The RISE Report
Weekly Newsletter, January 8, 2023
As many families know, we have begun the registration process for both preschool and kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year. While this is an exciting time as we begin planning for next year, I also understand that this creates angst for many of our families. Change and transitions can be difficult not only for our children, but also for us as adults. We will provide information about timing of programs and any additional supports along the way as we have the information and navigate this time together. Of course, if you have questions please reach out.
The registration packets for NEW families applying for preschool can be found on our website. Families of returning students can complete the google form below. In addition, for those registering for kindergarten, that information and registration packet is available on the district website.
Returning Preschool Students (students who will be 4 by August 31, 2023)
If your child is a tuition-based student returning to preschool in the fall of 2023, please click here to complete a google form. This form will allow you to sign up for the same program your child is currently in, or request a change to another program. (Please note we have limited spaces for program transfers and reserve the right to use a lottery if multiple students are interested in the same spot). Priority for class placement is given to all returning students who submit this form by February 17, 2023.
If your child attends our preschool through an Individual Educational Plan (IEP), his or her program placement will be determined by their Special Education Team at their next IEP meeting.
NEW Students Registering for Preschool
If your child is new to RISE preschool (has not attended) you must complete the full registration packet and return the completed packet to the RISE Preschool Office at 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA 01867. Please do not take photos and scan the packet. We will be receiving over 100 packets so we need the "hard copies" for each student.
Students Entering Kindergarten in Fall of 2023 (students who will be 5 by August 31, 2023)
You must register your child for kindergarten, even if they have been a preschool student in Reading. If your child will be entering kindergarten in the 2023/2024 school year, please visit our district website to access the school registration form. Kindly submit the form and the requested supporting documents to the Superintendent’s office at 82 Oakland Road, Reading, MA 01867. Reach out with any questions regarding kindergarten registration to RPSStudentRegistration@reading.k12.ma.us.
Any questions regarding the preschool registration process or our programming can be directed to me at joanne.king@reading.k12.ma.us
Enjoy the week ahead,
Dr. King
Virtual PTN Meeting Monday, January 9th
Thank you!
PTN Board Members: Rachel Bramante, Meghann Cerratani, Diana Gil, Courtney Martinello, Corey Mathison
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.
For the 2023-24 school year, we will be offering 5 full-day, 3 full-day, and 4 half-day programs at three locations including RMHS, Wood End Elementary and Killam Elementary Schools. Locations and times are subject to change.
If you have questions about our programs, you are welcome to contact Dr. King.
Is my child ready for kindergarten?
If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me or your child's teacher.
Kindergarten Information for Our 5 Year-Olds
Kindergarten Registration Night will take place on Tuesday, January 31st, 6:00-7:00 pm. Drop off your registration form and accompanying documents. This event will be held at Reading Memorial High School. Last names beginning in A-L, 6:00-6:30 p.m. Last names beginning in M-Z, 6:30-7:00 p.m. You can reach out with questions by emailing RPSStudentRegistration@reading.k12.ma.us
PTN News Corner
PTN Elected Board Members:
Congratulations to the following parents who have volunteered their time and energy to lead this group:
- Co-Presidents: Meghann Cerratani & Diana Gil
- Vice-President: Rachel Bramante
- Secretary: Corey Mathison
- Treasurer: Courtney Martinello
We will be sending updates via email and on Facebook as we continue planning for the year, so stay tuned! If you have not already joined, check out RISE PTN 2022-2023 on Facebook! This is a private Facebook group so you will need to ask to join. Corey Mathison is the administrator of the group and is eager to welcome more RISE families!
Dues Drive:
This is also the time of year when dues are collected from each family to support the work of the PTN. The suggested amount is $35 per family. We hope you can help as we have very limited funds to start this year off.
PTN Meeting Dates for 2022-2023:
PTN members agreed to hold meetings virtually via Zoom on Monday evenings, 7:30-8:30 PM. Meeting dates for the remainder of the year will be on:
- January 9 on ZOOM
- February 27
- April 3
- May 22
- The end-of-year celebration is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 7
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 listed above. We welcome everyone to join!
Notes from Our Nurse
A few reminders as we start the New Year because every school community will continue seeing winter illnesses in the next few months...
- Masks are available in the health office at every school, if needed, and should be worn by anyone returning for days 6-10 after having Covid.
- Thank you for home testing when your child shows signs of illness. Reach out to the nurse if you need another test kit sent home.
- We continue to have symptomatic testing available at school. The nurse will call families to discuss this option if your child has new symptoms at school.
- If your child is not feeling well, please keep them home.
Thank you for your support in keeping our students and staff healthy and in school.
New month, new year, new bitmoji room of fun activities for home! We have had a rather warm start to the New Year, but I imagine we will see some snow before winter is over. This month’s bitmoji room includes some outdoor activities for a snowy day as well as a couple of things to try indoors. Feel free to reach out if you need these activities tweaked to meet your family’s needs.
Have a great month!
Linda Boyages, OT #1537
Occupational Therapist
RISE Preschool
Latest News from SEPAC
SEPAC works for the understanding of, respect for, and support of
all children with special needs in the community.
Tuesday, January 17th at 7 pm: Special Needs Planning with Attorney Lisa Cukier
We are very excited to have Lisa Cukier present on Special Needs Planning. Lisa is an accomplished attorney with Burns and Levinson and has deep experience on a variety of topics related to family planning - including topics related to children with special needs. Lisa will be providing tips and strategies throughout the presentation and will also be available for Q & A. This will be an information packed session that will be aimed at all levels of disabilities and we highly encourage you to attend.
For much more information about the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, click here for our latest newsletter. We encourage you to join SEPAC's mailing list, follow SEPAC on Facebook, and follow SEPAC on Instagram
Important Dates Coming Up:
January
9: School Committee Meeting FY24 Budget Presentation continues, 7:00 PM; PTN General Meeting via Zoom, 7:30-8:30 PM
16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No school
23: Progress reports sent to families
31: Kindergarten registration night at RMHS, 6:00-7:00 PM
About R.I.S.E.
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