August 29, 2022

Dear School 21 Families,

It is with great pleasure that I begin my eighth year as principal of School 21 and my thirty-first year as an educator. During my years in education, I have worked with students in grades Pre-K through high school. Although I have had great experiences on all grade levels, it is at the elementary level that I have an opportunity to work with children and their parents. Having said that, this year our focus is on increased parent involvement. To accomplish this goal, I will resume our parent Zoom meetings. These meetings will help to keep parents informed about what is going on in the school as well as allow parents to provide feedback to assist in enhancing our school community. Please visit our School 21 website for additional information regarding the zoom meetings as well as information on how to join the PTA. I ask that you also review the School Comprehensive Education Plan (SCEP) which details instructional and community goals for the school year. 

We are fortunate to have our returning dedicated teachers and staff at School 21, as we continue our journey of academic excellence. However, we have some new teachers joining us this year. Please join me in welcoming our two new teachers, Ms. Long and Ms. Rivera. Ms. Mulhearn will be returning; however, she is now our resource teacher. We would also like to welcome Ms. Abate, who will be our assistant principal. During Open House (date to be determined) you will have an opportunity to meet our new faculty members and visit with some of your favorite teachers. In addition, during this event you will be given an overview of your child’s teacher’s curriculum and goals for your child for the school year.  

In preparation for a smooth opening of school, we sent out a mailing in June to our returning families which included school procedures. This information was mailed to our new families in late August. This information can also be found on our school website. Please note that this year the morning breakfast program will resume. Students who would like to eat breakfast should arrive to the school cafeteria between 8:15-8:30 a.m. All bus students will have an opportunity to receive breakfast when their bus arrives. We ask that when you receive the emergency cards and lunch application form in September, please make every effort to return this information the day after you receive it. 

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administrators at School 21, I would like to wish you an enjoyable end of the summer. We look forward to seeing your child on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. School will begin at 8:35 a.m. however, we ask that students in grades kindergarten to fifth, who will be arriving with their parents, please begin lining up in the school yard at 8:15 a.m. Students in grade six should line up in front of your classroom on Lee Ave. Please label any supplies that you send in with your child’s name and teacher’s name. Orientation for Pre-K students will be on Wednesday, September 7^th. Parents were sent a letter indicating which half-day session your child is scheduled to attend. 

We look forward to seeing our Kindergarten through Sixth grade students on Tuesday, September 6th and at 8:35 a.m. and welcoming our Pre-K students for a full day of instruction on September 8^th.

Sincerely,

Leslie Grant

Principal