Principal's Welcome 2012-2013                                        
 

Dear Finney Families,

It is always so exciting to begin a new school year.  I would like to take this moment to welcome all of our new families, and welcome back all of our returning families.  It is important for you to know that we take great pride in everything we do at Finney.  We are so fortunate to have such an outstanding staff, and rest assured that your children are receiving the very best education here at our school.  We recognize that we have a wonderful community and by working closely together, we can make sure that each child develops the necessary character traits to allow them to perform their personal best both academically and socially. 

Each year we are usually faced with the task of moving a few children from one classroom to another in order to correct an imbalance in class size.  Typically these changes occur within the first two weeks of school, but changes may occur at any time during the school year.  We will always keep these changes to a minimum however it is hard to predict exact growth patterns and which grade levels will be affected.  In the event changes do become necessary, we hope that we may count on your cooperation, support and understanding.  At the beginning of the school year, we would like to ask families to please wait until the third week of school to discuss any possible class assignment change.  If a family wishes to talk about a change, they need to pick up a form from the office describing the rationale for the change.  An appointment with me will be arranged to discuss the request and to consider all factors associated with a change in placement for your child.  

Feel free to contact your child’s teacher or myself on any matter related to school.  We are here for your children and you.  Communication is key to ensuring your child’s success at school and is an area of focus on which we continually work to enrich.  Please help us by constantly checking your child's planner, folder, contract, binder and backpack in order to remain informed about school related matters.
 

As you prepare your children for the start of the school year, I would like to remind you about our school dress code guidelines.  Oversized clothing is not suitable or acceptable.  Baggy pants are not allowed. Clothes shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments at all times. See-through or fishnet fabrics, halter tops, spaghetti straps, off the shoulder or low-cut tops, midriffs, and skirts/shorts shorter than mid-thigh are not appropriate or allowed.  Dangling and hoop earrings, chains, and keys worn visibly around the neck are unsafe and are not acceptable.  Hats, caps and other head coverings shall not be worn indoors (except for health reasons).  When worn outdoors, caps/hats must be worn appropriately with the bill forward, not to the side or back.  High heeled shoes, sandals, flip flops and shoes with wheels are not allowed.  Make-up, tattoos, and polished, acrylic or press-on nails are inappropriate for elementary school students and are not allowed.  Unfortunately, we discourage clothing representing professional sports teams, such as Starter jackets, which seem to attract gang attention.  Our desire and goal is to keep our students focused on school, academic and social growth and want to minimize all distractions.  Thank you for your support on our school-wide expectations.

As our partners in your child’s education, it is important for you to instill in your children the value of education. Some of the best ways to do this we are making sure your child arrives each day on time and ready to learn, helping them with homework, and talking with them about ideas and topics that they're studying in school. You are strongly encouraged to read to and with your children, regardless of their age, as this is one of the best ways to foster their love of reading while building essential thinking skills.

We look forward to having your terrific children for the 2012-13 school year and pledge to you to take extra special care of each one of them.  The first day of school is Wednesday, July 25 and is a minimum day.  We know that you are entrusting your children to us and acknowledge that this is an awesome responsibility we take most seriously. We plan to have a productive, exciting, and fun school year.  “Together we make the greatest difference!"

Sincerely,

Mrs. Amador-Valerio
Principal