It has been a while since I have posted anything and will try to be more diligent in getting information out.
The Fremont School Board and administration reviewed the 2010-2011 budget with the Fremont Budget committee last Saturday. I have had posted on our web site talking points for the budget and encourage you to go there to review the overview.
More generally, the budget supports the district goals. It is an increase of $358,192 representing a 3.41% increase. It does not include collective bargaining (except step increases for teachers) increases that will be identified in separate warrant articles. The administration is requesting 2 additional teachers next year; one at grade one and one at grade two.
This is an abbreviated overview and more detail can be obtained on the web site. Additionally, I would be glad to sit down and discuss the budget with anyone who is interested.
Bill Lander

Cyber safety

Last week I attended a workshop where one of the sessions focused on Internet safety. Based on this work session, I offer the following safety tips:
1. Be cautious in putting addresses and phone numbers on the Internet.
2. Avoid naming the child's school and school logo.
3. Be careful not to identify sports teams and involvement.
4. Talk with your provider to determine whether or not you can block images from coming and limiting what you child might have access too.
5. When possible, allow the use of the computer only in areas where use can be monitored.
6. Caution should be used when posting things on "Facebook" or other websites of the like as colleges and perspective employers can check these websites.

It is a shame that we need to take these precautions but I always feel that we need to err on the side of caution.

I would be interested in hearing from you about what topics in the future you would like me to post in my blog!

Best wishes!

Bill Lander

Good afternoon,
The NECAP testing period begins today and will end on October 22, 2009. During this time period, all students in grades 3-8, unless excused by the NHDOE, will be participating in these assessments. Specific schedules by grade levels will be sent home from the school.

It is important that the young people in Fremont take these tests seriously and try their hardest on them. Information gained on the test can promote instruction for the students for the rest of the school year. Additionally, it will allows us to look at the test results to further improve programs at the school. While these tests offer only one form of indicator of school performance, they do present a picture to the public of "how we are doing". Having each student do his of her best, shows that each of thesae young people has pride in the Ellis School.

Parents can assist in helping their children do their best. Early bed times during the testing period is most important. Assuring that each child has a healthy breakfast will help our test takers. Regular attendance at school is vital! And finally, talking with the children about the test and stressing the importance of doing their best supports what we will be doing at school. Thanks for your advanced cooperative efforts on this!

Please feel free to contact me about the NECAP's or other questions that you might have.

Yours,

Bill Lander

READING

Good Day!
Lots has been said in the past years about the value of homework; some are in support of it, some are not. In my opinion, any school work with meaning enhances the learning process, whether at home or at school. Regardless of your opinion on homework, one thing that is clear is the importance of reading! Clearly, the more one reads, the better reader you become!

Here's a challenge: As a family read together! Turn off all forms of technology, and have each member of the family pick up something of interest to them to read. My preference would be to choose a book but newspapers and magazines are fine. Spend 30 minutes reading silently, or with younger children, reading to them out loud. Then (and here's the good part!) Once the time period is up, share with one another what you have just read! Talk about it!

Have fun and enjoy the rich literature we are so lucky to have!

Yours,
Bill Lander

Sanborn High School Inquiries

Good afternoon!
I want to be sure to have you know that my attention to the education of the Fremont children is not limited to the Ellis School. I am in regular contact with the Sanborn administration. Dr. Blake, their new superintendent and I have agreed to meet regularly to discuss matters related to education in general and topics specifics to Fremont.

I would be interested in hearing from you if you have matters you would like communicated to the administration in Sanborn.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours,
Bill Lander

Beginning of the year: Off to a great start!

The beginning of the school year in Fremont is off to a great start! It was a real pleasure to watch the students come into the school on Monday and settle into what promises to be an exciting year!
In order for the year to most successful for the students, I would like to offer the following tips:
1. Assure that your student attends school regularly, unless sick.
2. Assure that your child gets 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
3. Provide a healthy breakfast or encourage your child to eat breakfast at school.
4. Find time to read as a family.
5. Set a routine/consistent time to do homework.
6. Encourage your child to become involved in extracurricular activities, both in school and outside of school.
7. Talk to your child about school. This can be difficult at times to get information from children but it is so important that your child knows you are interested in what is happening at school.
8. I encourage you to stay in touch with the school: communication is the key!

Please feel free to contact me at anytime with your thoughts.

Yours,
Bill Lander

As the summer finally has arrived, so too will it come to an end! Schools starts on August 31st, leaving two short weeks for us to prepare to greet the students. Steps have already been placed to start this process. Last week, the Kindergarten Academy was held at the Ellis School. it was great to see the eager 5 years olds getting acclimated to their new school environment. Many of them couldn't wait to tell me about their two day expereince!

The teachers return on August 26th, allowing for them to work with the principals to prepare for the new year. In talking with Ms. Lewis and Mr. Safina, I am confident that this will be a smooth start to a successful year.

I look forward to the return of the youngsters in Fremont!

Yours,

Bill Lander

superintendent's message

Greetings from the SAU 83 superintendent of schools!

My name is Bill Lander and I joined SAU 83 on July 1, 2009.

I am anxious to get to know the Fremont community and hear not only from the parents at the school but from the citizens of the town.

As my tenure continues, I hope to use this blog as one source to communicate with folks throughout Fremont. It will be an opportunity to relay information regarding education, changes in the laws, curriculum updates and budget data.

Please feel free to contact me via this blog or at the SAU office.

Yours Truly,

Bill Lander