S.O.A.R. NEWSLETTER
by Debbie Fischgrabe
October 26, 2007
S.O.A.R. Program
Putnam Co. R-I School District
Newsletter – October 25, 2007
NEW BUILDING
The S.O.A.R. Program moved into its new residence on Monday, October 22, 2007. The students and staff are settling in, and we anticipate a smooth transition. The telephone lines are hooked up and hopefully will be in full use by next week. The extension numbers for the S.O.A.R. Program will be 555 and 556. Please feel free to contact us if something should come up that you need to discuss with the S.O.A.R. staff or you need to relay a message to your children.
BOOK REPORTS
S.O.A.R. staff will be available to assist your child with book reports. Several books will be checked out from the elementary and middle school libraries, which may be used during S.O.A.R. tutoring time. If students wish to work on a book that they can take home, I would encourage them to check out their books and bring them with them in the afternoons.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mr. Reed started a new unit this week on puppets. Plans include creating scripts for puppet shows as well as creating puppets.
Ms. LeAnn will begin a new unit on Helen Keller. The children will be introduced to sign language, and many games and projects will be included in this unit.
A member of the Health Department will join us on Tuesday for a presentation on Halloween Safety.
Ms. Nellie and Ms. Elladean are planning some special games and treats for Wednesday, October 31.
S.O.A.R. SCHEDULE
We would like to make you aware of our daily schedule so that you may better understand the focus of our program. All students will meet at the elementary gym for snacks at the end of the school day. They are accompanied to the PC Educational Building and work on homework for 30-45 minutes. They are then taken to the playground, the high school track or middle school commons for physical activities and/or recreational time. Since the weather is getting colder, please remember to send proper layers for your children. At 5:30 p.m. the bus picks up children who will be transported that day. Games and enrichment activities are chosen by the children until their parents pick them up.
FEE SCHEDULE
If you do not plan to bring your child to the S.O.A.R. Program five days a week, the administration has prepared a sliding scale for your convenience. If your child pays full price for lunch and only attends S.O.A.R. 2 or 3 days per week, the fee is $5 per day with a ceiling price of $15 per week per child. If your child receives reduced lunch and only attends S.O.A.R. 2 or 3 days per week, the fee is $2 per day with a ceiling price of $6 per week per child.
FINAL WORDS FROM THE STAFF
I recently read a story that reminded me of the joint effort that is needed to make the PC S.O.A.R. Program successful. The story tells of the flightless fairy penguin of Australia who stands less than a foot tall and is clumsy on land, and the fox is its natural enemy. Alone, one penguin wouldn’t survive for long. After each day in the water, they gather where the surf meets the shore, waiting until the last penguin joins them. They line up shoulder to shoulder then march up the beach to their burrows. They support each other. They rely on each other and everyone, except the fox, wins! The S.O.A.R. staff understands that it is a joint effort between you, the parents, and us. We all want the very best for your children and we’re a stronger team because of you!
We have enjoyed getting to know all of our new students in S.O.A.R. this week. The friendship and trust that we continue to build with you and your children is vital to the growth of this program. Thank you for sharing your children with us. Have a wonderful weekend!
Ms. Debbie, Ms. LeAnn, Mr. Reed, Ms. Nellie and Ms. Elladean
