Birch Lane Elementary -

Good Evening Birch Lane Families,

As you know, we have a large number of students who ride their bikes to school. While we love that our students are taking advantage of the nice weather and getting good physical activity before and after school, we continue to be concerned about their safety, particularly in the area around the front of our building. We are asking all parents/guardians to please review the attached map with their children.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1djys1u-322NDvqBwDqQiiqy6BPo94Jgx/view?usp=drive_link

This is an aerial map of the front of our building (Birch Lane). You will notice that there is an area highlighted in red on this map. Please explain to your children that they are not permitted to ride their bikes in this area. This area sees a high volume of traffic, including most of our buses. The street is narrow and turns are sharp. This area is extremely dangerous for students on bikes and they must avoid this area during our arrival and dismissal times. Students have alternative options. One is highlighted in yellow. This pathway starts at the playground gates and wraps around to our crossing guard, who can then cross them safely away from our building and into the surrounding neighborhood streets. If you prefer a different route, we ask that you review some safe options with your children.

Additionally, bicycles are not permitted to be ridden on the playground. Students must walk their bicycles to and from the bicycle racks. We also ask for your support in reminding your children about other safety practices, such as wearing their helmets, following traffic rules, and not riding in large groups.

We thank you for your support. With your partnership, we can help ensure that biking remains a fun, safe, and healthy way for students to get to and from school.

Best Regards,
Stephen Aspetti and Joyce Larkin

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are writing to bring your attention to a dangerous trend that has recently emerged on social media. This trend encourages users to microwave gel-filled toys, such as NeeDoh and similar products. These actions can cause the toys to rupture or explode, potentially resulting in serious burns and injuries.

As a community, it is important that we stay informed about emerging trends that may unknowingly put our children at risk. We believe it is essential to make you aware of this particularly hazardous behavior involving popular toys so that you can discuss it with your child or children, if appropriate. The safety of our students remains our top priority.

As always, we encourage parents and guardians to maintain ongoing conversations with their children about responsible social media use, the importance of sound judgment, and the potential risks and consequences associated with participating in viral challenges.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Sincerely,
The Massapequa School District

Good Morning Birch Lane Families,

We are writing to inform you of an update regarding items permitted at school. Beginning tomorrow, NeeDohs, Squishies, and similar sensory toys are no longer allowed to be brought to school. Please note, that exceptions will be made for students with documented medical needs.

While we understand that these items can be enjoyable for students, they have become a significant distraction during instructional time. Additionally, they are frequently breaking (sometimes bursting), creating messes that are very difficult to clean and causing disruptions to the classroom environment.

Our priority is to maintain a safe, focused, and clean learning space for all students. We kindly ask for your support in ensuring that your child does not bring these items to school. If such items are brought in, they will be collected and held until you can come and pick them up from your child's classroom teacher.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a positive learning environment for all students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best Regards,
Stephen Aspetti and Joyce Larkin