Reading Elementary Rockets Report: RES PRINCIPAL'S BLOG - Rockets Report

Dear Reading Elementary "Rockets" Families & Community Members:

It was a heartbreaking week for the family and community of former RES Alumni, Stephen Titus. Reading Elementary School staff and families grieve with Chris, Jason, Leah, and their family. There was an outpouring of community support and attendance this weekend at the service and reception held here at RES. We were blessed to have Stephen in our lives here at RES for seven wonderful school years - Mrs. B. had him for K-2, Mrs. Knight 3-4, and Mrs. Collins Gr. 5/6. Everyone loved him! Let's keep the family in our thoughts.

Times like this are reminders to reach out and hug those we love!

Kudos and heartfelt thanks to:

Students who attended the Band Showcase
Those of you who read this blog every week!
The 3/4 parents and family members who helped drive the swimmers to Springfield on Wed.

Other Items of Interest:

Growing Reading Elementary School - We have a beautiful jewel of a school and community here in Reading. Those of you know that student population in VT has been declining for years. Reading has sadly also experienced that decline. If you attended the most recent town meeting you heard that our "small" school is expensive because we ARE so small and the State's Education Finance plan makes it hard to survive as such.

So we need and want to "grow" here at RES and we need YOUR help! We're forming a "marketing" committee to work together to help develop brochures, enhance our presence on social media, and "grow" our amazing school. Please contact me if you're interested in being part of this important work. We starting by creating a "Google Doc" of residential rentals, listings, etc. to help find housing for our potential (and some current) families. Our first posting was on Front Porch Forum on Fri. Please send us contact information of any houses/rentals you know about. TOGETHER we can grow our school!

Retirement Congratulations - Are in order for our dedicated and beloved Dennis Goodenough! He has decided to retire after 19 years of love and hard work as our custodian here at Reading Elementary School. We will miss him, but wish him nothing but the best! A community open house to celebrate his years of service will be scheduled in the spring! More details to follow!

Afterschool Programs - Our after school sessions started last Wed. We plan to continue through the Wed. AFTER spring break.

School Board Vacancy - The RES Board accepted the resignation of John Philpin as Board Member after 18 years as well. He will be sorely missed! SO, The Reading School Board vacancy to fill the term until the next Town Meeting, March 6, 2018. Interested persons should write a short letter o interest to Justin Sluka, Chairman, Reading School Board, c/o Reading Elementary School, P. O. Box 176, Reading, VT 05062, or preferably e-mail at justin.sluka@gmail.com. Deadline: Fri., April 7, 2017. Please be prepared to attend the RES School Board meeting on Wed., April 26, 2017.

Spring RES Clean-Up Day - We will be having a "spring" clean-up day here at RES and volunteers are needed. Do you have a skill you could share - carpentry, window washing, landscaping, etc? We are tentatively planning this for Sat., May 6, but it depends on whether we have snow cover - hopefully it will be green by then! We also need to "pick up sticks" from the winter and do some general grounds upkeep. Help us beautify our school! If you can help, please e-mail me. Thanks!

Bus Riders - Please help us by reminding your children of the need to stay seated and calm on the bus. The bus driver has bus discipline referrals that are given to the office for any student who is being unsafe on the bus. Students who receive a referral spend time during recess meeting with the Principal and practicing good bus behavior. The referral is then sent home to you Thank you for helping us keep your and other children SAFE!

Weapons/Knives Policy - Just a reminder to parents and visitors that there are no weapons allowed on the school grounds. If you wear a knife to go hunting, for your job, etc., please leave your weapon in your vehicle before coming into school.

Pre-K 2017-18 Early Bird Sign-Up - We're trying to firm up our student numbers for next year. If you have a pre-schooler in a class NEXT school year, would you please complete this SURVEY? We will be having a formal pre-school sign-up day in May.

Do You Know An RES Alumni? - Our library media/tech classes are conducting a survey and creating a digital living history to represent the past and present of Reading Elementary School and we need your help! Did you attend Reading Elementary School? Do you know someone who did? If you did, then please complete the survey and ask other alumni, to complete the attached SURVEY. Students will be researching their town and school history and preserving it digitally. Check out what we've done so far at RES PAST AND PRESENT.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP READING SCHOOL

Come to a Reading Elementary School Board Meeting!
Come read to the students or volunteer to help in the library!

LUNCH & BREAKFAST MENU FOR THIS WEEK:

Please send in your payment if you have not already done so. Lunch accounts should be paid in full each month. Thank you!

Mon., March 27 - Turkey Meatloaf Cup, Grapes, Peas & Green Beans, Potatoes, Whole Grain Corn Chips; Breakfast: Bagels w/Cream Cheese- The Regulars
Tues., March 28 - Whole Grain Pasta w/Broccoli & Kielbasa, Apples, ; Breakfast: Hard boiled Eggs - The Regulars
Wed., Mar. 29 - Rice & Bean Casserole, Cottage Cheese, Melon, Iceberg Lettuce & Cabbage- Breakfast: Egg Cup & The Regulars
Thurs., Mar. 30 - Cheesy Noodles w/Ground Turkey, Oranges, Spinach & Tomatoes; Breakfast: Hard Boiled Egg - The Regulars
Fri., Mar. 31 - Breakfast Sandwiches on Whole Grain English Muffin w/Cheese & Hame, Pears, Carrots, ; Breakfast: Omelet - The Regulars