Estabrook at Sunset, April 13, 2017.

Dear Estabrook Families,

This year Estabrook shifted to a homework model with a primary focus on independent reading. I've heard from many of you who have shared your views on homework, and on our reading focus. From Principal Coffees to focus groups and forums, from emails to quick conversations at school events, I have been able to gain an understanding about your take on this effort. The conversation has even reached beyond our walls, with talk about the shift popping up in coffee shops, churches, media outlets and Facebook, to name a few.

Now, I need your help in capturing your perspective.

In an effort to best understand the impact of our homework plan, I invite you to participate in our Estabrook School Parent Homework Survey. This survey, created in conjunction with Lexington's Office of Planning and Assessment, gives you the chance to share your experiences, and will allow the faculty and me the opportunity to continue our examination and reflection on the shift. Survey responses are anonymous, and these results will be one part of an ongoing evaluation of homework at Estabrook School and across the Lexington Public Schools. YOUR PARTICIPATION IS ESSENTIAL IN HELPING US LEARN ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THIS PLAN FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

Click here to complete the Estabrook School Homework Parent Survey

Thank you in advance for your participation!

Sincerely,

Jeff LaBroad

Principal

Lexington Superintendent of Schools Mary Czajkowski was the featured guest at our monthly Principal Coffee on April 12. Dr. Czajkowski met with parents to share updates about various projects and initiatives across Lexington, and discussed issues that hit particularly close to home for Estabrook families. Of note, Dr. Czajkowski talked homework, academic pressure and social/emotional health.

Estabrook's Mental Health Team recently updated the Social-Emotional Learning page of the Estabrook School website. The page now features an overview of the various components of our pro-social work, along with links to more information on the programs most prevalent in classrooms. Click here to check out the new site.

The 2017 Lexington Visual Art Show kicks off on Thursday, May 4 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Lexington Central Administration Building (328 Lowell Street). Among the displays will be pieces by many Estabrook School students. The exhibit runs Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 5 through May 16.

The inaugural performance of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by the Estabrook School Drama Club took place on April 12. Fifth grade students shined in roles ranging from acting as Charlie, his Grandfather or Willy Wonka himself, to those coordinating the behind the scenes work. The performance was preceded by weeks of early-morning rehearsals. Special thanks and congratulations to Matthew Willis and Mark Taggart for their work leading this effort, which I sense will become a tradition at Estabrook School!

International Dance Night returns to Estabrook School next Thursday, May 4 from 6:15-7:45 p.m. in the Estabrook cafeteria. Come learn dances from around the world. Estabrook alumni, parents and students from the Mladost Folk Ensemble will be performing and teaching dances to all. Pizza will be served as well. For more information, contact Jesse Richardson at jrichardson@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us.

Second graders recently shared about India at our April All School Assembly. This learning is part of the second grade Social Studies unit of study on the country. Below you can see images from the day, including authentic clothing donned by many of our second graders.

Parents with younger children entering kindergarten are encouraged to register for school as soon as possible. The process begins by registering online, then setting up an in-person appointment. Enrolling now guarantees student participating in kindergarten screening. We also appreciate you directing friends and neighbors who may be enrolling K-5 to register now. Click here to learn more and begin your registration.

Next month, fifth grade students will join eighth and tenth graders in completing a survey immediately following their final MCAS session. The survey, a version of which has been administered to students in grades 8 and 10 for many years, solicits student feedback on the MCAS they just completed, as well as topics related to their experience in school. The information is shared back with schools and school districts, and is not linked to individual students. Click here to learn more about the survey. If you have any questions, would like to request a time to visit the school to see the survey in advance of your child completing it, or would like to request your child NOT complete the survey, please email Mr. LaBroad directly (jlabroad@lexingtonma.org).

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS.

Click here for the complete Estabrook School Calendar

Click here for the complete 2016-2017 Academic Calendar

MCAS: Grade 3 ELA Session 3 | Friday, April 28

MCAS: Grade 5 Math Session 1 | Monday, May 1

SCHOOL COUNCIL | Monday, May 1, 3:45-5:00 p.m.

GRADE 5 VISIT TO DIAMOND MIDDLE SCHOOL | Tuesday, May 2

MCAS: Grade 5 Math Session 2 | Wednesday, May 3

STAFF APPRECIATION BREAKFAST | Wednesday, May 3

Sponsored by our Kindergarten families.

INTERNATIONAL DANCE NIGHT | Thursday, May 4, 6:15-8:15 p.m.

Estabrook School Cafeteria

LPS VISUAL ART SHOW | Thursday, May 4, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Central Administration Building, 328 Lowell Street, Lexington

Show continues weekdays through May 16.

MCAS: Grade 4 Math Session 1 | Friday, May 5

MCAS: Grade 4 Math Session 2 | Monday, May 8

MCAS: Grade 3 Math Session 1 | Tuesday, May 9

MCAS: Grade 3 Math Session 2 | Wednesday, May 10

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL DAY | Wednesday, May 10

Who will claim the May GOLDEN SNEAKER AWARD?

METCO FAMILY FRIENDS DAY | Thursday, May 11

MCAS: Grade 5 Science Session 1 | Friday, May 12

PTO RUN OF THE MILL 5K | Sunday, May 22