Hello Johnny Appleseed Families,
As we push through May, please keep in mind that Math MCAS is this week and next, as well as Science MCAS for grade 5. We hope to finish all MCAS tests by the end of next week. Please make every effort to be sure your child is in school. Here is a list of test dates:
May 7, 8 (3rd grade MATH); May 9, 10 (5th grade MATH); May 14, 15 (4th grade MATH)
May 16, 17 (5th grade SCIENCE)
Next, it is important for you to know that there has been a big uptick in peer conflict, especially during unstructured times (lunch, recess, and bus). Some of the conflicts are around exclusion, rumors of relationships, inappropriate language, misuse of playground equipment, lack of sportsmanship when playing basketball, football, or soccer, and more. This week, myself, Mrs. G, and the guidance department will have mini-assemblies to address some of these on-going issues. We understand that things happen, but we do not tolerate students being deliberately unkind. This also gets addressed through our Social Emotional Learning lessons with their classroom teachers. Please speak with your child to remind them about kindness and following school rules and expectations. Under no circumstances will physical altercations be tolerated. It’s a tricky time of year. Everyone is busy with sports, excited about nice weather, and eagerly awaiting summer vacation, but there is still a lot of time left and many opportunities for fun learning experiences. Safety is essential!
CAFETERIA DROP OFF/PICK UP: It is REQUIRED that you park at the church and walk across to the school. If you cannot do this, please utilize Day Street. I will be reaching out to specific families if need be. Only people with hand-capped placards may park in the designated handicapped spots.
DAY STREET: REMEMBER - NO LEFT TURNS into the Day Street entrance - there is a sign that indicates this and police plan to help enforce. We appreciate your help with this.
Nurse Visits: This week, after meeting with the nurse administration, we reminded teachers about the 8 B’s (reasons one must definitely see the nurse) and things that can simply be addressed without nurse visits. There is always an increase when the building starts to get warm. Teachers will try their best to assist students on the hot days, in an effort to decrease the number of students who request ice packs to stay cool. It would be great to send your child to school with a refillable water bottle. Since it will be warm much of the week, it will also be good to see students dressed for the weather.
INSTAGRAM: If you want to see all the happenings at JA, follow our new instagram page: @JASCHOOL845
Attendance: Please make every effort to come to school. We are in the homestretch and we don’t want the students missing important academic skills!
PTO News:
If you plan to volunteer at field day, you must have an up to date Cori filled out. Field day is scheduled for June 10th with a rain date of June 11th.
Important Dates: MARK YOUR CALENDAR
May 7, 8 (3rd grade MATH); May 9, 10 (5th grade MATH); May 14, 15 (4th grade MATH)
May 16, 17 (5th grade SCIENCE)
May 14: Grade 2 to Southwick Zoo
May 16 and May 17: K visits the Discovery Museum
May 16: Special Olympics
May 23: 3rd Grade to Sturbridge Village
May 24: 2nd Grade Memorial Day Show
May 30: Senior Walk!
May 31: 1st Grade to Davis Farmland
June 3: 5th grade BBQ
June 5: 5th Grade to USS Constitution - late pick up (details coming)
June 7: 3rd Grade Wax Museum
Have a wonderful week!
Principal Tapply