Hello Springer Families,

We are just 24 hours away from the start of what, I believe, will be a fantastic school year.  I wanted to send you one last communication regarding some reminders and tips for the first day of school tomorrow.

First, I must admit a mistake that I sent in an earlier correspondence.  Previously, I had written that the first bell rings at 8:31 and a second bell rings at 8:35 to begin the school day for 1st through 6th graders.  That is incorrect.  The first bell (signaling students to line up) rings at 8:28.  The second bell (signaling the beginning of our daily Flag Assembly) will ring at 8:30.  If this were my first year as principal at Springer, or close to my retirement, I would have a good excuse for this mistake.  Alas, neither of those apply to me.  My apologies for any confusion.

Remember that the first day of school equates to the most busiest day on our neighborhood roads.  Use extra caution if you are driving your child to school.  It is a good idea to leave the house a bit earlier as families are figuring out their routes and timing to school.  We, of course, encourage as many families as possible to commute via bike, scooter, or by foot.  Our community is made safer with fewer cars on neighboring streets and in the parking lot.  Regardless of your mode of transportation, please adhere to all road postings and speed limits.  Also, pay attention to crosswalk guards and their directions.  Remember, it is illegal to drive through a crosswalk with anyone walking at any point in the crosswalk. 

Some students can be anxious on the first day of school.  Experience tells us that, once the teachers have the students in the classroom and instruction begins, the anxiety fades rapidly.  One point of anxiety can be the "hand off" from parent to teacher.  It may be a good idea to front load your child on the procedure you will use as a parent to signal to your child that you are stepping back and your child's school day is beginning. An ideal time to transition your child is when the first bell rings, signaling for students to assemble in their class lines.  The "hand off" you use could be a "high five" or quick hug or any signal you work out with your child.  Once the teachers begin to take their classes down the wings to their rooms, we ask that parents not follow their children down the corridor (known as the Learning Zone).

We invite all parents to join us right after Flag Assembly in the Multi for our annual Back-to-School Coffee.  This casual meet-and-greet will give you a chance to sign-up for variety of volunteer activities and meet other parents in our wonderful community.

I am really looking forward to seeing all the kids tomorrow. 

Sincerely,

Wade Spenader- Principal