SYRACUSE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dr. Edwin E. Weeks Elementary School
710 Hawley Ave Syracuse, NY 13203
Sharon L. Contreras, Ph. D.
Superintendent of Schools
Phone 315•435•4097• Fax 315•435•6222
August 1, 2015
Dear Parents and Families,
We have begun the countdown to “back to school!” I hope that this letter finds you healthy and well and that
you have been able to enjoy time with your family and friends throughout the summer. Many of our students
participated in summer school at Dr. Weeks and we had a very successful program. I was very proud to see
how our students interacted with academics and enrichment in the summer session. We have certainly seen a
great deal of growth over the past year!
As we prepare for the return to school, I would ask that you take the time to update your address and/or phone
number in the main office (435-4097), if it has changed. Having your updated information in our computer
systems is essential to receiving school communication, busing information, and classroom information.
I have included classroom materials lists with this letter so you can utilize the upcoming sales. I have also
included an order form for red “I Am the Future” t-shirts for each student. Last year, we fundraised over $3000
to provide these shirts for each student, which became a part of the culture in our building. This year, we are
asking each family to purchase a t-shirt for each student ($5.00 per shirt). We wear the “I Am the Future” tshirts each Monday to help set the tone and remind us what we are focused on when we are in school.
Completed order forms and money can be dropped off in the Dr. Weeks Main Office or can be sent in with your
child in the first days of school.
We will be having a “Back to School Picnic” on Thursday, August 27, 2015 with the North East Community
Center. This will be an opportunity for families to celebrate the end of summer, re-connect before we begin the
new school year, and connect with school and center opportunities. We will be sending additional information
on this fun event in the next weeks, so please save the date for this wonderful event.
Kindergarten Orientation is currently scheduled for Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Wildcat
Ready Orientation (for families and students in grades 1-5) is currently scheduled for Thursday, September 3,
2015 at 2:00 p.m. We will be referring to “Wildcat Ready” throughout the opening of school to identify the
school ready behaviors that students need to exhibit in order to be academically successful. You can help your
child be “Wildcat Ready” by reminding your child about being safe in school, listening to all adult directions, cooperating with other children, and being a problem solver. These are all part of our ROARS (Respectful,
Optimistic, Always Responsible, and Safe) traits that we teach our children.
We have made great gains during our first year as a turnaround school. We cannot continue our growth
without your help. Our students have great gains to make in reading, writing, and mathematics. Every day is
important to your child’s education. Please make sure that your child is on time and ready for school every day.
Find time to read with your child each day. Practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts with
your child at home. Communicate with your child’s teacher. You are so important to your child’s education!
The time we have to shape our children’s future is brief. I am looking forward to an excellent school year with
you and your child. I know that we will make great gains! You are essential to your child’s success in school
and we value your support and involvement.
With optimism,
Principal Reeve-Larham
Every child. Every day. College and career ready.