August 10, 2023
Welcome Back Ramsey Families!
I hope that summer 2023 was full of fun and relaxation for your family! Here at Ramsey we are anxiously preparing to kick off the 2023-24 school year working together once again for your awesome children! I am thankful for the opportunity to be here as a support as we navigate through another adventurous year together.
Ramsey’s awesome staff will continue to deliver high quality instruction meeting our learners where they are each day. We will continue to offer classroom and school-based intervention strategies and support services for all students who need them. Most importantly we look forward to collaborating with YOU as your child’s number one cheerleader.
The first day of school is Thursday, August 24th for students in grades 1-4.
Students are permitted to enter the building starting at 8:50 AM if they are walkers or parent drop off. Buses unload as they begin pulling in also at 8:50. Students are considered late after 9:10 AM. All students may grab a school breakfast if they want before they head to their classroom!
Kindergarten Orientation is also on Thursday, August 24 at either 10AM or 1PM. Call Ms. Jenn in the main office to schedule your preferred time. 412.373.5856. During this orientation time, students and parents will engage in different activities with the teachers and school staff.
Safety protocols will continue in the building for all school personnel and visitors. You must have a valid driver’s license each time you plan to enter the building or pick up your child.
Homeroom Assignments:
All students have been scheduled into their homerooms. You should be able to see this information effective August 10, 2023.
K Mr. Hensler, Mr. Siegwarth and Mrs. Vasko
1st Ms. Burdette, Mrs. Plichta, Mrs. Stivason and Mr. Schmidt
2nd Mrs. Burkhart, Mrs. D’Agostino and Mrs. Pisani
3rd Mrs. Lewis, Mr. Kostyak and Mrs.Casper
4th Mr. Fleming (ELA), Mrs. Knight (Math) and Mrs. Henning (SS/Science)
Ramsey Specialists:
School counselor, Title I teacher, Special Education teachers, Secretary and Principal will serve as support for all students.
Specials Classes and Departmentalized Grades:
Art, PE/Health, Music, and Library will be hosted in the special area classes.
Save the Dates:
**August 31- Meet the Teacher Night (Grades 1-4)
Grades 3 & 4 6-7PM
Grades 1 & 2 7-8PM
Up-to-date and additional information will be sent to you through Skyward. If you have questions or concerns that arise at any time, please do not hesitate to call or email me.
While we strive for academic excellence, Ramsey Elementary School is also committed to the social and emotional needs of our students. We offer site based counseling and social skills training to help students form positive relationships. The Gateway School District will also continue to use the Olweus Bully Prevention Program and focus on character education.
SWPBIS-We encourage students to be kind and a good friend! Through our School Wide Positive Incentive Systems we award “Kindness Cash” to students for showing Respect, Appropriateness and Maturity (RAM!) Students are able to cash in for school store prizes, having lunch with a friend/teacher/principal, time in the Cash Cube and more! Each month a Ramsey Role Model is randomly selected to have a GrubHub lunch of their choice with me! Our school counselor does whole and small group lessons to enhance the messages of how to be a good friend and student.
Technology-The world is ever changing around us daily and that technology is a huge part of that evolution. Therefore, we strive to engage students through the use of various means of technology. Students will continue to utilize Google Classroom and will be bringing their IPads home except for students in grades K and 1 will initially leave their IPads at school. Additional communication will follow later in the school year.
The IPad, charger and case will be used in the classroom and home for educational purposes. Teachers will vary in their expectations for use, but your child will be using this tool for instruction, assignments, projects, research and assessment throughout the day. Teachers will provide students and parents with username and passwords for home access.
Please ensure your child’s IPad is charged and ready for use. We have a limited number of chargers available.
Parent DROP OFF & PICK UP Procedures are at the same location for morning drop off around the back of the school at door 8. When dropping off your child please do not pull away until your child has safely entered the building. Also, do not drive around other vehicles when dropping off or picking up students. For the safety of your children please do not call after 2:30pm to request office pick-up for your child. The last office pick-up time will be 3:00 as the end of the day gets very hectic. Early dismissals can be sent in via note or emailed to the classroom teacher as well as Mrs. McClelland at jmcclelland@gatewayk12.org. Guardians will not enter the building for early dismissals. You will still be responsible for scanning your license and may wait outside or in the vestibule, we will bring your child to you.
I cannot wait to see everyone!!!!
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Kfriend@gatewayk12.org
Katie
Friend