August 1, 2009

Dear Parents,

 Welcome back to those of you with children returning to Big Pine Academy and a special welcome to those families whose children are new to our school. I know that I also speak for the entire staff in welcoming you to the new school year. We are looking forward to working with you throughout the school year. It is critically important for us to work together as a team for the best educational experience for your child, so your questions are always welcome.            

Our theme for the year is Success Is The Only Option.  I hope that you will work with us to ensure that each and every child at Big Pine Academy has the opportunity to be a successful learner.

The Family Student Handbook is meant to give you some key information about our school. We have a caring, experienced faculty staff here at the Big Pine Academy, and we are eager for the school year to begin. Our teachers, aides and administrative staff will be focusing on making your child succeed in everything he/she does at school.  Please click on the link below to access this handbook.

If you have any questions at any time about any of our programs and/or policies during the next school year, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or myself. Our school takes particular pride in maintaining an open door policy at all times for parent discussions and classroom volunteers.

A new security plan was implemented last year and the exterior gates to the school will be locked during school hours, with entrance only permissible through the cafeteria.  All parents and children in grades VPK through sixth grade must enter and exit through the cafeteria.  Any visitor to the school must report to the main office in the cafeteria for a pass. Children in Mrs. Anita’s Pre-School class may be escorted directly to that classroom.

The security of our children during school hours is our utmost concern.  Please understand that while locking the gates and insisting that all visitors enter through the cafeteria may seem unreasonable to you, we want to be sure that all children are protected from unwanted visitors to our school.  Please feel free to contact me with specific questions or concerns regarding school security.

Again, welcome. We look forward to working together to provide your child with the best possible educational experiences, and a commitment to ensure student success.

 Sincerely,

 Cathy Hoffman, Executive Administrator

305-872-1266    cathy.hoffman@keysschools.com