Principal's Pen
January 27, 2023
Dear Parents and Families,
Please join me in congratulating our Grade 5 Battle of the Book students! On Wednesday, January 25, students from 10 of the 11 public elementary schools were at the Greenwich Library in the auditorium to participate in the district finals for the Battle of the Books, a competition in which students had to read 10 selected (mostly award-winning) books and become so familiar with them that they could identify passages from the text. JC students made us very proud. ISD took first place, Riverside second, and third spot was a tie between New Lebanon and Parkway Schools.
There was a wonderful turnout- the event was attended by more than 400 people, both in person and live-streamed virtually.
Congratulations to Emily Grant, Marlena Lawrence, Thiago DaSilva, Cailin Zulli and the alternate Aysha Chowdhury.
Thank you for all you do to partner with us to raise such amazing readers in our JC community.
More Happening in Fifth Grade:
We are excited to inform you that the Junior League of Greenwich will be visiting our school on February 1st and February 7th from 12:30-2:30 to work with our fifth grade students. The overall theme of the program is about community with a focus on personal growth and responsibility.
Day 1 will include work on interpersonal skills, as well as topics such as empathy, inclusivity, and bullying. Day 2 will include the topics of citizenship and leadership. Lessons will include group work, discussions, writing and role playing. The children will receive a homework assignment to complete in between the two sessions.
We thank the JC PTA in advance for supporting this program.
In the Library Learning Commons:
We’re reading aloud Luli and the Language of Tea in grades K-2. It’s a lovely story about a girl who is attending an ESL classroom where the students are feeling disconnected from each other. Luli takes the initiative to bring tea into the classroom, and as the story unfolds, students realize that their native word for tea is not all that much different than the others’. It’s a beautiful story about connectedness, belonging, and open-mindedness. Illustrations pave the path to conversations around cultures, history, maps, and flags. Highly recommend it for any classroom library. At the end of our reading experience, each student is designing their own cup of tea- and it’s been amazing to see student representations of how they view themselves.
Distinguished Teachers Award
Please consider nominating a Julian Curtiss staff member for a distinguished teacher honor.
We have such a dedicated staff here at JC. They meet the students where they are and get them where we need them to be. This is difficult but incredibly rewarding work. If you are looking for ideas on who can second your nomination or want some additional information on the teacher you would like to nominate, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. To learn more about the criteria and eligibility requirements, head to the webpage dedicated to DTA which includes the Nomination Instruction Packet.
Parents of fifth graders, be sure to see the section below for parent input on placement in middle school.
Our Kindergarten French Students with Madame Watt
Attention Grade 5 Parents
In order to provide input for your student’s middle school placement in ELA, Math, and Science, we give you an opportunity to provide the committee with your insights via our Parent Input Form. Before completing the form, we highly recommend reviewing the Transition Information for Parents. Please note: completion of this form does not guarantee placement into the selected courses.
Magnet Applications are due February 1, 2023
GPS has 4 magnet elementary school and Julian Curtiss is one of them! For more details and applications please visit...
https://www.greenwichschools.org/teaching-learning/magnet-schools
Any questions or a tour of the school, please feel free to reach out to Principal Trish McGuire at her email... trish_mcguire@greenwich.k12.ct.us or call the office at 203-869-1896
PTA NEWS
Dear Julian Curtiss families,
We're excited to announce the Spring Mini Flex Schedule is out and registration is open. This session we will have a double Theatre Arts class on Tuesdays and Thursdays with our very own Ms. Brehm and Ms. O'Connor, also the Chess Club is returning but on Friday's this session, and the uber popular gym classes with Mr. O'Brien and Ms. Stewart will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check out the full descriptions below and register at https://flexacademies.com.
Another popular return coming up is the Boosterthon Fundraiser Fun-Run. This year, the JC Fun Run will be a “Glow Run” in our gym and ALL students will sport their special glow shirts. T-shirt Order forms will be in your child's Friday Folder today and also found here in English and Spanish. You can also order directly on Membership Toolkit. Orders must be submitted by Friday, February 10th. You can also sponsor a child's t-shirt which we'd greatly appreciate. Be on the lookout for more info around this years registration, corporate match-back and fun-run details.
Lastly, our Bingo Night is fast approaching and we need volunteers to help the night of, donate raffle items and food. Sign-up to help out in any way you can.
Have a great weekend!
Jill Ernst
Julian Curtiss PTA President
Gymnastics Open House Dates
Mr. O'Brien is offering an Open House for parents during the Gymnastics unit. Come see your child engaging in one of their favorite Physical Education units of the year. Below is a schedule of dates and times you will be permitted to visit. Please plan to visit on the day your child's class is in gym.
Be ready to move around a little. Parent participation is encouraged during Open House!
We can't wait to see you there.
Monday February 6th
5F: 9:00-9:30
KC: 9:30-10:00
KS: 10:00-10:30
4C: 11-11:30
1S 12:12:30
2S: 12:30-1:00
2M: 1:00-1:30
3G: 2:00-2:30
Wednesday February 8th
5S: 9-9:30
4O: 11:00-11:30
1H: 11:30-12:00
3E: 2:00-2:30
Pajama Day February 10th
GUIDELINES FOR CHILDHOOD ILLNESS
● Fever greater than 100.0 F
● Significant respiratory symptoms – heavy cough, green nasal discharge chest congestion Sore throat
● Sudden loss of taste or smell
● Diarrhea &/or vomiting
● Chills
● Rash (undiagnosed – not seen by M.D.)
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Discolored eye drainage (profuse &/or thick)
● When your child feels too sick to take part in the school day
● With a positive strep culture until 24hr after antibiotics started
Your child may return to school when:
Temperature is normal for 24 hrs. after stopping Tylenol or Ibuprofen
● student is symptom free for 24 hours
● Diarrhea &/or vomiting has stopped for >24 hrs. ● Rash has been seen by M.D. (must bring note to school nurse)
● 24 hrs. after starting antibiotics
● After discussion with the nurse and it is then considered appropriate to return with a negative test (Test/Mask/Go) Returning after COVID-19:
● 5 days after the onset of Covid19 symptoms or a positive test, and the ability to wear a mask for the next 5 days.
Please Note: Children unable to participate in PE class &/or recess because of injury (wearing cast, splint, or using crutches) or illness, must bring a note to the nurse from the child’s Health Care Provider indicating restrictions and the duration of restrictions. Children who have been treated for an injury, have had surgery, or have been hospitalized even overnight must bring a note to the nurse from the child’s Health Care Provider stating they may return to school and indicating any restrictions Greenwich school district and the public health school nurses reserve the right to send home any student who displays signs of ill health or injury that, in the nurse’s judgment, may jeopardize the general welfare of the student &/or the class.
IMPORTANT DATES
February
10- PJ Day for entire school
13-20 - February recess - Schools Closed
21- School resumes
Principal Trish McGuire and Assistant Principal Matthew Hartigan
Email: Trish_McGuire@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Website: https://jcs.greenwichschools.org/
Location: 180 East Elm Street, Greenwich, CT, USA
Phone: 203-869-1896