August 12, 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome back students and families to another year of learning at L.C. Webster. The beginning of a school year is always exciting and a special time for everyone involved. One of the wonderful benefits of working in a school is the opportunity for a new beginning each September. Webster prides itself on building a strong community of learners, setting high expectations for all, and connecting with students and their families. As a staff, we are excited for each of our students to strive for their personal best and experience their own successes as they live, laugh, and learn here at L.C. Webster Elementary School!

The Webster school community is made up of eager students, wonderful families and dedicated staff members. Webster will be serving over 350 students in grades K-5 this year. We look forward to the start of school on Tuesday, September 8^th for grades 1^st – 5^th and on Wednesday, September 9^th for Kindergarten.

School hours are from 8:45-3:15. It is extremely important that students attend school daily and get to school on time. Breakfast will be served starting at 8:25 each morning.

Webster school is very fortunate to have teamed up with Costco this fall. Costco has generously donated a backpack for every student that will be attending Webster school! Students will receive their backpack on Thursday, September 3^rd from 4:00-6:00 during our open house event. Costco has also donated several school supplies that will be in each backpack. What an awesome way to start the year!

Bus Routes will be made available on August 17, 2009 on the District website (www.isd622.org). For those who do not have access to the website, the information will be posted at the Webster Open House and will also be available by calling 651-621-1980.

Communication is a key to a successful school year. Classroom teachers will be sending home weekly newsletters that are specific to your child’s daily activities and classroom expectations. The Panda Paper (school newsletter) will be sent home twice a month. All newsletters and the Panda Paper will be available on-line through our district website www.isd622.org Your partnership with the school is essential in building a successful year for your child. The Webster staff encourages you to get involved and invites you to share your thoughts throughout the year.

Staying true to our vision - “Every L.C. Webster student will be held to rigorous standards so that they demonstrate at least a years worth of academic growth.” Webster staff will achieve this vision by:

• Implementing strategies to address the needs of our changing demographics and diverse student learners
• Make instructional and behavioral decisions based on data; holding staff accountable for student performance and achievement
• Promote strong partnerships between teachers, parents, and community
• Model, teach, and expect appropriate behavior from staff and students

We anticipate an exciting year filled with student achievement, building positive relationships and new challenges. All Webster families are invited to our Open House/Curriculum event held on Thursday, September 3rd from 4-6 pm! Students are encouraged to bring their school supplies, lunch money and visit their classrooms during this time.

There have been some changes to our teaching staff, please note the following updates:

Kindergarten: Amy McGuire, Jed Frovik

First Grade: Angela Newhouse, Amy Tumbleson, Susan Harmon

Second Grade: Carolyn Jones, Alicia Buchholz

Third Grade: Pam Phillippi, Deann Oie, Kathleen Harper

Fourth Grade: Mary Lipps, Catherine Cranston, Mollie Hagman

Fifth Grade: Kathi Mullin, Charlie Baranauckas

We have also included new emergency cards for this school year. Please fill them out and return them to your classroom teacher at Open House on September 3^rd.

Important dates to remember:

• September 3 4:00 pm class lists will be posted on Webster’s front doors
• September 3 4:00-6:00 pm Open House/Curriculum event
• September 3 6:00-7:00 pm AYP parent information meeting (media center)
• September 8 First day of School 1^st-5^th grades
• September 9 First day of School Kindergarten
• September 17 PTO meeting 6:30 in the Media Center
• September 24 Fundraiser Kick off
• October 6 School picture day

Let’s make this the best year ever! Enjoy the rest of your summer! If you have any questions, please call 748-7100 or e-mail me at spalodichuk@isd622.org.

Respectfully,

Sara Palodichuk
Principal