August 31, 2009

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

What an awesome first week we have had.  The kids are doing great and everyone is excited about the new school year.  Our own Steve Cardone and Jacob Ramos started the year playing in the Little League World Series.  Their team finished in the top four, and we are proud of our defenders.  What an honor, to play for the United States championship.  These two young men have exemplified the kind of accomplishment that I believe all of our defenders can and should aspire to.  What a great way to start our journey to excellence for this year. 

I have really enjoyed meeting everyone this last week and I look forward to meeting you all at Greenback Night.  The date for Greenback night has changed from 9/9/09 to 9/08/09, which is the Tuesday after Labor Day.   We had originally planned for 9/9, since 9/8 is the day after Labor Day.  However, this would conflict with our first football games of the year, and we want every parent and student to be able to come to this event.  The general Meeting will begin promptly at 6 p.m. and you will have the opportunity to walk your students’ schedule and meet all their teachers.

On Tuesday 9/1/09, your student will be getting the information card (Buff Card) and an Ethnicity survey card.  Please make sure you get these forms completed and have your student return them to us this week.  On Wednesday 9/2/09 we will be kicking off our school-wide fundraiser.  Your student will receive all the necessary information, so please e looking for that information to come home.

We have been a little relaxed with dress code and discipline this week, to allow our students to get back into the swing of things.  Students have been asked to correct their dress and reminded about the rules.  All students attended assemblies during which the rules and expectations were reviewed.  Starting Monday 8/31/09, all rules are in effect, and students will be referred for dress code violations and discipline issues.  The major issues with dress code are as follows:

• Students may wear white, navy, burgundy or gray crew neck or polo shirts.  No scooped necks or v-necks are allowed.  They should not be excessively tight or oversized. 
• Shirts worn underneath must be white, or the same color as the outer shirt. 
• Bare midriffs are not allowed.  Shirts should be of sufficient length to reach below the top of the pants, but no longer than the beginning of the inseam.  Shirts may be tucked in, but should not be tied off at the waist.
• Hair should be natural color and may not be styled such that it creates a distraction.
• If you are not sure about your students dress, please feel free to call or come by and ask.
• Dress code violations are subject to the following discipline:
• 1st time – call home and find some thing in the closet.
• 2nd time – call home and parent has to bring change of clothing to school. Will go onto class when clothes have been changed.
• 3rd time – call home and parent has to bring change of clothing will continue in ISS for the remainder of the day.
• 4th time – call home and parent has to bring change of clothing will be assigned two days of ISS.

Cell phones must be turned off and out of sight from 8:30 to 3:30.  Students may come to the office if they need to call home.  You may call the office if you need to reach your student, and we will relay the information.  Students who violate this policy are subject to having their cell phones confiscated with the following consequences:

• 1st time – warning  -- call home and returned at the end of day to student
• 2nd time – call home and parent must come pick up cell phone
• 3rd time – call home and phone is taken up until the end of the year.

Attendance is an important issue and can cause your student to be retained if they exceed the allowed maximum number of days.  Students should turn in a note to attendance when they return from an absence.  Notes for doctor appointments, counselor appointments, court, dental or other appointments must come from the office of the appointment attended.  In most cases, these absences do not have to be made up.  Students may be absent with a parent note no more than eight times during the school year.  After that, it will require a doctor’s note.  Students are also expected to arrive in class on time.  Excessive tardies will result in the following consequences:

• 5 tardies --- referral to the Assistant Principal and a call home
• 7 tardies --- referral to the Assistant Principal and 1 day of after school Detention Hall
• 10 tardies – referral to the Assistant Principal and 2 days of after School Detention
• 15 tardies – referral to the Assistant Principal and 1 day of ISS
• Will start over at semester

In every case, we will make every effort to ensure that you are informed of what is going on with your student.  We would ask that you make sure your contact information is current and correct.  We rely on the information you provide to maintain communication with you.

Please bear with us as we get the homework hotline back online.  We have had some problems with the phone system, but they are being fixed.  Should you have any questions, please e-mail the teacher or check on their teacher web for information.  We are also working on activating our voice mail system.  This is new to Driscoll.  When you call you will receive an automated message with options to reach the party you are calling.  I know it is not as personal as a live person answering your call, but it will ensure that will be always be able to leave a message for the person you are trying to reach. 

That is a bunch of information to share for my first newsletter, but I want to make sure you are informed.  I am truly excited about this year, and the great start we have already had.  I look forward to seeing you all on Greenback night.