Spofford Pond School
Inclusive Practices, Innovation, Social Emotional Learning
Tri-Town School Union Vision Statement
Upcoming Dates
School Vacation Week: December 23rd through January 1st.
School is back in session on January 2nd.
Spirit Days!
January 31st: SPORTS DAY
February 28th: CRAZY MIX UP DAY
March 27th: PAJAMA DAY
April 17th: TWIN DAY
May 29th: COLOL DAY
June 9th*: RED WHITE & BLUE DAY
Principal Letter
Dear Spofford Families,
Over the next week, most families are preparing for their own family celebrations that support many important family traditions and heritage. Heritage is a vital part of who we are and contributes to our sense of self. It is something that across our history was passed on through storytelling from one generation to the next.
Now, the art of storytelling (with all the media that surrounds us) is a lost art. So, by telling stories to your children about your family heritage and traditions, you are creating a chance for them to practice listening. You are also reinforcing your children's own catalogue of family stories that they will carry with them for their lifetime.
So, a wonderful gift to give this holiday season is the time to tell your own established family stories and traditions that your children will carry on in their life. Traditions are wonderful ways to carry on important family history as well as important memory making for all!
I wish you all a wonderful week of family holiday memory making!
Sincerely,
Kathryn Castonguay, Principal
Coffee and Conversation with the Principals!
Spofford in the News!
Student Council News!
Exciting news, we now have our very own Little Free Library outside the school at the main entrance!
This was purchased from a grant the Student Council was awarded through the Martin Richard Foundation as part of our Kindness Campaign.
The second Little Library we purchased is being installed in Haverhill along their boardwalk. We are excited to be spreading Kindness beyond our school.
A BIG thank you to Bob Whiteneck for installing it!
Take a book, leave a book and enjoy!
-Student Council
Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today!
Tri-Town Council Presentation for Parents
TTC’s “tech talk” series presents - Screen Time: A Healthy Balance on Wednesday, January 15th from 7 - 9PM in the Topsfield Library meeting room. Join Cory Mashburn, M.Ed. to learn about the tools and vocabulary needed for children and adolescents to make wise choices about balancing daily screen use, while focusing more attention on exercise and nutrition. Youth of all ages welcome to attend with parent/caregiver. Click HERE for more information and to register.
Open Mic Night!
Help Wanted!
Email: khussey@boxfordschools.org
Phone: 978-352-8616
MIDDLETON STREAM TEAM 2019 PHOTO CONTEST
The Middleton Stream Team is pleased to announce that its 2019 photo contest is currently underway The entries are due January 6, 2020. There will be cash awards of $200, $100, and $50 for first, second and third place in each student and adult category. For guidelines and entry information, see the website at https://middletonstreamteam.org/nature-photo-contest/
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS/NO SCHOOL POLICY
Although it is the practice of the Tri-Town School Union to have school remain in session whenever possible, bad weather conditions or other emergency situations will occasionally require that schools be closed, have a delayed opening, or be dismissed early.
People often ask how decisions are made regarding school delays and closures. With regard to weather related emergencies, the Superintendent makes the ultimate decision. Consultations are made with the Department of Public Works, Public Safety officials and other facilities personnel. The Superintendent monitors weather and road conditions to gauge not only if students can safely be transported to school, but also if they can be returned home safely.
Other types of emergencies may also require school to be cancelled, delayed, or require an immediate evacuation and dismissal. We know that any change in routine can be quite frustrating for working parents who must make child care arrangements, but delaying or closing school is a complicated decision involving many factors. Decisions such as these are not taken lightly because of the impact on so many people. We appreciate your understanding when such decisions must be made.
In those cases where it is necessary to cancel, delay, or close school earlier than the regular dismissal time, announcements will be made to the T.V. stations listed below and the School Brains Notification System will be activated to communicate to all listed contacts. In the event of a cancellation or delay, the Superintendent of Schools will make every effort to inform families no later than 6:00 a.m. A message will also be posted on the school district’s website (www.tritownschoolunion.com).
Television Stations
WBZ - Channel 4
WCVB - Channel 5
WHDH - Channel 7
WFXT - Channel 25
NECN - Channel 6
Parents are urged to use their own judgment in sending their children to school during stormy weather. If school is in session, a parent may choose to keep his/her child at home because of neighborhood hazards or conditions. Any child who remains at home under these circumstances will be given full opportunity to make up any work and no penalty will be attached to such absences.
Please note that in the rare event school is dismissed early due to weather (or other reasons) and the school office is notified that no one will be home at the drop-off time, then your child(ren) will be kept at school under the supervision of the building principal or designee until an authorized individual can pick them up at school.
Finally, even if there is not a cancellation or delay, transportation schedules may be affected as weather and road conditions often cause delays for pick-ups and drop-offs at bus stops. Buses are subject to the same conditions that plague commuters who travel by car, train or airplane. Therefore, if school is in session and there is inclement weather, please allow for additional time for the bus to travel to/from school.
TRANSPORTATION - SPECIAL STORM CONDITIONS
The School Department, on a temporary basis, may provide additional/alternative bus stops on some existing routes if storms impact safety conditions. Parents will be alerted when the additional/alternative stops are activated and deactivated.
Click above on "Spofford Pond Principal Blog" for direct access to it.
Spofford Pond Elementary School
Ada Greenberg, Assistant Principal
Email: kcastonguay@boxfordschools.org
Website: boxfordschools.org
Location: 31 Spofford Road, Boxford, MA, USA
Phone: 978-352-8616
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spoffordpondschool/?ref=bookmarks