Message from G&P Family Liaison Lauren Morse (Sept. 2018)

Message from G&P Family Liaison Lauren Morse (Sept. 2018)
Posted on 09/07/2018
Dear Graham & Parks Families,

Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year at Graham & Parks Alternative Elementary School! Whether you have a brand new student, or have been part of the Graham & Parks community for years, the beginning of the school year can be an overwhelming time. There are big transitions, like starting Kindergarten or starting school in this country for the first time. There are also smaller, but still significant, transitions like getting to know a new teacher, making new friends, and learning new routines. My mother reminded me recently that when I was a child, I used to start each year with some serious trepidation. And each year, around Parent Teacher Conference time, my teachers would announce with pride that they were able to “get me out of my shell.” And yet, each September I’d go back in that shell, cautious at first, until I felt comfortable enough to come out again. We know, at Graham & Parks, that students arrive the first week of school full of emotion, a overwhelming mix of anticipation, glee, fear, excitement, anxiety, and sadness about the end of summer and everything in between. We feel those feelings, too! September is a time of new beginnings, for everyone in the school community.

As a new or returning family, it might be helpful to know our Mission Statement. At Graham & Parks, our mission is to educate the whole child: to help every child in our school fully develop his or her unique intellectual, social, and emotional capabilities. We are a multicultural learning community built on respect for every student and every family. Our community is incredibly diverse. Students and staff speak approximately 40 different languages, and we come from every continent but Antarctica!

We also want to share our approach to Family Partnerships and Family Engagement. We believe that educating a child involves a deep partnership between teachers, staff and families. As parents and family members, you are the experts in your child and his or her needs. For this reason, we view communication between home and school as two-directional. While it is important for us to share information with you, it is equally important for us to learn from you about your child. Our view of collaboration between educators and families is rooted in the belief that we have shared goals. We all want each child in our community to experience social, emotional, and academic success.  

As families, you play an integral role in the education of your child. Your involvement in your child’s education will help your child achieve more success and have a positive outlook on school. Please be sure to:
  • Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep, attends school every day and arrives on time (between 8:15-8:25AM) ready to learn
  • Check your child’s backpack each day for important notices and homework
  • Stay informed by reading announcements from your child’s teachers, as well as the monthly newsletters and weekly emails from our Family Liaisons
  • Attend Family Breakfasts and school-wide events such as the Back to School Curriculum Night and International Potluck & Dance Festival to get to know other families and school staff
We invite you to become an active member of the Graham & Parks community. Many of the field trips, special projects, and school wide events would not be possible without the incredible support from families like you. If you are able, I encourage you to pick at least one form of volunteering this year - you could help in a classroom, chaperone a field trip, join a Committee such as the Friends of G&P or the Steering Committee, become a Room Parent or many other options. There are so many ways to get involved. If you need ideas, please reach out to me or your child’s teacher.

We are so excited for the 2018-2019 school to begin. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have at [email protected] or 617.349.6577. We can’t wait to work with you to make this a wonderful, exciting and fun-filled year!

Thanks,

Lauren Morse

G&P Family Liaison
[email protected]
617.349.6577 x115
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