James Morris School
Weekly Newsletter, Vol. 11.9.2017
Thank you, Veterans, from all of us at James Morris School!
Fire Awareness Lessons for JMS Students. Thank You, Morris Fire Dept.!
School Improvement Plan
If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to review our JMS School Improvement Plan), which is a "living document" that will guide much of our work this school year. Our goals and strategies within include
- Math: Driven by regular data reviews by teachers, coaches, and administration, JMS will supplement, refine, and align existing math curriculum to address gaps in whole-district student performance data.
- ELA: Teachers, coaches, and administrators will supplement, refine, and align existing ELA curriculum to address gaps in whole-district student performance data.
- Climate: 100% of students will report a positive perception of the JMS learning environment, including student- and staff-behaviors, professionalism, and quality of work.
Book Rejuvenation Project
Your child's homework for this week includes bringing in at least one book from home that your family is willing to donate to our upcoming book swap. Your child will be able to select a different book for every book that (s)he donates. If you would like to use this opportunity to "weed out" your book collection, please do, as we will take any donations for this book-recycling initiative. We ask that donated books be in good/excellent condition an appropriate for ages 3-12. Thank you!
2017 Winter Vocal Music Concert
This year, our annual Winter Vocal Music Concert will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. in the James M. Eisenhaure Auditorium at Wamogo. This concert will feature all of the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students from Warren, Morris, and Goshen. The concert will also include performances from the Inter-Elementary Select Choir. Snow date for the rehearsal and concert will take place on Wednesday, December 20, 2017. Dress code for the concert is white on top, black on the bottom. Please ask your child for additional information, or you may visit my website my clicking here.
Parent Workshop
Please see the flyer below for a workshop for parents on Learning to Live with Stress on November 28th. This event is one in a yearlong series, being offered by the Greenwoods School Community Program, which is a collaborative partnership between Greenwoods Counseling Referrals, Inc., Litchfield Public Schools, WAMOGO Public Schools and the Prevention Councils of the Litchfield and WAMOGO communities. We hope to see you there!
Pajama Drive, from Mrs. Fodor
This fall, RSD6 is participating in the Scholastic Book Clubs Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive, a national nonprofit organization that provides new pajamas and storybooks to at-risk children. The program supports children living in shelters, group homes, foster care, as well as those who attend Title-I schools, Head Start programs, and other programs that support at-risk youth. For each pair of donated pajamas, Scholastic will donate a brand new book. With warm pajamas and a comforting bedtime story, children feel safe and secure as they drift off to sleep, allowing them to have the good night that they need to realize their dreams the following day. You can find out more about the drive at: www.scholastic.com/pjdrive .
Our three elementary schools want to be a part of this drive so that we can help make a better bedtime for these children. Together we can help the Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive reach even more children through the magical gifts of pajamas and storybooks. If you and your child are able to participate, please help us transform bedtime for an at-risk child by bringing in a new pair of pajamas to school by December 12, 2017.
Here are some simple guidelines for the pajamas:
- Pajamas must be brand new. Pajamas in all sizes are needed- from newborn to adult.
- Pajamas must be in complete sets or nightgowns.
- Pajamas in children’s sizes must be manufactured as pajamas; this ensures that they are flame-retardant and safe.
Thank you for helping us share the gift of a good night’s sleep and a sweet bedtime story. After all, good nights are good days.
Jennifer Fodor
Elementary Library Media Specialist
Regional School District 6
jfodor@rsd6.orgWrapping Paper Fundraiser
Please help the JMS sixth grade class by purchasing durable, beautiful wrapping paper! All proceeds benefit this special class of eight students to raise funds for their end-of-year activities. We are extending the wrapping paper fundraiser for one more week. Final orders will be due November 17th. If you have questions, please contact Lisa Harrison 860-309-3527.
Spirit Wear Fundraiser
Please help the JMS sixth grade class by purchasing a Morris shirt or beanie. All proceeds benefit this special class of eight students to raise funds for their end-of-year activities. The deadline for the order form is November 10th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Raquel DeNigris at 860-417-9104.
Upcoming Events
Fri., November 10th: Veterans Day (No School)
Wed., November 15th: JMS PTO Meeting - 6pm-7pm
Wed., November 22nd-24th: Thanksgiving Recess
Fri, December 1st: End of 1st Trimester
Week of December 4th: Candy Cane Lane
Tue, December 5th: Gr. 5&6 field trip to N. Rockwell Museum
Thur., December 7th: Safe-School Climate Meeting, 9:00 AM
Tue, December 12th: Pajama-Drive Donations Due
Tue, December 12th: PTO meeting, 6:00 PM + Board of Ed meeting, 7:00 PM at JMS
Wed., December 13th: Teacher Professional Development Day (No School)
Fri., December 15th: Three-School Reading Celebration at JMS
Mon., December 25th-January 1st: Winter Recess
Flyers and Forms
Our School Vision
Our vision for James Morris School is to be highly regarded for our students' academic growth, and for instilling in students the desire to strive for the intrinsic value, rewards and opportunities that result from quality, professionalism, and pride in one’s work. To achieve this vision, we believe in:
A culture of academia
A strong partnership with parents and the community
A growth-mindset for students and staff
Research-based practices
Authentic hands-on learning experiences for all students
Awareness and understanding of issues related to diversity - social, cultural, and cognitive
Embedded character education and promotion of strong habits of mind
Regional School District No. 6 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Title IX - Contact
Debbie DeLisle
98 Wamogo Road, Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-6656
Section 504 - Contact
Debra Foley
98 Wamogo Road, Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-6642