Dear Parents and Students,

I am very pleased to inform you of one of the many academic accomplishments that took place during our past school year. Congratulations to six of our recent graduates who took the Integrated Algebra Regents Exam on June 18th. This is the 4th year that select eighth graders took a 9th grade state exam, and every year 100% passed the test. These students will get the math regents exam requirement for 9th grade. We are very proud of them!

This coming year will bring a few changes to our curriculum and staff. We will be adding an Advanced Science Program – “Earth Science” to our 8th grade curriculum. This is to challenge our gifted students. These students will also be taking this course at St. John Villa High School together with our High School students. This is an addition to our already successful Advanced Math Program for 7th and 8th graders. Also starting in September, students in Junior High will use our state-of-the-art Science Lab as part of their schedule at least once a week.

The faculty and staff wish to welcome you to the 2010-2011 school year. We look forward with anticipation to the many opportunities this school year offers for your children. Following are details of the 2010/2011 school year schedule:

1) Wednesday, September 8th- Grades 1-8 begin classes:
- Classes begin at 7:50am and will be dismissed at 12:00 noon. Pioneer Bus service and private vans will be available. All are to be at school by 7:45am and all students must wear the summer uniform.

2) Wednesday, September 8th: Pre-K and Kindergarten Parent Orientation at 10:00am in the school auditorium, followed by a classroom tour.

3) Thursday, September 9th:
- Full day session begins for Grade 1–Grade 8. Lunch program begins and dismissal is at 2:15pm.
- Half day session for Pre-K & K. Classes begin at 7:50am and dismissal is at 12:00 noon. No bus service for Kindergarten. All children are required to wear their summer uniform.

4) Friday, September 10th:
- Full day session begins for Kindergarten. Lunch program begins and dismissal is at 2:00pm.
- Half day session for Pre-K with dismissal at 12:00 noon.

5) Monday, September 13th:
-Full day session begins for Pre-K. All are to be at school by 7:45am to begin class at 7:50am with dismissal at 2:00pm. Special classes begin.

6) Monday, September 13th:

Grade 1 – Grade 8: Arrival Time: 7:45am, Class Begins: 7:50am, Dismissal Time: 2:15pm

Pre-K & Kindergarten: Arrival Time: 7:45am, Class Begins: 7:50am, Dismissal Time: 2:00pm

DISMISSAL PROCEDURE

Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten: 2:00pm Teacher walks the children down to main entrance gate. Parents pick-up directly at the main entrance gate.

Grade 1 – 8: 2:15pm (Prayers at 2:10pm) After prayers final dismissal is at 2:15pm. Parents pick-up directly at the main entrance of the parking lot.

7) Full school uniform clothes, uniform shoes, and white sneakers will be required for students in Grades Pre-K thru 8th. Uniforms may be purchased from Flynn and O'Hara Uniform Co., 2645 Forest Avenue (718-227-5499). Only white sneakers may be worn for gym classes from PreK-8th.

* Please note that the T-shirt is a part of the gym uniform. This will be worn on gym days only - all year. You may purchase our fleece jacket with school logo which is optional.

8) Our lunch schedule is as follows:

Lunch Period 1: (Grades 6, 7, 8) 11:00 – 11:45am
Lunch Period 2: (Grades 3, 4, 5) 11:45 – 12:30pm
Lunch Period 3: (Grades K, 1, 2) 12:30 - 1:15pm

9) It is necessary for the younger grades to bring snacks to school since they eat lunch at 12:30pm. It is important that all of our students eat a good breakfast each morning. You too ~ Moms and Dads!

SUMMER CODE UNIFORM:

Girls
-3 button SJVA golf shirt
-walking dress short (gym shorts or sweat pants may not be worn)
-all white sneakers with above the ankle white socks

Boys
-3 button SJVA golf shirt
-walking dress short or school dress pants (gym shorts/sweat pants may not be worn)
-all white sneakers with above the ankle white socks

*Please note: If your child chooses not to wear the summer uniform, the regular school uniform must be worn without the school sweater.

Looking forward to our first “Parent-Teacher Orientation Night” scheduled for Wednesday, September 15th from 7:00 to 9:00pm in the school auditorium.

I hope you will take every opportunity to enjoy the days of summer and provide informal times of learning as enrichment for your children.

Know that you all will be very much in my prayers. God bless you!

PS - Don't forget the summer packet given to you by your teacher so you are ready for the start of 2010/2011!