The RISE Report
Weekly Newsletter, April 23, 2023
Welcome back from spring break! I hope you all had a chance to relax and enjoy some outdoor fun with your families.
It's so hard to believe we are heading into the "final stretch" of the school year with only 8 weeks left! I'm not sure where the time is going, but we are having a lot of fun at RISE! Just before the break, the PTN sponsored a visit from Curious Creatures. We also had some very talented preschoolers perform at Arts Fest. Congratulations to Miss Ann Marie's class, who did a spectacular job dancing and singing! At the end of May, we will have our final enrichment program, again thanks to our PTN. Discovery Museums will be providing a workshop on solids & liquids for every class to enjoy. This is an amazing hands-on program that is sure to delight our youngest learners!
Coming up this week is our second community preschool screening of the year. On Friday, April 28 we will provide an opportunity for any child (ages 3-4) who is a Reading resident and does not currently attend RISE, to take part in this screening. Tomorrow is the last day to sign up if you're interested!
Finally, our final fundraiser of the year has begun! The Prince Pizzeria flyers were sent home and are also included in this newsletter (below). Send in your orders and get ready to enjoy some tasty pizza in the coming weeks!
Have a wonderful week ahead,
~Dr. King
PTN News Corner
Prince Pizzeria Fundraiser:
Our final fundraiser for the year has begun! This one is "as easy as pie" and provides families with an opportunity to purchase vouchers for the delicious Take 'n Bake Prince Pizza (3-pack of full size pizzas). Flyers were sent home in backpacks before vacation, so be sure to get your orders in by the deadline, Friday, May 12 and help support the RISE programs!
Enrichment Programs:
May 31 and June 1, the Discovery Museums Traveling Workshops will provide a 45-minute workshop on Liquids & Solids to each classroom. Students will investigate the role temperature plays in causing materials to change from solid to liquid or liquid to solid. This is a very engaging science exploration for our youngest learners!
PTN Meeting Dates for 2022-2023:
Meeting dates for the remainder of the year will be on:
- May 31, 7:30-8:30 PM via ZOOM Please note change of date!
- June 7 End-of-year celebration at Birch Meadow Field, 4:30-6:30 PM
End-of-Year Celebration:
Mark your calendars! On Wednesday, June 7th we will be having our amazing end-of-year celebration at Birch Meadow field (across from Coolidge Middle School). This event will include lots of cool fun including music, activities, the Kona Ice Truck and a performance by Bubbles McGee! You won't want to miss this as we wrap up a fabulous year and get ready to head into summer! More details will be coming soon!
Quick Updates:
The PTN has our own Venmo account set up for donations; @RISEPTN can be used for future transactions, collecting dues and fundraising. There is a small associated fee of 1.9% plus $0.10 per transaction (i.e. on a $100 contribution the fee would be $2.00). We hope this makes it easier for families to help support the PTN.
If you have any questions, or interest in volunteering this year to support our PTN, please reach out to any of our PTN board members. We welcome everyone to join!
- Co-Presidents: Meghann Cerratani & Diana Gil
- Vice-President: Rachel Bramante
- Secretary: Corey Mathison
- Treasurer: Courtney Martinello
Preschool Community Screening
Reading Public Schools will be offering a preschool developmental screening on Friday, April 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Killam Elementary School. This screening is intended for any 3- or 4-year-old child residing in Reading, who is NOT currently attending the R.I.S.E. Preschool Program.
These screenings are offered free of charge to families who may have concerns for their child in the areas of speech & language, cognition, adaptive, fine motor, or gross motor skills. The screening activities are designed to assess a child’s development in problem-solving and thinking skills through play, language, social interactions, and fine/gross motor skills. Preschool developmental screenings are provided to ensure that all children receive appropriate services and supports prior to entering kindergarten.
If you are interested and your child did not previously attend the screening in December, please sign up by April 24 for a 30-minute time slot via this SignUp Genius LINK. Children must be at least 3 years old to participate in this screening.
If you have questions, please contact R.I.S.E. Preschool Director, Joanne King at 781-942-9179.
North Suburban Child & Family Resource Network
District Planning...Are you interested?
RISE Extended Day Applications for 2023-24
Below are the RISE registration forms for the 2023-24 school year. Please complete this information and submit it to the Extended Day Program as soon as possible to be considered for a spot. These fill up quickly, so don't delay! If you have any questions, please contact Mackenzie Irwin, Assistant Director of Community Education.
Crossing Guards Needed! Please consider applying
In collaboration with the Reading Police Department, we are seeking community members who may be interested in serving as a Crossing Guard. These positions are essential in ensuring the safety of our students and families. Here is a link to the job posting with information on expressing interest. Thanks in advance for helping to spread the word in our community. We are in immediate need of substitute crossing guards, so if you may be willing to support in this role from time to time, please let us know!
Kindergarten Registration for 2023-24
We know the registration process can generate a lot of questions. Here are some of the FAQs we have heard from families.
Lots of fun spring activities have been planned using a hole punch, fidget toys, dice, pom-poms, markers and crayons to help your child build their strength, visual spatial, sensory, and fine motor skills. You can even have your child help with the gardening by watering some plants! For an awesome outdoor adventure, try the shadow drawing! It's sure to keep those little ones engaged and you may be surprised by what they can do!
Have a great month!
Linda Boyages, OT #1537
Occupational Therapist
RISE Preschool
Reading Public School Medical Policies
We are seeing an increase in the number of students absent with fevers. Please be sure to check with your pediatrician about Covid, strep, or flu testing if needed.
Reminders:
1. Documentation of all immunizations and a physical exam must be provided prior to the first day of school as mandated by Massachusetts State Law. All medical requirements are included in new student paperwork. If your child has a summer birthday, please make sure their scheduled physical happens before the first day of school and send the documentation to school for your child’s record. Medical or religious immunization exemptions are permitted; documentation of such exemptions is required annually.
2. First Aid: Most injuries are minor; however, please make sure to complete all emergency contact information for your child. Include contact numbers for parents and any other person who might be responsible for picking up your child in the event of an emergency. Also include your child’s physician’s name and contact information. Remember to update this information throughout the school year for any corrections or changes.
3. Medication Guidelines:
- Doctor’s orders and parent authorization forms must be completed for ALL medications given in school (including over-the-counter medications).
- Tylenol and ibuprofen can be given in middle and high school with parental consent.
- All medication orders expire at the end of the school year.
- Medications must be provided in their original labeled container.
- A parent or responsible adult must transport medication to and from the Health Office and meet with the nurse regarding instructions. Do not send any medication in your child’s backpack.
- Exception to medication guidelines: Short term antibiotics may be given without a doctor’s order. The antibiotic must be provided in the original labeled container. This serves as proof of a doctor’s order in this case only.
4. Attendance at School: Please do not send your child to school if they have any of the following:
- Fever of 100 degrees or higher. A child with a fever should not return until they have been fever-free without a fever reducer such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen for 24 hours.
- Infectious illness such as strep throat for which they have been treated with antibiotics for less than 12 hours.
- Any symptoms listed on the COVID health screening. Please check your child for symptoms daily. If you have any concerns, please contact your school nurse, and follow up with your child's physician.
5. School Screenings: State mandated school screenings are as follows: Vision screenings are done in grades prek-5,7 &10, hearing screenings are done in grades K-3, 7 & 10. Height and weight screenings are performed annually on grades 1,4, 7 &10. Postural screenings are done for grade 5-9 annually. SBIRT screenings are done in grades 8 &10.
Parents will be notified of upcoming screenings and notified if a referral is indicated after the screenings. Parents may opt out of any screenings in writing to the school nurse.
6. Communication from the Health Office is through SNAP Health Portal, which connects directly with your child’s electronic health record, and provides direct messaging to your school nurse. School nurses may also reach out via phone call, email, and school newsletters. Please make sure your contact information is up to date.
7. Contagious Illnesses: Please notify the Health Office if your child has any contagious illness or conditions such as COVID, flu or strep throat. Always refer to your pediatrician for guidance.
8. Student Absence: If your child is absent, please call the absentee phone line and mention the reason for the absence. A note is required for all absences when your child returns.
9. Allergy Guidelines: Reading Public School Guidelines for Food Allergies are available on the district webpage under District Information. All classrooms are food-free except for individual snacks and lunches provided from home. All food brought into the classroom must follow the Food Allergy Guidelines. You will be notified of food allergy restrictions for your child’s classroom prior to the beginning of the school year. No food sharing is allowed.
10. Allergies and Chronic Conditions: Please contact the school nurse if your child has any health issues or life-threatening allergies so appropriate accommodations can be made.
Please send in a copy of your child’s yearly physical so that health records and immunizations can be updated. Summer is a good time to reinforce good hygiene habits such as handwashing, cough and sneeze etiquette and the importance of no food sharing at school. Another health issue to consider is lice prevention. Please get into the habit of watching for symptoms and routinely checking your child’s head.
Please contact your school nurse with any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with you and getting to know your child.
Sincerely,
Reading Public School Nurses
Reading Coalition...Community Support
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, formerly known as RCASA, was established in 2006 in Reading. The coalition started as a town, police, school and community initiative focused on improving collaboration and reducing substance abuse. The coalition was grant-funded from 2007-2019. Today, the coalition funded under the Reading Police Department, offers programs and services that focus on substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion.
Upcoming Events:
- April 6th at 6pm- the Coalition and Public Health Nurse will be hosting a Narcan administration training at the Reading Public Library
- April 12th at 6:30pm- Parents Night Out event for parents/caregivers of RMHS students to discuss underage drinking and substance use
- April 20th at 7pm- Women and alcohol event with a spotlight on the book Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol by Ann Dowsett Johnston
- April 27th at 7pm- Reading Public Safety Clinician will be discussing Postpartum Depression and Perinatal Mental Health at the Reading Public Library
Follow us on Instagram @rcps_rpd
Like us on Facebook @reading coalition
Follow us on Twitter @rcoalition4prev
Latest News from SEPAC
⭐ Spring with SEPAC Events are open to ALL!
Do you ever think about your family’s emotional health? Anxiety in our nation? Inclusivity? We have events for you, including a movie night AND a visit from Lynn Lyons of Flusterclux podcast fame! See flyer for all of our events and mark your calendars.
⭐ Do you have a child who is on an IEP, a 504 plan, and/or has a disability? If so, the Reading SEPAC exists for YOU.
Fill out this BRIEF, ANONYMOUS survey for the board; we want to make sure we reach ALL families, and it will help us plan for 2023-2024. It should take only a few minutes.
The Board seeks input from families or groups who feel disconnected from SEPAC despite having a child with an IEP, a 504 plan, and/or special needs. We especially want to hear from parents/guardians of students in the following categories: Out of District placements, Boston residents, multilingual learners, and anyone else who desires more connection and/or could benefit more from SEPAC.
We encourage you to join SEPAC's mailing list, follow SEPAC on Facebook, and follow SEPAC on Instagram
About These Services
The Town of Reading contracts with William James College to offer a special service for our residents. The William James INTERFACE Referral Service maintains a mental health and wellness referral help line Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843 (toll free). This is a free, confidential referral service for individuals across the lifespan living in Reading. Callers are matched with licensed mental health providers from our extensive database. Each referral meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller. Click here to learn more!
Mark your calendars
April
26: School Committee Members visit RISE
28: Preschool Screening for Reading Residents, 11-2 at Killam Elementary (pre-registration is required)
May
11: Early Release to prepare for Open House; 12:00 dismissal for all RISE students. RISE Open House, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Killam, RMHS, and Wood End classrooms.
12: Full day of school; 2:00 dismissal at RMHS and 2:30 dismissal at Killam & Wood End
29: Memorial Day; No school
31: Discovery Kids Enrichment Program (Liquids & Solids); PTN Meeting (please note change of date), 7:30 PM via ZOOM
Overview of RISE Programs
Reading Public Schools offers a variety of outstanding integrated preschool programming for Reading residents. Our integrated programs serve tuition-based students and students who receive special education services. Our goal is to create an environment of mutual respect, where all students learn from their teachers and from each other.
Our integrated preschool programs are multi-age, and students may enter when they turn three years old. This enables our younger students to learn from their older classmates. Our four-year-old students love being role models and leaders to our three-year-old students.
Our integrated programs are designed to support the learning and growth of both tuition students and students with disabilities. Our approach is play-based. Students learn school, social and academic skills through center activities, free play, circle time, recess, and more.
If you have questions about our programs, you are welcome to contact Dr. King.
Contact Information
Email: joanne.king@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: https://rise.reading.k12.ma.us/
Location: 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, USA
Phone: 781-942-9179