Weekly Update
Thank you to all the families who joined us for Open House. It was so nice to see the excitement that a new school year brings! This week, we have a scheduled early release day, Wednesday, September 18th. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 AM. Please provide a note for any changes in transportation. Please prepare to receive your child at the bus stop beginning at 11:30 AM.
This year, our whole school will participate in a school-wide read-aloud of The Wild Robot. Coincidentally, The Wild Robot will be playing in theaters soon. We love when reading and cinema collide!
If you are not receiving school status emails from me, please reach out via email, so we make adjustments and check our contact information. Newsletters will always be posted on the Johnny Appleseed website as well.
Attendance Matters: The first step in improving academic performance and learning appropriate social, behavioral skills involves coming to school daily and on-time. Student attendance is a state requirement and it is monitored regularly. Tardiness is also monitored. ALL classes begin at 8:15 with a heavy focus on important foundational skills. It is essential that students are here on time. You will receive letters if we are noticing any attendance issues. We will always work with families to sort through these concerns.
Instagram: Make sure to follow us on Instagram @jaschool845
~ THANK YOU,
Principal Tapply
From Mrs. Gingras:
Dear Families,
I am reaching out today to address an issue that has come up across several grade levels recently. We have been experiencing multiple situations where students have become physical with others, and in some cases, we’ve seen retaliation escalate these conflicts. At Johnny Appleseed, it is a fundamental expectation that all students keep their hands, and bodies, to themselves at all times.
Through explicit instruction, practice and modeling, classroom meetings, and ongoing conversations, our goal is to teach students appropriate strategies for dealing with problems and peer conflicts. We emphasize the importance of using words, practicing self-control, and seeking help from an adult when needed. It’s crucial that students understand that becoming physical is never an appropriate response, and that adults are here to support them when conflicts arise.
We ask for your support at home in reinforcing these expectations. Please take some time to discuss with your child the importance of keeping their body to themselves, and the value of informing an adult immediately if something happens. Together, we can ensure that every student feels safe and respected each day they come to school.
Our shared goal is to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all students, and your partnership in this effort is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or would like further guidance on supporting these conversations at home, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your continued support.
From Nurse Jen:
Grade 1 and Grade 4 students will have mandated height and weight screening during gym special with one of the nurses starting Friday September 20 and continuing through September 26. Height and weight will be performed individually and confidentiality will be maintained. All parents will receive results at parent teacher conferences in november.
We will also start the mandated Vision screening for Kindergarten through grade 5 and hearing screening for kindergarten through grade 3 within the next few days. If a referral is needed for either vision or hearing one will be sent home promptly.
Please make sure if your child wears glasses that they have them with them at school. We test for vision with the glasses on (if needed).
Day Street
We are still have families who are taking a left turn into the Day Street entrance. This is prohibited between 7:30 and 8:30 AM and 2:30 and 3:30 PM. It is about safety!
Fundraiser
We have our first fundraiser in the works, our Fall Mum Sale in partnership with the Gardener’s Spot. Each year the flowers are beautiful and it’s a great way to support our school and add some fall color to your home! All orders must be back by:September 17th.
Important Dates:
September 17 - FALL Mum Flowers DUE TODAY!
September 18 - Early release @ 11:30 AM
September 18 - 2nd grade visit with WBZ Meteorologist
September 20 - United Way Day of Caring at JA
September 25 - Picture Day at Johnny Appleseed