Seach Weekly Newsletter
Nicole Doherty, Principal
Happy New School Year, Seach!
Ready or not...here we go! (If you're anything like me, you're wondering how summer disappeared so quickly...but you're also not going to miss hearing, "I'm bored," "What's for lunch?" and "Can I have a snack?" on repeat.)
I hope you had the chance to relax, spend time with the people you love, and enjoy a break before another exciting school year begins. It's hard to believe our halls will soon be filled with students again, and Jackie and I couldn't be happier to welcome you back.
One of the things that makes Seach so special is the people. Every person in this building plays an important role in making our school a place where students feel safe, supported, and like they belong. Whether you're greeting students in the morning, teaching a lesson, helping in the cafeteria, or offering a kind word in the hallway, it all matters.
A special welcome to the newest members of our Seach family! We're so excited you've joined us and can't wait for you to experience what makes this community so special.
Please help us welcome:
Elizabeth Buckley – Kindergarten
Kelsea Foster - Kindergarten
Sydney Sullivan – Grade 2
Kristin Rodden – Grade 4
Olivia Dirsch – Special Education
Amelia Cahill - Special Education
Alison Glavin - Grade 1 ESP
Jessica Rubino - Grade 5 ESP
As always, a great deal of work has been happening behind the scenes to prepare for opening day. Thank you to Chris and Matt for getting our building ready and to Merideth for juggling registration, school supplies, phone calls, emails, and countless back-to-school details.
A special thank you also goes to Jackie, who spent the entire month of July tackling the incredibly complex task of creating our building and special education schedules. It's no small feat balancing the many moving pieces while keeping students' needs at the center of every decision! We're also grateful to our Student Response Team, Alicia, Kerri, Jayne, and Lindsey, for the time they dedicated this summer to strengthening our student response systems and continuing our trauma-sensitive work so we're even better prepared to support our students every day.
As you prepare your classroom, remember that the way students feel when they walk through your door matters just as much as what they'll learn once they're inside. A welcoming environment, a calming space, and small touches that help students feel safe and connected can make all the difference. If you need materials or ideas for creating or refreshing your calming space, please let Jackie or me know, we are always happy to help!
Opening Week Schedule:
Tuesday, September 1st
8:00 a.m.: Meet in the library to reconnect and welcome our new staff. (light breakfast will be served)
9:00 a.m. - 11:00: Classroom preparation and planning.
11:00 a.m. – 12:00: Lunch on your own
12:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Classroom preparation and planning.
Wednesday, September 2nd: Professional Development Day
8:00 a.m. - Back-to-School Staff Meeting in the library.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Lunch provided
12:00 - 3:00: Classroom preparation and planning.
Thursday, September 3rd
First day for students in Grades 1–5.
Kindergarten Orientation
Student dismissal at 11:50 a.m.
Afternoon work time.
Friday, September 4th
First Day of School for Kindergarten.
First Full Day
Thank you for everything you do and for the heart you bring to Seach each day. Jackie and I are excited to begin another year alongside such an incredible team.
Enjoy these last few days of summer, soak up the sunshine, and maybe sleep in while you still can...because before you know it, someone will be asking, "What are we doing?" approximately 87 times a day!
See you on September 1st!
Nicole
All staff are welcome to come into the building beginning Monday, August 17 to start setting up their classrooms.
Please keep in mind that the building will close at 2:30 p.m., so everyone will need to be out of the building by 2:00 p.m.
A Few Quick Reminders
Please place any unwanted items outside your classroom door and label them "TRASH."
If you have materials you'd like stored, let Jackie or me know and we'll find them a home.
Please do not leave unwanted items in the downstairs workroom or upstairs specialist area.
All rugs need to be fire safe and approved by Jackie or me if they have not been already.
Be sure classroom furniture allows for easy movement and clear pathways throughout the room.
Double-check that emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and classroom safety information are posted.
Most importantly, if there's something you need to help make your classroom ready for students, please reach out. We're here to support you!
Important Upcoming Dates:
- September 1st: Back to School Ice Cream Social
- September 3rd: First day for students in Grades 1–5 and Kindergarten Orientation
- September 4th: First Day of School for Kindergarten
- September 17th: Open House
