
meet their classmates and Ms. Bennett, Elementary School Assistant Principal will read ‘Twas
the Night Before Kindergarten. Kids should come in their favorite pjs, stuffed animals
welcome! Ice cream will be served.
· Wednesday, September 17th (evening) – Curriculum Conferences will be
conducted. Detailed information will be sent home with students.
Early Childhood School Uniform Policy:
Beginning this Fall (September 2014), our school will be piloting a uniform policy for students
in Grades Pre K and K. These students will be required to wear the appropriate uniform
daily. We are asking for your support as we strive to continue to provide increased school
safety. We strongly encourage your participation in the implementation of our new uniform
policy. We believe it will encourage our students to experience a greater sense of school identity
and belonging, to encourage an improvement in student behavior, to reduce school clothing
costs, to encourage a high level of program participation, and to improve and expand on all
academic excellence. In special circumstances, exemptions to the uniform policy may be
granted in the case of religious or medical reasons.
The new uniform will be comprised of the following:
·
Light blue shirt (short or long sleeves/ polo or button down)
·
Navy blue pants or navy blue skirt/jumper
Optional Items:
·
Navy blue blazer
·
Navy blue cardigan sweater
The pants, skirts, cardigans, and any other uniform accessories can be purchased at any storeJ.C. Penney’s, Kohl’s, Old Navy, Gap, Cookies Uniform Store, or Children’s Place.
We will be engaging our entire school community in discussion on this topic as we explore the
possibility of implementing a School Uniform Policy in grades Pre K through 12 by September
2015.
Regarding the first days of school:
· On the morning of Thursday, September 4th, Kindergarten students will assemble in the
gymnasium; parents are welcome to bring their child into the gathering area and meet the
teacher. Once the children head off to class, parents are invited to stay for our Tea and Tissues
get together! Please note: Parent attendance is not mandatory; school bus service (even for
Kindergarten students) begins on the first day of school.
· Thursday, September 4th and Friday, September 5th will be half days for Kindergarten
students; dismissal time is 11:20 am.
· Monday, September 8th will be the first full day of school, 8:00 am to 2:20 pm, for
Kindergarten students.
For your convenience, attached is a copy of our Kindergarten Supply List.
We are excited by the plans and possibilities the new school year will bring. We look forward
to sharing the experience with you!
Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
(718) 815-0185 ext. 21051
JBuckhe@schools.nyc.gov
Sincerely,
Joanne Buckheit
Principal