Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year!  We can’t wait to welcome all of our students and families back for another exciting year of new learning, new friendships, and new adventures.  I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to begin my principal career here at Llewellyn and want to thank you for the warm welcome, kind words, and support I have received.

On our school website are the words Embrace, Inspire and Grow.  As the principal, my goal is to bring these words to life by creating a dynamic and rich environment that allows all students and teachers to thrive.   Whether your student is engaged in the classroom or in an after school class, our goal is that your student will feel inspired, will embrace others (be inclusive), and will grow both academically, socially, and emotionally.  When we create and sustain cultures of community, excellence, and growth through strong relationships, frequent collaboration, and excellence in teaching and learning, we are providing the foundation for students who grow to be global citizens who think critically and act peacefully to improve our world. 

Staff Changes

This summer has also brought about many changes in our staff.  There are many new additions to the Llewellyn family along with some familiar faces in new roles. Please join me in welcoming and supporting the following people in their new positions:

★            Grade 1 - William Chou will be job sharing with Aubrey Pagenstecher

★            Grade 2 - Mary Anne Del Buono will be joining the staff permanently!

★            Grade 2 - Erika Schneider will join the second grade team, moving from third grade

★            Grade 4 - Madeline (Mininger)Prelosky will be joining the fourth grade team, moving from fifth grade

★            Movement will be taught by Jennifer Harte, rounding out our required PE minutes

★            Library Assistant - TBD

★            Media Specialist - Nancy Gilkey (formerly a second grade teacher here at Llewellyn)

★            CB K-2 Paras - Ashley Adams and Lora Grant, formerly paraeducator substitutes

★            CB K-2 Teacher – JJ Schnabel 

Upcoming Events at Llewellyn

I would like to personally invite Llewellyn families to a Meet and Greet on Tuesday, August 20th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm in the Cafetorium.  This evening will give us time to become acquainted and for you to provide some important feedback that will help shape our work for this year.  If you cannot attend, but would like to provide your input, please look for a link to a google survey in the next principal communication or Star Flier (our school newsletter).

Other important dates to remember:

• First Day of School (Grades 1-5) - August 28th
• First Day of School (Kindergarten) - September 3rd
• Back to School Picnic-Friday, September 6th from 5:30-7:00pm
• Curriculum Nights:  September 17th, Grades 3-5  6-7:30pm & September 18th, Grades K-2  6-7:30pm

Pick up and Drop off:  All students will gather outside on the playground.  Kindergarten will assemble near the NW corner (by the entrance to the Garden) and grades 1-5 will assemble under the covered area.  The earliest students should be brought to school is 7:40 am at which time breakfast is served in the cafeteria.

As safety is a priority, please do NOT ride skateboards, bikes, or scooters on the playground before and after school.  Dogs (with the exception of service animals) are not allowed on school grounds before, during, or after school.

Opening Day Packet

Your child will bring home a large packet on the first day of school.  Inside you will find a host of important information.  Please read all papers in this packet carefully as you will need to complete and return several of the forms.  The most important form is the Student Verification Form.  Please fill in any blank areas and update the information as necessary (using a red or brightly colored pen so changes easily stand out) and return it to school as soon as possible.  This is our primary source of information about your child.  Accurate information helps us contact you, or those you designate, in an emergency situation.  Please take special care in reviewing the Emergency Contact section.  These are the only people (besides you) who are able to pick up your child from Llewellyn.  Remember that you can revise this information in person at anytime during the school year.

Parent & Student Calendar

Also inside the packet is a very important reference to be used all year long.  It is called the Llewellyn Parent & Student Calendar.  The first section of the calendar contains a wealth of information from the history of Llewellyn, to volunteering, staff names and emails, safety, transportation, attendance, school discipline procedures, after school care (YMCA), and ways to get involved in the school. You will also find important information about after school classes in the Star Flier and on our school website (https://www.pps.net/schools/llewellyn).

Lastly, I would like to encourage you to become involved at Llewellyn.  One of the best ways you can do this is through volunteering at our school.  Our PTA has a variety of ways that you can assist our students and their teachers.  Look for information in the opening day packet about the kinds of activities you can help with and join the PTA.  You can also contact the PTA at llewellynpta@gmail.com.

 Contained in the Llewellyn Mission Statement is the “spirit of a community dedicated to children succeeding.”  Students are the reason that I and the Llewellyn staff members are educators.  We are passionate about keeping students and equity at the heart of all we do.  We know we cannot do this important work alone, however, and feel fortunate to have such a dedicated and supportive community.  At Llewellyn we believe we are stronger together! 

 If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me at 503-916-6216 or via email at pgwynn@pps.net.  Welcome back to school!  I look forward to seeing you and your student very soon!

Warmest Regards,

Pamela Gwynn

Principal, Llewellyn Elementary School