This Week, from Dr. Cuthbert | January 23

Hi Stoddert Families,

I hope this note reaches many of you as exciting things are happening at Stoddert East.  There was a fabulous PTA meeting Thursday night where parents learned much from Mr. Duff on partial sums. An energized meeting followed, where PTAers worked on the exciting brick campaign. Wow – so much energy!!

I thought you might like a quick update on our gorgeous new school. After checking with Ryan Columbo, the Whiting and Turner project director, I learned that the exterior framing of the West wing is underway, the installation of foundation block for the gym has begun, the roof of the existing building is nearly finished, the new roof of the West wing is being worked on, and that the roof blocking of the administration and gym wings is underway. Oh, WOW!!

We’re already in the 2010-2011 budgeting process. We’re being budgeted based on 297 students for next year. Your Local School Restructuring Team (LSRT – elected parents and teachers) has begun work on the best use of our allotted funds.  Please feel free to give input to any of the parent members.  I always welcome your thoughts, as well.

On January 26, we’ll practice an evacuation from the school to St. Luke’s Church. We’ll have a fire drill at 10:00am (weather permitting) and then move to the church for practice. We have police officers that will help us cross Wisconsin Avenue.  We’re asked to practice an evacuation exercise twice a year and this is our first.  Teachers will prepare the students for this exercise.

There is LOTS of interest in attending Stoddert being shown this year.  DCPS, downtown, has asked me to hold extra open houses.  Please tell any neighbors who are interested that I will hold an open house every Thursday, through February 23, from 9:30 to 10:30. Go Stoddert Wolves!!

If you need me, you know where I am – please don’t hesitate to swing by. And, THANKS for all you do to support your children and us!

– Dr. Marjorie Cuthbert