Reading Elementary Rockets Report: March 2017

Sunday, March 26, 2017

RES PRINCIPAL'S BLOG - Rockets Report - Sun., March 26, 2017

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

Happening this Week:

Wed., March 29 -

Gr. 3/4 Swim Lessons at Edgar May Center in Springfield 12 -2:30
Afterschool Program 2:45 - 5 PM

Thurs., March 30 - Gr. 5/6 Field Trip to Hockey Jamboree 11:20 - 2:30 PM.
Fri., March 31 - End of Term 3

Mark Your Calendar/Upcoming Events:

Wed., April 5 -

Gr. 3/4 Swim Lessons at Edgar May Center in Springfield 12 -2:30
Afterschool Program 2:45 - 5 PM
PTO Meeting 6 PM

Sun., April 9 - PTO CSA Soup Dinner (details to follow)
Mon., April 10 - 3rd Term Report Cards come home
Tues., April 11 - VINS visits Pre-K & K
Wed., April 12 -

Gr. 3/4 Swim Lessons at Edgar May Center in Springfield 12 -2:30
Afterschool Program 2:45 - 5 PM

Thurs., April 13 - Pre-K 4 yr. old Swim Lessons 8:15 - 10:30 AM
Mon., April 17 - April 21 - Spring Break - School Closed
Mon., April 24 - K Swimming 12:30 - 2:30 PM
Wed., April 26 -

Gr. 3/4 Swim Lessons at Edgar May Center in Springfield 12 -2:30
Last Afterschool Program for Session 2
RES Board Meeting 6 PM (changed due to Spring Break)

Thurs., April 27 -

Pre-K 4 yr. olds - Swim Lessons 8:15 - 10:30 AM
RES Spring Concert

Fri., April 28 -

Pre-K 3 yr. old Swim Lessons 8:15 - 10:30 AM
Gr. 5/6 Swim Lessons 12 - 2:30 PM

Mon., May 1 -

Gr. 1/2 Swimming 8:15 - 10:30 AM
K Swimming 12:30 - 2:30 PM

Thurs., May 4 - Pre-K 3 yr. old Swim Lessons 8:15 - 10:30 AM
Fri., May 5 -

Pre-K 3 yr. old Swim Lessons 8:15 - 10:30 AM
Gr. 5/6 Swim Lessons 12 - 2:30 PM

Sat., May 6 -

"Beautify & Green-Up Reading Elementary" - 8 - 12 Noon

Mon., May 8 -

Gr. 1/2 - Gr. 1/2 Swimming 8:15 - 10:30 AM
K Swimming 12:30 - 2:30 PM

Thurs., May 11 - Pre-K/K Field Trip to Lebanon Opera House
Fri., May 12 -

Pre-K 3 yr. old Swim Lessons 8:15 - 10:30 AM
Gr. 5/6 Swim Lessons 12 - 2:30 PM

Mon., May 15 -

Gr. 1/2 Swim Lessons at Edgar May Center in Springfield 8:15 - 10:30 AM
K Swimming 12:30 - 2:30 PM

Tues., May 16 - VINS visits Pre-K, K
Wed., May 17 - RES School Board 6 PM
Thurs., May 18 - Pre-K 4 yr. olds - Swim Lessons 8:15 - 10:30 AM
Fri., May 19 -

Pre-K 3 yr. old -Swim Lessons 8:15 - 10:30 AM

Mon., May 22 -

Gr.. 1/2 Swim Lessons at Edgar May Center in Springfield 8:15 - 10:30 AM
K Swimming 12:30 - 2:30 PM

Thurs., May 25 - Pre-K 3 yr. old Swim Lessons 8:15 - 10:30 AM
Fri., May 26 -

Pre-K 3 yr. old Swim Lessons 8:15 - 10:30 AM
Gr. 5/6 Swim Lessons 12 - 2:30 PM

Mon., May 29 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
Fri., June 2 - Gr. 5/6 Swim Lessons 12 - 2:30 PM
Mon., June 5 -

Gr.. 1/2 Swim Lessons at Edgar May Center in Springfield 8:15 -10:30 AM
K Swimming 12:30 - 2:30 PM

Thoughts to Ponder:

LIFE AT READING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

Sunday, March 19, 2017

RES PRINCIPAL'S BLOG - ROCKETS REPORT - Sun., March 19, 2017

Dear Reading Elementary "Rockets" Families & Community Members:

Though the calendar says its spring tomorrow, there's easily a foot of snow on our playground. Please continue to have your students bring in snow pants, gloves, hats, etc. to be able to play outside. If they wear their boots to school, please make sure to pack slippers or sneakers for them to wear in the school.

Ski Runners is over so now it's time to start thinking about spring activities! You'll notice below where I've listed the swimming dates. Kudos to the PTO for helping support this lifesaving skill!

Kudos and heartfelt thanks to:

Students and staff who participated in the WCSU Band Showcase Wed. in spite of the weather!
All of you who read and practice math with your students - it really shows in the classroom!
The parents who helped support "dress green" day on Friday for St. Paddy's Day!

Other Items of Interest:

Summer Soak - Summer SOAK is a four-week full-day summer program that is offered by the WCSU. This year, SOAK runs from July 3rd-July 28th, 2017. SOAK offers academic, service learning, and enrichment activities at the middle/high school campus. Activities that are offered typically include things like mountain biking, lego robotics, art programs, swimming, building rockets, theater, and many more. By providing this four-week program, we hope to achieve the goal of improving students’ academic achievement while providing a variety of enriching opportunities. Summer SOAK online activity registration accounts can be started now, and health forms, subsidy forms, and participation forms are available to start getting a jump on registration. All forms can be downloaded here: http://summersoak.com/info/ Forms are also attached to this email.

Online registration for SOAK programs opened March 13th.

More about SOAK:

-Breakfast, lunch and transportation will be provided.

-The cost is the same as last year, $250 for the four-week session, or $125 for two weeks. Scholarships and subsidy available.

-Summer SOAK will begin on July 3rd, and will run for four weeks, from 8:30-3:30 (with no SOAK on July 4th).

-Registration opens online March 13th 2017, and that is when you will be able to see the individual sessions that are available. To register, you will need to set up an account at www.summersoak.com if you have not already done so. Erin Klocek can help with the registration. Call 457-2522 or email her eklocek@wcsu.net You can also get in touch with Sherry Sousa, SOAK Program Director, at the WCSU Central Office at 457-1213 x1081.

Afterschool Programs - Our after school sessions start again this Wed. We plan to continue through the Wed. AFTER spring break. Sign-up forms will be sent home to parents tomorrow after final details are worked out. Thanks!

Your Students Are Coding! - In our Library Media/Tech classes we have been "coding." Here's a short video that was on CBS Sunday Morning that helps explain what "CODE" is and how it works. Hopefully your students are doing it at home - it's so much better than random computer games online. Each student has a password and URL to be able to access it. Please try and sit down with your students and experience Code with them. We have one 5th grader who is already on Course 2!

Staffing Change - Our guidance counselor, "Ms. L" has resigned from RES due to elementary level licensing challenges. We are working diligently on getting a new counselor, but still have our Mindfulness Coach coming in on Mondays as well as access to other mental health sources through the SU and HCRS if needed. I have spoken to all the students and they are aware of this change and the reasons why. Feel free to call Mrs. Knight with any questions or concerns you might have.

2 Hr. Delay Days - So on Wed. we experienced the first 2-hour delay in many years at RES. To clarify, only snack and lunch are served on delay days. Breakfast is not served since school starts 2 hrs. later. Students should eat breakfast at home on a delay day.

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 on 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!

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!

Help our school meet its Tools for Schools goal by continuing to shop at Price Chopper through March 25th!
The more you shop, the more lassroom equipment we will earn!
You can help our school double points by purchasing Price Chopper, PICS, Full Circle, Simply Done, TopCare, ValuTime and Paws products!!

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 20 - Chicken Fingers, Applesauce, Asparagus, Sweet Potatoes, Whole Grain Rice; Breakfast: Omelet- The Regulars
Tues., March 21 - Fish Chowder, Oranges, spinach Salad w/Carrots, Whole Grain Crackers; Breakfast: Oatmeal - The Regulars
Wed., Mar. 22 - Scrambled Egg & Tofu Burrito, Grapes & Kiwi, Peas & Potatoes- Breakfast: Corned Beef Hash & The Regulars
Thurs,, Mar. 23 - Taco Bake, Apples, Iceberg lettuce, Tomatoes, Whole Grain Corn Chips; Breakfast: Oatmeal & Hard Boiled Egg - The Regulars
Fri., Mar. 24 - Philly Cheese Steak on Whole Grain Bun, Pears, Cabbage, Snap Peas & Rainbow Peppers; Breakfast: Fried Eggs - The Regulars