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

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!

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!

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