MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL - David Myrvold
 

Welcome back! A special welcome to our new Vice-Principal, Ms. Penny Hope. I am very pleased with the start to our new year. Last spring, we surveyed parents to receive input for our school improvement plan. What follows is our plan as a result of that input. As always, I welcome feedback. Please contact me at any time regarding your child's progress at our school.
 
 
 
 
 

MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-PRINCIPAL - Penny Hope
 

Welcome to all students and parents of the Intermediate Division. After a long summer break it is apparent that the students are excited to begin another year at school. Many teachers were busy this summer taking courses and doing other educationally relevant research that will undoubtedly benefit our students.
 

To many children this is their first year as part of the Adam Scott community and as such there are many changes to which they need to adapt. Rotary can be challenging at first but what a great opportunity to practice for the Secondary grades. The grade 8 students who are familiar with the routines have been very welcoming of their new classmates as well as myself. I look forward to getting to know each and every student and parent as the year progresses.
 

It was wonderful to meet so many people during our open house on September 13, as well as the first School Council meeting of the year. I would like to take this opportunity to invite all parents to come to the council meetings that occur the second Wednesday of each month. Our next meeting is on October 10^th in the library from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Please come and learn about the important partnerships that exist among staff, students and parents in our community. Your input and suggestions are most welcome.
 

In closing please feel free to visit our school and call your child's teacher with any questions or concerns you may have. I am also available at any time should you wish to discuss the many positive things that will be occurring this year or any concerns you may have.
 
 

Each year every school works to develop a School Improvement Plan that will help focus the energies of staff toward meeting overall school goals that result in a more positive school environment as well as increased academic and social success. As one aspect of that plan the parents of grade 7 students last year were asked to respond to a school improvement questionnaire that was sent home in June. The response to this questionnaire was wonderful. Over 40% of parents responded. A summation of the responses received are listed below and illustrate the areas in which parents felt that we excelled and the areas in which there were concerns. Following this analysis of the responses is an outline of the school plan designed to address the concerns that were raised:

Approximately 42% of the surveys were returned. This is an excellent rate of response for any survey. The results have been collated and divided into areas of strength for the school and areas of parental concern.
 

AREAS OF STRENGTH
 

97% of respondents feel welcome when they enter the school

96% of respondents feel comfortable approaching the school with a problem or concern

89% of respondents feel their son or daughter enjoy attending Adam Scott

89% of respondents feel satisfied with school communication re: upcoming events, newsletters, etc.

86% of respondents feel satisfied about the procedures that exist for parents to address concerns at the school
 

Theses areas of strength speak to the high comfort level of parents when entering the school and discussing their concerns in a variety of areas.
 

AREAS OF CONCERN
 

49% of respondents want more co-curricular programs offered at the school

41% of respondents are unsatisfied with the access to the Learning Resources Library

38% of respondents are concerned that programs offered at the school do not adequately allow for individual differences and accommodations

38% of respondents do not feel that they are adequately informed about their child's progress

34% of respondents are unsatisfied with the information provided by the school about what their child is expected to learn

34% of respondents do not believe that the administrators of the school fairly enforce the rules
 

These areas of concern cross a number of areas from the availability of resources to curriculum issues and discipline concerns.
 

PLANS TO ADDRESS THESE CONCERNS
 

• Co-curricular Programs - A number of co-curricular events (clubs, sports, etc.) Will be offered this year. A complete list will be available for the next school council meeting. A number of teachers have expressed a desire to offer a wide variety of activities and clubs.

• Learning Resources Library - This year a formal library period has been made part of the rotary schedule. A part time Library teacher is teaching library skills and computer technology. Students have access to resources during class time and are being taught a variety of skills. Students will also be able to access the Library after school and throughout the day as long as they work out the time with the teacher.

• Individual Differences and Accommodations - A review of identified students and rewriting of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) is underway for this school year. Informal IEPs and close monitoring of struggling students will also be emphasized. Professional development opportunities for staff will be available to develop curriculum and help with modification of program.

• Information About Student Progress - Currently, parent-teacher interviews are done first term and three report cards are sent home. Parents are encouraged to call the school and make appointments with their child's classroom teacher whenever they wish to talk about their child's progress.

• Information Pertaining to Program - Our open house offers parents the opportunity to review and collect copies of teachers' long range plans. These plans outline the curriculum for the year. Other suggestions for communication are welcomed.

• Fairly Enforcing the Rules - Discipline expectations are clearly outlined in the classes and such expectations are to be prominently displayed. A problem solving discipline model has been implemented this year and is based on consistency, fairness and respect for all parties. Communication with parents is emphasized.

Demonstrate Respect

Take Responsibility for your Actions

Focus on Learning
 

Be Kind Include others, use polite words, keep hands to self, help others, be a friend
 

Be Safe Keep hands and feet to self, walk in building, use materials and equipment appropriately
 

Be Cooperative Follow directions the first time, take turns, share with others, problem solve, be a team player
 

Be Respectful Be a good listener, treat others the way you want to be treated, allow others to be different, acknowledge others' ideas
 

Be Peaceful Use a calm voice, move quietly so others can learn, have calm transitions
 

Be Responsible Take care of yourself, allow others to resolve their own problems, do your job, accept outcomes of your behaviour, be honest

Questions and Answers
 

There have been a number of questions asked by parents regarding co-curricular events that will be offered this year and I wanted to take this opportunity to answer these queries. Staff here at Adam Scott Intermediate recognize the importance of having a variety of activities for which students can sign up. Given this recognition, a number of co-curricular events will be offered this year. When a complete list of clubs and activities is complete we shall make it available to all students so they can organize their time effectively.
 

Students have been asking to bring skateboards to school and they need to be reminded that skateboards, roller blades, and scooters are not allowed on school property. This is a rule for Intermediate as well as Secondary students and needs to be respected for safety and liability reasons.

Staff have been asking how the Intermediate Students have been able to keep the field area so clean. The answer to this mystery is the number of students who voluntarily choose to pick up garbage and take pride in their school.
 

ALLERGIES AND MEDICATIONS
 

Teachers and office staff have been reviewing student forms to identify those students who may have "severe" allergies. In addition, the staff is trying to determine which students must have some type of medication at school. Please note that staff may only administer medication to students with a doctor's written authorization. Authorization forms are available at the school and must be completed BEFORE any medication may be administered. If your child has an allergy of which we should be aware, please contact the school office as soon as possible so we may provide you with an allergy response kit.
 
 

Principal: David Myrvold

Vice-Principal: Penny Hope

Vice-Principal: Denise Severin

Head Secretary: Darlene Little

Intermediate

Secretary: Debbie Soucie

Receptionist: Debbie Robertson

Chief Custodian: Gary Sexsmith

Grade 7 Teachers: Lyne Dalton (French Immersion)

Priya Harding

Karen Locklin

Alison Scott

Grade 8 Teachers: Kathie Cogley

Suzanne Girard

(French Immersion)

Jim Glynn

David Walker

Youth Counsellor: Cindy Wilson
 
 

8:40 Students come in from the yard

8:50 - 9:40 Period 1

9:40 - 10:30 Period 2

10:30 - 11:20 Period 3

11:20 - 12:25 Lunch

12:25 - 1:15 Period 4

1:15 - 2:05 Period 5

2:05 - 2:55 Period 6

2:55 Dismissal
 
 

The Public Health Department has confirmed our dates for the Hep B vaccinations for our grade 7 students this year. Our first vaccination date will be October 4, 2001 and the second date will be April 4, 2001. If you have any questions about the Hep B vaccinations please call the Public Health Unit at 743-1000.
 
 

The Peterborough County-City Health Unit will be updating student immunization records. Under the Immunization of School Pupils' Act, students are required to be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Notices will be sent to parents of students with inadequate immunization on file at the Health Unit.
 

If you have any questions on immunizations, call the Health Unit at (705)743-1000 - DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL. The Health Unit is responsible for enforcing the Immunization of School Pupils' Act.
 

Thank you for helping us protect the health of students.
 
 

TELEPHONE: 743-7373

FAX: 743-7831

SAFE ARRIVAL: 743-8012
 
 

A reminder to all parents and students that we have a dress code at the school. This dress code is outlined in the school handbook. Please remind your child that all underclothing needs to be covered, and that tank tops, spaghetti straps, mesh tops, short shorts and otherwise brief clothing is not to be worn at school.
 
 

All students are expected to ask permission from their classroom teacher if they want to use the phone. Usually any concerns can wait until the end of the day when the child returns home.

As part of the three year textbook acquisition plan over $5000.00 has been spent on textbooks this year in the French Immersion and Core French programs. To complete our program needs for Core French we will be asking for $7.50 from each Core French student so they will be able to have their own cahiér workbook as a resource throughout the year. The School Council unanimously supports the purchase, by parents, of these workbooks.
 
 

Dear Parents,

The Adam Scott Intermediate School Council met last week and we are pleased to present you with the list of members.
 

Chair: Anne Morawetz 748-9470

Secretary: Lisa Clark 876-7144

Treasurer: Randy Romano 652-8615

Members at Large:

Shirley Hamilton: 742-6261

Elaine Pope: 749-3420

John Britton: 652-1289

Mavis Chinamora-Stapleton: 740-1753

Kathy Crouter: 292-6585

Principal: David Myrvold 743-7373

Vice Principal: Penny Hope 743-7373

Teacher Rep: Kathie Cogley 743-7373

Alison Scott 743-7373
 

You will notice that with this newsletter is a flyer outlining our first fundraiser of the school year. We hope that you will support this project. The funds raised all go back to the classroom!
 

Last year, the school council organized hot lunches twice a month. We would like to offer pizza lunches to our students again this year. If there is anyone willing to help out once a month, please contact Anne Morawetz at 748-9470.

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At our initial meeting, Penny Hope outlined the school's code of conduct, explained that the school has purchased a significant number of new textbooks and outlined a new program designed to motivate all students to participate in extracurricular activities.
 

As well, we received feedback from the surveys sent home at the end of June with report cards.
 

After welcoming our new members, we discussed ways to support the school in the year ahead. If you have suggestions, we would be most happy to hear from you.
 

The next meeting is Wednesday, October 10th at 7:00 pm in the Adam Scott Library. We would be delighted to have you join us!
 

Sincerely,

Anne Morawetz

School Council Chair
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Our newsletter contest continues.
 

Congratulations to the winners of the June 2001 draw, Amanda Motyer and Daniel Parrington. Please go to the office to see Ms Hope for their amazing prizes.
 

Please sign and return this portion of the newsletter to the school to indicate you received and read this newsletter. Your child's name will be entered into a draw for a prize. Return by Monday, 01 October 2001.
 

Name of Student HR .
 

Parent/Guardian Signature Date