November Principal's Newsletter
2016
Important Upcoming Dates
November 16th - PTO Meeting 6:00PM.
November 23rd - Early Release 12PM.
November 23rd - PTO Turkey Trot 1PM start.
November 24th, 25th - Thanksgiving (No School).
November 28th - Kindness Club 2:30 - 3:30PM.
December 1st - Picture Retakes.
December 16th - Report Cards Distributed Trimester 1.
December 16th - Holiday Fair
Kindness Wins!
Students at the Cummings School focus on kindness all year long. At the beginning of each school year however, we remind ourselves how important this topic is with a full week of activities dedicated to ensuring we are promoting a safe and positive learning environment. From October 24th to 28th, all students participated in daily morning lessons centered around kindness and reviewed the importance of respect, how powerful words can be, ways to identify a bullying situation and also how to report anything that does not look or feel right to a trusted adult. Students then experienced three powerful guest speakers that reinforced these topics. The first speaker was Erin Petti, author and Winthrop High graduate that has recently published The Pecuilar Haunting of Thelma Bee which has been receiving excellent reviews. Mrs. Petti shared how empathy plays an integral role in being a good writer. The second speaker was Jackie Lamont from the District Attorney's office who targeted cyber-safety and awareness. The week concluded with the captains from Winthrop High School discussing leadership and setting a positive example in the community. We are looking forward to a lesson each month, in addition to our weekly Steps to Respect (our anti-bullying curriculum) lessons, reinforcing how the ATC sets a high bar for being a safe and supportive community of learners.
Below: Students marched through the Square and back to the front circle to symbolize the power of kindness and our community.
ATC Students Vote!
On November 8th, students at the ATC took a few minutes to cast their ballots on a Google Form. We feel strongly students should know their opinions are important and get accustomed to recognizing they always have a voice. The results were shared with the students and seemed to echo the results from the state. The next morning, students were very emotional regarding the outcome of the election. We had discussions throughout the building around dealing with disagreement or frustration in a healthy way and the importance of democracy. Since then, students do not appear to have any lasting concerns regarding the election, contrary to many reports of schools around the country. At the ATC, we will always emphasize the importance of respecting each other, modeling kindness, and holding ourselves to high expectations around the way we treat each other. With the concerning reports around the country in regards to discrimination, hateful rhetoric, and negativity, it is important now more than ever that we model inclusivity, integrity, and respect for all. We appreciate the tremendous support we get from parents on a daily basis as we spread this message to our future leaders.
5th Graders Share their Writing
Students in fifth grade made the walk over to the Fort Banks School to share their writing in second grade classrooms. Mrs. Pearson reported the younger students truly enjoyed seeing the great work the older students are doing in Writers' Workshop and we look forward to making this a yearly tradition. Publishing and sharing our writing makes it more authentic; students in all grades will be sharing their work with other students and the community throughout the year. This is a pillar of the Writers' Workshop model and it is exciting to see the growth in student writing as the year goes on.
Five Students Reach 40 Book Threshold!
As of today, five students have reached the 40 Book Challenge threshold. The most incredible thing is that all students are from Mrs. Turner's third grade class. Students throughout the school are reading more than ever and teachers are also in on the challenge. The next time you are in the ATC cafe, take a look at the teacher book wall. Our latest student was Elaina, see her below with her 40th book! Great job to all students aiming to reach this ambitious goal.
Holiday Fair - ATC Students Give Back
We are looking forward to holding a Holiday Fair for students on December 16th. Students will have an opportunity on this day to participate in raffles, games, and purchase items from the White Elephant table at a very discounted rate. We will be partnering with the PTO for this exciting endeavor. If you have lightly used items that you think would potentially make good gifts, please clean out those basements and donate! Last year we raised nearly $5,000 that was given directly back to Winthrop families in need around the holidays in the form of Target gift cards, food, and clothing. If you know someone in need, we ask that you contact Mrs. Preble, our adjustment counselor at apreble@winthrop.k12.ma.us and we can confidentially help this family. More information to come...
Boston Pride Hockey!
Thanks to our 5th grade teacher Ms. Dempsey, students had an opportunity to hear several players from the Boston Pride Professional Hockey Team speak to 5th graders about mental health, friendship, and being leaders in the community. In addition to being an excellent 5th grade teacher, Ms. Dempsey plays for the Boston Pride team as forward and sets an wonderful example for all students in regards to work ethic and perseverance.
Arthur T. Cummings School
Where Learning Has No Limit!
Email: rheraty@winthrop.k12.ma.us
Website: cummings.winthrop.k12.ma.us
Location: 40 Hermon Street, Winthrop, MA, United States
Phone: 617-846-5543