PUBLICATION INFORMATION – Please submit any submissions for the Community section to: [email protected] by Wednesdays at 1:00. Online attachments must be compressed (less than 500KB) and in PDF format. Hard copies (69) must be submitted by Thursdays at 1:00. Call x100 with any questions.
DATES TO REMEMBER
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Wednesday, October 1
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School Picture Day
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9:00am
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Friday, October 3
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5/6 Apple Picking Field Trip
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9:00am-12:00pm
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Friday, October 3
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All School Assembly
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2:30-3:00pm
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Friday, October 3
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PTO Harvest Dinner Locavore Potluck
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6:00pm
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Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Friday, Oct. 17
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Scholastic Book Fair
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Principal’s Message:
September 26, 2014
Dear SES Community,
Autumn is officially here. We have been enjoying the fresh air and the beginnings of some beautiful foliage. Music has been filling our halls as our instrument lessons have begun! How wonderful it is to see the children excited and eager to practice and learn from their music teachers.
I encourage all families and community members to attend and contribute to our Harvest Dinner Potluck event on Friday, October 3rd! This delicious and fun event will take place in the SES cafeteria at 6pm. Starting around 7pm, a family dance and exciting raffle will begin. It is an opportunity to connect with the community, friends and share in a feast and some fun. Please take a look at the attached flyer for more specific information. We hope to see you there!
Students in grades 4-6 will be taking home 2013-2104 MCAS results on Friday. Remember, this assessment is only a tiny snapshot of your student’s academic progress. MCAS certainly does not demonstrate the incredible creativity, artistic, musical or athletic gifts and passions that your child has. Nor does it give a whole picture of the academic strengths and areas of growth for each child. If you would like to discuss the results with your child’s teacher and myself, please contact me.
All families will be receiving (electronically or by paper) the 2014-2015 SES Family Handbook that was approved at the last School Committee meeting. These will be sent out on Monday, September 29th. There are a few sections in the handbook that have been significantly updated, that you may want to take notice of. These areas include: bus emergencies (pg.12), assessment (pg.25), staff contacts (pg.30), School Committee and School Council (pg 33-34), and Chapter 222 (pg.44).
As we are cruising into autumn, I would like to remind families to make sure to update the school with any new telephone numbers or emergency contacts. We want to make sure we have everything we need to contact the appropriate people in case of an emergency. This can be done by sending in a note, writing an email or calling Jessica in the office.
Finally, I have had the pleasure of brainstorming with an unbelievably talented third grader, Arin Andrews, around his dream of directing a musical. I am incredibly inspired by Arin’s passion and excitement for theater. Please refer to his letter attached to the Roadtown and learn about an exciting opportunity for some SES students.
Happy Autumn!
Jackie Mendonsa, Principal
***SCHOOL NEWS***
*Enterovirus 68 (update)
EV-68has now been detected in Massachusetts consistent with increases in hospital admissions for asthma and other evidence of respiratory infection in the community.
Infection control
Soap and water is the most effective method for hand hygiene, as hand sanitizers are less effective against enteroviruses. Hand washing is recommended for contact with EV-68 (or any
enterovirus ). In all other circumstances in a facility, routine hand hygiene, including use of alcohol rubs and gels, should be maintained.
Advice for parents and patients
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
Please stay away from other people at the onset of sickness.
The Book Fair is Coming!
Our Scholastic Book Fair brings to school a wonderful selection of fun, engaging, and affordable books kids want to read. Giving kids access to good books and the opportunity to choose their own books motivates them to read more. The Book Fair provides funds for our library, too!
Book Fair Dates: Tuesday, October 15th to Friday, October 18th
Shopping Hours: School hours each day, plus Wed. evening
Family Event: Wednesday, October 16th from 5:30-7:30
**PTO NEWS**
*Harvest Dinner Locavore Potluck:
Mark your calendars! The annual Harvest Dinner Potluck is Friday, October 3rd. In celebration of our amazing and abundant local food in The Valley, potluck dishes should try to incorporate locally sourced food. Dinner starts at 6:00 with a band following at 7:00. Tell your friends and neighbors. This is a community event!
If you would like to be part of the Harvest Potluck Crew we could use your help. Some items include
Setting up and taking down of tables
Flower arrangements
Getting items for the raffle
Publicity
Please let April [email protected] or Melissa [email protected] know if you can help. Remember, many hands make light work... and it is fun.
***COMMUNITY NEWS***
*SUZUKI PIANO LESSONS:
Are you interested in introducing your child to the piano? I am a local, Shutesbury music teacher with over 15 years of experience teaching beginner to intermediate students of all ages. The Suzuki method teaches learning through demonstration and ear training. Reading music is introduced gradually so even young children can learn to master and play songs with musicality. I believe learning music should bring your child both joy, discipline and a sense of accomplishment. I have a couple of spots open this Fall. Give me a call or e-mail if you have further questions. Thanks, Amber O'Brien
[email protected]
(413) 367-2356
"Music is audible joy"
*PIANO STUDIO OF DAPHNE BYE: Daphne teaches piano out of her home in Montague Center. She specializes in helping children learn quickly which, in turn, feeds their momentum and joy of learning. Ask her about her integrative approach to Suzuki education that creates strong musicians who love the process, read well, and play beautifully. Ages five and up.
DESE and Suzuki certified, with degrees in both piano and music education from McGill University, Daphne has over 30 years of joyful experience teaching piano.
Reserve a spot now for this coming school year: [email protected] 413-834-0597
ATTACHMENTS:
WEEKLY LUNCH MENU
OCTOBER LUNCH MENU
PTO HARVEST DINNER
SAS NEWS OCT. '14
LETTER FROM ARIN AND MS. MENDONSA
BEGINNERS DRAMA CLUB
CHESS CLUB INFO
CHESS CLUB REGISTRATION
LIBRARY MOVIE NIGHT