Reading Street...

This year we will move from Read Well to the Reading Street program. Currently grades 1-5 are utilizing the Reading Street curriculum. This year your kindergartner will have the opportunity to delve into this curriculum. I am quite excited about using this reading program as it is a holistic approach to reading. Every child will receive whole group and small group instruction. It also allows for differentiation for all learners (students who are high achieving, needs some intervention, children with special needs, children who are English language learner, etc.). We will have the opportunity to delve into various media to help us learn how to read and the home-school connection should be overwhelming! I think you will be extremely happy with the rigor provided. It will be a learning curve for everyone as we transition to this program, but I think in the end it will only impact the children in the positive and prepare them to become even better readers!

Check out the "Reading Street" page for more specific information to the program and things you can do at home to enhance their "Reading Street" experience.

Letter from the Superintendent...

All incoming kindergarten families should have received a letter from Dr. Brooks, Superintendent, outlining the new kindergarten in West Clermont. If you have not yet enrolled your child, you would've not received the letter. I have attached a copy of the letter here for viewing. If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call WT. The office reopens August 1st. I plan to be in and out of the building throughout August preparing for the fantastic school year.

Kindergartenletter2011

Moving...

I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer. I wanted to let everyone know some fun things happening with me this summer. The most exciting thing I am doing is moving. My wife and I are relocating to Northern Kentucky. We sold our house in Mt. Washington after living there for 6 years and have decided to move across the river to beautiful Kentucky. I sure loved my first home, but we are excited about the new adventures in our new home. I will still be teaching at WT, but I will have the longer commute. My wife teaches in Northern Kentucky and we are extremely close to her school. I must say she is quite excited about her commute. In addition, this summer I have had the opportunity to take some day trips around the tri-state area. We have visited Yellow Springs, Xenia, and Zanesville located in Ohio. We have traveled to Madison, IN (this is where Hanover College is located, my alma mater). We have also traveled throughout the Kentucky region. It has been a lot of fun. Summer is half over and I am beginning to think a lot about school and this upcoming school year. I am getting very excited and looking forward to the upcoming kindergartners. Here is a supply list of what your child will need for kindergarten (please make sure your child has a FULL size bookbag without wheels)...

1 pair blunt scissors

1 package glue sticks

1 large eraser

1 yellow highlighter

1 box crayons

1 package dry erase markers

1 box tissues

2 packages #2 pencils

Pencil box or bag

Bus Transportation...School Day...

Many of you know bus service will be limited for the upcoming school year. Due to the failure of our school levy in May, the Board of Education had to make budget cuts. One of the cuts is going to state minimum transportation requirements. Students who reside outside a 2 mile radius will receive transportation to and from school. If you are curious to find out if you are eligible, you can click on the link below and follow the directions. If you have any questions you can call the board office at 943-5000. If you are not eligible you will have to find alternate transportation. You will be receiving more information in early August about drop-off and pick-up procedures.

http://goo.gl/pqC49

The school day also has changed. Students will come to school from 9-3, this is a change from prior years where children came to school from 9:10-3:40. The building will close 30 minutes after the school day ends; therefore, the building will close at 3:30.

Exciting Times...

I have had a fantastic trip to Chicago this past week! I have had a chance to see many things around Chicago. I walked the "Magnificent Mile," went to the top of the John Hancock Building, ate at some fantastic restaurants, went on a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan, and many more things. I have to say its been a wonderful trip, plus a lot of learning. I have also been in business meetings for education policy and debating various business items for policy makers. I've been able to meet many people from across the country and state. It has been a whirlwind of a week! I hope you all had a fantastic Fourth of July!