Back to School Letter from Principal Riddle

8/06/2013


Dear Draper Students and Parents, 

On behalf of the teachers and staff at Draper Elementary School, I would like to welcome you back to school.  As we anticipate a wonderful 2013-14 school year, we want to share with you some upcoming dates and some of the excellent happenings here at Draper.

Meet the Teacher – Friday, August 16, 2:30 – 3:30 pm
This is an informal, brief opportunity for your child to see his/her teacher and classroom prior to the first day of school.  Our PTA will also be present to sign up members and volunteers.

First Days of School
Grades 2-5 – Monday, August 19, 8:45 – 3:20
Grade 1 – Tuesday, August 20, 8:45 – 3:20
Kindergarten – Monday, August 26, 8:45 – 11:25 A.M. or 12:40 – 3:20 pm

Curriculum Night – Thursday, August 29, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
This is an evening for parents to come and learn about what will be
 taking place this year in your child’s classroom, including grade level curriculum, general expectations, and events.

Class Assignments
Teachers and administration have assigned students to classes, taking into consideration as many relevant factors as possible including gender, student needs, student strengths, and new arrivals.  Our goal has been to ensure balanced, heterogeneous class groupings that support student learning and the instructional environment.  It is also our goal this year to encourage socialization and unity across a grade level through mixed PE, Music, Computer, Library, and Art classes.  You can view your child’s class assignment by logging into your child’s Skyward account beginning August 12. 

School Schedule
Mondays – Thursdays
Grades 1-5, 8:45-3:20
AM Kindergarten, 8:45 – 11:25
PM Kindergarten, 12:40 – 3:20
Fridays
Grades 1-5, 8:45-1:40
AM Kindergarten, 8:45 – 10:45
PM Kindergarten, 11:40 – 1:40

School-wide Theme
Our school-wide theme this year is Team Draper – thank you to our PTA for coming up with that great theme.  It is our intention to build strong relationships of respect, good will, and collaboration with our students, staff, parents, and community as we continue to work together for academic excellence and citizenship. 

School-Wide Behavior Plan
We will continue to develop and implement our Positive Behavior Supports for all students and adults at Draper.  Our school-wide expectations are that all Draper Dragons are Safe, Kind, and Responsible in all that they say and do.

More about Draper Elementary
Draper Elementary School has a rich history, celebrating 37 years of academic excellence and student achievement. Draper Elementary teachers and staff help our students consistently score above the state average in Math, Science, and Language Arts.  Draper is among the highest performing schools in Canyons School District.  Draper Elementary also hosts many cultural programs, including a Mandarin Chinese dual language immersion program, school choir, and Arts Through the Ages.  A new addition this year is a morning orchestra program for grades 4-5.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with our highly qualified teachers, our dedicated staff, and supportive families.  I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received from members of the Draper school community, and look forward to meeting more of our students and parents.  Please contact me if you have any questions at piper.riddle@canyonsdistrict.org.

With warmest regards,
Mrs. Riddle
Piper Riddle, Principal
Draper Elementary
Canyons School District
School phone 801-826-8275
Email piper.riddle@canyonsdistrict.org
School Website http://draper.canyonsdistrict.org
PTA Blog http://draperelementary.blogspot.com