Literacy is the heart of learning

Principal: Janet Jump

School Phone: (316)973-3150

July 15, 2008

Dear Parents and Students:

Welcome back to an exciting school year! I hope that the summer months have been enjoyable for you and your family. The staff and I are very excited that you have entrusted your child’s education to us. We will make every effort to help your child achieve academically and socially this year. It is our goal to create an enriching learning environment that engages every student. Of course, as the first teachers in your child’s life we need your support and cooperation. Our school has an excellent teaching staff with a wealth of knowledge. We have an excellent support staff that works in different capacities to support your child’s learning. Our staff is planning and anticipating a year filled with challenge, learning, and excitement.

We accomplished a great deal last year including the following:

	· Our students made great academic growth, and we exceeded the Adequate Yearly Progress goals set by the state as part of No Child Left Behind. We know this took hard work on the part of students, parents and staff, and we appreciate your support with it.
	· As part of our literacy magnet theme, our students wrote and published books. These books were sold for a small profit which is being donated to purchase books for homeless shelters and the Children’s Home. This year every classroom will be writing and publishing books.
	· We have acquired additional technology which we will use to help bring learning to life for students.
	· Students were able to gain leadership skills through participation in Honor Choir, Guitar Club, Technology Club, Red Cross, Student Council and Student Ambassadors.
	· We began work on a schoolwide discipline plan (BIST) which encourages respect for self and others. This will provide a safe learning environment for all students. We will continue this process this next year.
	· We made several upgrades to the building, and are continuing this process with the paving of our parking areas this summer.

We know that with your support this next year will bring additional learning opportunities and improvements to our school. We are also planning a fund raiser in September, and to have a fall carnival in October.

Enrollment will begin July 28^th. Hours are 9:00 to 4:00 Monday, Wednesday and Friday of enrollment week, and 12:00-7:00 on Tuesday and Thursday of enrollment week. To kick off enrollment, we will have some drawings for prizes on Monday, July 28^th and Tuesday, July 29^th. Supply lists will be available at enrollment.

Meet the Teacher night will be held August 13th from 5:00 to 6:30. Class lists will be posted at this time, and students are welcome to bring their supplies while parents are available to help carry them. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and learn what their expectations for your child are for this year.

The first day of school is August 14^th. School hours are 9:00-4:10. Breakfast will be available to students at 8:30 in the gym. Students are asked to report to the playground area to line up if they are not eating breakfast. Teachers will pick them up at 8:50. Please do not send your children before this time; there is no supervision before 8:50. If your child needs to arrive before 8:30 for breakfast or 8:50, please sign them up for latchkey. (Latchkey opens at 6:30 every morning, and closes at 6:00 p.m.) School is dismissed at 4:10. Parents are asked to wait for students at the entry doors. This allows us to keep halls clear for student dismissal, and for teachers to be able to closely monitor students and the dismissal process. We appreciate your cooperation with this. This process helps us to keep our students safe.

Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten students will attend school on a staggered schedule for the first few days of school. These days will be assigned at enrollment. This will allow teachers to work more closely with small groups to help students adjust to school.

We want Dodge students to love learning, feel safe at school, and to acquire the skills and knowledge to be successful in life. We are planning an academically strong and enjoyable year for all students. Through student, parent, and teacher involvement, all students should succeed. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to discuss any information concerning your child and his/her success within the school. It is our mission to support your child in whatever way we can. On behalf of the entire staff at Dodge we thank you for your support and cooperation. I look forward to working with you in the months ahead. Welcome to the new school year!

Sincerely,
Ms. J. Jump, Principal

Dodge Literacy Magnet Staff

Dodge Literacy Elementary Neighborhood Magnet * 4801 West Second Street * Wichita, Kansas 67212

USD 259 - Wichita Public Schools