August, 2023
Dear Pieter B. Families,
On behalf of the faculty and staff of Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary, welcome to a new school year! We are looking forward to continuing to build positive relationships and a productive partnership with you to ensure our learners can achieve their highest potential. We recognize that in order to be successful in school, children need support from both the home and school. We know a strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s education.
I would like to take a moment to introduce new Pieter B faculty and staff: Jaclyn Sobolewski, LTS Grade 4 teacher, Lara Hotaling, Instructional Technologist/Library Media Specialist, Teaching Assistant, Caitlin Longden. Building Aides, Meaghan Hotaling and Lunch time Building Aide, Eric Olmeda. New to the building are Kermit Wamsley, Band Teacher. Kayleen Cinque, Building Aide.
All students (UPK - Grade 5) will attend their first full day of school on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Please note all students (UPK - Grade 8th) are entitled to free breakfast and lunch for 2023-24 school year.
For any school to be successful you must have focused goals. PBC is in the sixth year of focusing on building targets/goals. In short, the targets/goals are to increase the number of students reading on grade level, increase the number of students with mastery of math concepts, and increase our student attendance percentage. In addition, as a result of community forum meetings, a collaborative 5 year plan was created. The end goal of the plan is to create well rounded, responsible and productive learners in our school communities.
Throughout the year, it is important to keep abreast of school events and policies. The Parent Informational Handbook which contains student Code of Conduct information, absent and tardy forms, and the school calendar are among the many resources that can be found on our website. If you do not have internet access, a copy of all forms can be picked up at each school building.
As we move towards the start of the school year, take some time to talk with your child about their hopes, goals, and expectations for First Day and the school year. Encourage your child to ask questions and to build positive relationships with adults as well as their classmates. Listen to your child and be a part of your child’s learning. Remember, you are your child’s first teacher.
Please consider joining Pieter B. PTO as our students can greatly benefit from your involvement and contributions to the school’s program and its operations. PTO is seeking volunteers to help with the following activities:
1) Teacher-led instructional support, usually in the classroom
2) School-wide events and activities
3) Student recognition events
4) Outreach and recruitment of parent and community volunteers
All the best for a great school year,
Hakim I. Jones, Principal