JW Killam Principal's Corner
Ms. Leveque's Weekly Newsletter
From the Desk of Ms. Leveque
Week of November 20, 2022
Thank you for your participation in Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences. I realize that many of you were on campus or connected over Zoom and we appreciate your engagement. If you happen to be on campus next week, please check out the Killam Lost and Found in the cafeteria. The Lost and Found is overflowing with sweatshirts, lunch boxes, and water bottles. We've had tables in the main hallway the last few mornings at arrival and dismissal and are glad to see some items finding their way back home. Additionally, please label your child's clothing and goods so that we can get anything misplaced back into the correct hands. Thanks!
Great news! Last night, Town Meeting members voted to fund $2.2 million to allow Killam Elementary to enter phase 2 of the MSBA building sequence, signifying a financial and good faith commitment to support the Killam School building project. Phase 2 brings in a feasibility study to determine whether a renovation or new build is appropriate for Killam. The vote last evening was an overwhelming show of support and we are thrilled for this next process!
Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it is my favorite holiday as, to me, my traditions focus on showing gratitude to my family and close friends who have nurtured me and allowed me a wonderful life. I look forward to hugging my grandmother, cooking with my mom, watching the parade with my dad, and shopping with my sister. I recognize that I am fortunate in having this time with my loved ones and that this is not the case for all individuals. Whatever this break may look like for you, I wish you and your family well. As I will be taking the time to be with my family in Maine, my next newsletter will be for the week of December 4, 2022.
Stay well,
Ms. Leveque
Killam Happenings
Wednesday night, the PTO also hosted a movie night at Killam.
Killam Upcoming Dates
-Wednesday, November 23rd: 11 am dismissal for all students
-Killam Spirit Day: wear school colors or Killam gear
-Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th: No School for the Thanksgiving break
-Tuesday, December 6th: Killam PTO Meeting, 7-8 pm in the library. All are welcome!
School Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 8:15-2:45 (8:10-11:30 for half-day kindergarten)
Friday, 8:15-12:45 (8:10-12:45 for half-day kindergarten)
COVID At Home Test Kits
RMHS Robotics event this Saturday!
RMHS will be holding a fun and possibly exciting event at the main entrance of the high school on the 19th of November called the Chain Reaction Event! At this event, students are invited to come watch the assembling and the chain reaction of the machine at 10:00 A.M, as all the parts are put together in the main hallway into one giant machine! We invite you all to watch the machine in action!!!
Winter Drop and Shop Event
The Class of 2025 at RMHS is hosting a Winter Drop and Shop for parents of elementary school students in the Reading Public Schools. We ask that you please RSVP by Thursday, December 8th. You can bring payment the night of the event. Thank you! Where: RMHS Cafeteria When: Thursday, December 15, 2022 Time: 5-7:30PM Cost: $8 per child, $14 dollars for two children, $5 for each additional child in the same family Pizza, Snacks and games provided! Sign up here.
Killam Change in Dismissal Form
REF Festival of Trees
November is National Native American Heritage Month.
November is National Native American Heritage Month. “The month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories and acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and in ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.” This work is important to our all students mission and raising diverse students in RPS.
Let’s take this month to acknowledge and learn about our Native American families, history, and present life. Here are some links to help you learn more about this month.
Book Collection compiled by Mrs. Adamo, Killam Media Specialist
A Proclamation on National Native American Heritage Month, 2021 | The White House
15 Classroom Activities, Books, and Resources for Native American Heritage Month - Waterford.org
Native American Heritage Month | NCAI
American Indian History and Heritage | NEH-Edsitement
RMHS Sneaker Drive
PTO Corner
SEPAC News
SEPAC works for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community.
*The YMCA plans to offer adaptive swimming soon! Fill out this survey to help the organizers plan. MANY THANKS to the parents and community partners who made this possible.
*Look for SEPAC’s tree at the REF Festival of Trees! Our tree’s theme, Many Colors One PAC, will proudly highlight diagnoses that our children have. Please fill out this anonymous survey by Nov. 26 to let us know the diagnoses we should include. We want it to be as inclusive as possible to celebrate our wonderful young people and increase awareness and acceptance in our community.
*Find Parent Trainings on Basic Rights here.
Reporting an Absence
You can continue to call the school absence line and leave a message 24-hours a day. The number is 781-944-7831, option 1. Now, you can also email an absence to KillamAttendance@Reading.k12.ma.us. Either way, letting us know will help us make sure the Killam community is safely in the building or at home.
Occupational Therapy Activities
Speech and Language Ideas
Killam School Map
Parent PlusPortal Access
As a parent guardian of a child in the Reading Public Schools, you have access to the Parent PlusPortal. The Portal will be used throughout your child’s academic career as it is where you update your child’s emergency contact information, view report cards, and beyond elementary school, see your child’s grades in real time. It also acts as a communication portal between you and your child’s teacher where oftentimes, different academic links, notes, or activities are shared.
If you are a returning parent, your account is still active. If you are new parent guardian and have not received access, please reach out to our school administrative assistant, Jackie Maglio at jaculen.maglio@reading.k12.ma.us. At that point, you will receive a separate email with your PlusPortal login information. The subject line of the email is Important! Killam School PlusPortals login. This is a confidential portal that is linked to your email account. You have 48 hours to activate your Portal account using the temporary password supplied through the email. Once you login, you can update the password and personal information.
School Lunches free 2022-2023
About These Services
Ms. Sarah Leveque, Principal
Email: sarah.leveque@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: http://reading.k12.ma.us/killam/
Location: 333 Charles Street, Reading, MA, USA
Phone: 781-944-7831
Facebook: facebook.com/JWKillamSchool
Twitter: @Killamnews