JW Killam Principal's Corner
Ms. Leveque's Weekly Newsletter
From the Desk of Ms. Leveque
This week marked the full rollout of our Second Phase of Remote Learning. The staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes last week to build and launch Google Classrooms for our students. If I could stand on top of the Killam School and shout it from the roof, I would be letting everyone know how proud I am of ALL our teachers. Thank you for your positive feedback. We are hearing how user friendly the sites are and how this platform helps streamline communication. It also encourages collaboration and a sense of community as grade level teams and students work together on shared experiences. While still no where near as ideal as face-to-face work in a classroom, we are proud of how well our students and teachers are working together to continue engaging in the learning process. We'll continue to make adjustments to our work as the weeks go on, and we recognize that each family is able to engage to their best of their abilities right now, so we continue to thank you for your patience and acceptance during this time of school closure.
With the ever evolving guidance from the Department of Education, we continue to adjust our practices to meet both the needs of our families and the expectations from the State. To keep you up to date on the changes, Dr. Doherty and the Central Office Administrative Team have updated the FAQ's information. You can access the updated version here. Just like you, we recognize that the changes are confusing and staying current on the information is a challenge.
April Vacation Week Reminder
Next week is April vacation week, which feels very strange to write. On Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22, educators will be working and school will be "in session." You can expect updated learning tasks and teacher contact to happen. Monday, April 20, is Patriot's Day and no staff will be working. Thursday and Friday are vacation days and no staff will be working. Due to this, I will not be sending out my Weekly Newsletter next week.
MCAS Update
The Department of Education has cancelled MCAS for all students in Grades 3-12 for the current school year. This will hold true regardless of if we do or do not return to school after May 4th.
Missing the Killam students,
Ms. Leveque
Killam Remote Learning Communication Schedule
We want to be mindful of how overwhelming it can be to receive multiple emails a day. We hear you and are attempting to streamline the information for you. If information changes, we will update you.
Classroom teachers: Classroom teachers will communicate enrichment opportunities either on a daily basis or weekly basis, depending on the grade level team decision. In addition, you will receive check-ins to see if you need any clarification or support multiple times a week.
Special Education teachers: If your child receives special education services, an email with enrichment opportunities for your child will be sent on Tuesday. In addition, you will receive check-ins to see if you need any clarification or support multiple times a week.
Specialists (Library Media, Art, Music, and Gym): An email with enrichment opportunities for your child will be sent on Wednesday.
Principal's Weekly Newsletter: An email will be sent out on Friday and previous newsletters will continue to be posted on the Killam website.
Closure Information: Access to links and information will be posted on the Killam and RPS District websites.
Current K-4 Parent Placement Input Forms
To access the forms, click here.
Spring is the time of year when we begin planning for next year. Based on current events, we don’t know all the plans moving forward. We realize this year, the placement process will most likely look different. However, we still want to give the opportunity for families to provide input if they choose to do so. Student placement is a complex, collaborative process that the staff and administration take very seriously. We spend a great deal of time carefully thinking about the whole child while we create our classes for the next school year, and this will continue
In order to facilitate our placement process, we ask that you return your written comments on the form provided to your school’s office by Monday, April 27th. You have two options for returning this form:
● Print out the form and send it to your building principal at your child’s school address.
● Email the form directly to your building principal. (preferred method)
Important Killam Dates
-Monday, April 20th: Patriot's Day, No School
-Tuesday, April 21st - Wednesday, April 22nd: The Reading Public Schools will be virtually open for remote learning.
-Thursday, April 23rd-Friday, April 24th: The Reading Public Schools will be closed for April Break.
-Monday, April 27th: Current K-4 Parent Placement Input forms due
Out of abundance of caution for the COVID-19 virus, the Reading Public Schools to closed until May 4th. Buildings will be closed and teachers will not be working during this period of closure. We thank our custodial, facilities, and technology staff for their tireless work in our buildings during this period. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doherty will communicate additional information. Take care and stay healthy.
Ergonomics and Visual Strain
Kid Articles and Ideas -- Ask Grownups First!
Family Resources from the Reading Coalition
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support (formerly RCASA) has complied a resource guide with information that may be useful to parents and families in the district. The guide includes supports like tips on talking to children about the COVID-19 outbreak, tools for managing stress and anxiety during a crisis, guidance on how to access mental health and substance use disorder treatment, information on virtual AA/NA meetings and family support groups, and much more! The guide is being updated as the resources available change, so please check the document regularly. The resource guide can be found on the Reading Coalition website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed. Please contact Samantha Salkin, Outreach Coordinator, Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support at ssalkin@ci.reading.ma.us with any questions.
Also, Operation Parent is hosting a webinar this Thursday April 2nd at 2PM on tools to help teenagers cope with anxiety during COVID-19. The webinar is free, but registration is required. The webinar description is below and you can register for the event here.
Food Resources in the Greater Boston Area and Reading
Free & Reduced Lunch Options
RPS will be offering grab & go meals for those Reading Public School students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. The meals will be available at the Reading Memorial High School Cafeteria from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, beginning on Monday, March 16th. If students would like to participate, they must sign up ahead of time by completing information on this link: https://forms.gle/pzyL2aQgUmfQ1RHs8
Project Bread
Project Bread has resources for families and individuals who need food assistance, including a directory of where to get food help. Click here to visit their website.
St. Vincent de Paul Society: They are available to support any families in need with food or other services. Please call 781-258-8767 to leave a message and you will receive a call back.
Reading Food Pantry: Schedule for the month of April shown below.
Adult Articles and Resources
Reading Public School Remote Learning
Reading Public School Covid-19 Information
Open Circle Guidance on How to Talk to Kids about Coronavirus
National Association of School Psychologists resources
CDC Talking to your Kids about Coronavirus
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Talking to Kids about Covid-19
Attention 5th Grade Families-- Middle School Transition Information
It is hard to believe that we are already preparing for transition to middle school! Although we are not ready to have the fifth graders leave us quite yet, they are sure to be ready for the big move come summer! Please click on the link below to access transition documents for both Coolidge and Parker including:
Welcome letters from each middle school principal
Parent input form due April 3 (please note these are different than the elementary input form)
-If your child is attending Parker Middle School, please email the placement form to assistant principal Brendan Norton at Brendan.norton@reading.k12.ma.us.
-If your child is attending Coolidge Middle School, please email the placement form to assistant principal Brie Karow at Brienne.karow@reading.k12.ma.us.
Important Transition Dates
Registration forms for "Welcome to Parker" and "Welcome to Coolidge" (in August)
Please note that the middle school transition meetings will be postponed until tentatively April 27th at 7:00 pm. Middle School Principals will be in touch as that date approaches to re-evaluate if necessary.
The Coolidge "Family Math and Science Night" on March 25th is also postponed for now.
Gr 5 to 6 Transition Information
Project Adventure: With sadness, we've had to cancel the 5th grade Project Adventure trips for May 4th and 5th. Due to the virus, Project Adventure has had to terminate almost their entire staff and close down their campus. We are working with them for refunds or potential later dates should they re-open, and I will keep you informed about that process.
PTO Corner
New in 2019-20 - Pay PTO dues with Venmo at @KillamPTO!
Please be sure to include your child/family’s name in the notes when you submit your Venmo payment so we can credit the dues to the appropriate family.
About These Services
Ms. Sarah Leveque, Principal
Email: sarah.leveque@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: http://reading.k12.ma.us/killam/
Location: 333 Charles Street, Reading, MA, USA
Phone: 781-944-7831
Facebook: facebook.com/JWKillamSchool
Twitter: @Killamnews