Two factors play a huge role in the success of a school - parent involvement and student attendance - both of which are always evident at Longfellow.  Open House, not only showcased the wonderful work done by our students, but also our parents’ commitment to Longfellow. Teachers reported that close to 95% of their families attended this annual event.  Over 300 students had perfect school attendance during the second trimester.  Each student will receive a certificate!  Hopefully, even more students will earn a perfect attendance certificate for trimester three. 

In closing, I wish to express my appreciation to our teachers for their continued commitment and hard work on behalf of our students as we begin the last trimester of this school year. 

Warmly,

Laurie Murrin

Dear Parents,

Many thanks to everybody who attended Back to School Night, one of the most important events of the school year.  Over 80% of our parents filled Longfellow’s 35 classrooms to learn as much as possible about their child’s educational program for the year. The teachers and I are often asked what parents can do to help their children do well in school.  I would like to share with you some of our best recommendations:

• Let your child know you expect him/her to achieve, by setting high, but realistic goals.
• Establish a daily routine for family meals, homework, and chores.
• Keep in contact with your child’s teachers.
• Don’t let your child blame teachers or bad luck or poor grades.
• Be respectful when talking with or about teachers.
• Make time for reading with your child every day.
• Encourage and reward your child’s school efforts and progress.
• Be available. Spend time with your child.
• Be firm. Set clear rules and consequences for breaking them.
• Respect your child’s ideas. Take time to listen.  Share your values with your child.

In addition, to asking about how to support their child at school, I always have questions about school safety.  At Longfellow our priority is to ensure the safety of all our children. The policies and procedures of how and what we do to keep our children safe at school are documented in our Longfellow School Safety Plan. Each month we hold a school evacuation drill.  If you are on campus during the drill, you will need to participate.  A variety of supplies are housed in our safety bin located on the playground against the fence on the Bixby Street side. On a daily basis all visitors on campus, including VIPs must sign in and wear a badge. This policy is strictly enforced between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.

In closing, I encourage you to call the office if you have any questions, or concerns regarding your child's experiences at Longfellow.  Please also remember that our Longfellow website contains lots of important information about school.

With warm regards,

Laurie Murrin

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to school year 2012-2013.  As you all know the first few weeks of school are so busy for everyone. Our students are meeting their  new teachers, making new friends, and adjusting to new routines.  Our teachers are getting to know their students while building a strong, positive classroom environment and planning how to “get it all done!”  Thank you to our teachers, staff, parents and students for a very smooth opening of the school year.

This is also a reminder that Back to School Night, one of the most important nights of the year, is scheduled for Wednesday, September 19^th beginning at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of this evening is for you to meet your child’s teacher who will share with you everything you need to know about how to help your child have a successful school year. 

Another source of information about our school is the Longfellow Handbook .  It was sent home with your child the first day of school. The Longfellow Handbook is a great resource as is our Longfellow webpage. If you have questions about Longfellow’s policy for such topics as uniforms, classroom parties, medicine at school, pick up and drop off procedues etc. most likely you will find the answers in the Longfellow Handbook. The calendar on the web page is up-to-date with Longfellow happenings. 

Longfellow has a tradition of supportive, hard-working parents, and I truly look forward to working with you and your children. Please do not hesitate to call the office if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's experiences at Longfellow.  You may also email me at lmurrin@lbschools.net. 

Warmly,

Laurie Murrin

PS The first coffee with the principal is scheduled for Friday, September 28^th at 8 a.m. in the library.