Principal's Pen
September 29, 2023
Dear Parents,
At Julian Curtiss and in Greenwich we prioritize the social emotional health and well-being of all of our students and staff striving to provide a positive school climate where students feel a sense of belonging. Utilizing a variety of tools and strategies such as teaching the School Norms, teaching Second Step lessons with fidelity, ensuring each classroom has a system for recognizing behaviors, and utilizing a school-wide positive behavior incentive system, we are able to bring Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and personal capacities to the forefront of our work. Our safe school climate committee plans and implements “norms of focus” with grade level lessons, in class activities, and assemblies to celebrate each norm.
There is an emphasis on our common district norms:
- Be Here
- Be Safe
- Be Honest
- Care for Self and Others
- Let Go and Move On
- There is a continued implementation of the “Second Step” program at the preschool and elementary school levels. The program gives students the tools to excel in and out of the classroom and to make progress in emotion management, situational awareness, and academic achievement.
- We provide a refresher workshop for ALL certified and non-certified staff regarding their responsibilities under the Safe School Climate legislation.
- The district provides support to schools from members of the Behavior Support Teams to assist in the consistent implementation Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS).
School Belonging can include feelings of understanding, respect, connectedness, membership, or mattering. Sense of belonging is influenced by the classroom and school culture as well as by individual actions taken by adults in the school.
It is our hope and our dream that every student, staff member and family member feel like they are part of our beautiful community.
Have a safe and wonderful weekend!
Your leadership team,
Trish McGuire and Matt Hartigan
Julian Curtiss Fall Spirit Days
Polka Dot Day - October 9th
Wear polka dots to represent making your mark.
When we practice Be Here we are able to make an impact!
UN Day - October 20th 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Dress in a way that represents your culture and country.
Our community strengthens as we share about what makes us all
unique!
Halloween - October 31st 2:15 - 2:45 pm
Bring your Halloween costume to school and change into it for the
Halloween Parade
True Blue - November 3rd
Celebrate our school norm Be Honest by wearing all BLUE.
Wacky Hair Day November 22nd
Pick a wacky hairstyle that represents you and OWN IT!
Continue our celebration of Be Honest and be true to yourself.
Wellness Wednesday - December 6th
Wear your best exercise gear!
Celebrate our norm Care for Self on Wellness Wednesday
Superhero Day - January 4th
Dress as your favorite superhero to celebrate our norm Care for
Others
Every Friday Celebrate Being a JC Eagle by wearing your JC Spirit Wear or
the color Green
RAISING LIFELONG LEARNERS PART 2
FOR PARENTS OF STUDENTS IN PRE-K -2ND GRADE
Good Afternoon Julian Curtiss Families,
Please RSVP to join us for a two-part program on raising lifelong learners. This is primarily for parents and caregivers of pre-k through 2nd grade students.We had a good turn out for the first session at Julian Curtiss on Tuesday evening. Parents left with hands on resources and strategies to employ that evening. We look forward to part 2 on Tuesday, October 10th. Please consider attending. Babysitting and Pizza will be provided for children if parents need childcare to attend.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Best,
Trish McGuire
Our United Nations day parade is JC's signature event! We are SO excited to gather together as a community on Thursday, October 19th at 1:00 PM to celebrate our amazing diverse school. At Julian Curtiss, we see our diversity as a strength and a reflection of our world.
This event allows us the chance to come together and celebrate our 60 countries and 30 languages as ONE great school community (families are invited to attend the parade!).
VETERAN'S DAY ASSEMBLY
Dear Julian Curtiss Community Members:
On Friday , November 10th @ 9 am , JC students and staff will be honoring veterans with a special recognition ceremony. The school will gather to honor our guests. Please consider whether you know any veterans who might like to attend.
If so, would you please contact them and, if they'd like to participate, ask them for the following information so that we can personalize the experience for all participants:
1) Name
2) Which branch of service
3) Number of years served
4) Primary responsibilities
5) Something you're most proud of related to your military experience
6) A contact email
We will introduce each of our veterans and give their bio based on the information we receive. If any of our Veterans would like to take a few minutes to speak to our students at the assembly in an age appropriate manner please let us know that information also. Please email this information to our School Secretary by October 31, 2023.
Contact address: lisa_maniscalco@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Mark Your Calendar
October
October 10: Raising Lifelong Learners workshop part 2 at 6 pm
October 14: Krispy Kreme Fundraiser 9 am -2 pm
October 19: United Nations Day Parade 1 pm
October 20: International Food Tasting 5:30 pm
October 22: PTA Trunk or Treat at JC parking lot 12:00-2:00 pm
October 25: Early Release Day 12:45 pm dismissal
October 31: Halloween Parade 2:15 pm
November
November 7: Election Day No School -Election Day Bake Sale at Julian Curtiss
November 8: PTA General Meeting 6:30 pm
November 10: Veterans Day - School is in session
November 22: Early Release
November 23-24 Thanksgiving Recess
November 22: Early Release Day 12:45 pm dismissal