Elm Street News
It's the Place to Be!
Welcome to Elm Street School!
160 Elm Street
Website: http://www.gardnerk12.org/862/Elm-Street-School-2-4
Phone: 978-632-1673
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elmstreetschool
Morning Drop-Off/Afternoon Pickup Procedures
Student pick-up in the afternoon - - Grade 2 students are dismissed through the center doors, 3rd grade is the front doors closest to the staff parking lot, Grade 4 students are dismissed out the front doors closest to Helen Mae Sauter School. Students will not be allowed to leave the stairs until a trusted adult is identified and a staff member releases the student. We ask that all parents/guardians stand back from the dismissal area so it gives us a good view. Thank you for adhering to our protocols. We all know that Elm Street was never designed with heavy traffic and elementary dismissal in mind. We do our best to make it work and make Elm Street safe for all.
OPEN HOUSES
Wednesday, September 12th / Thursday, September 20th
Elm Street teachers will be hosting an Open House during the second and third week of September. Teachers will review grade-level curriculum and frameworks for the upcoming school year with parents/guardians.
The schedule for our Open Houses are:
Wednesday, September 12th (Grade 2) 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Thursday, September 20th (Grade 3 & 4) 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Grade 2 Open House agenda/format
-All Grade 2 students are welcome! In fact, teachers would love to see them there.
Parents/guardians/students may proceed straight to classrooms beginning at 6:00pm
-At 7:00pm, parents/guardians will be called down to the Auditorium to meet with School Administration for a brief important presentation on Elm Street's changes/supports/Title 1/etc. Students will STAY in their classrooms WITH THEIR TEACHERS.* The teachers will play and entertain the students so parents/guardians can meet with Principal.
-After presentation at 7:30pm-ish, parents.guardians may collect students from classrooms.
*We are happy to watch siblings aged 4+
Grade 3 & 4 Open House agenda/format
September 2018 Important Dates
September 7-21st - Yankee Candle Fundraiser - This is the ESS PTO's BIGGEST Fundraiser of the year
September 12 - Grade 2 Open House 6:00-7:30pm
September 20 - Grades 3 & 4 Open House -6:00-7:30pm
Fire Drills/ Evacuation Drills/Shelter-in-Place Drills/Severe Weather Drills
During the first weeks of school and throughout the school year, Elm Street’s staff and students will be practicing several safety drills to become familiar with different Elm Street School Emergency Plans. Along with Elm Street's “Fire Drill” and “Severe Weather Drill” protocols, Elm Street's “Shelter in Place/School Evacuation (Run/Hide/Fight)” plan includes intervention protocols to follow in the event of the following situations, or any other situation deemed necessary:
If a person(s) or activity outside the building would pose a threat to the occupants of our school.
If an intruder was to enter the school building and was determined to be a threat.
Elm Street Elementary staff’s focus will be on the safety factors that our school provides. The Gardner Police and Fire Departments also participate with Elm Street’s student body in several of these practices and procedures. The city’s Police and Fire Departments continually collaborate with Elm Street’s administration and staff to attain the maximum effectiveness of the School’s Emergency Plans.
Dismissing Students During the School Day Guidelines
Focusing on the education of our students, we strongly suggest that students be dismissed early from school only in the case of an emergency.
Early dismissal of children can be arranged through the office. We may not be able to honor any dismissal changes made after 2:45pm. We ask that any changes to dismissal be made by or before 2:30pm. With 600 students, we want to make sure they are going to the correct place.
Please send a note to your child's teacher including the following information:
The reason for dismissal
The time he or she is to be dismissed
Who will pick up the child
No child will be dismissed to a person other than the parent/guardian of the child unless a note has been sent from the parent/guardian. Please come to the office and your student will be called to the office. We wait until parents/guardians arrive so that students do not miss more class time than necessary.
Send in a note to your teacher if your dismissal plans change (email may not be dependable - the teacher may be absent, etc.) You may also call the front office to verify your change in dismissal plans.
Dismissal begins slightly prior to 3:00pm. Elm Street has 10 neighborhood buses that pick up Elm Street students first, then proceed to Waterford Street School. The times that the bus company sent are estimated - bus times could fluctuate up to 10 minutes either way and is greatly influenced by the bus arrival time at Elm Street.
ATTENDANCE
Student Absences and Excuses
One of the most important records that a student establishes in school is his/her attendance record. Regular attendance and punctuality are absolute necessities in attaining an education. All students are expected to attend school on a regular basis. Under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, every child between the ages of 7 and 16 is compelled to attend school.
On the occasion that a student is absent, a parent or guardian must call the school’s office to report the absence. By calling the school, you are assuring us that your child is safe. We want to work with you to ensure that you do not mistakenly believe that your child is in school. Therefore, if a call has not been received, the school office will call home to confirm the absence.
Attendance
The school day starts at 9:00am. Any student admitted to school after 9:00am will be marked as tardy.
Chronic absenteeism is typically defined as missing 10% or more of a school year -- approximately 18 days a year, or just two days every month. To learn more about how chronic absenteeism affects your student, please visit - http://www.attendanceworks.org/chronic-absence/the-problem/10-facts-about-school-attendance/
Vacations taken during school time are counted as unexcused absences.
Any student in the Gardner Public Schools who is absent five consecutive days, due to illness, will be required to present a physician’s statement to the school nurse upon return to school.
Student Birthday Update
Student birthdays are recognized by a special birthday certificate from Principal Fredette, along with a birthday pencil. We respectfully ask that parents/guardians refrain from sending in classroom birthday food treats to celebrate birthdays. Please note, this protocol is based on the GPS School Committee’s policy.
School Advisory - Parents/Guardians and Community Members Needed
This posting will be open for the next two weeks - if you are interested in serving, you can contact the school at fredetted@gardnerk12.org
I will be cross-posting this on our Facebook page, as well as our district website. Thank you!
ELL Students and Families
1. Starting September 6th, GPS will be hosting the English Cafe, for any ELL parent who is interested in attending. (Details can be found on our Facebook page). Classes will be taught by GPS ELL teachers. Parents can connect with ELL teachers and learn about topics that include: Learning English/Cultural studies, Getting to know your community, Getting to know GPS.
2. Tuesdays @9am GPS will be offering English for non-native speakers. These are FREE online language programs with help from our Family Engagement Coordinator at Helen Mae Sauter School, 130 Elm Street. Contact Erica Corral at corraler@gardnerk12.org for more information.
Flyers will be distributed to teachers of ELL students, to take home.
PE Club
PE Club will start at 3:15 and end at 4:15pm. We will begin the year with -
3rd grade on Mondays
4th grade on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
It is important that students get picked up at 4:15 sharp, for there is no adult supervision after this time. The dates of the sessions will be:
Session 1: Sept. 24-Oct. 25 (permission slips will go out 9/10 and are due back 9/14)
Session 2: Nov. 5-Dec. 13
Session 3: Jan. 7-Feb. 7
Session 4: March 4-April 4
Session 5: April 29-May 23
Enrollment in the PE Club is limited. Participants will get a chance to play in games and activities that they have been introduced to in PE class during the times of each session. Any student who signs up for a session, but is not selected will be placed in the Activity Period Group for the duration of that session. These students will still get an opportunity to come to the gym to participate in PE activities on Tuesdays from 2:40-3:05. These students would then be allowed to be part of the next PE Club session that they sign up for.
Music Notes
4th grade chorus starts Wednesday, September 19. Recorders are needed for 3rd and 4th graders. If your child needs one they can purchase one for $6 from Mrs. MacKay. They should arrive by September 24.
Guidance News - Updates - Monthly Character Education
At Elm Street, we highlight a specific Character Trait each month and focus on teaching that trait and celebrating those who exhibit and embody the positive behavior associated with the trait.
For the month of September, we are focused on : RESPECT
Respectful people treat others the way they want to be treated. They appreciate people who are different from them. Respect yourself, others, and property.
Each month, teachers nominate students who exemplify this trait, and these students are recognized as Character Education Student of the Month!
Zones of Regulation - - Grade 2
The Zones of Regulation curriculum is an evidence based social emotional program that assist the student to identify emotions and connect to a coping technique to help with reactions to feelings. During the first 2 months of school, each 2nd grade classroom will participate within a 7 week curriculum series based on the Zones of Regulation. For any questions, please contact Christine Rayner, School Adjustment Counselor at (978) 632-1673 ext. 3560 or raynerc@gardnerk12.org.
http://www.zonesofregulation.com/learn-more-about-the-zones.html
THE FOUR ZONES: OUR FEELINGS & STATES DETERMINE OUR ZONE
The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotions. A person may be elated or experiencing anger, rage, explosive behavior, devastation, or terror when in the Red Zone.
The Yellow Zone is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness and elevated emotions, however one has more control when they are in the Yellow Zone. A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, the wiggles, or nervousness when in the Yellow Zone.
The Green Zone is used to describe a calm state of alertness. A person may be described as happy, focused, content, or ready to learn when in the Green Zone. This is the zone where optimal learning occurs.
The Blue Zone is used to describe low states of alertness and down feelings such as when one feels sad, tired, sick, or bored.