Back to School: Upcoming Events at Ross Elementary

As students prepare to head back to school, there are several important dates for both students, and their parents, to mark on their calendars.

Monday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m., New student orientation (grades 1-6).

Monday, Aug. 20, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Kindergarten parent orientation (Adults only)

Thursday, Aug. 23, 9-10 a.m., Kindergarten student & bus orientation.
There is a PTA Kindergarten Social following the bus orientation.

Monday, Aug. 27, First day of school for students.

Thursday, Aug. 30, 6-8:30 p.m., Elementary curriculum night (grades 1-6). Parents of students with last names A-K are asked to attend from 6 to 7 p.m. and parents of students with last names L-Z are asked to attend from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Between sessions, please feel free to visit the PTA in the cafeteria, meet other educators or tour the building. 

Monday, Sept. 3, Labor Day: no school for students and teachers.

Tuesday, Oct. 3, Picture day.

CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2012-13
On Monday August 20, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. the class lists will be available in the lobby of the Ross Elementary building. A Global Connect message will also be sent out to each student identifying his or her homeroom teacher. In North Hills School District, a process is in place by which the teachers and administrators work together to develop class lists that are composed of students with a range of academic achievement, learning styles, and behavior characteristics. Criterion used in the determination of class assignments includes:

• Special services                 
• Equitable distribution of students
• Gender balance                 
• Learning/teaching styles
• Peer interactions

These areas are critical in the final decision for assigning each student. Assigning students to classrooms is a complex process that is approached in a serious manner by the professional staff. As a school community, our first priority is to provide the best education for all students. Therefore, parental requests for a specific teacher cannot be accepted.

ROSS PTA INFORMATION
Please use this resource to stay up-to-date on the Ross PTA! The PTA is a large part of your child's educational experience. There are many committees and activities YOU can be involved in as a parent. Visit the Ross PTA at http://rosspta.wikispaces.com/

For more back to school information from the North Hills School District, click here.

- Submitted by Amanda S.F. Hartle on behalf of the North Hills School District. Have news you'd like to share with Patch readers? Email information and photos to Richard Cook at richinpgh@gmail.com.

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