Monday, July 27, 2015

Connect with Webster and Your Child


Cale and Grant helping dad in the
Webster Garden
What did you do at school today?
Last year, I would pick my 4-year-old up from preschool and it would be the same thing everyday. I would ask, "what did you do at school today"? His response, "NOTHING"! I would go in his backpack later and find; an alphabet book that he completed, a macaroni statue of his "papa", leftovers from lunch that HE MADE at school, a note about his poor behavior and woodchips from Pioneer Trail Park where he went on a class trip. He did all of that and still told me he did NOTHING! I shouldn't be surprised, I did the same thing to my parents as I am sure you did when you were in school. It is easy to become discouraged and stop asking.
However, research has long shown that the children of parents who become actively involved in their children's education tend to do well in school. Often that increased parental involvement can boost achievement levels, make children more responsible learners, lead to more high school credits, ensure fewer discipline problems and improve student attendance. Taking the time and effort to communicate with us at Webster in a variety of contexts and settings will help to build a relationship with your child, your child's teacher and give you a chance to participate in their education.

Below are 5 ways for you to stay connected to Webster and your child's education.

1. Your Child's Backpack

Chances are you’ll learn about most school news and functions through newsletters and notes your child brings home in their backpack. When they get home from school, ask them to empty their backpack — at least a few times a week — so you can sort through any papers meant for you. Try reading through them with your child. That way, you can talk about all the things going on at school. This will help you remember important events — and let your child know that you are interested in what goes on at school.


2. The World Wide Web (click on link to be connected) 

Eskymos.com will post the latest school news and information. 
Your child's Teacher Blog
Powerschool Announcements
Mr. LeClaire's Blog(your on it) or Twitter

3. The School Newsletter
We will be putting out a newsletter that has all the news for the upcoming month or so. It may come home in your child’s backpack or I can send it to you via email.  If you prefer email, make sure Mrs. Viau in the office has your correct email address so that you can get the newsletter sent right to your email inbox.

4. The School Bulletin Board

When you come into Webster, regularly check the sandwich bulletin board we have set up. Aside from school news and announcements, you may see notices from other groups or parents that interest you.

5. Ask Teacher or Principal 

Feel free to ask me or you child’s teacher at the Open House-September 2nd,  parent-teacher conference-November 12/13th, at pickups or drop-offs, or through email or phone if there are school or classroom events you should know about. If it seems like you’re often missing important information, ask me, Mrs. Viau in the office or the teacher what the best way is to keep informed about school news.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Welcome Letter

Dear Parents, Families, and Friends,
As I begin my first year as principal at Webster Elementary School, I can’t help but get excited about the dedicated and experienced staff I get to work with. Having worked with some in the past, and in talking to former students, community members and parents, I know how hard they work to meet the individual needs of all their students and how they strive to make personal and positive connections with your child.


We encourage you and your family to be active in your child’s education and in the Webster School community! We welcome your family to participate in our school activities, and to support your students at home volunteering in your child’s class, library, joining our active PTO or attending/ supporting school events such as Fall Carnival, Family Movie Night, Skating Night, Story Hour and our music programs. The elementary school years are an amazing and fast paced time for our children and we will work together to build a positive experience for them.


In your child’s folder, you will find many important papers that you will need to fill out including the Student Handbook and Emergency Form. Please take time to go over the Student Handbook with your child. The purpose of the handbook is to provide the policies and procedures for maintaining a safe atmosphere that allows each individual to develop to the best of her/his ability. Please make sure these forms are filled out and returned to your child’s teacher as soon as possible.


Webster Elementary School and the surrounding community is truly a special place to be with a rich and proud background built on benevolence, perseverance and hard work. We will make every effort to continue this fine tradition by providing your child a safe, student-focused atmosphere with high academic and behavioral standards. Together, we will continue to make Webster Elementary Great and ensure that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing world.
        
Your Partner in Education,


Craig LeClaire
(906-786-6118)

cleclaire@eskymos.com