Points of P.R.I.D.E.

August 18, 2023

Dear Families of Francestown Elementary School,

I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the last days of summer. As the new school year approaches, we are excited to extend a warm welcome back to all our students and families!

The faculty and staff have been working diligently to prepare for the upcoming school year, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for your children.

As you can imagine, the challenge of creating classrooms that satisfies everyone is impossible. Our staff works hard to create an environment where every child will be supported and feel known, needed, and cared for. The classroom makeup will be as follows. Please note that it is a Francestown Elementary tradition to work hard to meet all students’ needs. There will be a K/1 classroom, a 2nd grade classroom, and a 3/4 grade classroom. Be on the lookout for communication from your teacher shortly.

Here are a few important updates and reminders as we gear up for the start of the school year:

1. Meet and Greet for the 3/4 grade class- August 25 from 4:00-5:00: Come and meet your new teacher, Mrs. Doell.

2. Meet and Greet- August 29: Come and meet our amazing teachers and tour the school from 3:30-4:30. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you to meet your child's teachers, tour the classrooms, and learn more about the curriculum and expectations for the year ahead.

3. First Day of School- August 30: Drop-off will be between 8:20-8:40. Dismissal begins at 3:25. Please remember to input your child’s dismissal plan in PickUp Patrol daily. It is a way we can work together to make sure every child arrives home safely. The updated bus schedule will be posted on August 25, 2023.

4. Handbook and Paperwork: An updated handbook will be sent home through email.

ConVal School District is pleased to announce that beginning with the upcoming 2023-2024 school year, student First Day Packet forms will be available online. This streamlined process will make it easier to collect important information about students and save families time.

The primary guardian of each student who is currently enrolled in our District will receive one email per student with a special link to PowerSchool’s First Day Packet forms. There you will be asked to create a family account. Many fields will be pre-populated and we ask that you take the time to review the information for accuracy and/or update as necessary.

The traditional paper forms can be made available if completing the forms online is not an option.

5. School Supplies: ConVal has committed to making sure all students are prepared for school. Your child will not need additional supplies.

6. Communication: We believe that open communication between home and school is essential for your child's success. You can expect to receive regular updates through our school newsletters, emails, and our school website. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

7. Parent-Teacher Association (PTO): Our PTO plays a vital role in enhancing the school experience for our students. We encourage you to get involved and support the various PTO activities throughout the year. If you are interested in becoming a member please contact Laura Mafera (PTO President) or Tasha Austin (Vice President).

8. Upcoming Events: Be on the lookout for announcements about upcoming events such as school assemblies, field trips, and special presentations. These events are designed to enrich your child's learning journey and create lasting memories.

We are eagerly looking forward to a fantastic school year filled with growth, exploration, and achievements. Together, as a united school community, we can provide the best possible education for our students.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Here's to a successful and rewarding year ahead! If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to rhill@conval.edu or 547-2976.

Warm regards,

Rachel Lunan-Hill

Principal

Francestown Elementary School

Mrs. Doell is an energetic teacher with decades of experience. She loves making learning exciting and building on the strengths and interests of her students. Her experience includes many years at FES teaching 4th Grade and combined 3rd/4th Grade. When she is at home, Mrs. Doell loves playing with her dogs, reading, creating art, and gardening. She and her husband enjoy bicycling, camping, and spending time with family - especially with their grandchildren.

Dear Families,

I am delighted to begin teaching art in the ConVal elementary schools this year. I have enjoyed teaching in New Hampshire since 1997 and I look forward to many new creative ventures at SAU 1.

My goal as an art teacher is to create a joyful and supportive environment where all students can explore their creativity and express themselves through art. I believe that art is a powerful tool for communication and self-expression, and I am excited to help students discover new ways to share their ideas, messages, and visions with the world.

I am always eager to include family and community members in our process. Please contact me if you have any questions, would like to discuss ideas, share your creativity with students, or join a class.

I will begin this year in Francestown from August 30 to September 8.

I make every attempt to teach students to care for their clothing while using art materials, but paint, glue, and markers sometimes get the better of our efforts. Please consider sending your child with older clothes or an old dress shirt as a smock on art days.

Many Thanks,

Justin Melle

jmelle@conval.edu