Athol-Royalston Elementary News
Teaching Excellence & Bringing Our Schools Together in 2016
October 2015
Growth Mindset for Mathematics and More!
https://www.youcubed.org/parents/
Read more about how parents beliefs change children:
https://www.youcubed.org/think-it-up/parents-beliefs-math-change-childrens-achievement/
Math Apps and Games
https://www.youcubed.org/category/teaching-ideas/math-apps/
Pictured: Anchor chart from Mrs. Heuer's Third Grade class with children's ideas that promote growth mindset. What does perserverance look like? Sound like?
Families as Math Partners!
Dear Families:
With the implementation of Common Core Standards the requirements in mathematical thinking and instruction have changed. We frequently hear families say that it doesn't look like anything they recognize or remember from being in school! As a result, families may not feel they are able to help their children with homework. While the math does look different it will absolutely build a stronger mathematical foundation and greater conceptual understanding for your child and perhaps for you as well! As part of our continued efforts to partner with families and to provide tools and resources to maximize children's learning we have linked a wide range of math materials below by grade level.
There are links to help with homework as well as parent tips to understanding vocabulary, as well as standards and key concepts being taught. We strongly encourage families to use these materials and learn along with your child.
This material, along with additional resources and videos can be found at
http://greatminds.net/support/parents.
Grade 4 Resources
Homework help- module 1
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Homework_Helper-Grade_4_Module_1.pdfParent tips for module 1 & 2
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Eureka_Math_Grade_4_Module_1_Parent_Tip_Sheet.pdf
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Eureka_Math_Grade_4_Module_2_Parent_Tip_Sheet.pdf
Grade 3 Resources
Homework help- module 1 & 2
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Homework_Helper-Grade_3_Module_1.pdf
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Homework_Helper-Grade_3_Module_2.pdf
Parent Tips - module 1 & 2
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Eureka_Math_Grade_3_Module_1_Parent_Tip_Sheets.pdf
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Eureka_Math_Grade_3_Module_2_Parent_Tip_Sheet.pdf
Grade 2 Resources
Homework help- module 1 & 2
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Homework_Helper-Grade_2_Module_1.pdf
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Homework_Helper-Grade_2_Module_2.pdf
Parent Tips- module 1 & 2
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Eureka_Math_Grade_2_Module_2_Parent_Tip_Sheet.pdf
Grade 1 Resources
Homework Help- module 1
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Homework_Helper-Grade_1_Module_1.pdf
Parent Tips- module 1 & 2
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Eureka_Math_Grade_1_Module_1_Parent_Tip_Sheet.pdf
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Eureka_Math_Grade_1_Module_2_Parent_Tip_Sheet.pdf
Kindergarten Resources
Homework Help-module 1
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Homework_Helper-Grade_K_Module_1.pdf
Parent Tips- module 1 & 2
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Eureka_Math_Grade_K_Module_1_Parent_Tip_Sheet.pdf
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Eureka_Math_Grade_K_Module_2_Parent_Tip_Sheet.pdf
News from Riverbend & Sanders Street
Sunny days = Lots of Fun days!
Monarch's Take Flight!
Science with Ms. Thomas-Paquin
Recently, in third grade science at Riverbend, students have been studying weather. They have learned about different kinds of precipitation and how they happen, and most recently, have begun to explore extreme weather such as hurricanes, blizzards and tornadoes.
In fourth grade science at Riverbend, students have been studying energy. Most recently, students created their own windmills that used wind to lift a cup. We are discussing our need for energy, as well as renewable and non-renewable sources of energy.
Pictured below are some of our Riverbend friends having a whole lot of fun!
News from Mrs. McLaughlin's Class
Reading Takes You Places...
Mad Science at Riverbend! Afterschool Program is a Big Hit!
Reach for the Stars with School Attendance!
Walk to School Day October 7th
News from Pleasant Street School
Some common universal themes include:
- Overcoming Challenges
- Accept Others’ Differences
- Always Tell the Truth
- Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things
- Always Be Kind
- Work Together
- Be Happy With What You Have
- Friendship
- Believe In Yourself
- Perseverance, Compassion, Courage, Responsibility
- Anything is possible
- Enjoy Every Day
- Think Positively
Snapshots from Around Pleasant Street Readers' Workshop Anchor Charts
Choosing Just Right Books
- Read all the words quickly it's probably too easy
- 5 or more dificult words on a page = too hard
- Know your independent and instructional levels
Reading Strategies
- Comprehension
- Accuracy
- Fluency
- Expand Vocabulary
Readers Workshop
Fire Safety in Preschool
For more safety tips, resources, and information on fire prevention visit:
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH
October 7, 2015~Mrs. Schwab, Guidance Counselor, and Ms. Williams, School Counselor Intern, taught a lesson in Mrs. St. Jean's 3rd grade class at Pleasant Street, on the Massachusetts Bullying Prevention Law. Then they read a book to the class called, Each Kindness, by Jacqueline Woodson, about the importance of respecting differences, and doing acts of kindness. Students did turn and talk partner activities, during which they discussed the acts of kindness each of them will do at school, or on the bus this school year.
Guidance Counselors Help Teach Skills
Pictured below left:
"Miss Meghan" Williams, School Counselor Intern, and Mrs. Schwab, are teaching the Second Step curriculum to Mrs. Jones' 2 grade class at Pleasant Street. This curriculum teaches social skills such as empathy, being respectful, and important academic skills like listening, focusing, using self-talk to tune out distractions, and cooperative play.Pictured in the center:
"Miss Meghan" Williams is working with Mrs. Schwab, Guidance Counselor, at Pleasant Street School this year. Miss Williams will be at Pleasant Street School Fridays, and sometimes on Wednesdays. Recently, Ms. Williams and Mrs. Schwab taught a lesson to Mrs. Webb's Kindergarten class on how counselors help children, teachers and parents in schools. They also had children brainstorm other jobs staff have at school, as part of the Career Education lessons that elementary guidance counselor teach to classes.
Pictured on the right:
Classroom rules decided on by Mrs. Jones' second grade students.
News from the Royalston Community School
Royalston Celebrates 250th Anniversary
Royalston Community School recently participated in a fun-filled weekend of events and celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of the town of Royalston. Memoirs and playson Friday evening included pieces written by last year's 5th and 6th graders from RCS. 5th graders wrote and performed a series of scenes about the Revolutionary War and the people of Royalston. 6th grade students wrote scenes about the Civil War and the people of Royalston. A special thank you to last year's teachers Salli Knechtel and Brian Snell, Norah Dooley, the Royalston Cultural Council and Gina Verrelli and Kathy Morris of the Phinehas Newton Library for their collaborative work on these projects to celebrate the 250th year since the founding of Royalston.In addition, we had many students and families participate in the parade. Our PTG had a bakesale and informational booth set up during Saturday's festivities as well. What a beautiful weekend to come together, celebrate and make memories. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our school's participation in celebrating our town's anniversary.
https://youtu.be/fMUkORdQmQU 5th grade
RCS 250th play 5th grade • Scenes from the Revolutionary War
https://youtu.be/74jmb8nRzw8 6th grade
RCS 250th 6th grade: Scenes from the Civil War
If you haven't done so already you can also check out the Royalston Community School newsletter.
https://www.smore.com/dcxtn-royalston-community-school-news?ref=my
We are Still Looking for Additional School Council Members
- Adopting educational goals reflecting student needs;
- Reviewing the school budget;
- Examine school practices and culture to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment supportive of family engagement;
- Annually reviewing the student handbook;
- Contributing to the development of the school improvement plan.
As we prepare to merge Riverbend/Sanders and Pleasant Street schools in 2016 we would like to begin meeting as a unified school council this school year.
For more information on how you can represent Riverbend /Sanders Street on their school council please contact Principal Jan Williams by calling (978) 249-2415 or (978) 249-2410. For more information on how you can represent Pleasant Street School please contact Principal Dianne Ellis at (978) 249-2405. If you are interested in participating in school council at the Royalston Community School please contact Principal Molly Superchi at (978) 249-2900.
To read more about the important role of school councils please refer to the links below.
Parent Place Bulletin
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/ppbulletinv9n1.pdf
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/lawsregs-advisory-schoolcouncils-part2e.html.pdf
Halloween Story Walk
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 :)
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
Welcome Baby Baskets- Did you or do you know someone who just had a new baby? Valuing Our Children would love to pay them a visit with a basket full of goodies. For more information please call (978) 249-8487.
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Welcome-Baby-Basket-Flyer1.pdf
Big Brothers/ Big Sisters Program is enrolling children for the 2015-2016 school year program. They serve children in the Athol/Orange area with transportation provided from Riverbend and Butterfield Schools. Please click on the link below for more information about this program and how you can be involved.
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Big-Brothers-Big-Sister-Program.pdf
October 2015 edition of the Common Thread, community newsletter of the North Quabbin Community Coalition
http://www.nqcc.org/pdfs/2015_10_comm_thread.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.
Upcoming Events...Mark your Calendars!
Upcoming Events and Dates!
- October 12- Columbus Day holiday observed, no school
- October 28-District half day, noon dismissal, lunch is served
For more school specific activities please check individual school calendars.
For a copy of our school district calendar please click on the link below.
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/CALENDARFOR2015-2016.pdf
Check back soon for more news!
News from the Athol-Royalston Elementary Schools
Bringing Our Schools Together in 2016
The Athol Elementary Schools: Pleasant, Riverbend, and Sanders Street will come together in our new, state of the art, Athol Elementary School opening Fall 2016.
Email: Elementary-news@arrsd.org
Website: arrsd.org
Location: 1062 Pleasant Street, Athol, MA 01331, United States
Phone: (978) 249-2400