Welcome Back

The new school year is just around the corner! I am excited to soon see all of the students back and welcome those new to our elementary. We have alot to look forward to as our new building will be completed at the end of this school year!!! The first day of school is August 31!!!

Our theme for character education this year is "H.A.T.S" - Helping All to Succeed. We will focus on the six pillar words of character: respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, citizenship and caring. Students will be learning about these words all year long during character education activities in the classroom. Look for the theme on our classroom doors or around the building during Open House!

Speaking of Open House, it is just around the corner. Versailles will have Open House on Thursday evening, August 27 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. This would be a great time to pay bookbills. Grades 1-4 are $40. Kindergarten is $20. Be sure to stop in the cafeteria for some "goodies" freshly made by our wonderful cooks! North Star Open House is Thursday, September 3 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Our cafeteria prices will see an increase this year. Student lunches are $2.35. Milk is $.50 a carton. All buildings in the Versailles District will continue to follow the same menu. Janet Mendenhall is our district cafeteria manager.

We have some staff changes this year. Mrs. Mechelle Heitkamp will now teach first grade (at North Star). She replaces Mrs. Lynne Dysert, who retired. Mrs. Joni Robinson will now teach Reading Recovery and Title I Reading. We have hired Mrs. Sarah Sutter to teach Art K-6. Sarah is the daughter of Ron and Brenda Coblents (who both formerly taught at VES). Mrs. Jan Turner retired. Mrs. Kelli Longfellow was hired to replace Jan. Kelli will teach Reading/Language arts (along with Mrs. Gibson) in third grade. Mrs. Cordonnier will teach both science and social studies. Mr. Riley will continue to teach math. Mrs. Janelle Bohman resigned at the end of last school year to stay home with her children. Mrs. Jenny Meyer replaces Mrs. Bohman. Mrs. Meyer previously taught P.E., music and reading intervention at North Star. She will now teach writing and reading in fourth grade at VES. Mrs. Sara Porter was hired at North Star to teach P.E., music and reading intervention.

We had a tremendous year last year! Our elementary test scores were fantastic. Our state report card is due out any day now. Our district should be "Excellent" for the fifth year in a row. BOTH our Versailles and North Star buildings should also received "EXCELLENT" ratings!!! This reflects the work of our teachers, students, parents and supportive community members. Let's keep that pride showing!!!

So, what's on the agenda for 2009-2010? As always, we will do our best to ensure that your child receives the very best education possible. One that requires him or her to reach their potential and to be challenged daily. We continue to integrate technology into the classrooms. Our wellness plan has been developed and will be implemented this year. Please keep nutrition as a priority when selecting treats for birthdays and holidays. Thanks to a grant that Mrs. Knapke received, we will hold our first "Walk to School Day" which is set for October. There is a lot of planning that needs to occur this year to make our move to the new building go well. The community has received a "Safe Routes to School Grant" to develop a route that is safe for students to walk or ride their bikes to school.

There have been a few small changes to our student handbook. This will come home at the beginning of the school year. Please be sure to read through these changes and keep this information on hand in case you need it. Students should turn in the "Acknowlegement" form (in the back of the handbook) during the first two weeks of school that states you have read and understand the contents of this handbooks. A "token" will be given out to students that complete this. Thanks for your cooperation.

Stay informed by reading my monthly newsletter at VES and the NS monthly parent news. Check out our district website at www.versailles.k12.oh.us for more information about upcoming events and readily available forms (free/reduced lunch form, medicine form, etc.)

Please know my door and phone lines are always open. You can also email me with any concerns you have at brenda_braun@darke.k12.oh.us. I welcome your conversation. I hope your child(ren) have a wonderful year this year.