Welcome back to school, particularly if you are new.  We have planned an exciting year with you in mind.  Our teachers are excellent, our building is being improved, and we are all ready to go.

We want you to be happy and successful at Foster Middle School.  To help you do that, we suggest that you come to school on time each day, with your supplies, with any prepared homework, and with a willing attitude.  There are plenty of teachers, counselors, and administrators who want to help you.  You are the key to your own success.

We suggest that you get involved in some sort of activity.  Play a sport, or a musical instrument, or do whatever interests you along with your studies.

Parents, it is very important that your child's sleep and nutritional needs be met in order to ensure a good school year.  We hope that you will be involved in your child's life by checking his/her homework and agenda notebook, volunteering at school, and conferring with your child's teachers.

Again this year, Foster's three areas of focus will be reading, math and attendance. I would ask that you help support our reading efforts this year.  I trust that you also believe that reading is one of the most important fundamental life skills that will determine the future success of your child.  You can show encouragement and support at home by reading with or listening to your son/daughter read on a regular basis.  We are offering Reading Enrichment Programs for our students.  If your child qualifies for this enrichment opportunity, they will have to forego one of their elective choices.  Please be supportive by encouraging your child and emphasizing what a valuable learning oppurtunity this course offers.  Another important area of improvement Tulsa Public School's are focusing on is student attendance.  Please emphasize to your student the importance of being at school on time everyday at 8:20 a.m. (No earlier that 8:00 a.m.) We need your help and realize how important you are to your child's success at Foster.

Parents, please be sure to review the packet that was recently sent home with your student.  There are several forms that need to be returned to your child's first hour teacher as soon as possible.  The first form is the blue colored lunch application.  We are asking that every student return an application filled out and signed even if you do not desire the lunch program.  You report your income and number of family members and other assistance you receive.  Based on this information, your children may qualify for dramatic savings through the Child Nutrition program, as well as a low-cost health insurance policy.  You could also receive reduced telephone rates for your family!  All information is kept confidential.  The schools also benefit from federal monies that are reimbursed and may be used to fund extra educational programs.  The forms are in English and Spanish and the Child Nutrition staff will assist you in filling our the form if necessary.  Call 833-8673 or 833-8690 if you need more information.  The second that needs to be returned is the student data card.  Make changes in the blue shaded areas only so that we can update our school records.  DO NOT send the card back with your child if there are no changes.  The last two forms that need to be returned are the Home Language Survey and the Title I Parent/Teacher/Student Compact.  Also, please be reminded that our "Back To School" Night will be on Thursday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m.  Please report to the auditorium; we will begin the evening there.

With parents, teachers, school support staff, and students all on the same team, we will have a terrific year!