It's Back To School Time!

Beach kids have been busy with camp and summer fun, but the calendar keeps on turning and it's now August and time for school. All the great people at the Beach School are getting ready for the beginning of another terrific year. We had the opportunity to talk with Principal Larry Woods and a few teachers and can pass along that they are really looking forward to seeing everyone with the start of school in a few days.

The Beach School has had some good news lately-they remain an "A” school!. Lee County Schools also retained their "A” rating. Joy Rockwell, a Beach School teacher, indicating the high expectations of Island residents for their local elementary school, comments, "What else would we be?”. Cathy Trent, Beach School teacher and President of the PTO, credits the extraordinary students of the Beach school, " We have a group of over achieving kids here.” She also credits parents, "Our parents' participation is what makes us an "A” school.” She echoes national education experts in touting the importance of parental involvement in the educational process.

One way Beach parents are encouraged to participate in the Beach school is with the Parent Teacher Organization or PTO. Their first meeting will be Sept. 14th- Cathy Trent invites all Beach parents to come out and participate in the PTO. The PTO will be hosting a Pool Party on August 27th and a Movie Night on Sept 24th just to get the year started.

As families prepare for the start of the new school year, here are a few dates and events that kids and parents should have on their calendars.

Open House at Beach Elementary will be Thursday, August 19th; 4:30-6:00pm . Swing by the school to meet the teachers and pick up a supply list.

First day of school will be Monday, Aug 23, This year the school year will kick off with a free Welcome Back Breakfast at 8 am on Aug 23rd for all Beach Elementary kids AND their parents.

The school day for kids this year will be 8 am-2:15 pm. Teacher days are a bit longer. This year, ALL Lee County students will be provided with a free breakfast before each school day. Beach Elementary breakfast will be served at 7:30. Remember: Do not drop the kids off at school before 7:30 as there is no supervision available before then.

Before you can head to school, you need the supply lists for the school year. These are available from the school office, during the Open House or on the school's website: http://bch.leeschools.net/ Information on registering, bus schedule, PTO events and any other school related questions can be found by calling the school office or dropping by during office hours, which are 8-2 until school begins.