Homework: Students will receive a planbook that we expect them to maintain. That is, they need to write in all assignments and, very important, their nightly reading. On the FAQ page you will see a photo of a planbook to give you and your child an idea of what is expected. The planbook is an important resource for you and your child for managing the homework and an important tool in managing the managing the middle school transition. Please ask your child to show you the planbook and their assignments regularly. While we work with your child in the classroom to help them figure out the best way to complete the homework, you may need to be involved as well as each family’s schedule is different. You can check on assigned homework here. There is also a FAQ for students about homework here.
Arrival: I encourage children to arrive by 7:45 when they are allowed upstairs and into their classrooms. This gives them some time to organize materials, chat with friends, and get ready for the school day. At 8AM all fourth graders must be in their houses ready to begin their morning meetings. It is so important for children to be ready for this as it is a time when important information is given and attendance is taken. If your child arrives after 8:10am and the attendance sheet has already gone to the office, they will need to check in with Yolanda Ortiz in the 8th Floor office.
Absence: If your child will be absent, please send an email to both Ms.Edinger ( edinger at dalton.org) and Yolanda Ortiz ( yolanda_ortiz at dalton.org) as soon as possible.
Dismissal: Students are responsible for knowing how they are going home. In the morning they must indicate on the attendance form how they are going home (e.g. bus, friend, sitter, etc). A separate note is not necessary — it is now your child’s responsibility. For the first two weeks of school I will accompany the class and supervise their dismissal from the building. They will exit the building from the door closest to Park Avenue. Those on buses will wait with one of the associates. Since it is a busy scene we recommend that you choose a meeting spot outside the building where your child will meet the picker-upper. After the first two weeks the associate will be on hand to supervise and take care of any problems. Please let your child know that he/she should speak to them if the person who was to pick them up has not arrived. They can then return to the Office where someone can make the necessary phone calls. If a change in arrangements occurs during the school day please call the Office and they will pass that information on to me and your child.
Early Dismissal: If you will be picking up your child early, please let myself and Yolanda Ortiz know by email and/or note. Children will not be allowed to leave the building without this.
Afterschool: The ENCORE! Coordinator is Jennifer Beasmoney. If you need to send your child to homework club urgently, you can call the MS office or send an email to Jennifer and myself.
Birthdays: We love birthday parties! Birthdays are celebrated during lunch from 11:15-11:45 and parents are invited to hang out with us during this time. Feel free to bring a treat, but make sure it is allergy friendly.
Blog: This blog will be a great resource for you this year. I post pretty much everything here and in the spring your children will be posting on their own blogs as well. Please browse through it to get a taste of what we’ve done in the past.