Boston Public Schools

Michael J. Perkins Elementary School

Home of Outstanding World Learners

Craig Martin, Principal

July 29, 2013

Greetings Perkins Family, It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to an exciting year at the Michael J. Perkins, Home of Outstanding World Learners! We are preparing to provide your child with an unparalleled learning experience that broadens them as thinkers, problem-solvers, and agents of change. With solid teaching and learning, we will enhance the creativity, passion, and optimism your child brings to our campus. Our goal is to educate, empower, and elevate your son/daughter to excellence as learners and global citizens. Historically the Michael J. Perkins School has established itself as the cream of the crop because of our focus on excellent teaching and family &community partnerships. With the school, every family, and community partner committed to extending the learning past the school doors, our children have a chance to rise to their greatest potential. This year, our school will: prepare our students to be great citizens with our exclusive Fill the Bucket Program. strengthen student leadership with our new Perkins Pride Ambassadors Program. enhance our students academic genius potential with studies in oceanography, animal studies, number sense, algebraic reasoning, geometry, government & civics, theater arts, readers theater, poetry, music, and more. empower parents with education, leadership, and advocacy workshops through Parent University. deepen family and community partnerships with Boys & Girls Club of South Boston and Dorchester, Paraclete Academy, Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center, National Classroom Inc., Boston Housing Authority, Fourth Presbyterian Church, Suffolk Construction, Lesley University, and many more. establish our school as Wellness Champions and a Top Notch Green School with our recycling program. and more to come We would like to welcome you to our first day of school assemblies. The entire school community will begin our day in the school courtyard introducing our staff and share important information about year. We will start the first day of schools with courtyard assemblies. If the weather is inclement, we will start our day in the school building and adjust our programs accordingly.

Following the assembly, we expect all parents to say their goodbyes and allow the teachers to establish connections and routines with their students. If you would like to participate in welcoming families, please contact our main office for more details. Starting on September 4th, we are expecting to greet students at 8:15 a.m. dressed to impress and illustrate their best behavior and performance. Buses will drop off students on Burke Street in front of the school. Families may drop their children off on East 9th Street entrance into the school. Students will enjoy our free Universal Breakfast Program and begin their day. We will start our morning announcements at 8:30 a.m. Students are considered tardy after 8:45 a.m. Please make sure your child knows how they are getting home. Some students get confused or forget those reminders by their parents in the hustle and bustle of getting to school in the morning. If they are being picked up, please send a note to indicate who is picking them up. If your child is riding a bus, please attach a note or index card indicating morning bus and afternoon bus along with their name. We strongly discourage early dismissal, as precious learning time is lost. If a child must be dismissed prior to 2:30 p.m., a parent note must be provided so teachers may plan accordingly. On Thursday, October 17th, we are having our Open House to share with your important details about the great teaching and learning that your child is experiencing day to day. During September and October, I will host Meet the Principal events at Rons Ice Cream & Bowling in Hyde Park Mattapan Library Panera Bread (South Bay) I strongly encourage you to come out have a conversation and enjoy some fun times with the Principal. The dates and times for these events will be confirmed during the first weeks of school. We would like to thank you for choosing the Michael J. Perkins as a place where your son/daughter is provided with a world-class education. We can assure you that we are committed to working with you to share strategies, feedback, and resources that will enable your child to experience success. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Fallon, School Secretary at 617-635-8601, Ms. CorreaGonzalez, our Family and Community Outreach Coordinator at 617-590-9517, or go to our school website http://www.michaeljperkinsschool.blogspot.com. Sincerely,

Mr. Craig Martin Principal

Enclosures: school supply list, BPS calendar, student information sheet

50 Burke Street South Boston, MA 02127 phon e 617-635-8601 email: perkins@bostonpublicschools.org