The Reed Times
Reed PTA Newsletter | 2019
Important Dates
Principal's Corner
Dear Parents and/or Guardians,
It’s hard to believe that we are now two-thirds of the way through the school year. The Parent Portal is currently closed while teachers input their grades and comments. It will reopen on March 13th, in time for Parent-Teacher Conferences which will take place the 14th and 15th. Unlike fall conferences, spring conferences are held at the request of the teachers and are based on need. Discussions at spring conferences will include evidence of student progress, along with suggestions for how parents can support their student’s continued growth between now and the end of the school year, as well as over the summer. This may or may not include a recommendation for summer school and/or reading or math support in 7th grade.
Reed’s staff and students are excitedly looking forward to our first TAGtivity Days on March 29th and April 12th. TAG stands for Team Across Grades and is an idea generated by teachers to allow kids an opportunity to work with other students and teachers around a common, interested-based activity. The goal is to connect students with an adult in the building they might not otherwise have met as well as to connect to other students they may not yet know – all while having fun at something they enjoy. Students have had the opportunity to select up to four possible activities of interest. They will then be assigned to a specific activity for two one-hour and a half sessions on each of the designated Fridays. A wide variety of activities have been offered by our teachers including, but not limited to, Acting, Coloring, Building Birdhouses, Calligraphy, Cross-Country Running, Model Rockets, Knitting, Yoga and Scrabble. Please ask your son or daughter about which activities he/she has signed up for. It should be a lot of fun for all!
With spring less than two weeks away, we are hoping there will be no more late-winter or early-spring school cancellations as school is currently set to dismiss for the summer on June 13th.
Mark your calendar and keep your fingers crossed!
Warm regards,
Anne Uberti, Principal
Asst. Principal's Letter
The Differences Between Mean Behavior and Bullying
One question that I am asked on a regular basis is "What is mean behavior and what is bullying?".
In the state of Connecticut, we have a definition of bullying which is Public Act 11-232:
"Bullying" means (A) the repeated use by one or more students of a written, oral or electronic communication, such as cyber bullying, directed at or referring to another student attending school in the same school district, or (B) a physical act or gesture by one or more students repeatedly directed at another student attending school in the same school district, that: (i) Causes physical or emotional harm to such student or damage to such student's property, (ii) places such student in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself, or of damage to his or her property, (iii) creates a hostile environment at school for such student, (iv) infringes on the rights of such student at school, or (v) substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. Bullying shall include, but not be limited to, a written, oral or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance, or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.
When a possible bullying situation occurs, we investigate it based on the district guidelines which follows the State guidelines listed above. As we investigate, if it is a true bullying incident, it is documented and reported to the Central Office as well as the State of Connecticut. True bullying incidents have a variety of serious consequences all documented on the student’s PowerSchool record. This record is only visible by those who handle discipline within the schools such as the Vice Principal or Principal. These records are not visible to Teachers or Counselors.
Most of the behaviors that occur on a daily basis at school are mean behaviors; students treating each other poorly, angry about something that was said or done, issues with fairness, or misunderstandings. Much of the work we do with students involves restoring their relationships. We use restorative practices here that involve rebuilding the relationship between students and/or staff, righting a wrong, and moving forward in a peaceful and positive way. This is different than the way many of us grew up or dealt with in school. We are followers of Dr. Jo Anne Freiberg, who is an educational consultant for the state of CT in School Climate, Bullying, and Character Education. Dr. Freiberg does workshops all over the state of CT on a year-round basis for teachers and other staff that work with CT students about restorative practices. In these incidents there are still consequences, but our emphasis is on restoring the relationship between students or students and staff. This involves a lot of discussion about how to restore the relationship. Sometimes these mean behaviors are solved at the classroom or counselor level. Our policy at Reed is for teachers to work with students first. If an incident occurs again, teachers will contact parents about it. On the third incident, or more severe mean behaviors, it gets referred to the office. Our process includes investigating by speaking to students and/or reviewing video tape from school or the bus (if needed), and discussion with the students/staff directly involved. Once our investigation is completed, we contact parents on both sides of the issue to let them know what has occurred. For privacy, we do not reveal the other student’s name or consequence to the opposing parents. We do document the incident on all student PowerSchool records. We do this in case something occurs later in the year or even next year, so we know it is not the first incident between these students. We also inform the cluster teachers, specialists, counselors, and other support staff who work with the students and need to know.
One thing we do want everyone to know is just because a student or parent calls it bullying, does not mean it is bullying. We look at each incident as a separate incident. We assume good in all students, but we all make mistakes. We believe that we are here to help students grow, become good citizens, and teach them how to fix their mistakes. We are engaged in trying to give students the tools and skills needed to try to solve problems, but also the knowledge of when to get a trusted adult involved. We are not just the teachers of math, reading, and science, but we are teachers of life-long skills like problem solving, supporting kindness, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
If you would like more information about Dr. Jo Ann Freiberg and her work, you can find it at: http://www.joannfreiberg.com/PositiveSchoolClimate/Welcome.html
If you would like more information about bullying, you can find it at:
https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/School-Climate/Bullying-and-Harassment
If you would more information about Restorative Practices:
Jill Bontatibus Beaudry
Assistant Principal
Reed Intermediate School
PTA Presidents' Letter
Dear Families,
❄️Happy Winter!!❄️
During these next few months the PTA will be busy preparing for spring events. We will send out a detailed list of what we have planned as the time gets closer.
We had a great turn out for Scott Driscoll’s internet safety presentation. He was so informative on the latest apps and taught us the good, bad and ugly. We hope those of you who haven’t seen him get a chance to see him in the future.
Lunch Love
Dear parents / Guardians,
This year Reed Intermediate will be participating in “Lunch Love” week. “Lunch Love” is an aspiring non-profit organization that was started by a high school student named Elle Sauli in 2017. This is a program that collects donations from students to help pay for lunches for students who might not have the money on some occasions. Our goal is to ensure all students benefit from eating a good lunch each day. This will take place the week of February 11-15 in time for Valentine’s Day. It’s a great way for students to get involved in giving back, especially around this time of the year.
Students are being given the opportunity to get involved in making a difference by participating in a paper heart display project that will go on for an entire week! For just $2.00 your child can color in a paper heart, cut it out and have it displayed in the school hallway.
If you wish to participate, please attach a $2.00 donation and have your child cut and color the heart. If you would like to donate and not color the heart, then that’s fine as well. Please help us achieve our goal of paying off all lunch accounts in an action of giving back!
Thank you for making a difference!
Reed Intermediate PTA
We will send a paper heart and letter home to be retuned to school.
Our Holiday fair was a huge success. The kids really enjoyed it and we hope you like all your gifts. We want to thank everyone who volunteered. Without your help we couldn’t pull it off.
Stay warm and Safe
Kristin Kinsey and Julia Crisci
Reed PTA Co-Presidents
Email Reed PTA: reedptanewtown@gmail.com!
📕Reading Connection📚
Working together for Learning Success. Please click on the following link for the Dec/2018 Edition: here.
Reading Specialist
Counselor's Corner
Dear 6th grade Reed Families,
Tina Broccolo and Leanne Fuccillo will be the 7th grade counselors next year and we are very excited to get to know you and your students! As we begin the transition process, here are some important dates for you to know:
Important Dates for NMS
- March 22nd – If your student is interested in the Art Enrichment Program at the middle school, applications are due.
- March 25th – Parents will receive a music choice letter via email offering your child the choice of band, orchestra, chorus or music lab. We ask that you please log into the Parent Portal to make your selection prior to April 4th.
- April 22nd – Parents of students who will be taking a world language in 7th grade will receive a letter via email asking them to please select either Spanish or French. We ask that you please log into the Parent Portal to make your selection prior to May 3rd .
- April 30th – Middle School Counselors, Tina Broccolo and Leanne Fuccillo, will be coming to RIS with 7th grade students to talk about a typical day at the middle school and answer any questions students may have.
- May 7st and May 8th – Middle School Orientation evening at NMS. Parents will receive a letter via email with additional information prior to the evening.
- August – Ice Cream Social at the middle school. Students will be able to walk through and see their classrooms, meet their teachers, and reconnect with friends. Information on date and time will be emailed over the summer to all families.
We are very excited to begin this journey through middle school with you and your child. We welcome any questions you may have and can be reached at broccolot@newtown.k12.ct.us and fuccillol@newtown.k12.ct.us
Reed School Counselors
Wellness World!
Please click on the following link and take a look at our September Issue of Wellness World.
Michelle Y. Failla
Health Educator
🎶Music 🎵
From the Music Department:
Band and Orchestra reminders:
No instrument should be left in school for any reason. There are many after school and night events; we cannot guarantee the security of the instruments and students need to bring them home to practice. Please make sure first and last names are on cases as well.
Please encourage your child to practice at home.
*All fifth grade band students are asked to keep track of their practice time on a calendar that will be collected at the end of every month.
*Sixth grade band students with an “A-” or lower are required to to keep track of their practice time on a calendar that will be collected at the end of every month.
Thank you for your support! It is greatly appreciated! Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Phil Beierle - Band Director - Beierlep@newtown.k12.ct.us
Mardi Smith - Orchestra - smithm@newtown.k12.ct.us
Bob Nolte - 6th Grade Band - Nolter@newtown.k12.ct.us
Michelle Tenenbaum - Chorus - tenenbaumm@newtown.k12.ct.us
Reed Health Office
An important reminder to all parents/guardians of our 6th Grade Students.
ALL 6TH GRADE STUDENTS WILL NEED TO SUBMIT A CURRENT PHYSICAL EXAM (dated after August 27, 2017 is acceptable) FOR ENTRANCE INTO 7TH GRADE. The students must have the Tdap and Meningococcal Vaccine, or religious/medical vaccine exemption paperwork updated and notarized before 7th grade. The physical must be recorded on the State of CT Health Assessment Record form. This form is available here:
The first page of the health assessment form is to be completed and signed by the parent. Completed forms can be returned to the Reed Health Office via sent in with your student, emailed to murphyd@newtown.k12.ct.us, or faxed to health office at 203-270-4890.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, as we still have many physicals missing. Sixth grade students who do not comply with this requirement will continue to receive a delinquency notice from the district, and not be allowed to enter the seventh grade in the fall until a current physical is received. Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns that you have about this state regulation. We can be reached in the Reed Health Office at 203-270-4883.
5th grade girls should have received the purple Scoliosis Screening note in their homeroom. Please read them carefully, and only sign and return if you are opting OUT of the screening in school. We will begin screening 5th grade girls during their PE class in March.
If your student is out for a specific illness~ ie. Flu+ or Strep+, please leave absence message and let us know that it was confirmed by a MD. Notes from doctor's office to excuse absences are greatly appreciated when your student returns to school.
No students should be texting their parents from school if they are not feeling well or to get picked up. Please remind students to come to HO if not feeling well and we will make the necessary calls.
Please contact us with any questions/concerns you may have. Thank you and enjoy your holiday preparations!
Reed Health Office: 203-270-4883
Deirdre Murphy, RN, BSN
Christine Winner, RN, BSN
Join The PTA!
PTA Membership: Become a Member - Join the PTA.
While fundraising covers some of the annual budget, it is your PTA Membership Dues that help fund most of the PTA’s annual budget, which includes the programs & activities mentioned above. We need your support.
The PTA helps make Reed a better school:
- Benefit your child and their school. The number one reason to join PTA is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help Reed!
- Your voice and opinion matter. It makes a difference when parents speak up. Your voice and ideas can help improve the quality of education for our children.
- Speak Up. PTA can be a way to more effectively suggest change at your child’s school.
- Be Heard. Connect with other parents & make your voice heard
- Support: Joining is a great way to support our school and show that our families are invested.
Even if you are unable to attend PTA meetings or activities, please join to support our school. Joining the PTA doesn’t come with a requirement of attending the PTA meetings, although everyone (even non-members) are welcome! We need your support in order to keep our programs funded and to fulfill our mission. To our members and volunteers, please know that your generous support and enthusiastic participation is greatly appreciated!
- Laura Tashjian
PTA Membership
Thank you to the families who have joined already. Welcome to a new year!
2018‐2019 Reed PTA Executive Board
President: Julia Crisci
President: Kristin Kinsey
Vice President: Caley Gibbons
Treasurer: Melissa Beylouni
Secretary: Sue Shortt
Editor: Shani Mustafa
Editor: Jackie McKendry
Chairs:
Holiday Fair: Kristin Kinsey
Membership: Laura Tashjian
Reed Directory: Vera Cherepinksky
Movie Night: Erin Siksay
Email: reedptanewtown@gmail.com
Website: http://reed.newtown.schooldesk.net/Parents/PTA
Reed Intermediate School Administration
Jill Beaudry, Assistant Principal
Betty McFadden, Admin. Asst
NEWTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2018-2019 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Website: http://newtown.reed.schooldesk.net
Location: 3 Trades Ln, Newtown, Connecticut, USA
Phone: (203) 270-4880
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Reed.Intermediate.School/about/?ref=page_internal
Twitter: @RIS_TWEETS
Email The Editors
Please send submissions for The Reed Times to:
Editor: Jackie McKendry
Email: afshan00@gmail.com
Website: http://reed.newtown.schooldesk.net/Parents/PTA