Good Afternoon Banneker parents and guardians,
Wednesday Backpack has arrived!
As you know we are making a great effort to be GREEN! So, our newsletter is electronic.
*It is imperative that you keep your child home if they are not feeling well or have any symptoms. The healthier we are, the longer we stay together.
A Message from Your Favorite Principal
Dear Banneker Family,
I wanted to share a few updates with you as we continue moving through this very unusual, but very hopeful, beginning to our school year.
We Are Getting Closer to Matignon
There continues to be positive movement at Matignon.
This week, ALARM X, an independent third-party agency, completed the sprinkler system and backflow testing, and we passed! That was another important step forward.
Earlier in the week, we also had a very productive meeting with the Fire Department Captain, members of the Inspectional Services Department, our architects, general contractor, and project manager. Everyone is working together, and we are now moving forward with scheduling the remaining inspections.
We are not there yet, but we are truly getting closer every day.
I know this transition has required a great deal of patience from our families, and I remain incredibly grateful for your flexibility and trust. I am committed to continuing to provide you with a Matignon progress update twice each month so that you know where things stand and what progress is being made.
Help Us Build Our Playground
As we prepare for our move, we are also continuing our fundraising efforts for the new Banneker playground.
We remain in communication with the playground builders, and we recently learned that the project will require an additional $30,000 because of tariff costs. It was certainly not the news we wanted to receive, but we are not giving up on creating the outdoor space our children deserve.
I will include the link to our playground fundraiser flyer. Please consider donating if you are able, but also remember that sharing the fundraiser helps too. Send it to family members, friends, businesses, community partners, alumni, and anyone who believes in investing in children.
Every little bit gets us closer.
Please Show Our Teachers Some Love
I also want to ask our families to take a moment to show our teachers and staff a little extra love.
This has not been an easy transition for them.
They have been working between two buildings, retrieving materials, recreating classrooms, adjusting schedules and routines, and doing everything possible to make sure that our children continue to walk into school feeling welcomed, safe, loved, and ready to learn.
And they continue to show up.
Sometimes the smallest gesture means the most. A quick email saying thank you, a handwritten note from your child, a kind word at dismissal, or a message sharing something your child is excited about in class can completely change someone’s day.
No gift is necessary. Just let them know that you see them.
And Finally… Thank You
Thank you, Banneker Family.
Thank you for your patience when plans have changed.
Thank you for trusting us while we continue working through Matignon.
Thank you for supporting our teachers.
Thank you for supporting one another.
And most of all, thank you for continuing to believe in this community.
We have certainly had an unconventional start to the year, but through all of it, our children continue learning, our teachers continue teaching, and our Banneker Family continues moving forward together.
We are getting closer.
And I cannot wait for the day when I finally get to say, “Banneker Family, we are going home.”
Until then, thank you for continuing to walk this journey with me.
Always Banneker Family.
Love,
Your Dr. Bretous
Reminder- Wednesday, September 23rd is a Half-day students will be dismissed at 11:30am please plan accordingly. Transportation will be provided.
Lunch Menu: https://www.myschoolmenus.com/instance/1157/district/1191/school/9330/menu/35562
Uniform Policy:
As the weather continues to change students must and should dress appropriately:
Students Are not allowed to wear Jeans, only on half days for $1- Funds are donated to charity
Khaki bottom: including shorts or skirts (No leggings).
Maroon tops: plain maroon tops (no tank tops).
No open toe shoes, flip flops, sandals, and Crocs.
If students are not dressed in uniform parents will be required to bring them a change of clothes.
Want to purchase uniforms, go to https://www.donnellysclothing.com/BENCHCAMBMA
Banneker Community Closet- Uniform Recycle
Are you getting some early cleaning done? We are collecting gently used uniforms for our uniform recycle program. If your child has outgrown their uniforms, please consider donating them to the Banneker. You can drop them off to the nurse or the front desk. Thank you
Personal Property:
Portable electronic devices are not allowed in any classroom, Students must have all portable electronic devices turned off during the school day. No portable electronic device may be visible during the school day. Any unauthorized use of portable electronic devices will lead to confiscation. Parents will be required to retrieve the device from an administrator. Banneker is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Transportation
Banneker is pleased to be able to continue to offer transportation services to our families.
In an effort to ensure that all our students get home safely and are always accounted for please remember:
Bus
- If you need to make any changes regarding pick up or stop status you must call the school before 2pm.
- We are no longer able to switch buses but families can switch stops or change to parent pick up.
- Parents are not permitted to take students off the bus accept at their designated stop unless prior arrangements have been made
Parent pick up
- Parents in cars are prioritized
- Please remain in your car and drive off as soon as possible safely
We can no longer accommodate bus changes! If you need to make any dismissal changes for your Child/ren please call Ms. St. Germain between the hours of 8am-2pm. Anything after will not be accepted.
Dismissal
Dismissal begins at 2:45 pm. Just a reminder, please arrive at the bus stop 10-15 minutes prior to both pickup and drop off times. For parent pick-up simply drive up to the side of the building to pick up your child. No need to park your car.
**Phone message system
One method the Banneker uses to communicate with our families is through the phone and email message system.If your contact information has changed, you need to inform the school immediately. It is important that we have updated address and contact numbers. Please email Mstgermain@banneker.org with any updates.
Upcoming events:
Picture Day– October 5th, Students must be dressed in appropriate attire for picture day. Students are not allowed to wear jeans.
Ongoing Events:
Coats for KIDS– The Banneker will be collecting gently used coats in all sizes. Starting October 1st-January 9th
Scholastic Book Club- All Grades – https://clubs.scholastic.com Book prices range from $1.00 to $15.00. All orders can be shipped directly to your home!
Upcoming dates to remember
Wednesday, September 23 Half-day @ 11:30am
Monday, October 5th Picture Day
Monday, October 12 No School
Parents Please feel free to share our events with your friends and coworkers, we love it when we all can come together as a community to help one another.
