Dear Pleasantville Families,

I would like to welcome you to the 2008-2009 school year! The Pleasantville Staff is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with your children and know that they will find Pleasantville Elementary School to be an exciting learning atmosphere. I would like to welcome the following educators to the Pleasantville Elementary Staff: Steven B. Haber (Asst. Principal), Holli Millman (Art), Stephanie Hemler (4th Gr.). We wish both Mrs. Haushalter and Ms. Sareyka the best of luck in their new schools.

Parents, it is quite normal for children to become excited and perhaps a bit apprehensive about the start of a new school year. In support of a smooth start, you are invited to “Tour of Pleasantville” on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. This event provides an opportunity for parents and students to learn their way around the school and become comfortable in their school environment. Administrators will be present to provide maps of the school and guide you in the right direction; however, teachers will not be present during this time. We are also having our PTA Back-To-School Social that evening in the cafeteria, which will give you an opportunity to join our PTA and meet other Pleasantville families. Our formal Open House is schedule for September 16th beginning at 6:30.

Kindergarten and 1st grade students will find a card and label with contact information and his/her homeroom number. Please add the transportation information after you receive the flyer from the transportation department. Also, pin the card to your child’s shirt throughout the first week of school. This will help ensure that he/she gets to the proper classroom and gets home safely at dismissal time. We suggest that you label all of your child’s possessions with his/her name and room number.

All 2nd – 5th grade students will get their homeroom assignments with their transportation information. The transportation department will mail out bus information around August 13th. If you notice a discrepancy with the transportation information, contact us as soon as possible. We will have staff members available to assist students in finding their homerooms on the first day of school. 

The first day of school is Wednesday, August 20, 2008. Children may arrive by 8:20 a.m., classes begin at 8:45, and dismissal will be at 3:14 p.m. We ask that all children who will usually ride the bus to school do so the first day, so that they will be familiar with the routine. If a parent/guardian would like to see their child’s first entry into school, it would always be better to follow in a car. It is important that children know their bus stops, drivers and fellow riders as soon as possible. Parents/guardians will not be permitted to walk to the classrooms on the first day, so that we can get the children in their routines as soon as possible.

Each month, you will receive a copy of the Pleasantville Post to inform you of upcoming events at Pleasantville. Additionally, the Pleasantville Parent and Student Handbook will provide detailed information for you. If you have any questions, please contact us at any time during the school year to discuss your child, so we can have a coordinated educational approach.

I am truly looking forward to the new school year and anxiously waiting to meet the children on the first day of school, Wednesday, August 20, 2008.