Principal Weekly Update to Families
5-1-23
Message from Dr. Antonelli
I hope everyone had a great weekend! I hope you were able to stay dry today! Thank you to the PTA for organizing the Ice Cream Social on Friday after school. It was a great turn out and was great to see everyone.
We had a few other treats at Norwood School this past week. As a Recess Rocks in RI school we were awarded a visit from some Providence College students at recess. I'm not sure who had more fun. The college students or the Norwood students! We also had some guest readers attend a few classes. Members from the KPMG Family for Literacy Fund volunteered as guest readers and each student in the class that was read to received a new book! This past week we also celebrated Administrative Assistant Day. Thank you to Mrs. Ruggieri for everything you do for the Norwood Community!
If you have not heard yet I was awarded RI Elementary Principal of the Year! Thank you everyone for thier support! I view this as not just an award for myself but for the entire Norwood Community. The work could not happen without the support and collaboration of all staff, students, families and community partners. Read the articles below.
This week we continue our RICAS State Assessments. Students in grade 5 will start with the Math Assessment. Grades 3 and 4 will participate in the next few weeks. Find more information about the RICAS Assessment below.
This week we have are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week! Although we hope our teachers always feel appreciated, this week we want them to feel extra special! Some suggestions went home for was to appreciate our teachers this week. Please see below if you did not receive this.
Please remember our morning drop off times. If students are having breakfast they can come into the school at 8:40am. Everyone else should not arrive until 8:50am. We do not have supervision outside until then.
Please be mindful during drop off and pick up. We have many families, students and staff walking through the parking lot and up the street. Please obey the cross walks including the yellow speed bump and the drive slow signs. It is a one way loop through the parking lot. Everyone must proceed through in a single file line for safety. Thank you for helping to keep the Norwood community safe!
RICAS
Consider sending your students little notes of encouragement while they are testing!
RICAS Letter of Support to Families
RICAS Letter of Support to Families
March 2023
Dear Warwick families,
Thank you to our administration, principals and teachers for all their support in preparing for RICAS testing. As they say, “it takes a village,” and RICAS testing is no exception. From sharing the released test items, reviewing the platform/format of the tests, creating a testing schedule, moving classes around, etc…our folks have done an outstanding job.
These state assessments are not a “gotcha.” Instead, these are windows into our strengths and areas of growth so we can move teaching and learning forward in our district.
As we begin our state RICAS assessments in Grades 3-8 this week, we ask for some family support as well. Simple tasks such as an earlier bedtime, a healthy breakfast, and coming to school on time all support these efforts. Additionally, we want to share the RICAS protocol in regards to electronic devices (p. 56 of the Administrator’s manual):
During testing, staff members announce:
“Before we begin the test, you need to know that cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, and other electronic devices are not allowed for any reason during this session, even after you submit your test. Results may be invalidated for students with any of these devices during testing or after submitting their tests.”
“If you have a cell phone or other electronic device with you, please make sure it is now turned off, put it in your backpack, and leave it by the side of the room. You will be able to access it again when I give you permission to do so.”
Pause to make sure that students have turned cell phones and other electronic devices off and have placed them in their backpacks.
We ask that you help support our students throughout this testing season. Thank you for your partnership.
Sincerely,
Warwick Public Schools
Announcements
Norwood Innovative Space Grant Approved
Renovations will start soon. Moving forward Library will be held in the classroom so work can began. The project will be completed by June 30th. Thank you for understanding.
Norwood School has been Awarded RIDE Afterschool Grant
Norwood Elementary will partner with The Gamm to bring Norwood TLC (Theater, Learning, Caring) Academy, to students in Grades K-5. The Academy will run four days a week from 3:15 - 4:45 p.m. starting in September 2023. Norwood staff will offer project-based classes in a variety of areas. The Gamm will have 2 artists who will offer classes in such areas as play production, improvisation, acting the song, movement, and clowning. There will be a winter and spring performance put on by the students at GAMM Theatre! Tomorrow this will be celebrated and announced in a press conference at Oakland Beach School!
Dates to remember:
5/1/23 - 5/5/23 Teacher Appreciation Week at Norwood
5/2/23 - 5/18/23 - Math RICAS Window
5/4/23 - 4th grade Save the Bay Trip
5/8/23 - 5/12/23 - Inclusion Spirit Week
5/8/23 - Financial Literacy Workshop
5/8/23 - PTA Meeting
5/10/23 - Professional Development Day/ Anytime Learning
5/13/23 - Girls on the Run 5K
5/15/23 - 5/17/23 - 5th Grade NGSA
5/15/23 - 6/9/23 - iReady End of Year Diagnostic
5/16/23 - Mental Health and Wellness Fair
5/17/23 - Kids Day
5/18/23 - Kindergarten and 1st Grade Field Trip to Coggshall Museum
5/20/23 - Color Run
5/22/23 - Coffee and Conversation at Morning Arrival
5/25/23 - Junior Achievement Day
5/29/23 - No School/Memorial Day
5/30/23 - Grade 3 Field Trip Music on the Hill
6/5/23 - Mentor Lunch Party
6/8/23 - Grade 3 Pen Pall Field Trip
6/8/23 - Literacy Night and Book Fair
6/12/23 - Chorus Concert
6/14/23 - Field Day
6/15/23 - Grade 2 Field Trip Casey Farm
6/19/23 - No School/Juneteenth
6/22/23 - Last Day of School/ Report Cards Released
Financial Literacy Workshop
Community Flyer Updates Now on our Website
To access community flyers please utilize our existing website, with a new 'Community Updates' page.
Once a week, midweek, WPS will send a push notification to all school families regarding new flyers added to the Community Update page, along with a note to check frequently for up to date updates.
Recess Youth Leadership Program for 4th and 5th Grade
Girls on the Run Spring Session is Open
Camp GOTR
Camp GOTR provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for youth to develop self-confidence and learn life skills in a cheerful, energetic and collaborative environment. Available to rising 3rd, 4th and 5th graders of all abilities and embrace any and all girl-identifying youth. Everyone will enjoy building friendships and gaining new skills through interactive games, physical activities, and creative crafts and storytelling.
Be in the know with this season’s details and register today!
Unique Opportunity for Title 1 School Families!
I would like to invite you to be part of an exciting opportunity at our school. We’re continuing our initiative to increase positive family-school partnerships here at school. During this six-week workshop, we will be discussing some key parenting and leadership skills and tools that will help our children be more successful at school and in life. I know how much you care about your child’s success and believe you will make a great addition to our leadership team. Your ideas and voice are worth sharing with others. These workshops will take place Thursday evenings at Oakland Beach school from 6:30-8 PM. There is limited space available in this workshop. Can I save a place for you?
If you would like to participate or have question please contact cameron.kadek@warwickschools.org
Take a peak at the videos below!
Warwick Public Schools Mobile App
Breakfast and Lunch Program
As a reminder breakfast service begins at 8:40am. On June 30, 2022 the free breakfast and lunch waiver provided by the state ended. The Meal Benefit Expiration and Grace period has ended. This means that students that were free/reduced previously and have not applied to receive the continued benefits will now be charged for the full meal price. All families, regardless of status, will need to complete the lunch application. We still need 108 families to complete their application. It is important that all families complete the lunch application. This helps with our Title I funding, resources and activities. It can help provide discounts on resources and activities for teachers and students. Information on how to complete your form can be found here. You can also contact the main office or see the district website if you have questions.
Lunch Menu
May Newsletter
Your May Newsletter has been posted!
Title I Book of the Month - May
Write To Me Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind
A touching story about Japanese American children who corresponded with their beloved librarian while they were imprisoned in World War II internment camps.
Norwood Title I Information
Updates
Norwood School
Warwick Public Schools
Warwick Special Education Advisory Committee Brochure
Warwick is moving forward with implementing the WPS Vision of a Graduate for all students!
A Message From Transportation
When students leave items on buses, we ask that the student or parent to contact First Student directly.
First Student has direct contact with the buses through the radio,
and the student/parent will need to make arrangements to retrieve their forgotten item from First Student.
Please direct all calls regarding forgotten/lost items on buses to:
First Student
401-739-1980 (then press '0' for all desks)
Please note, if it is during arrival or dismissal time, there is a chance the phone will not be answered right away.
Amazon-Wishlists-for-Teachers
Fundraising
Please Keep Our Ongoing Fundraisers in Mind
Amazon Smile
Norwood Spirit Wear
VOWS - Volunteers of Warwick Schools
From The Rhode Island Department of Education
What is Chronic Absenteeism?
Chronic Absenteeism is a measure of how many students miss a defined number of school days for any reason. Rhode Island defines Chronic Absenteeism as the percentage of students who miss 10% or more school days during the year (or 2 days per month).
Research shows that chronic absenteeism is associated with a number of negative consequences for students, including lower achievement, disengagement from school, course failure, and increased risk of dropping out.
Early Dismissals
Please refrain from requesting an early dismissal for your child after 2:45pm. The dismissal process begins at 3:05pm and it becomes very difficult for us to fill an early dismissal request once the process begins.
Student Absences
Students will be marked absent, no matter the reason, if they are not in school.
If the absence is COVID related it will be entered as an excused absence.
STUDENT ABSENCE CALL-IN PROCEDURE
In accordance with Rhode Island State Law #16-19-10, Notification of Pupil Absence, the Warwick School Department requires that all parents/guardians call their child’s elementary school on the day that he/she will not be in attendance. We would like to receive all calls by 9:15 in the morning. If you are aware of a pending absence, feel free to call at any time prior to the day of the absence. In the event we do not hear from you, an automated call will be sent at 10:00 a.m. to inform you that your child did not arrive at school.
ASPEN Family Portal
It is important that the Aspen Family Portal is updated with correct address and contact information. Students can only be released to emergency contacts listed in the Family Portal so please make sure this is updated. You can find more information about the Family Portal on the district website here. Using the WPS Family Portal (PDF) WPS Family Portal (direct link)
Important Reminders
- Please make sure students are dressed appropriately for the weather. If you need help with this please reach out.
- There are no water fountains at school for health and sanitation reasons. Students are advised to bring in a refillable bottle to use at the water refill station.
- The parking lot for arrival and dismissal hours is a one way loop.
- Please be mindful of the buses, stop signs and the crosswalks.
- Outside toys are not allowed in school including Pokemon cards. We have enough for students to do and games to play!
- Norwood school participates in the BIC® Stationery Free Recycling Program - https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/bic. Thank you grade 4 for organizing this!
Norwood Thought Corner
Norwood School
Cell: 401- 871-4350
Fax: 401-734-3528
Email: sabrina.antonelli@warwickschools.org
Website: https://norwood.warwickschools.org/o/nee/
Location: 266 Norwood Avenue, Warwick, RI, USA
Phone: 401-734-3525
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wpsnorwoodknights
Twitter: @principalant