 |
Read Mr. Barker's latest Newsletter by clicking
here.
PAST NEWSLETTERS FROM PRINCIPAL BARKER
November 8, 2005
Dear Parents,
Now that Thanksgiving is almost here, I feel that it is appropriate for
us to reflect on the many blessings that have come our way during the
past year. On behalf of the staff of Nolan Elementary I would like to
wish each family the happiest of Thanksgivings! I hope everyone will take
a few moments to truly appreciate the gifts we are all so fortunate to
enjoy.
Please read the following announcements and contact me if you have any
questions.
Afternoon Pick-Up
Please do not motion for your child to come toward your car while the
car line is still moving. Students are to remain still until traffic stops.
A terrible tragedy took place at Avondale Elementary in the city about
15 years ago under these exact circumstances!
Picture Re-Take Day
These pictures will be taken at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 15. If
your child was absent we will take their picture on this day. If you are
unhappy with the pictures you received, have your child return the pictures
on this day and we will re-take the pictures at no additional cost to
you. Pictures must be returned to get the re-take made.
Thanksgiving Lunch
This will take place for kindergarten and first grade parents on Friday,
November 18. Please come to the lobby and purchase your meal ticket. I
will send a lunch schedule home in advance of this event. Second and third
grade parents will be invited for Christmas lunch, and fourth and fifth
grade parents will be invited to Valentine's Day lunch.
Christmas on the Mountain
This program will take place at the Tivoli Theater on Tuesday, December
13, at 7:00 p.m. Our fifth grade chorus and handbell choir will perform
in conjunction with SMMS and Thrasher.
Winter Holidays
Our last day of school will be Tuesday, December 20, 2005. We will dismiss
early that day at 12:00 p.m. Lunch will not be served. We will have a
sing-a-long and Christmas parties prior to dismissal. School will re-open
on Monday, January 9, 2006
Sincerely,
Kenneth Barker, Principal
back to top -->
October 7, 2005
Dear Parents,
As we approach the end of our first grading period there are several matters
which need to be addressed. Please read the following announcements and
call me if you have any questions:
PTA Open House - Our PTA OPen House will be held for
grades K-2-4 on Monday, Oct 10 at 7:00 p.m. Open House for grades 1-3-5
will be Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the same time. You may make reservations with
the PTA to eat pizza prior to these meetings at 6:00 p .m.
Supply Fees - Arrangements to pay these fees should be
completed by now. Please check with the teacher concerning this as we
continue to purchase materials that these fees supply.
Fall Break - School will be closed for this during the
week of Oct. 1-21.
Halloween Costumes - Students may wear these to school
if they wish on Oct. 31. However, we do not allow props (brooms, swords,
etc.), makeup, hair dye, or anything above the neck. Teachers feel that
these items might interfere with their classes.
Report Cards - Our first report cards are scheduled to
go home on Friday, Oct. 28.
SMHS Meeting - A meeting concerning the new Signal Mountain
High School will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 24. It was scheduled to be held
at the MAAC but as I understand it, it will now be held here at Nolan
to accommodate a larger crowd. Commissioner Richard Casavant, dr. Jesse
Register and Mr. Gary Waters, Assistant Superintendent for Buildings,
will speak and answer questions concerning the school.
Parent Conferences - Parent Conferences are scheduled
to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 1, between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Please
make arrangements with your child's teacher if you would like to meet
during this time.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Barker, Principal
back to top -->
September, 2005
Dear Parents,
As I write this the full impact of Hurricane Katrina is now apparent.
The devastation of the Gulf Coast region in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi
is beyond anything this country has ever experienced in such a highly
populated area. As a result of this catastrophe, there will be implications
for us here at Nolan Elementary School of which I want you to be aware.
First, Ann Cushing, our Guidance Counselor, will be working with classes
over the next few weeks to ease children's fear concerning this event.
In addition, she will be counseling students privately if they are showing
any undue stress or concern regarding this situation.
Secondly, as we have done in the past, we will have a donation fund drive
to assist the people living in this embattled region. I intend to wait
a couple of weeks to do this due to our current coupon book sale. I do
not want to be taking in money for two different purposes and chance the
possibility of the monies getting intermingled. In addition, we will have
an opportunity by that time to decide just what organization or community
we want to assist.
Finally, I expect to receive students at Nolan from these stricken states.
We will incorporate them into our student body and treat them just like
any other child. I would appreciate your assistance in making these families
feel welcome! Our first evacuee student should be enrolled next week.
If you have any family members who may be coming out of the hurricane
damaged zone, please let me know as soon as possible so I can make preparations
to accommodate their children.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Barker, Principal
back to top -->
March 14, 2005
With Spring Break in the offing and many activities scheduled before the
end of March, I have several items that need to be brought to your attention.
Please read the following announcements carefully and if you have any
questions call me at school (886-0898).
REPORT CARDS - These were scheduled to come home this
Wednesday, however, I am delaying them until Monday, March 28. We will
have registration material enclosed for next school year for grades K-4
and I am afraid with Spring Break starting Thursday a lot of the material
might be lost before it can be returned.
SPRING BREAK - This will begin this Thursday and school
will re-open Monday, March 28.
TCAP TESTS
- This annual right of passage will take place during the week of
April 18-23. Grades 2-5 will be involved. This is extremely important
so please make sure your child is here before school starts. Once testing
begins we will not interrupt a class to admit a student, or to remove
a student for early dismissal. We will test between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00
a.m. each morning. It is my intent to conclude the testing by Friday,
April 22. Monday, April 25, will be used for make-ups if necessary.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION - If you have a child who will
enter Kindergarten this fall you need to register him/her on Wednesday,
May 4 at 1:00 p.m. Items needed for this process are a birth
certificate, Tennessee's green immunization form, Social Security Card,
physical form, and proof of residence. If you don't have any of these
items please come to register anyway. It is critical that you register
on this day so I will know how many teachers to employ for next year.
Please pass this notice along to anyone you know who will have a child
in Kindergarten next year. Pre-Kindergarten school visits are
scheduled for April 6, at 9:00 a.m.
PRE-REGIRSTARTION FOR 2005-2006 - A letter of explanation
and registration forms will be in your child's report card on Monday,
March 28! Please read the letter carefully, fill out the registration
form, and return them to me on Tuesday, March 29. Students will
not be placed in classes for next year until the registration form is
returned.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Barker, Principal
back to top ->
January 26, 2005
Having settled back into our normal routine following the holidays, I
would like to welcome everyone back to school. I hope each of you had
a relaxing time and were able to enjoy your family and are ready for the
challenges of the spring.
Please read the following messages and contact me if you have any questions.
TUSNAMI RELIEF EFFORT - Thanks to everyone for your assistance
with this worthwhile effort as we received a total of $4,430. These funds
will be transferred to Save The Children in the very near future.
PTA MEETING - Our next PTA meeting will be on Tuesday,
February 1, at 7:00 p.m.
T.C.A.P.
WRITING TEST - Our 5th grade will take this critical exam
next Tuesday, February 1, with a make-up day of February 2. Please have
your child in school ready to begin the test on time and in a good frame
of mind.
PARENT CONFERENCES - These will take place on Monday,
February 7, 2005, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Please make arrangements
with your child's teacher. SCHOOL WILLL DISMISS AT 12:00 P.M. ON FRIDAY,
FEBRUARY 11. NO LUNCH WILL BE SERVED.
PRESIDENTS' DAY - School will not be in session on Friday,
February 18 or Monday, February 21, 2005 in observance of this day!
MAGAZINE SALE - Our annual school fund raiser will begin
on Thursday, January 27 and run through Friday, February 11. I hope you
will be able to assist us during this important project. We will use proceeds
from this effort to assist in purchasing computers for our classrooms.
SEVER WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK - This will take place during
the week of February 14 -1 8. Tornado drills will be held after students
receive instructions.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Barker, Principal
back to top ->
Tsunami Relief Fund Drive
When staff and students of Nolan Elementary learned that their librarian,
Mrs. Lynda Paschal, was vacationing in Thailand when the disaster of the
tsunami took place, the Nolan family felt their own great wave, a wave
of fear. Through many phone calls to her family, it was learned that she
was safe and had been in a different area, away from the greatest disaster.
When she returned, she shared several stories of the devastation she saw
inflicted upon the families of South Asia.
Since two of Nolan Elementary's character traits are caring and self-discipline,
the school quickly set up a Tsunami Relief Fund. During this one-week
fund drive, the students donated money from their birthday and ice cream
money, as well as allowances, to help the children of South Asia. A container,
hand painted by art teacher Kathy Nolan to represent the world, was displayed
in the front lobby so that all teachers, parents, and visitors to the
school could take part. Principal. Ken Barker was elated when donations
totaled $4,430. The money was donated by check to Save the Children.
It is the Nolan family’s hope that this small, heart-felt gift will help
the families who are suffering from this terrible event.
MR. BARKER'S PARENT NEWSLETTER
January, 2005
TSUNAMI RELIEF
You may or may not be aware of the personal connection we had with the
recent catastrophe in South Asia! Our librarian, Mrs.
Lynda Paschal and her husband Glen were vacationing there when this
devastating event took place. To paraphrase Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca,
"Of all the vacations, in all the countries, in all the world, she
had to pick this Christmas to visit Thailand." We are very fortunate
to have her back! They were supposed to go to Phuket the day of the Tsunami,
but changed their plans and were away from the beach. As you probably
know, this resort area was virtually wiped out!
Mrs. Paschal has already shared many stories with us about the utter devastation
that has ravaged this beautiful area. The amount of death and suffering
is staggering beyond our comprehension. As has been well documented in
the media, the people of Thailand are reeling from the blows they received
during this calamity.
I have discussed the situation with both Mrs. Paschal and the staff and
we would like to take on a project where our children can feel like they
are helping children who are suffering. At this time, somewhere between
1/3 and 1/2 of the casualties are young children. As we teach our students
what happened and the effects of this event, we think it is important
to give them a sense of helping children like themselves. As a result,
we are going to have a fund drive for the express purpose of raising money
to assist the children of South Asia. We will conduct this during the
week of January 10 - 14. We will place a container in front of our office
so children can see the contributions as they arrive.
I would personally like to encourage each family to assist in this effort.
Presidents George H. Bush and Bill Clinton are spearheading this very
type of effort! They are telling us that money is the most appropriate
way to help so that proper relief items can be purchased and transported
to the area. Mrs. Paschal and the teachers have decided that contributing
to the Save
The Children organization would be the best way our children can help
the children in need. We will take change children want to donate, and
we will also take cash and checks made out to Nolan Elementary. Money
should be sent in envelopes marked "Save The Children" so we
won't confuse it with lunch money.
I'm not going to mince words concerning this matter. The more we contribute
to this cause the more children will be saved! My family's check will
be the first one to go into the collection container!
Sincerely,
Kenneth Barker, Principal
back to top ->
December 3, 2004
Dear Parents:
The entire staff of Nolan Elementary continues to be grateful for the
blessing of a community which values the effort we make to educate our
children! We would like to extend our wishes to each of you for the happiest
of holiday seasons!
Please read the following messages and contact me if you have any questions.
PTA Meeting
Our next PTA meeting will be Monday, December 6, at 7:00 p.m.
The Kindergarten, 5th Grade Chorus, and Handbell Choir will perform.
Winter Break
The last day of school before the holidays will be Thursday, December
16. School will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m., and no lunch will
be served! That morning we will have a sing-a-long in our gym
at 9:15 a.m. Our Kindergarten, 5th Grade Chorus, and Handbell Choir will
perform. Following the sing-a-long the students will have their traditional
Christmas parties, and school will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m.
Christmas on the Mountain
This event will take place at the Tivoli Theater in Chattanooga on Tuesday,
December 14, at 7:00p.m. The program is sponsored by SMMS and will feature
our 5th Grade Chorus and Handbell Choir. I hope yo will be able to attend
as it is a great experience for the children.
Food Drive
The Signal Mountain Welfare Council is having their annual food drive.
Please send any canned goods you can spare so the Council can help feed
needy families during the holidays! The drive runs through Friday, December
10.
Bad Weather
The electronic media will have school closing information by 6:00 a.m.
during these events. You may also call 209-1100, Code 7002 for information
or you can
click here for a link to a list of school closings.
If school closes during the day, buses will get as close to the regular
stops as possible. However, they may not be able to get to every stop,
so instruct your children on what to do if the bus cannot make it all
the way to the end of the run.
back to top ->
November 3, 2004
Dear Parents:
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I believe it is fitting and
proper that we stop and review the many blessings that have been bestowed
upon us during the past year. The entire staff of Nolan Elementary and
I would like to wish every member of our Nolan family the happiest of
Thanksgivings! It is my earnest hope that each of you will enjoy the upcoming
family time as an opportunity to teach our children to fully appreciate
the bounty of this great country!
Please read the following announcements and contact
me if you have any questions.
AEL
A four person research team from the Appalachian Educational Laboratory
based in Charleston, West Virginia will be visiting us Thursday and Friday,
November 4 and 5. If you are on campus volunteering during these days,
please render any assistance that they may require while completing their
work.
Picture re-take day
These pictures will be taken at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17. If your
child was absent we will take their picture on this day. If you are unhappy
with the pictures you received, have your child return the pictures on
this day and we will re-take the pictures at no additional cost to you.
Pictures must be returned to get the re-take made.
Thanksgiving lunch
This will take place for kindergarten and first grade parents on Thursday,
November 18th. Please come in the lobby and purchase your meal ticket.
I will come and get you when it is time for your child's lunch period.
Please do not go to the class first. I will send a lunch schedule home
in advance of this event. Second and third grade parents will be invited
for Christmas lunch, and fourth and fifth grade parents will be invited
to Valentine's Day lunch.
Christmas on the Mountain
This program will actually take place in the valley at the Tivoli Theater
on Tuesday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m. OUr fifth grade chorus and handbell
choir will perform in conjunction with SMMS and Thrasher.
Winter Holidays
Our last day of school will be Thursday, December 16, 2004. We will dismiss
early that day, probably around 12:00 p.m. Lunch will not be served. We
will have a sing-a-long and Christmas parties prior to dismissal. School
will re-open on Wednesday, January 5, 2005.
back to top ->
October 18, 2004
Dear Parents: I hope everyone had a relaxing fall break and recharged
their batteries for the second quarter which begins today. Please read
the following announcements carefully and contact me if you have any questions.
Report Cards:
Our first report cards will be sent home this Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004.
Parent Conferences:
These will be held Thursday, Oct. 21, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. If you would
like to schedule one of these, please contact your child's teacher.
Picture Re-take Day:
This will be scheduled during Nov. for students who were absent on picture
day or if their pictures were not as good as you expected. I will send
home a notice of this after the pictures are returned.
Early Dismissal Day:
This Friday, Oct. 22 will be an early dismissal day. We will dismiss at
12:00 p.m. This is done so we could have parent conferences during the
evening of Thursday, Oct. 21.
Book Fair:
As we try to enrich your child's life through reading, we will have our
annual Book Fair during the week of Nov. 1-5.
PTA Meeting:
Our next PTA meeting will be Monday, Nov. 1 at 7:00 p.m. The Book Fair
will be open.
Supply Fees:
If you have overlooked paying your child's supply fees, now would be a
good time to get this out of the way. The fees total $60, and you can
make your check out to Nolan Elementary School. If you would like to pay
it in installments, that will be fine. Please contact your child's teacher.
Halloween Costumes:
As is our custom, we will allow students to wear Halloween costumes on
Friday, Oct. 29, if they choose. However, they can not wear masks, face
or hair paint, or bring any props such as brooms, swords, etc. We still
want to have school on this day.
August 27, 2004
Dear Parents,
On behalf of the entire staff, I would like to welcome each of you back to Nolan! For our first time parents we want you to know we are pleased you are placing your child in our care! The teachers have worked hard to improve our curriculum, and I am confident your child will benefit from their efforts. As always, I encourage you to work closely with your child's teacher during the year. I would like to thank you in advance for your continued support of the staff and their efforts.
Please read the following announcements and contact me if you have any questions.
SUPPLY FEES - If you have not taken care of this please make arrangements with your child's teacher as soon as possible. This $60 doesn't have to be paid all at one time.
KIDS FIRST COUPON BOOK SALE- This annual countywide fundraiser will begin Friday, Sept 10, and run through Friday, Sept. 24. Each book costs $10 and $7 is profit we keep to improve Nolan Elementary. Once again this year there is a coupon in the book which gives 10% off at Home Depot up to a $2,000 purchase! One coupon per visit.
LABOR DAY- School will not be in session Monday, Sept. 6 in observance of this day.
CAR DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP- In the morning drop your children off at the main entrance after 8:20 a.m. If you have to enter the building do not park in the front as this interferes with traffic flow. In the afternoon pickup is in front of the West Wing and East Wing only. Please do not use the drive on the east side of the building as this is reserved for buses. Cars or pedestrians in this lane of traffic pose a dangerous safety problem. Children are not allowed to walk in this area during dismissal!
PTA MEETING - Our first PTA meeting will be Tuesday, Sept 7, at 7:00 p.m. I will introduce our staff and the PTA budget will be reviewed.
STARTING AND ENDING TIMES - There has been some misunderstanding concerning this matter. For the record, there has never been a "gentleman's agreement" to rotate these times with Thrasher Elementary.