PCS Community Newsletter 3-9-18
created by Joanne Menard, Principal
Another Letter regarding School Safety
Trimester 2 Report Cards & IEP Progress Reports
Spring Individual Portraits
Safety Presentations Today at PCS
8:30-9:30 a.m. - grades 3 & 4
9:30-10:30 a.m. - grades K, 1, 2
10:30-11:30 a.m. - grades 5 & 6
What a wonderful learning experience for all! Our thanks to the SAFE program!!!
PCS School Committee Meeting
6th grade TED Talks
Thanks so much to Mrs. Ruggles for giving our students this unique and real-world experience!
Weather Safety Tips From the School Nurse
Fun! Fun! Fun? While we have not had the snow storms of the past few winters and cold weather has been less, it is still fun to be active during the winter. All those things we do outside in the white stuff has been replaced by bike riding, trail riding and walking out on the roads and in the woods, among others things. It’s still great fun and good exercise. It’s important to take the right steps to stay safe and keep warm and dry.
Dress for the Weather
On cold days a winter coat/ jacket with or without a hood, a hat and gloves are a must have for the cold temperatures. Add snow pants if they are not wearing warm pants or leggings. Don’t forget their feet. Warm socks go a long way for comfort out in the cold. Throw an extra pair of socks in the backpack to change in case snow gets in their boots. Same goes for those rainy days. Stay dry and you will stay warm! The air is dry so it’s important to keep lips well lubricated to avoid chapping.
(Our play areas at school are now in the mud stage!!! We try to keep them off the mud, but what fun is that!! )
Safety While Playing
Helmets are a good idea for bike and trail riding, as well as downhill activities and snowmobiling. Be sure your child knows the rules of the road for walking and riding. Check all equipment to be sure it is in working order and always have a buddy out on the trail.
Check the temperature
The temperature has been mild for winter except for a few days. The changing temperature, even from hour to hour, challenges our bodies to adjust. Layering is a good idea. Staying hydrated is difficult now, just as it in the warmer months. So, don’t forget to replenish fluids. A water bottle at school is encouraged, even on non-gym days. Prolonged exposure to cold or heat can tax our bodies’ ability to stay healthy. Frequent rest periods in these environments will help you avoid exhaustion. On cold days pay attention to the wind chill as well.
Have fun and stay healthy! Spring is just around the corner…
Please Remember Change in PCS Calendar
Please make sure that you have changed the family calendar to reflect that now Monday, March 19th is a school day. Please refer to the letter below that was sent out to families on Thursday, February 16th.
MCAS Dates at PCS
Grade 3
Wednesday, March 14th - MCAS Infrastructure Trial
Tuesday, April 3rd - MCAS ELA test - session 1
Wednesday, April 4th - MCAS ELA test - session 2
Tuesday, May 8th - MCAS Math test - session 1
Wednesday, May 9th - MCAS Math test - session 2
Grade 4
Wednesday, March 14th - MCAS Infrastructure Trial
Tuesday, April 10th - MCAS ELA test - session 1
Wednesday, April 11th - MCAS ELA test - session 2
Thursday, May 10th - MCAS Math test - session 1
Friday, May 11th - MCAS Math test - session 2
Grade 5
Wednesday, March 14th - MCAS Infrastructure Trial
Tuesday, April 24th - MCAS ELA test - session 1
Wednesday, April 25th - MCAS ELA test - session 2
Tuesday, May 15th - MCAS Math test - session 1
Wednesday, May 16th - MCAS Math test - session 2
Tuesday, May 22nd - MCAS Science, Technology, Engineering test - session 1
Wednesday, May 23rd - MCAS Science, Technology, Engineering test - session 2
Grade 6
Wednesday, March 14th - MCAS Infrastructure Trial
Thursday, April 26th - MCAS ELA test - session 1
Friday, April 27th - MCAS ELA test - session 2
Thursday, May 17th - MCAS Math test - session 1
Friday, May 18th - MCAS Math test - session 2
When planning doctor's appointments and vacations, please be mindful of the above dates. If your child is absent for a test session, they are pulled from their classes when they return to take a make-up test.
PCS' Citizen of the Month Program
The Pillars of Character Education
Petersham Center School is going to emphasize the Pillars of Character Education: Compassion, Fairness, Integrity, Perseverance, Responsibility, Respect, and Self-Discipline for our Citizen of the Month Program. Below is a brief description of each remaining pillars for this school year.
At each Student Assembly, a student will be announced from each class who was an exemplary model of the pillar of the month, given a certificate signed by the Principal, their picture will be hung in the cafeteria, and a PCS Citizen of the Month cinch bag.
February: PERSEVERANCE
You do not give up doing something, even if it is difficult. Even if you are not successful right away, you keep trying. You try multiple ways to achieve a goal. You also motivate others to keep trying.
March: RESPONSIBILITY
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes
April: RESPECT
Treat others with respect how you want to be treated, the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements
May: SELF-DISCIPLINE
Always do your share, always work your hardest, change poor habits, always consider the consequences and make the most the responsible decisionsLunch Menu for March
Try something new!!!!
Wilderness Skills with John Buffington
Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Where: Petersham Arts Center
Cost: $7.50/$27.50 non-member & materials fee
Ages: 8 and up
Description: using flint flakes, sandstone, rasps, and files. Students will create such things as: stone hammers, pump drills, bull roarers, string games, and more!
Girls on the Run
If you should have any questions, please call the number noted for more information. Please do not call the school though, as it is not a school sponsored organization. Thank you.
Request for Frosting Containers from Mrs. T
Hello families! I am looking for donations of empty & clean frosting containers to help organize small cards for learning centers. The small Betty Crocker or Dunkin Heinz or Pillbury frosting containers are the perfect size. I need about 100. If you have any, please drop them off at the office or send them in with your child.
Many, many thank yous!
Mrs.Thompson
Before School Events at 8 a.m.
Tuesdays - Grade 5 & 6 Band
Wednesdays - PCS Twirling
Thursdays - Beginning 4th grade Band
1st & 3rd Grade Reading Buddies
Upcoming PCS Dates
-Monday, March 12th: 8:15 a.m. - PCS Chorus
-Tuesday, March 13th: 8:00 a.m. - Grade 5 & 6 Band
-Wednesday, March 14th: Fidelity Banking for Students/Staff
-Wednesday, March 14th: 8:00 a.m. - PCS Twirling
-Wednesday, March 14th: 9:00 a.m. - MCAS Infrastructure Trial test (grades 3-6)
-Wednesday, March 14th: 12:00 p.m. - 2nd grade presentation by Chris Eaton
-Thursday, March 15th: 8:00 a.m. - 4th Grade Beginning Band
-Friday, March 16th: Trimester 2 Report Cards & Progress reports go home
-Friday, March 16th: 9:00 a.m. - Spring Individual Portraits
-Monday, March 19th: 8:15 a.m. - PCS Chorus
-Tuesday, March 20th: 8:00 a.m. - Grade 5/6 Band
-Wednesday, March 21st: Fidelity Banking for Students/Staff
-Wednesday, March 21st: 8:00 a.m. - PCS Twirling
-Thursday, March 22nd: 8:00 a.m. - 4th Grade Beginning Band
-Friday, March 23rd: PCS Community Newsletters published
Petersham Center School
Petersham, Massachusetts 01366
978-724-3363