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Perspective Newsletters
Winter 2004
Leary School of Virginia
Page 4
 The
students and staff at Leary School of Virginia have just completed the first half
of the school year. Time is moving by very quickly. It seems like it was not that
long ago when I was being introduced to some of the students for the first time and
welcoming returning students for the beginning of a new school year! As I partake
in working with your children, I enjoy seeing smiles on their faces as they experience
success. Daily, I see smiles of personal satisfaction ranging from grasping a new
concept in math, spelling words correctly, learning states and capitals, achieving
Honor Roll status to being able to effectively resolve conflicts with peers, earning
a special reward, or making a perfect shot on the basketball court. These are special
moments that encourage all here at Leary School of Virginia to continue to provide
a quality education for all the students which encompasses enriched learning activities
and social skill development.
 Leary School of Virginia is happy to announce that staff will actively begin participating
in the Positive Behavioral Intervention Strategies (PBIS) program. Part of the development
of PBIS has been to develop a school pledge. The school pledge centers around the
qualities the students will focus on as a school community (e.g., respect of self,
others, property and to practice safety at all times). Incentives for students are
also a part of recognizing students’ outstanding efforts to uphold the school pledge.
We are excited about the implementation of the school pledge and the opportunity
to work with the students on enhancing the school community.
 Academically, we continue to raise standards for the students in an effort to meet
the demands of No Child Left Behind. Reading for the students is of the utmost importance.
Reading is the basis of learning in the core subject areas and is vital to the academic
development of the students. Elementary students are encouraged to participate in
the Pizza Hut Reading Incentive Program, earning a monthly certificate for reaching
an identified reading goal and the High Hat Reading Program at Leary School of Virginia.
Middle and secondary students are exposed to reading literature, poems and novels
weekly. For all grade levels, reading materials focus on improving word recognizing,
vocabulary development, comprehension, content area reading, and literal and interpretative
skills. As we are aware, the students learn in many different modalities. This is
one of the challenging aspects that helps to make learning fun for all.
 The Leary School Knights basketball team, varsity and junior varsity, are off to
an excellent start this season. Many players were on the undefeated team last year
and learned first hand the necessary skills that lead to a winning team. I am happy
to say that the players continue to work on building a cohesive team and proudly
wear their Knights’ jerseys. Both teams have won numerous games among other non-public
schools. Everyone at the School is proud of both teams and their players!
One event in December that all the students and staff look forward to is the annual
holiday luncheon at Magill’s Buffet in Annandale. Once again this year, the students
ate, sang songs, and played games – everyone had a great time and it was a wonderful
way to start the holiday season.
As we embark on the second half of the school year, I look forward to the many fun
activities and learning experiences that are planned for the students. I encourage
you to continue to be actively involved in your child’s educational experience. I
appreciate your support!
Please note on the calendar on the back page the make up days we will use for the
snow days in January. Additional snow make up days will occur during Spring Break.
When the dates are determined, parents and others will be notified by mail as well
as being posted on the School’s website.
Lorraine Celestin, M.Ed.
Program Director
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