Welcome Back Letter

July 29, 2008

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome back to the 2008-2009 school year.  Hopefully, you had a restful and enjoyable summer and are ready to return for another exciting year at Lott Middle School.  I look forward to the challenge of another year and the opportunity to work together with you. 

First, I would like to congratulate all of you on a great job for the past school year.  Data shows that discipline numbers were down significantly and scores for the ARMT and SAT 10 test were maintained or improved from the previous year.  There will be a new focus in staff development and student learning this school year to improve upon the performance of our students on high stakes testing for this year.  You will receive additional information regarding test scores and improvement strategies at the Open House.

This year we will be returning to a six period day, which will provide additional time for instruction.  Elective classes offered this year will include; band for all grade levels and technology for eight grade students only.  Seventh grade students not taking band will be scheduled in a reading class.  Also, the Accelerated Reader time will be during homeroom, and I ask that you question your child daily about the book or books that they are reading.

You will be receiving a copy of the student code of conduct for Mobile County, it's imperative that you take time to read and discuss this very important document with your child.  By doing this both you and your child will become familiar with expectations set forth by the Mobile County School Board, and the consequences that will be used in enforcing those expectations.   Please sign the signature page once you have completed and have your child return the signature page to his/her homeroom teacher.

Messages have become a major problem for us to handle, and this year will be more difficult since we have cut one of the positions in the office.   I understand that sometimes emergencies occur, but please make every effort to give special instructions to your child before they leave home.  All messages must be faxed to the office by 2:15, this will allow us time to call for those students on the afternoon announcements and will ensure that they receive the message you sent. 

Each of you should have received a copy of the Dress Code Policy for this school year.  We expect all students be in full compliance on the first day of school.  Parents needing assistance or clarification can call the office, e-mail me at rdickson@mcpss.com, or come by the office.   Last year was the best yet for uniforms and I expect this year to be improved from that.

Free and reduced lunches will only be served to those students from households with approved applications on file from the previous year.  All other students must pay full price for meals until an application is approved.  The last day for students to receive a meal based on their application from last year will be Friday, August 22, 2008.  All students must have an approved 2008-2009 application to receive free or reduced breakfast or lunch, by Monday, August 25, 2008.  Parents please have all applications turned in before these dates to ensure that services are not interrupted.

Also, if you have a child who has special dietary needs the Child Nutrition Program will accommodate their needs.  The cafeteria manger has copies of the form "Diet Prescription for Meals at School" which should be completed by a physician.  A new form must be submitted every school year.  This applies to all students, whether they are free, reduced or paid.

The first day of school will be Monday, August 11, 2008.  Students should arrive at school no later than 7:15 am.  Students will report directly to their homeroom class.  This information will be posted in the main hallway by the office.  School officials will be there to assist in any way.

Students arriving by car should be dropped off at the south end of the building.  Please do not drop off your child or park in the front of the school.  Parking is available at the south end of the building.  Buses will be off loading in front of the building and we do not want to create an unsafe situation for students or parents.  Also, please do not drop off students along Celeste Road in front of the gym.

I look forward to working with you and your child during the upcoming school year.  Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns.  Help me to develop a positive working relationship between the home and school to provide your child with the best opportunity to be a successful student at Lott Middle School.  Thanks for your support.

Sincerely,

Richard Dickson