Welcome (back) to the STEM Academy - hope everyone enjoyed their Summer!

Mr. Chilkotowsky and I are looking forward to seeing everyone this year and meeting our new
"recruits"!

In preparation of this, we wanted to reach out to all parents and guardians of our students to
ask for your assistance in ensuring this next year is transformative for your student.

For those who missed our open house last Spring, our academy is built on three major pillars:

1. Academics
2. Hands-on skills development, and
3. Professionalism.

We ask that you help us reinforce the following at home:

1.) While your students are coming to school every day, they should know that they are going
to work. Just like in the "real world" they get paid, not in money, but in grades (there is even a
weekly professionalism grade), and unlike the real world, we strive to make sure that they will
always get "paid" what they deserve.

2.) In our process of teaching your child about personal accountability and "executing on
deliverables" (getting the work done), we will be stressing your child's ability to manage our
expectations through written and oral communication. To this end, we will be working out any
behavioral issues directly with them. In case there is a second instance, we will do the same.
Beyond that, we will be reaching out to you (from previous experience, this does not happen
too often).
3.) Regarding the management of expectations, we appreciate proactive communications. In
cases where you may be choosing to remove your child (either partially or entirely) from a
regular work day for a vacation or other planned event or appointment, we would appreciate
an email from them directly as to why they will not be making it to class. We understand that
there are emergencies that cannot be avoided and hope that your student will still be able to
communicate to us via email as soon as practical.

4.) Wearing the school uniform is an essential part of your child's weekly professionalism
grade (outlined in the Student Handbook they will be receiving and signing); not only do they
provide a cohesive look for our academy, but more practically, they are designed to reduce
accidents given the potentially dangerous equipment in our labs. We expect to see them in
uniform every day, with the only exception being special "Spirit Weeks" in which certain days
will feature a themed outfit or costume they may wear.

5.) Lastly, your student will be receiving class rules and a health form to be filled out within
the first week. We ask that you get these signed and returned to us as soon as possible.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to work with your child. Our passion is turning today's
students into tomorrow's professionals, and we can't wait to see what our students become!

All our best,

Mr. Chilkotowsky

Mr. Kovitz

I have read and reviewed this letter

Parent/guardian name: _______________________________________________________

Date: ___________________