April 25, 2012

Dear SBS Families,

Welcome back from spring recess! I hope you all had an enjoyable break.

THANK YOU to all friends and families who attended our annual Gala! This year's Gala raised over $17K which will help to support continued field trips for students and improvements to our technology equipment at the school. As requested by parents, teachers and students, these proceeds will go towards immediately replacing and adding to our instructional technology equipment. In addition to replacing 50 student laptop computers in our lower and upper school, Side by Side will be purchasing 30 iPad tablets to be piloted for instructional use during the 2012-13 year!

Recently, a group from Side by Side participated in the "Kaleidoscope of Creativity" at Quinnipiac University. Students from Side by Side, North Haven and Hamden public schools were selected to display their artwork in the Department of Education offices at Quinnipiac University. The event was highlighted with a ceremony introducing the students and their original works of art. I would like to congratulate Side by Side students William Socci (grade 1), Emely Oliva-Reyes (Grade 3) and Alice Schaumann (Grade 8) on having their work chosen for this event. Also, a special thanks to our Art Teacher, Ms. Alex Gizzo, for helping to put this together.

As we gear-up for the final two months of the school year, I have information regarding important dates to share:

• Wednesday, May 9 is a Professional Development 1pm early dismissal day. All staff members will be reviewing Side by Side's "Safe School Climate Plan" on this day, and our protocols and policies regarding bullying in school.
• NO SCHOOL on Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day.
• Friday, June 15 is the last official day of school. There will be a 1:20pm dismissal on this date.
• There will be early dismissals at 1:30pm on Wednesday, June 13 and Thursday, June 14.
• 8th grade graduation is scheduled for Wednesday, June 13 at 6pm.

Lastly, Side by Side will be offering its first ever Title I and ELL Summer Academies this year. These summer academies will be made available to students who currently receive Title I and/or ELL interventions at school. Our tentative plan is to offer these tutorial services at Side by Side between 9am-12pm, M-F for a four-week summer session. Details and specific dates will be made available soon.

Sincerely,
Mr. Nittoly