January 1, 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR
from Donna Zaeske

It seems the Winter Plan is in full swing.  This has been a smooth transition but we will continue to observe and evaluate.  We have received positive comments from teachers and parents.  Children come in ready to work and we have gained some important “time on task” in the classroom.

It’s hard to believe we are starting the second half of the school year.  The PTO Cultural Council has been busy setting up a calendar of activities for the winter/spring season for all grade levels.  Odyssey of the Mind has started and soon we will have a Spanish group starting as sponsored by the PTO.  Our teachers have been working in grade level teams discussing ELA, Math and Writing across the curriculum.  I am re-introducing Professional Learning Communities and will utilize these groups to develop SMART Goals for the upcoming school year.  I have arranged bi-weekly meetings with our Facilities Director, Richard Matthews, and we have targeted maintenance related issues for the Bell School.  We are making progress and have recently repaired a major component in the heating system at Lower Bell.

Please take time with family and friends over the break.  Thank you for your on-going support of the Bell School community.  We will be excited to see everyone return on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012!