Pleasant Street School News
building a community of learners that strive for excellence
March 13, 2016
Congressman McGovern Joins Pleasant Street Students for Breakfast
On Wednesday, March 9th Congressman Jim McGovern paid a visit to Pleasant Street to emphasize the importance of school breakfast and lunch programs. The Congressman has been a strong supporter of school meal programs and believes that children are able to do better at school and in life when they start each day with a nutritious breakfast and can count on a balanced lunch to follow.
As part of the 2010 Healthy and Hunger-Free Kids Act, Athol-Royalston Regional School District, along with other districts, now offers free meals to all students this school year.
To read the Athol Daily News article featuring Congressman Jim McGovern please click on the link below.
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Mar102016.pdfPhotos shared below are courtesy of Mitchell R. Grosky. To see more pictures from this event please check out the Celebrate Schools in the Athol Royalston District Facebook site.
We invite you to share something positive about your child's school experience
The district school committee and central administrative office would like to hear from elementary families about what are some things that stand out to you about your school experience. We are looking for quotes from families at each school level (elementary, middle, and high school) that captures what the district has offered your child or children. We are proud of the work that is taking place in our district and will be publishing an informational brochure that includes quotes from families that highlight our offerings and programs. Here are some example quotes.
"We love the Preschool! The kids are learning all the skills that they'll need to get a successful start in school, and the teachers are so warm and loving!"
"One of the best things about my children's experience in kindergarten and first grade was the fact that both my son and daughter developed a real love of reading. They're reading non-stop now in grades three and four."
We invite families to share their feelings by either sending Principal Ellis an email or by calling the school. Not all submitted quotes will be included on the brochure but will certainly be appreciated!
"Be Keen in Green"- Join us for an All School Spirit day on March 17th
Our student council will be hosting an all school spirit day on Thursday, March 17th. For an optional donation of $1.00 students are encouraged to come to school decked out in green clothing. To see a short video of our "Green Day" from last year please check out the link below.
https://animoto.com/play/7i0dfZgx5IbfZiu0sLfDGgOur preschool is a special place
Anytime you pay a visit to our preschool youngsters are busy having fun learning, playing, and enjoying themselves within this highly organized and stimulating environment. This week Principal Ellis dropped in to see the Friday music group in action. In addition, students transitioned through the light center, texture table, and the IPAD station. To learn more about our preschool we invite you to read their newsletter for the week of March 14th linked below.
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Preschool-Newsletter-March-14-2016.pdf
Pictured to the right is Emma and Trent fully entertained experimenting at the light station and pictured below are action shots from the music group.
First Grade Friends & Builders
First Grade Author
Volunteers are needed!
We are looking for school volunteers! If you are interested in helping out at the school please call the office and let us know what you might like to do or what time you have available. Current openings for volunteers include:
- Banking assistant each Tuesday from 10:00-10:30 am
- Book fair helpers, April 4-April 8th
- Recess volunteers- we can always use additional adults to sports games or lead activities
- School store- each Friday from 11:30 am to 12:30
- Other possible opportunities could include, reading to children, supporting art class, assisting with band, help with groundskeeping, and more.
MCAS is Coming Soon!
Dear Families,
A letter will be going home this week detailing upcoming MCAS administration dates by grade as well as tips for families on helping your child do his or her best. The state MCAS assessment window begins the week of March 28th! Punctual school attendance is always important but especially during the testing window. If you have any questions about the MCAS administration please contact the school office. For more information and for sample test questions please visit the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.
DESE
http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/home.html
Sample test questions
Spring Ahead with Daylight Savings and Fire Safety
Catch of the Day
Our School Support Noon Duty staff continue to be recognizing students in their, "Catch of the Day," program. This honor is given to students who staff observe demonstrating our school expectations of respect for self, respect for others, and respect for propertyduring recess. Each day they choose one student from recess as the Catch of the Day who then receives a certificate, a stuffed fish for a day, and is entered into a weekly drawing in the "fish bowl" to receive a prize. Here are some recent catches!
Free Breakfast & Lunch
As part of the 2010 Healthy and Hunger-Free Kids Act, Athol-Royalston Regional School District, along with other districts, now offers free meals to all students this school year.
Menus
- Breakfast menu for March
- Lunch menu for March
Check Out the Official ARRSD District Facebook Page
We encourage you to like this page so you can follow news from around the district.
Reminder! Toy Bingo will be Friday, March 18th from 6:00-7:30 pm
Our PTO sponsored Toy Bingo Family Night is this Friday, March 18th from 6:00-7:30 pm. Here's a cute video from Toy Bingo Family Night last year.
https://animoto.com/play/VefTHTkAA6kML6VQ1LwtmQUpcoming Events...Mark your Calendars!
- March 17, "Be Keen in Green," school spirit day, optional donation of $1.
- March 18, Toy Bingo Family NIght, 6:00-7:30, sponsored by PTO
- March 28- April 12- MCAS English Language Arts Assessment window
- April 4-8, Scholastic buy one, get one free book fair
- April 18- 22, spring recess, no school
- April 25, -school resumes
- April 27- district half day, noon dismissal, lunch is served
- April 28 & April 29- District kindergarten screening, no school for kindergarten
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CALENDARFOR2015-2016a.pdf
Community Events & Postings
Do you have news to share or want to inform members of our school community about family friendly events in our area? if so, please email or forward a flyer or link.
Thank you :)
Motor Monkeys Playgroup- 10:15-11:30, Friday mornings, beginning on March 4- May 13, 34 North Main St., Orange. For more information call Jennifer at (978) 249-8467.
Mother Goose on the Loose Playgroup-Thursdays 10am—11:30am Valuing Our Children 217 Walnut St. Athol. For more information contact: Jen: 978-249-8467 x 22
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PG-and-MGOL.pdf
Petersham Playgroup- Beginning on Thursday, Sept. 17th from 10-11:30 at the Petersham Center School. For more information please call Jennifer at Valuing Our Children 978-249-8467 x22
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Petersham-playgroup.pdf
For other local events, happenings, and resources in this area... you can also check the North Quabbin Community Coalition website below:
These are not school sponsored events but are posted here as a public service for families in the greater North Quabbin community.
Check back soon for more news!
News from Principal Ellis
Email: dellis@arrsd.org
Website: arrsd.org
Location: 1060 Pleasant Street., Athol, MA 01331
Phone: (978) 249-2405