The Floral Falcon Flyer
October 3, 2021
Students in Mrs. Bisceglia's third grade class planted wheat grass this week as they ponder this scientific question: Is plant height an inherited trait, environmental trait or both?
Dear Floral Families,
As educators, we often talk about the first six weeks of school as being the most important ones of the entire school year. It's the critical time when Floral teachers and staff build relationships with their students, establish classroom communities where students feel seen and connected to their classmates and teachers, and build classroom and school routines where there is a shared sense of ownership for maximizing learning time. To put it simply, by the end of the first six weeks of school, the Floral staff aim for our core values to be "oozing" from every learning space:
- working together
- demonstrating respect
- maximizing learning
- using a positive attitude
We couldn't ask for a more competent and caring team of educators to do this work. Floral teachers and staff are "all in." They prioritize social emotional learning as much as academics (maybe even a little more than academics during these first six weeks). The results of their efforts are hard to miss when we visit classrooms. We see students showing more independence with following routines and using more stamina in their work than just a few weeks ago. We hear students sharing kindness with other students and adults. And we feel that sense of teamwork and connection the moment we walk into their classrooms. It makes you want to pull up a chair and stay awhile. :)
We look forward to the week ahead - week 6! Remember that Tuesday, October 5th, is an early release day. Students will be dismissed starting at 12:10 and lunches will not be served. If your child's dismissal plan is changing that day, please email the teacher and send in a note.
Warmly,
Lisa McCubrey, Principal
Gina Kelly, Assistant Principal
In This Issue:
- NEW - Updates from the PTO
- NEW - Photos from Last Week
- NEW - Expected Behavior Chart for Recess
- COVID-19 Testing Update: PARENTAL ACTION REQUIRED
- School Picture Make Up Day is on October 18th
- Seeking Parent Representatives for the Shrewsbury Wellness Advisory Committee
- Reminder Regarding Masks
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Useful Links
NEW - Updates from the Floral PTO
Now that we are settling into the school year, the PTO has several exciting things on the horizon for October. Please see below for some exciting enrichment and community building opportunities! We hope to see you.
Thursday October 7th 4:30pm-9pm
Don't feel like cooking? Visit or call Dean Park Pizza and mention Floral Street when ordering and a portion of your bill will go towards helping us support our school!
October PTO Meeting
October 13th 6:15pm-7:15pm
Please join us in the Floral Street Media center (across from main entrance) or on Zoom (link available next week) to discuss upcoming events and new ideas.
Fall Session: After School Enrichment
- Sign up for Spanish classes with Aprende Spanish Immersion and let your student learn a new language through storytelling, music and movement, and arts and crafts. Classes start October 14th 3:30pm-4:30pm and run Thursdays for 8 weeks. Cost $92.
TO REGISTER EMAIL info@aprendespanishimmersion.com with (Student's name, DOB, Grade and School)
- Sign up for STEM Beginnings classes that provide fun-filled experiences that encourage children's curiosity and learning. Children engage in challenges that allow them to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math concepts using a variety of tools and techniques. Classes start October 14th 3:30pm-4:30pm and run for 8 weeks. Cost $160.
REGISTER here.
Floral Friends Food Fest
Join us on the playground for friends, food trucks*, and fun on October 15th 5:15pm-6:30pm! The free portion of this event will include a StoryWalk®, chalk, bubbles and more! RSVP to help our vendors plan. *Some food trucks may be cash only. All donations will benefit playground repairs.
For more information about these events and more, check out our website: FloralStreetpto.org/events and follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/FloralStreetSchoolPTO.
Photos from Last Week
This week's morning announcers were amazing- great role models!
Michelle is practicing a new reading strategy using books from her book box. Thinking about a character's feelings is a key strategy in every grade.
Mrs. Peterson's kindergarten students went on a reading hunt. They found words everywhere!
Pictured below is the schoolwide expected behaviors chart for recess. Students know that when they use expected behaviors, others will have comfortable thoughts and feelings about them in that space.
The Expected Behavior Chart for recess also includes strategies students can use to support themselves with using expected behaviors, especially in times when their feelings are getting more intense on their thermometers. Some of those strategies are listed below.
COVID-19 Testing Update: PARENTAL ACTION REQUIRED
Shrewsbury Public Schools is partnering with the state COVID Testing Program to provide voluntary weekly COVID-19 testing and the Test and Stay option for close contacts at school. Please check your email from September 10th for more details about these programs. Testing is voluntary and all staff and students are encouraged to participate. The required consent form can be found here. Your child cannot participate until the parental consent form is completed. Voluntary testing began last week.
School Picture Make-Up Day is on October 18th
NEW - School Picture Make-Up Day is on October 18th
School picture retake day is scheduled for Monday, October 18th. If students were absent on September 24th, they will have their photos taken then. For a small fee, families may also opt for a retake (after receiving photo proofs). Proofs have arrived and will be sent home this week with directions for retakes included.
Seeking Parent Representatives for the Shrewsbury Wellness Advisory Committee
Applications are now being accepted for parent representatives to the Shrewsbury Wellness Advisory Committee (SWAC). This district-wide committee meets at SHS approximately 5 times per year (dates/times below) to discuss current health issues affecting the Shrewsbury Public Schools community, and sets health related goals in conjunction with District Strategic Priorities. The committee is made up of the Superintendent, Department Directors, teachers, parents, and leaders of community-based organizations. Honest, constructive input from parents is a vital part of this committee!
We are seeking 3-4 parent/guardian volunteers with students in various grade levels across the district. To apply, please submit a brief statement outlining the reason(s) for your interest in this committee and how you believe you will be able to contribute to our meetings. Applications are due by Friday, October 1, and should be submitted via email to Noelle Freeman, the Director of School Nursing at nfreeman@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us .
The committee will meet on the following Thursday afternoons from 2:30 - 4:00pm at Shrewsbury High School. Attendance at meetings is important, so please be sure to check your calendar for availability before committing to participation on the committee. For the most part, the work of the committee takes place at meetings with minimal need for work outside of meetings.
2021-22 meeting dates: October 10, December 2, January 20, March 10, April 28. All meetings will be held from 2:30 – 4pm at Shrewsbury High School.
Reminder Regarding Masks
Please be sure that your child arrives at school each day wearing a well-fitting mask, and please send a replacement mask in their backpack for use when their mask is damaged or soiled. Thank you in advance for your help with this.
Important Upcoming Dates
* Dates added this week are in bold text
October 5 - Early Release Day for students / Professional Development for staff
October 5 - PTO hosts “Staff Snack Fest” 😋
October 7 - Dean Park Dine and Donate
October 13 - PTO Meeting / Floral Media Center / 6:15pm
October 14 - After School Enrichment Classes Begin
October 15 - PTO hosts Floral Friends Food Fest / 5:15pm
October 15 - Grades 3 & 4 School Meeting
October 18 - School Picture Retake Day
October 22 - Grades K-2 School MeetingNovember 2 - Parent/Guardian Conference Day (no school for students)
November 11 - Veterans Day / No School
November 24-26 - Thanksgiving Break / No School
Useful Links
Mrs. Lisa McCubrey, Principal
Email: lmccubrey@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us
Website: schools.shrewsburyma.gov/floral
Location: 57 Floral Street
Phone: (508) 841-8720
Mrs. Gina Kelly, Assistant Principal
Email: gkelly@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us
Website: schools.shrewsburyma.gov/floral
Location: 57 Floral Street
Phone: 508-841-8720