News from Eli Terry
A Peek Inside the Week - Oct. 7th, 2022
A Note From Your Principals
Thank you for all you did in the month of September to make the transition back to school a smooth and positive one for your family and child(ren). As we head into October and settle into a normal learning routine, we wanted to remind you that your child's regular attendance at school is crucial to their success!
Because this is a priority for our school, our attendance team meets monthly to review our attendance data and plan for ways to support students and families. The team met last week to review September's data and we'd like to take an opportunity to share that data with you!
September's Attendance Data
- Whole-school attendance average = 94%. Our goal is 95% or more!
- Kindergarten had the lowest average attendance at 90%.
- Grade 3 has the highest average attendance at 96%.
The most important data point is that 64 of our students (13%) are currently considered "chronically absent". This means that they have missed 10% or more of the school year to date. The state goal for chronic absenteeism is 5% or less.
We fully recognize that COVID is still very real and appreciate the proactive steps each family is taking to keep their child(ren) and our school community healthy and well. We also recognize that some absences are unavoidable for health reasons or other important family matters.
When we talk about considering attendance for your child, we're asking you to consider the "avoidable" absences such as the ones that result from a long-weekend, planned vacation, scheduling of "well-visit" doctor appointments, or a late start that might result in a day home. Research shows that even when children have missed school for good reasons, too many absences can cause them to fall behind.
Please know there are many people in our building prepared to help you if you or your child face challenges getting to school regularly or on time. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can support your family in making regular attendance a priority!
Recess Reminder
Because students will be outside in these cooler temperatures, we recommend sending them to school with a jacket or sweatshirt. We know it's difficult to predict New England weather as the fall mornings could start cool, but by recess it's warm! That is why we recommend a layered approach!
Unity Day
October 19th is Unity Day across our nation!
Unity Day is a day where we ask our children and all people to wear orange in solidarity to represent our commitment to treating people with kindness.
Unity Day was started from a group of parents of special needs children who were being bullied back in 2000. They continued their mission through educating non-special education students and parents about their children’s disabilities. Later, in 2005 they decided to span their philosophy to all children. They started the PACERKidsAgainstBullying.org.
Here at Eli Terry, and district wide, we have adopted this concept to unify us as a community, even as far as involving our community resources to join the force of wearing orange. So please show your support by wearing orange and having your child wear orange on Unity Day this October 19th. If you or your child do not own any orange clothing or accessories, we will provide an orange scottie dog to wear if your child so chooses.
This year we will have your student sign a pledge against bullying and promise to treat people with respect.
In addition, we've created a virtual library that features books highlighting bullying, bullying awareness, prevention, and kindness/respect. During the month of October, you might choose to share and discuss one or more of these titles as a family!
We hope you can join us in wearing orange on 10/19. Thank you for your support!
Veterans' Day Assembly
- Your child's teacher?
- A support staff member?
- Another student?
- A parent who helped you?
- Your child's bus driver?
Take a minute and consider who made a positive impact in your life this week. Then complete this quick Google Form to share your gratitude!
You might even consider how to incorporate gratitude and thankfulness at home this fall. Check out this activity featured by The Today Show. What a great way to connect our initiative with the current season.
Mark Your Calendars!
- NO SCHOOL - Indigenous Peoples Day - Monday, October 10th
- Grade 3 Wood Memorial Library Field Trip - Friday, October 14th
- Kindergarten Foster Farm Field Trip - Tuesday, October 18th
- Unity Day - Wednesday, October 19th (students should wear orange!)
- NO SCHOOL - Diwali - Monday, October 24th
- Picture Retake Day - Friday, October 28th
- Veterans Day Assembly - Friday, November 11th at 9:15AM
Remember...any of the above events can be quickly added to your own Google Calendar just by clicking the blue hyperlink!