Friday, August 12, 2016

The Count Down Begins...

I hope that your summer has been filled with wonderful memory makers!  There are still several weeks left of summer for our young friends, but we are gearing up for what we know is going to be a terrific year!  

The summer is our time to create schedules, finish hiring staff, and of course, thoroughly clean the building so that it is sparkling for opening day!  Cleaning our school is no small feat, and I want to extend a big thanks to our custodians Steve and Dave, who along with a crew of high school students have succeeded in cleaning, moving classrooms, and making the necessary repairs. Now, teachers can begin to come in to work their magic of creating a welcoming environment for their students.  

Teacher Assignment Letters:  will be mailed out today.  As you can imagine the process of placing each of our students in a class where they can best reach their potential is a monumental task.  We are careful to include all members of the team, which results in a healthy amount of rich discussions regarding the learning styles of each of our students.  I do want to reiterate that placing students with friends is not a priority, and that is done for several reasons: Muraco is an inclusive community, often times good friends are not good learning partners, and we have to look at the larger picture.

I am confident that we have done our best to create classrooms where all students will have the ability to succeed.  How can they go wrong?  We have a dedicated, talented staff, parents and caregivers who value education, and highly MOTIVATED students.  It is a winning combination!

Staffing Update:
I am delighted to announce the newest members of the Muraco Community.  I know that you will join me in giving them a warm Muraco welcome!
  • Lisa Mandaglio is taking on the role of Assistant Principal and Special Education Case Manager for Muraco.  This split role will benefit all of our students.
  • Alison Delory will be the Special Education Teacher for students in grades K-2.
  • Paige Sheldon will be joining the fifth grade team as the Special Education Teacher.
  • Kit Perkins is returning from her maternity leave and will be heading to V-O.  Kit is a passionate, talented educator who will be greatly missed.  
  • Garo Saraydarian will be our music teacher.  For the past 9 years he has worked at V-O, and he is looking forward to taking on a new challenge by joining the Muraco Community.

Save the Dates

Wednesday, August 31:  
  • Muraco Family Picnic:  4-6 Muraco Playground

Tuesday, September 6:  
  • Students' First Day - Release Day
  • Welcome Back Coffee:  8:30 Gym

Wednesday, September 7:  
  • Release Day
  • Welcome Back Coffee:  8:30 Gym

Google Calendar:  Stay updated by viewing the Muraco Open House calendar.  It can be found on our website and this blog.