May Newsletter
Gerald E Talbot Community School
May 2, 2021
Dear Talbot Parents and Guardians,
This week is Staff Appreciation Week. We love our teachers and staff at Talbot School! This is the week we honor them for all they do for our students. Please join me in celebrating our wonderful staff. Let them know how much you appreciate the work they do for your child. Thank you to the PTO for the special treats planned for this week. The theme this year is “We Are Totally Wild About Our Awesome Teachers and Staff”. The PTO will be providing breakfast for staff on Tuesday morning and lunch on Wednesday. Friday is wear your Talbot Spirit Wear day. Please contact Carrie Dyer at cjdyer@yahoo.com if you would like to know more about how to contribute to this week’s celebrations. Also, yesterday was School Principal Day and School Nurses Day is Wednesday, May 11.
Morning Drop Off and Dismissal
We want to remind parents and caregivers that students should not arrive to school earlier than 7:25 am. There is no supervision before this time. Please remember that our drop off and pick up spot is the area near the community/playground entrance of the building. The front half circle is intended as a parking area for BRIDGE and PRK families. Only busses are permitted in the bus loop. I want to offer a sincere thank you for working with us at morning drop off and dismissal and keeping traffic flowing slowly and smoothly, and most of all, creating safer conditions for our students. Please remember to look carefully for cars and people around you when pulling out of line. Your patience and efforts are deeply appreciated!
MEA Testing
All students in grades 3-5 will soon be taking a state required test called the Maine Educational Assessments (MEA). This year the state will be using the NWEA, an assessment that Talbot students are familiar with because we have used it for many years. Students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade will be tested in math and literacy. Students in 5th grade will also be tested in science. The tests are designed to last 60 minutes in each subject area and will be spread out over three days. All assessments are administered online. The assessment schedule is as follows:
· Grade 5 Science, May 4, 5 and 6, ELA and Math May 16,17,18
· Grade 4 ELA and Math- May 16, 17, 19
· Grade 3 ELA and Math, May 16,17,19
Please try to make sure your student is present and ready to try their best on testing days. Makeup testing dates will be arranged for any students who are absent. The results of the test will be made available to teachers and parents later in the spring or early next fall. I encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions you may have about the MEA or your student’s progress.
Kindergarten Registration
A friendly reminder to our current Pre-K Families that you do NOT need to register your child for Kindergarten for the upcoming school year 22/23. Your child's enrollment will automatically transfer up to Kindergarten!
Last month we celebrated April Harvest of the Month with some delicious Maine milk from Oakhurst Farm! This month we will be celebrating HOM with some delightful Maine blueberries. Keep an eye out for wild blueberry yogurt parfaits in school lunch on May 12th and May 24th! Maine blueberries are featured from Wyman’s and will be served in all PPS! The bulk of our blueberries come from our 10,000-acre Wild Blueberry barrens, as well as other Wyman farmers' coastal hills, ridgelines, and fields in Maine. Blueberries will keep you fed and energized throughout the day! Don't pass up this fantastic chance! Everyone is invited to sample Wyman's blueberries.
Fun fact: Blueberries are widely recommended by doctors and nurses worldwide. Blueberries can provide important vitamins and minerals in just one cup per day. Also, having a modest amount of berries everyday can aid in boosting the metabolism and preventing any type of metabolic syndrome or deficit. They are also conveniently accessible!
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, May 5: PTO Meeting, 5:00
Monday, May 2-May 6: Teacher Appreciation Week
Sunday, May 8: Happy Mother’s Day!
Wednesday, May 11: School Nurse Day
Saturday, May 14: Garden Fest 10:00-12:00
Wednesday, May 17: PK/K Screening
Thursday, May 19 Kindergarten Information Night! (More details to follow)
Monday, May 30: Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL
Cordially,
Ann Hanna
Principal