John H. Fuller Elementary School
51 Pine Street
North Conway, NH 03860
603-356-5381

August 31, 2011

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year. With a great deal of excitement we open our doors to begin the instructional programs and all of the related activities that go with the John Fuller School experience. The faculty worked throughout the summer on program planning and training in areas that enhance our effectiveness. Several areas to note include;

-Coordinating Common Core Standards with our existing curriculum.

-Developing classroom strategies that reduce behavioral conflicts.

-Designing digital portfolios for all students.

-Training in the highly effective Leveled Literacy Intervention for off grade level readers.

-Best practice early literacy instruction.

You will be hearing about these in more detail as we move along through the year.

We welcome 25 new students who moved in over the summer. We also had 21 students move away. Coupled with 32 sixth graders who went to the middle school, and the 27 new kindergarteners who entered we have experienced a student turnover of 100 + students. That is why each year is so different and has a unique personality. Only 60% of the students in front of us today were here last June!

Mrs. Gina Miller has become a first grade teacher and Ms. Ashley Sielicky is teaching grade three. Both compliment our returning staff well and I am confident about the instructional team for the year. Mrs. Memoli in now on maternity leave and we congratulate her on the birth of her daughter. Our goals remain consistent with the SAU 9 goals and will be published in detail soon. They are clearly focused on a responsive and accountable instructional program for all students.

Central to the experience we offer is the atmosphere of the school. Providing a safe, orderly, and supportive environment is critical to our success. Each student needs to feel comfortable and valued. Many efforts are put in place with PBIS throughout the year to insure this but we also must have a partnership with parents to alert us to potential conflicts and problems. It helps everyone to solve issues early.

We will be talking often this year about a variety of topics related to education at the school. The central focus of all who work here is the success of your children. We will be working hard to establish connections, build trust, provide clarity, and have your children unleash their intellectual power and personal talent. It is exciting for us because so much has been built to provide the continuity kids need. These systems are maturing and being refined. We welcome all of you and look forward to the work ahead of us.

 Sincerely,

Mark Zangari