Happy Sunday!
I am trying something new with my weekly letters. I think it might make more sense to send my letter on Sunday afternoon/evening so that it doesn’t get lost as we head into our weekend. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have strong feelings (either way) about this. I am always open to your feedback and suggestions. In the meantime, below are the key updates and reminders for the coming days:
- Donations are rolling in for our “Connecting Through Kindness” programming. Our first event is just a couple of weeks away and will include NH Council of the Arts rostered artist Rich Regione of Youth Beatz (www.youth-beatz.com) Mr. Rich will help us set the tone for the year by working with students throughout the week of 9/26 to not only find their own unique rhythm and voice but to share our voices with each other in a school-wide performance at our weekly assembly on Friday, September 30. Be sure to mark your calendars to join us again that evening at 5pm for a public performance. Students are not required to attend but we hope everyone will be able to make it! The performance is at 5 pm in the gymnasium and will be followed by a potluck at 6 pm (sponsored by the PTA.)
- Speaking of the PTA, their first meeting is this Tuesday, September 13th at 6 pm at the school. They try to hold the meeting outside if the weather permits. Please consider joining this important organization that not only brings our community together through events - Scholastic Book Fair, 5K/Fun Run, and Winter Carnival - but also contributes ideas and funds for key initiatives at the school. Even if you are not able to attend meetings on a regular basis, please be sure to fill out their “Involvement Survey” which helps the PTA and the school connect volunteers with meaningful projects and activities throughout the year. For years Plainfield was a Blue Ribbon school due to the high volunteer participation and community engagement. Together I believe we can get back there!
- K to 4 Curriculum Night this Wednesday, September 14 from 5:30 to 6:55 pm - Come learn about the routines and instruction in your child(ren)’s class(es) as follows:
- 5:30 to 5:55 pm - Kindergarten & 1st Grade (Mrs. Kondratowicz and Mrs. Ellis will be there as well)
- 6:00 to 6:25 pm - 2nd Grade
- 6:30 to 6:55 pm - Grade 3/4
- iReady Testing begins this week. As we explain to students, this is not intended to be a high-stress event and this year we are working to use the first administration to really help students (especially our younger students) learn to navigate the platform so results are a better indicator of what students actually know. The iReady assessment aligns with the Common Core and is administered three times a year to help us identify both individual and whole class needs and growth throughout the year. This year, teachers will be engaged in a new process to collaboratively identify and implement instructional strategies based on student data. iReady provides one of these data points. While we do not need you to go out of your way to talk about the assessment at home, if it comes up, please reassure your child that it is just one of many ways we get to know what students know and what they need. They should not feel any pressure to know everything on the test. If they did, they wouldn’t need us :)!
- Finally, a couple of logistical things:
- Directories should have gone home on Friday. Please check your child’s backpack. Thank you for helping us get these out earlier this year by completing the form first sent in early to mid-August.
- Grade 7 and 8 students should have brought home information about an upcoming overnight field trip (9/26 to 9/28) to the Hulbert Center on Lake Fairlee. Included in the informational packet are very important forms and deadlines. Please be sure to read the information thoroughly and respond accordingly.
- Important Bus Route Info: As we continue to finalize bus routes and get a sense of accurate stops and timing, it is important to arrive early to your bus stop (both in the morning and to meet your child in the afternoon.) We hope to have fully vetted and updated routes to post by the end of the month. In the meantime, please plan on 10 to 15 minutes lead time.
Thanks, as always, for all you do to support your children on the homefront. We are honored to partner with you.
Audra
SEPTEMBER
12 4 Winds Training at Cornish 8:30 am
13 K to 4 School Sing – 8am By Putnam Playground Signs – Caregivers Welcome
13 First PTA Meeting of the Year – 6 pm - Library - PLEASE SEE ATTACHED FLYER
13-15 iReady Reading Testing Window
14 Curriculum Night – Babysitting Provided in Music Room
5:30 to 5:55 pm - Kindergarten & 1st Grade
6:00 to 6:25 pm - 2nd Grade
6:30 to 6:55 pm - Grade 3/4
19 Safety Committee Meeting – 3:15 pm - Library
20 K to 4 School Sing – 8am By Putnam Playground Signs – Guardians Welcome
20-22 iReady, Math Testing Window
21 (Tentative) PES School Board Meeting, 5:30 pm – Music Room
22 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Meeting – 5:30 pm - Library
26 -30 Artist in Residence - Youth Beats
Works with Lower grades in P.E. and Music on Monday and Tuesday
Works with Upper Grades in P.E. and Music on Thursday and Friday
26-28 Hulbert Trip – Grades 7 & 8
27 K to 4 School Sing – 8am By Putnam Playground Signs – Guardians Welcome
28 Cardigan Hike – Grades 5 & 6
28 Professional Development Committee Meeting – 3:10 to 4:30 - Library
30 All School Assembly – YouthBeatz - 1:50 pm in the Gymnasium
30 YouthBeatz Performance - 5 pm in the Gymnasium
30 PTA Welcome Back Potluck – 6 pm - All Families Welcome