Greetings,
I love this time of year. There’s something about the return to routine, the cozy evenings, and the warm, sun-filled weekends that allow you to sneak in just a little more summer with family and friends. I enjoyed a weekend around the firepit with two of my three sisters, my parents, and a handful of my nieces and nephews. It was just what I needed. I hope all of you were able to hit pause in some way this weekend after our first full, five-day week. It was a busy one!
iReady - This week, iReady testing continues. Most students completed their iReady Reading tests and will move to math. All students are working very hard, taking their time, and doing their best. This year we are providing 1:1 test supervision for Kindergarten and 1st grade so we can help students learn to navigate the software and reassure them it’s o.k., actually expected, when they don’t know every answer. At one point, I popped in while two students were taking a break. One shared some frustration about the difficulty of a couple of the questions. The other student quickly offered reassurance, stating, “We just haven’t learned that yet.” So wise :)! Results will be available during parent-teacher conferences on October 27 and 28.
PTA - The first PTA meeting last week was well attended and they are already busy planning their first fall events and contributions:
- Friday, September 30 - 6 pm - PTA Potluck (right after the Youth Beatz performance featuring all students in K to 8 who are able to join us at 5 pm)
- Contributing funds to support the Girl Scouts’ project of installing a Gaga Pit
- Thursday, October 6 - Volunteer to help with School Picture Day
- Tuesday, October 11 - 6 to 7 pm - Parent Forum - Navigating Peer Relationships. Working together to help our students respond to conflict and prevent bullying.
- Sunday, October 30 (Tentative, TBD) - Trunk or Treat
The PTA is committed to increasing opportunities for parent and teacher collaboration on behalf of students. There are a number of ways for parents AND teachers to get involved and it’s never too late. Please reach out to Nikki Turner at nikki.barrow@gmail.com if you have questions.
I particularly appreciated ideas shared for this year’s Parent Forums including student online safety and Plainfield’s approach to incorporating technology into the student experience. In honor of Bullying Prevention Month, our October forum will provide an opportunity to explore and discuss ways we can work together to identify and help our students effectively respond to conflicts and bullying.
OPEN COMMUNICATION: While the Parent Forums provide a focused discussion topic, I want to remind everyone I welcome your feedback and input anytime. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve heard from a number of folks with everything from praise to questions and even concerns. I can’t state strongly enough how much I value all of it. The praise helps us know when we are on track and the questions and concerns - while not always easy to hear - provide important opportunities to reflect and improve. We are in this together and we need each other’s open, honest, and supportive communications. I feel incredibly fortunate to work in a community that cares enough to share and to listen. Thank you!
K-4 Morning Sing - Don’t forget parents are welcome to join us Tuesday mornings for K-4 Morning Sing. We begin at 8:05 and decided the lobby will be the best location moving forward. Come on in…there’s nothing like starting your day with the voices of children singing! I promise you will leave with a smile on your face.
COVID - In closing, I am attaching a brief summary of the most up-to-date Covid protocols as authorized by the School Board at their September meeting. PES follows the NH DHHS guidance which is currently one and the same as the CDC guidance. There are a lot of viruses going around right now. While Covid numbers have been low here at PES so far, please be reminded you must still test when symptoms are present A positive Covid test requires 5 days quarantine and 5 days of additional masking. Let’s work together to keep our numbers low and our attendance (for both staff and students) strong by preventing the spread of Covid to the extent possible.
All other upcoming events are posted below.
See you tomorrow!
Audra
19 Safety Committee Meeting – 3:15 pm - Library
20 K to 4 School Sing – 8:05 am in the Lobby – Caregivers Welcome
20-22 iReady, Math Testing Window
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
- Audra Bucklin