update from Bernabi
Published on Jan 31, 2020 06:12

Friday, January 31, 2020

Greetings from Bernabi where we are already set to turn the calendar to February!  How did that happen?  I have a few quick updates for everyone, so thank you in advance for reading!

First up: thank you for your ongoing support in fundraising for the Polar Plunge, which will take place one week from tomorrow on Saturday, February 9!  Proceeds from this week’s jar wars will go to support this year’s Special Olympics, where as you know, many of our Bernabi students participate!  In case you have some loose change left, don’t worry, we are holding a lemonade sale on Tuesday, February 4 for students in grades K-2 and on Wednesday, February 5 for students in grades 3-5!  Students can purchase their drinks for $.50 per cup on their respective mornings.  Our final fundraiser will take place on Friday of next week where students can wear a hat to school and we will gladly accept a $1.00 donation.

Next: there are new faces all around school!  In case you hear your child talking about the new addition to his/her classroom, I want to let everyone know that Bernabi’s special partnership with Nazareth College started up again this month!  As we have done each of the last two years, Bernabi is hosting two site-based courses for Nazareth’s education program, where undergraduate students meet with their professors in our library throughout the semester while simultaneously working in our classrooms to accrue service hours on their way to becoming the next generation of teachers!  It’s a one of those rare win-win-win scenarios!  In addition to this partnership with Nazareth, we are also hosting a number of student teachers and student observers from other local colleges.  If I may brag, I think this all speaks to the incredible level skill our teachers have here at Bernabi and their willingness to positively impact the future of our profession. I am one #ProudPrincipal

Believe it or not, February break is now only two weeks away!  Before then, though, there are two important dates I want you to be aware of.  First up, the 100th day of school will be celebrated on Thursday, February 13.  This is always one of my favorite days of the year as it provides our students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and their creativity!  And finally, a day that needs no real introduction: Valentine’s Day will be celebrated on Friday, February 14. More information will be coming home from your children’s teachers, but one thing we all agreed to is our new allergy-safe approach.  While exchanging cards is still a hallmark of this day, we are asking that you refrain from buying and sending in any chocolate or candies for your children to distribute.  Normal daily safe snacks will be available specific to each classroom, but as you know, we have successfully moved toward food-free celebrations, and for that, I thank you for your support!

Last but not at all least, I need one more favor—your voice!  Please click here to take a four-question survey created by our Building Planning Team.  Please know that questions are framed as yes/no because they offer us the most obvious data with respect to our (my) communication with families. While great things are happening every day, we are really trying to assess whether or not parents are in the know.  There is also a “comment” box at the end of the survey where I encourage you to provide me with any level of feedback you’re willing to offer.

Thank you for everything, always!

David Caiazza
Principal