September 2010
Dear Parent and Guardian:
Welcome back.
The staff at Townsend Elementary School is eager to see our future leaders of tomorrow (aka: elementary students) when we start the 2010-2011 school year on Wednesday, September 8th. One day in the not too distant future, our brand new kindergarten students will grow up and will be in charge of everything. Our job is to make sure they are prepared for those challenges because they will be taking care of us. The writer Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. said it best with his humorous quote: "
True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country
."
The first day of school is full of promise and excitement (and sometimes stress) for our students. It is a time to see friends from the previous year, a time to rediscover favorite activities, a time to bond with new teachers, and a time to discover what the new school year has to offer. Few things in life compare to the range of emotions we feel on the first day of school.
I look forward to working with your son or daughter this school year. Please don't hesitate to call or visit if you have any questions, concerns, or would just like to chat.
Sincerely,
Mike Snider
Information for the 2010-2011 School year
1.
Remember that we start school at 8:05 am. Students are tardy after 8:10 am.
2.
I would like to welcome the following new staff members to Townsend Elementary School:
·
Laura Bradish - First Grade Teacher
·
Suzanne Winghart - Fourth Grade Teacher
·
Kim LaTourette - Health Aide
·
Leah Taggart - Physical Therapist (BOCES)
Sara Leddy - Occupational Therapist (BOCES)
·
Carey Ann Williams - long-term sub for Ms. Tina Backus - Second Grade
·
Kevin Price - Technology Department
·
Maggie Munigle - special needs aide
3.
As you may have heard, one of the music positions at Townsend Elementary is now a half-time position. Regrettably, Mr. Erik Parry took a job at a school in Arizona - we wish him all the best. We will be hiring a new half-time music teacher who will teach band lessons and conduct the elementary band. For the 2010-2011 school year, we will have one elementary band. More details will follow to parents of band students.
4.
Ms. Theresa Bolton will be teaching general music to all students (grades K - 5). She will also conduct all of the grade level chorus groups.
5.
This year, we will be using the Consultant Teacher / Resource Room model for special education. Mrs. Cheri Vroman will be teaching kindergarten and third grade special education; Ms. Deborah Cole will be teaching second grade and fourth grade special education; and Mrs. Linda Schick will be teaching first grade and fifth grade special education. We will also have a new K-2 special needs classroom taught by Mrs. Patrice Chambers.
6.
This year, our specials classes will be on a 4-day cycle. Here is a sample schedule for one week:
Day 1 - Art; Day 2 - Computer; Day 3 - Library; Day 4 - Music; Cycle starts again: Day 1 - Art etc…
7.
The reduced/free lunch application can be found in the newsletter, the school calendar, or on the counter at Townsend Elementary.
8.
Remember that students in grades K - 3 have PE every day. Therefore, they need appropriate footwear (sneakers) every day. Grades 4-5 have PE three times per week.
9.
Snack milk - Remember to pay for snack milk. $25 for half year due by Sept. 10th.
10.
First Day Lunch menu: Chicken Patty on bun, Turkey Sub, PBJ, Yogurt Plate -- lunch is $1.60.
11.
Room locations:
a.
A number of teachers have changed rooms over the summer. Here is a list of room assignments.
·
Ms. Bradish - Room 112
·
Mrs. Bayne - Room 211
·
Mrs. LeBarge - Room 210
·
Ms. Jennis - Room 212
·
Mrs. Winghart - Room 206
·
Mrs. Howard - Room 214
·
Mrs. Chambers - Room 141
·
Mrs. Austin - Room 140
·
Mrs. Hartman - Room 213
·
Mrs. Cathy Backus - Room 137
·
Mrs. Marano - Room 139
·
Mrs. Cucciarre - Room 108
·
Mrs. Taggert - OT - Room 126
Mrs. Leddy - PT - Room 126
·
Mrs. Karl - Speech - Room 216
·
Mrs. Jensch - ESL - Room 216
.
