Reading Elementary Rockets Report: September 2017

Sunday, September 24, 2017

RES PRINCIPAL'S BLOG - ROCKETS REPORT - Sun., Sept. 24, 2017

Dear Reading Elementary "Rockets" Families & Community Members:

This week was a week full of surprises, including an unplanned fire drill which surprised even Mrs. Knight and Mrs. Hatt. There was a malfunction in the alarm system which set off the alarm. It was a beautiful day, and we needed to do one in September anyway. The alarm company came and gave the alarm a check-up and all seems fine now. We will be having "lock-down drill" soon. The State mandates this drills, but its for safety sake that we do them anyway. Please feel free to call if you ever have any concerns over a drill. If there is a serious incident, then you would be notified with our emergency alert system.

I hope you'll join us Wed. morning to meet the new Superintendent. Hope you'll join us!

Kudos and heartfelt thanks to:

All of you who have sent your forms back completed!
Heather for cooking such yummy meals - we are so lucky to have her here!
Mrs. Hatt for helping out with the Reading Runners!

Other Items of Interest:

Coffee Hour - Our new superintendent, Mary Beth Banios, will be visiting our school on Wed., Sept. 27, for "Coffee Hour" from 9 - 9:45 AM. Please feel free to drop by and visit with her during that time.

Staff Bios - We are still highlighting various staff members each week so you can get to know who your child's education team is. Please see below:

Mrs. Kaija - Please read her Bio here.

READING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOURS (as of 9/1/17)

7:30 AM……………….All students arrive & participate in community circle!

Your child is welcome as early as 7:15 AM to have breakfast with their peers!

OTHER WAYS TO HELP READING SCHOOL

Volunteer to help do some little repair projects!
Serve on the RES Board - there's still an opening!

LUNCH & BREAKFAST MENU FOR NEXT WEEK:
Please send in this month's prepaid lunch bill - Gr. K-6 $55 per child, or PK - $30. per child. Please send in your free and reduced forms as well!
Lunch accounts should be paid in full each month. Thank you!

Mon., Sept. 25, 2017 - Fish Chowder, Grapes, Carrots & Snap Pears, Whole Grain Rolls; Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs & the Regulars
Tues., Sept. 27, 2017 - Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken, Melon, Spinach & Potatoes, Whole Grain Medley; Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs & the Regulars
Wed., Sept. 28, 2017- Scrambled Eggs & Tofu Burrito, Oranges, Iceberg Lettuce w/Tomatoes: Breakfast: German Pancake & the Regulars
Thurs., Sept. 29, 2017 - Shredded Beef, Tangerines, Broccoli, Whole Grain Riced & Lentils; Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs & the Regulars
Fri., Sept. 30, 2017 - Cheesy Whole Grain PastA Noodles w/Ground Turkey, Apples, Rainbow Peppers & Peas; Breakfast: Oatmeal & the Regulars

Happening this Week:

Mon., Sept. 25 -

Art is the Special
Gr. 6 goes to "Web of Life" with other WCSU Students at Marsh Billings

Tues., Sept. 26

PE is the special - students should wear tennis shoes & comfortable clothes to be active in!

Wed., Sept. 27-

Spanish is the Special

Thurs., Sept. 28 -

Coffee Hour with the Superintendent 9 - 9:45 AM
Music is the Special
Band starts

Fri., Sept. 29 -

Library/Media Tech is the Special

Mark Your Calendar/Upcoming Events:

Wed., Oct. 4 - Picture Day
Thurs., Oct. 5 - K Field Trip to VINS
Mon., Oct. 9 - NO SCHOOL
Thurs., Oct. 12 - Back to School Open House - 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Sun., Oct. 15 - Leap Peeper's Breakfast
Wed., Oct. 18 - RES Board Meeting 6 PM - Gr. 5/6 Classroom
Fri., Oct. 27 -Pumpkin Raffle
Mon., Oct. 30 - Pumpkin carving
Mon, Oct. 30 - Thurs., Nov. 9 - Parent Conferences/afterschool
Tues., Oct. 31 - Fright Night
Wed., Nov. 1 - Photo Retake
Wed., Nov. 8 - Report cards come home
Fri., Nov. 10 - NO School
Tues., Nov. 14 - PK/K Trip to Lebanon Opera House
Wed., Nov. 22 - Fri., Nov. 24 - NO School - Thanksgiving

Thoughts to Ponder:

LIFE AT READING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

Sunday, September 17, 2017

RES PRINCIPAL'S BLOG - ROCKETS REPORT - Sun., Sept. 17, 2017

Dear Reading Elementary "Rockets" Families & Community Members:

Every visitor that comes to our school is so impressed by our students, staff, and our beautiful building. This past week the 3rd and 4th graders traveled to the Tunbridge Fair for Education Day and several adults commented to me about the politeness and good manners of our students. It truly does take a village, so thank you for all you do to encourage polite, respectful behavior of our children.

Kudos and heartfelt thanks to:

The parents who attended the PTO meeting Wed. evening.
Our pre-K volunteer parents!
Everyone who pre-paid their lunch bill for September!

Other Items of Interest:

Forms to be Completed - On Monday, we will be sending home two additional forms that we would ask you to please complete. One is a permission slip for local Spring Brook Farm. We are so blessed to have this resource nearby that it makes it easier if we have the form completed and on file for activities there. The second is an e-mail information form. The SU redid the health forms which made us redo our emergency contact form, and we mistakenly left off the e-mail portion. Thanks for your help sending these in! IF you haven't completed your back to school forms, please send them in tomorrow.

READING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOURS (as of 9/1/17)

7:30 AM……………….All students arrive & participate in community circle!

Your child is welcome as early as 7:15 AM to have breakfast with their peers!

Coffee Hour - Our new superintendent, Mary Beth Banios, will be visiting our school on Wed., Sept. 27, for "Coffee Hour" from 9 - 9:30 AM. Please feel free to drop by and visit with her during that time.

Attendance Policy - Please read the attendance policy HERE.

Draft Student-Family Handbook - Here is the link to this year's draft handbook. There are a few sections that will be added/edited.

Staff Bios - So we will highlighting various staff members each week so you can get to know who your child's education team is. Please see below:

Mrs. Faulker - Pre-K - Please read her bio HERE .

READING RUNNERS X-C TEAM, K-6 opportunity! - Please e-mail Lisa Kaija at lqkaija@gmail.com if your student (s) is interested or if you have questions. Thanks!

OTHER WAYS TO HELP READING SCHOOL

Volunteer to help do some little repair projects!
Serve on the RES Board - there's still an opening!

Mon., Sept. 18, 2017 - Corn Chowder, Cheese Sticks, Orangesl, Kiwis, Spinach Salad w/Shredded Carrots, Whole Grain Corn Chips; Breakfast: Whole Grain Bagels & Cream Cheese & the Regulars
Tues., Sept. 19, 2017 - Coconut Chicken, Pineapple, Pears, Whole Grain Rice; Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs & the Regulars
Wed., Sept. 20, 2017- Gardener's Pie, Apples, Carrots: Breakfast: German Pancake & the Regulars
Thurs., Sept. 21, 2017 - Turkey Sausage Crumble, Applesauce, Iceberg Lettuce w/Tomates, Whole Grain CousCous; Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs & the Regulars
Fri., Sept. 22, 2017 - Taco Bake w/Ground Turkey, Pears, Mixed Green Salad, Whole Grain Corn Chips; Oatmeal & the Regulars

Happening this Week:

Mon., Sept. 18 -

Art is the Special
Our school Mindfulness program begins again today.

Tues., Sept. 19

PE is the special - students should wear tennis shoes & comfortable clothes to be active in!

Wed., Sept. 20 -

Spanish is the Special
RES Board Meeting - 6:30 PM

Thurs., Sept. 21 -

Music is the Special
Band starts

Fri., Sept. 22 -

Library/Media Tech is the Special

Mark Your Calendar/Upcoming Events:

Mon., Sept. 25 - "Web of Life" Field Trip Gr. 6 begins
Wed., Oct. 4 - Picture Day
Mon., Oct. 9 - NO SCHOOL
Thurs., Oct. 12 - Back to School Open House - 5:30 - 6:30 PM

Thoughts to Ponder:

LIFE AT READING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

Nothing like a good book!

Students interviewed the re-enactors.

Jeremy participating in the fair!

National Dot Day!

Sunday, September 10, 2017

RES PRINCIPAL'S BLOG - ROCKETS REPORT - Sun., Sept. 10, 2017

Dear Reading Elementary "Rockets" Families & Community Members:

The last seven days have flown by! So much learning is going on throughout the building. We are all very blessed to have the staff that we do at Reading Elementary! There is such passion and caring for each and every child!

If a child gets here after 7:45, classes have begun, and that means minutes are lost from your child's learning. It also makes it harder for your child to start the day smoothly! Your child is welcome as early as 7:15 AM to have breakfast with their peers!

Kudos and heartfelt thanks to:

The PTO who works so hard behind the scenes to support our school!
All of you who have sent in your paperwork!
All of you who have worked so hard to get here no later than 7:30 AM-thank you!

Other Items of Interest:

READING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOURS (as of 9/1/17)

7:15 AM……………....Busers and students eating breakfast arrive.

7:15 - 7:30 AM……….Breakfast

7:30 AM……………….All students arrive.

Lunch Bills - In order to keep our lunch costs down, we ask that families PRE-PAY, and in doing so, pay less. IF you pay your Aug./Sept. fee by next Friday, Sept. 15, your child's lunches will be $2.50 each. Otherwise, they are $3.00 each meal. Please send in a check for $55. for Gr. K-6, and $30. if your child is Pre-K. Snacks are provided through our Fresh Fruit and Veggie Grant. Please send it in an envelope with your child's name in. Thank you!

Discipline System - We introduced our "Positive Behavior" system in the last few weeks and want to make sure parents know about it! Students have "expectations" depending on the location in the building. We emphasize respect to ourselves, each other, and our community, including our buildings. Students receive small, blue "Respect" tiles when they are noticed for making a respectful choice. The student then puts it into a "rocket respectable" that is then emptied into a large "Rocket Respectacle" on Fridays where we celebrate our good choices. As the "respectable" passes the letters "RESPECT" vertically, there are school-wide celebrations, i.e. extra recess, backwards clothes day, crazy hat day, pajama day, etc. The rewards are NOT food or things, but are community "events." The PBIS committee chair, Pam Boyer-Sheldon, has worked hard to lead us through this implementation with school-wide support.

However, if a child makes an unfortunate choice to be disrespectful or disruptive in class, there is a discipline system in place. This is the RES discipline flowchart. Based on State guidelines, behaviors are either "Minor-Tier 1" or "Major-Tier 2 or 3). An incident is documented on a "yellow" slip for Tier 1 behaviors, or a "blue" slip for Tier 2/3 behaviors. We discussed this process with all classes on Friday, and wanted to make sure that you understood it as well. After the 2nd yellow slip is "earned" by a student, the teacher or staff member will be contacting you. The third yellow slip is an automatic office referral, and I will be contacting you.

The first seven days of school, we did not use any blue or yellow slips as we all have to "settle in" to the routines and expectations. The slips start being used officially Monday. If you want further information on this, please contact Mrs. Knight.

Staff Bios - So we will highlighting various staff members each week so you can get to know who your child's education team is. Please see below:

Gr. 5/6 - Mrs. Collins - Please read her class introduction HERE.

READING RUNNERS X-C TEAM, K-6 opportunity!

Practices on Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:45-4:00 pm with fun and healthy snacks.
Running meets on Wednesdays, 9/20 and 10/4 at Kurn Hattin Homes, Westminster
Wednesdays 9/27 and 10/18 at The Grammar School, Putney
No experience necessary, just a willingness to give running a try.
Parent volunteers welcome to join us at practice and provide snacks.
Please e-mail Lisa Kaija at lqkaija@gmail.com if your student (s) is interested or if you have questions. Thanks!

OTHER WAYS TO HELP READING SCHOOL

We need a little help with weeding & painting! Please volunteer!
Volunteer to help do some little repair projects!
Serve on the RES Board - there's still an opening!

Mon., Sept. 11, 2017 - Shredded Beef on Whole Grain Rolls, Pineapple, Green Beans & Sweet Potatoes; Breakfast: Oatmeal & The Regulars
Tues., Sept. 12, 2017 - Chicken Fingers, Oranges, Mixed Green Salad, Baked Potato, Quinoa; Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs & the Regular
Wed., Sept. 13, 2017- Peanut Butter & Apple Whole Wheat Wraps, Carrots & Avocados: Breakfast: Whole Grain French Toast & the Regulars
Thurs., Sept. 14, 2017 - Green Mtn. Sausage on a Whole Grain Bun, Watermelon, Spinach Salad, Baked Beans: Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs and the Regulars
Fri., Sept. 15, 2017 - Whole Grain English Muffin Pizza, Grapes, Caesar Salad; Breakfast: Fried Egg & the Regulars

Happening this Week:

Mon., Sept. 12 -

Art is the Special
Our school Mindfulness program begins again today.

Tues., Sept. 13

PE is the special - students should wear tennis shoes & comfortable clothes to be active in!

Wed., Sept. 13 -

Spanish is the Special
PTO Meeting 6 PM - Vanessa Maxham's house

Thurs., Sept. 14 -

Music is the Special
Band starts
Gr. 3/4 Field Trip to Tunbridge Fair

Fri., Sept. 15 -

Library/Media Tech is the Special
Pre-paid lunch bills are due!

Mark Your Calendar/Upcoming Events:

Mon, Sept. 18
Wed., Sept. 20 - 6:30 PM - RES Board Meeting
Mon., Sept. 25 - "Web of Life" Field Trip Gr. 6 begins
Wed., Oct. 4 - Picture Day
Mon., Oct. 9 - NO SCHOOL
Thurs., Oct. 12 - Back to School Open House - 5:30 - 6:30 PM

Thoughts to Ponder:

LIFE AT READING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

Sunday, September 3, 2017

RES PRINCIPAL'S BLOG - ROCKETS REPORT - Sun., Sept. 3, 2017

Dear Reading Elementary "Rockets" Families & Community Members:

When we "circled up" that first morning with families, community members, staff, and students, the energy in the room was so full of excitement. It was a powerful moment demonstrating the unity of this community and the support behind the school. What a wonderful three days we had last week! Smiling faces abounded as new students met current students, and new staff met current staff! We're all happy to be here and honored to be learning with your student!

Kudos and heartfelt thanks to:

The PTO for the yummy 1st day breakfast!
All the parents who came to "the 1st day breakfast" and stayed for morning circle!
All of you who have already prepaid your Aug. & Sept. lunch bill!

Other Items of Interest:

READING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOURS (as of 9/1/17)

7:15 AM……………....Busers and students eating breakfast arrive.

7:15 - 7:30 AM……….Breakfast

7:30 AM……………….All students arrive.

7:35 AM……………….Morning Community Circle in the Cafeteria.

7:45 AM……………….Learning begins in classrooms.

11:15 - 11:45 AM.........K-6 Recess

11:30 - 11:45 AM…….Pre-K dismissal/parent pick-ups

11:50 - 11:55 PM.........Handwashing

11:55 - 12:25 PM.........Lunch

12:30 PM.....................Afternoon learning begins

2:20 PM……………….Busers dismissed.

2:25 PM……………….Bus leaves

2:30 PM……………….Walkers/parent pick-ups dismissed.

Lunch Bills - In order to keep our lunch costs down, we ask that families PRE-PAY, and in doing so, pay less. IF you pay your Aug./Sept. fee by next Friday, Sept. 15, your child's lunches will be $2.50 each. Otherwise, they are $3.00 each meal. Please send in a check for $55. for Gr. K-6, and $30. if your child is Pre-K. Snacks are provided through our Fresh Fruit and Veggie Grant. Please send it in an envelope with your child's name in. Thank you!

School Supplies - There's something magical about shopping for school supplies in August. I remember going with my family and it created an excitement about the coming school year. Each class will be creating a small "supply list" <$15. per family for the 2017-18 school year that we'd appreciate you purchasing the first week of school. We'll be sending home lists with each grade and there is an electronic list HERE thought some teachers have not filled theirs out yet.

Box Tops - We are still collecting BOX TOPS. Please bring in your supply from the summer and ask your neighbors/family members to collect them for us!

Price Chopper - Please sign up to help our school earn points. Last year we were able to purchase two "character books and posters" for the school through your points. Just go to the website and register your card for our school. Every point helps!

Staff Bios - So we will highlighting various staff members each week so you can get to know who your child's education team is. Please see below:

A Message from Mrs. Grenier - RES Physical Education Teacher

Hi, My name is Rose Grenier; I will be the new physical education teacher. I have a BS with a dual option of Athletic Training and Teacher Certification (NH/VT) from Plymouth State College. This will be my 19th year of teaching PE in the Upper Valley. In the past year, I have earned my group fitness and personal training certification with a youth specialization. I have been coaching learn to skate and figure skating for preschool through adults for over 20 years. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two dogs. I also like cooking, crafting, kayak/ paddle boarding, fishing, and camping.

During physical education class students will participate in variety of developmentally appropriate units for individual, partner, and group activities, such as dance, basketball, volleyball, and parachute. All physical education classes will emphasize learning a variety of skills along the benefits of physical activity & fitness and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For more information about class and expectations please see my welcome letter.

Message from Lisa Kaija - Art Teacher:

Revive Reading Runners?

One of the highlights of my kids’ time at Reading Elementary School was participating in “Reading Runners”, an elementary cross-country running program. It began in 1999, I believe, and was initially coached by Lisa Marks (who now teaches at Ludlow Elem.) and Joy Grossman, a parent and school board member at the time. RES students in grades K-6 practiced a couple times a week and then competed at running meets sponsored by Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster and The Grammar School in Putney.

Generally, 6-8 other elementary schools and a couple middle schools appeared at the running meets. They are low pressure events with great energy and abundant encouragement for elementary kids who make the effort to get out and try running. There are four meets currently scheduled in September and October.. The first scheduled meet is Wednesday, September 20 at Kurn Hattin. At the meets, ages 5-8 ran .5 mile, ages 9-11 ran 1.0 mile and ages 12+ ran 1.5 miles. We generally left school a little early and carpooled to the meets.

My memories are only of sunny, gorgeous, colorful autumn afternoons at Kurn Hattin.

With the help of teachers and parents, I coached Reading Runners for a number of years between 2006-2009. We typically practiced one day each week on the trails behind RES or around town and another day on Fred (now Bill and his siblings) Hunt’s beautiful 3-mile logging road off the Tyson Road. Again, my memories are mostly of beautiful days spent running with kids in the woods without traffic.

I am willing to revive “Reading Runners” this fall, if I can find some help from parents and/or teachers. Depending on the number of kids who are interested, I will need at least one other adult besides me to assist at practices. If you are only able to assist one day each week, but be there consistently, that is great. Volunteers needn’t be skilled runners, but simply willing to keep up with the kids at the back of the pack. I will also ask parents to help with providing healthy snacks for the group after each practice.

Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:45-4:00 pm are the best time for me to practice. These times do not conflict with Woodstock Rec. Center soccer practices for elementary students, as far as I know. If you or your student(s) are interested, please contact me via e-mail (lqkaija@gmail.com). I am excited to see if we can make this happen again!

OTHER WAYS TO HELP READING SCHOOL

We need a little help with weeding & painting! Please volunteer!
Volunteer to help do some little repair projects!
Serve on the RES Board - there's still an opening!

Tues., Sept. 5, 2017 - Chicken & Broccoli w/Pineapple, Whole Grain Rice Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs & the Regular
Wed., Sept. 6, 2017- Veggie Quiche, Melon, Carrots, Green Beans & Potatoes, Whole Grain Crackers: Breakfast: Oatmeal & the Regulars
Thurs., Sept. 7, 2017 - Turkey Reuben Melts in whole grain pita bread, Apples, Rainbow Peppers, Cherry Tomatoes & Coleslaw: Breakfast: Hard Boiled Eggs and the Regulars
Fri., Sept. 8, 2017 - Whole Grain English Muffin Pizza, Grapes, Caesar Salad; Breakfast: Omelet & the Regulars