Reading At Home – A Habit Not An Event

By Mr. Fiorentino
 

Even though reading should be a priority at home all year, let’s heighten our dedication to make sure reading is the “buzz” word during the remaining months of school – especially during the summer. Everyone should strive to make reading a routine, not an event, at home. Take the time to read with your children. Remember – children love to be read to. Take turns reading the same story with your children. Purchase a book for your child as a reward for doing something special or exceptional behavior. Instead of watching TV some nights, be a role model and read instead. If you are not sure which books to read to your child, you can ask your child’s teacher, school or local librarian or go on line. Encourage your child to continue to read so that a special leaf can be placed on our second literacy tree.

Reading should be more exciting to your child than watching TV, playing with video games or turning on the computer. Reading has become the basis of all of our state tests and even Regents. For example, in math, due to the way test questions are now phrased, the stress on problem solving and word problems, in order to perform on a high level whether it be the state fourth grade math assessment or the tenth grade geometry regents, students have to be proficient in reading.

It is vital to demonstrate to your child that reading is an important part of your life. If your child doesn’t see this, then reading will not be a priority for them. Don’t forget – you are the most influential person in your child’s life.

Respect and Responsibility – A Team Effort

Respect and Responsibility is a theme both staff members and myself are consistently reinforcing with our students. I am asking your help in reiterating this theme with your children. Respect for one another and taking responsibility for one’s actions relates to all aspects of school life – the classroom, playground, dining hall, hallway and the bus. In order for our students to realize the importance of this expectation, the parent community, administration and staff must be on the same page – working together toward the same goal.
 

Safety of Students – Always a Priority
 

Although we have passed the mid point of this school year, please take the time to reiterate the importance of bus safety with your child. This will support our message to students regarding their responsibility for their own behavior. Appropriate behavior is defined as remaining seated at all times and talking quietly to a friend and cooperating with the bus driver. This type of behavior will ensure the following:

A. The safety of passengers and the driver
B. Less distraction for the driver
C. The bus ride from school will be a positive experience for everyone

Thank you for your support!

Go Green Movement

The Cottage Lane BLT has been promoting various aspects of the Go Green movement. We had a very successful used battery drive. Students have been providing Go Green questions and answers on our a.m./p.m. announcements. A new drive is being initiated – ReUse-A-Shoe Drive. This will be an effort to recycle used athletic shoes/sneakers that will be reused to develop various types of sports surfaces. A letter will be coming home from the BLT on this drive.

It is vital that our students continue to hear the Go Green message. Hearing from both home and school how they can impact our environment in a positive way will help “Go Green” become part of their culture.

Maple Lane Concern

A representative of the inhabitants of Maple Lane contacted our facilities department to ask parents not to park on Maple Lane. We were told that parents park everywhere and are constantly blocking the street, a private road, so much so that UPS and other delivery companies are threatening not to come down at all. Please respect the concerns of your fellow community members.