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Edison Language Academy – Together Through Two Languages (310) 828-0335 www.edison.smmusd.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
5th Graders: Pali Camp December Payments Due Now. If you elected to split the cost of tuition to Pali Camp into payments, make your December payment by the end of the day Wednesday, 12/19. Mark Your Calendars -- Monday,
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK: STARTING THE NEW YEAR WITH GOOD INTENTIONS
January 7, 2019 is our first day back at school after winter break. Don’t be confused by a pupil free day at secondary schools. ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS start on Monday, January 7.
Many families start each new year by making resolutions – things we want to do for ourselves, our families, and/or our communities to improve the quality of life. Each year, our Edison staff reflect on data and survey results and ask ourselves how we can better engage and serve students and families. If you have suggestions, I am always interested in hearing from our parent community. I’d also like to ask for your help in making three resolutions in the new year that could improve your child’s educational experience and make our school function more smoothly.
Give a Year-End Gift that Supports our Students – If you haven’t yet given a gift to
Say goodbye to your child in the large courtyard if you are walking on to campus to wait in the morning. Don’t clog up the
the Santa Monica Education Foundation (or if you have a little more room in your charitable contributions budget before the end of the year) now is a wonderful time to give. Thanks to a special matching gift, your tax-deductible donation will be matched up to $50,000 until December 31. You can drop off a contribution in the office or donate on line at https://www.smedfoundation.org/newsandimpa ct/story/50000-anonymous-match. Your donations help fully fund programs for all Santa Monica students, including the following programs at Edison: Música en español program for Pre-K – 2nd grade; an Afternoon Health Office Specialist, extra supervision personnel at lunch and recess, visual arts supplies, professional development, garden supplies, and recess and PE equipment. And District-wide, the Ed Foundation provides extra music classes, ballroom dance, and salaries for bilingual instructional assistants. Thank you for your gift to support programs that enrich the education of Edison students. Beginning Mariachi Class –If your 5th grade child has enrolled in the new Mariachi Class, please be aware that it starts the second day that we’re back at school, Tuesday, January 8 from 3:30 -4:30 pm in the Edison cafeteria. Children need to be signed up for playground access for the 30 minutes before their music class begins. If your child isn’t yet signed up for Playground Access haven’t yet done this, please see one of the CREST staff afterschool and fill out the paperwork before the end of the year.
walkways by trying to walk with children to their classroom or to the K gate. Once your child’s teacher picks up the class, they are responsible for getting them to the classroom and you are free to go on with your day. It puts your chlld’s teacher – and other school staff -- in an awkward position when we have to ask you (in front of your child) to follow the rules. Also the presence of so many adults outside the courtyard slows down the whole class in getting the day started.
Use the designated drop-off zones if you are driving to school and stay out of the staff parking lots. You may think that you will only be there a minute, but when you pull into those staff lots, you’re occupying a space that we need for staff to park to get to school on time. On top of that, you’re clogging up traffic for incoming cars while you turn around and try to exit from the driveway. There has been a lot of this lately and it’s creating an abrasive situation for staff. Re-double your efforts for regular, on-time attendance. As we’ve been reviewing attendance records at the end of the year, we’ve noticed that the number of unexcused and/or un-resolved absences, and the number of late arrivals and early departures is creeping up. Please always call Kathy Fargnoli (et 61-248) or send a note to let us know why your child is out -- even if you think that the absence may not be excused. Try your best to have your child in school from bell to bell; any arrival or departure over 30 minutes is treated as an unauthorized absence unless there is a doctor’s note. We also have a high number of students who attend Edison on Interdistrict Attendance permits which are reviewed frequently by the District and can be cancelled at any time for poor attendance. Please don’t risk your child’s spot at school because of absences and tardies. The bottom line is that in order for your child to get the maximum benefit from their education, they need to be here – every day and from bell to bell. December 19 4:00 pm Site Council, Room 100
December 21 Minimum Day
January 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday