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Happenings
September 3, 2013
WELCOME BACK!
Dear Journey School Community,

The first day of school is finally upon us and the staff couldn't be more enthusiastic or prepared to receive the students. Please tell your child (ren) that we are excited to see them tomorrow as we launch Journey's 14th year at the traditional Rose Ceremony.

Onwards & Upwards,

Mr. Shaheer
OUR CAMPUS IS READY, THANKS TO YOU!
Every summer, Journey School gets a heartfelt dose of volunteer love. You'll see fresh paint, inspiring classrooms, healthy gardens, new storage sheds to allow for increased classroom space, a new music room, an expanded kitchen for cooking classes, a community store and cafe, and more. Thank you for your dedication.
STAY IN THE LOOP!
One key to a successful school year is to read all correspondence -- whether sent by teachers, room parents, or through this newsletter. Give this strategy a try to avoid the "I Didn't Knows." Other sources for school information are JourneySchool.net and the Calendar & Festivals page.
SCHOOL CALENDAR & BELL SCHEDULE
The calendar has changed: Columbus Day (Oct 14) will be an instructional day for all students. The last day of school is now June 12. Click here for our revised academic school calendar and scroll down for the bell schedule.
WE'RE HERE TO HELP, STARTING DAY 1
We have all been newcomers at one time -- so please don't be shy about asking for help! Older students, alumni and Parent Cabinet members look forward to greeting you and your children tomorrow.
PARKING LOT & TRAFFIC FLOW
We've redesigned the parking lot to maximize safety and efficiency. Parking is allowed in white spaces only and the yellow curb is exclusively designated for drop-off/pick up. Blue spaces are reserved for handicap parking. Red areas must remain clear.
DROP-OFF & PICK-UP

KINDERGARTEN:

 

  • Kindergarten starts at 8:45 a.m.  
  • Please walk your child to class where you will find a sign-in sheet.
  • There will be limited care starting at 8:30 a.m. for parents with older siblings and to help working families, which is a priority.
  • Pick up for kindergarten students is 12:45 p.m., except on Wednesdays due to early release at 12:30 p.m. 
  • If lot parking is not available, use Foxborough street parking and follow the path to your child's classroom. You may also park at Woodfield Park (see map).  

GRADES:

 

  • Main Lesson begins at 8:30 a.m. promptly.
  • Grades pick-up is at 3 p.m. except Wednesdays.
  • If you are walking in a 1st grade student, please park at Woodfield Park located on the opposite side of Pacific Park. Click here for map. The bike path leads to our back gate for easy access to the first grade classrooms. Staff members will be at the gate and classrooms to greet you and your child (ren).
  • The yellow curb is available for drop-off/pick-up for Grades 2-4.
  • 1st grade families may use this option if necessary.
  • For Grades 5-8, please drop students off at the end of the Foxborough cul-de-sac at the front gate.
  • For carpools and families with multiple children in different grade levels, use the parking solution that works best for your family.

PLEASE COMMIT TO TIMELINESS: 

 

  • Tardies interrupt learning and teach children bad habits.
  • Please model timeliness by honoring our start time.  
  • Your grades 1-8 student needs to be in their classroom by 8:30 a.m. A parent (or other adult) is required to walk the student to the Attendance Coordinator at the front office if the student is late.
  • Parents of kindergarten students should walk their child to class as usual.
WELCOME ASSEMBLY & ROSE CEREMONY
RoseCer
Please attend the Rose Ceremony to celebrate the start of our school year and welcome last year's Kindergarten students into the Grades. Click on our Calendar page to read more about this cherished festival and all the festivals to come. Grades students will go directly to their classrooms by 8:30 a.m. Parents may bring chairs, blankets, and shade umbrellas and meet on the front lawn after drop-off. The Ceremony starts at 9:00 a.m. and lasts approximately one hour.
AFTER SCHOOL PICNIC FUNDRAISER
Wednesdays are traditionally picnic days. Families gather on the front lawn after school to share a meal while the children play. The first Wednesday of the school year is Journey's Annual Back to School Picnic Fundraiser with Togo's Sandwiches at 20720 Alicia Pkwy near Sports Chalet at the corner of Alicia and Pacific Park.

Click here for the flyer and present it when you pick up your sandwiches. You may order ahead on Togos.com.

Jamba Juice Wednesdays will also start tomorrow. Jamba Juice comes to campus and sells smoothies after school. They give back 20% of all sales. 
AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES

Our aftercare program will begin the week of September 9. Detailed flyers and information about how to sign-up directly with the providers can be found on the After School Opportunities page. If you have any questions about the list of classes, please contact [email protected].

 

Note: Journey School facilitates these opportunities but does not manage them as each provider is entirely responsible for all aspects of the class.
ENROLLMENT & SCHOOL TOURS
The application window for the 2014-15 school year will begin on October 1, 2013 and applications will be available online at that time.  Contact Kris Reynolds at [email protected] to schedule a Walk Through the Grades tour.
DEVELOPMENT? WHAT'S THAT?
The Journey School Foundation exists to support, sustain and grow Journey School's future. The term "development" is used to describe the process of developing relationships with Community Partners. This includes asking for parent volunteer hours dedicated to writing grants and entering corporate campaigns that reward schools for participation. Read more about Development at: http://www.journeyschool.net/donate/

From time to time throughout the school year, families will be asked to vote for our school in some of these campaigns. Participation is completely voluntary! Click here for our Development page and to vote for our current Target Campaign.
OAK & THE ACORN STORE & PARENT CLASSES

The Journey School store will open on Wednesday, September 11th.

A portion of proceeds from the store benefit the Journey School Foundation. Store hours are Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.  

 

Upcoming classes include:

 

Monday, September 16th at 9:00 a.m.

Metal Working & Jewelry making in our Green Heart Garden will be taught by Lily Baker. A $15 class donation is suggested.

 

Monday, September 16th at 9:30 a.m. (same day)

Phyllis Gilmer will offer her Fairy of the Pumpkin Patch doll class in the Indoor cafe. $7 class donation is suggested.

IMPORTANT EVENTS

Wednesday, September 4th

First day of school, Rose Ceremony, after school picnic

 

Wednesday, September 11th - 6:00 p.m.

Back to School Night is an important event and all parents all strongly encouraged to attend. This event is for parents only and limited childcare will be available.

 

Monday, September 16th

"Education Built to Last" Green Ribbon Best Practices Tour is set for West Coast destinations between Sept. 16th through Sept. 20th.
CARPOOL ANYONE?
Do you know that more than 70% of Journey families carpool in keeping with our green strides best practices? Do you know that Parent Cabinet has a Carpool Database? If you are looking to find a carpool or to help lessen the drop-off and pick-up congestion, check it out on the Parent Cabinet website. 
Quick Links
Journey is Hiring
Do you know an experienced Waldorf educator with a great track record and passion for excellence? Please pass this email on to anyone who may be interested in employment at Journey School or direct any candidates to our website.
   
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