Willett Whaler
Week of November 15, 2020
Principal's Corner - Mr. Jeffrey Cateon
Please continue to have your children participate in completing google classroom assignments in Art, Music, Physical Education and Health.
Once again, Willett students and staff will be participating in the Attleboro Public Schools Annual Food Drive. This year we will have collection boxes at all entrance doors. Please send any non-perishable food donations in a disposable bag that your child(ren) can place into the collection box upon entering the building.
The drive will begin tomorrow, Monday, November 16th and end Friday, December 4th.
Thank you for supporting our community!
Our next PTO meeting (Virtually) will take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Title I Director, Susan LeVine will be presenting the Title I compact. In the coming months, we will begin a family series on a variety of topics presented by Willett Staff.
Welcome to our new staff:
Kobe Brierly - Recess Monitor (Mondays and Thursdays)
If you haven't already, please join us on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter , Instagram) and on our Website.
Student Council News
Congratulations to Willett’s 2020-2021 Student Council! All meetings will be held virtually.
Grade 4 - Jailey, Arlens, Veronica, Abby, Anthony
Grade 3 - Sophia, Shawn, Nora, Rahmi
Grade 2 - Paisley, Ben, Aubrey, Clara, Jacoby, Jameson
Representing other grades: McKenzie, Landon, Christian, Mallory, Marla, Tucker, Mia, Olivia
From the Desk of the Assistant Principal - Mrs. Christine Brierly
Recently, I witnessed an interaction which made me start to reflect upon the idea of assumptions. I was sitting at an outside table at a restaurant, enjoying a meal with my son. Several people approached the hostess and were immediately met with, "How many? Right this way Sir/Madam." Then, a young woman of Hispanic descent approached and the hostess immediately said, "Are you here to pick up for DoorDash?" The woman replied, "No, to eat". The hostess then turned away, walked several steps in the other direction and then, almost as an afterthought, turned around and said, "I'll be back in a minute."
She eventually led the young woman to a table, but it got me thinking deeply about the assumptions that the hostess may have made. What made her assume that she was there as a food delivery worker and not as a customer? Why did the hostess immediately respond so differently to this woman even though the woman had approached her in the exact same manner as everyone else? Was it an intentional slight or an unconscious bias which caused her assumptions?
After a few minutes of contemplation, I began to second guess myself. Was I making a rash assumption about the hostess’ actions? Was the lens from which I was perceiving the situation colored by my previous experiences or knowledge base? Was I too sensitive to this brief encounter or not sensitive enough?
As an educator and a parent, I recognize that we need to guide our children in being aware of the dangers of making assumptions or jump to conclusions. One way to begin a discussion is through the use of short videos. Pixar short films are amazing, 2-6 minute films that carry deep , meaningful reminders about kindness, inclusion, perseverance and making assumptions. They are family-friendly, humorous and engaging. Please feel free to watch the video Snack Attack below with your child and then talk about the assumptions or quick judgements made by both the older woman and the teenage boy. How do assumptions come into our everyday lives? How do they affect people? What can we do to make sure we are treating people fairly and with kindness?
Snack Attack Short Film link here.
If you enjoy the Snack Attack video, I have also included a few other Pixar films below that can jumpstart other discussions with your children as well. Enjoy!
Other Pixar Short Films:
A message from the Health Office - Mandatory Flu Shots
It is very important that students and families review the COVID-19 Self Symptom Screening DAILY and students stay home when they are not feeling well. The symptoms check list can be found attached below (a printed copy will be sent home as well).
1. If your student stays home due to illness, please indicate their symptoms or diagnosis when you call into the school. We will be tracking attendance to monitor for clusters of illness among the student population.
2. Please remember that many of the symptoms of COVID-19 are also common in illnesses such as the common cold, flu, asthma, strep or seasonal allergies. We will follow symptom assessment guidelines for dismissal. Return to school will be based on diagnosis, recommendations from the DPH and individual primary care providers.
3. It is imperative that families have a plan in place to pick up your child from school as soon as possible and within 30 minutes, if asked to do so. This will require reliable phone numbers and emergency information. Please update information with your school office personnel.
4. Confidentiality will be maintained and only those directly impacted will be contacted.
PTO Meeting - Ms. Susan LeVine - Title I Director will be presenting
Mr. Cateon is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74804505496?pwd=NGpLbFpBVU53QzhCSXVENFJtVlRjUT09
Meeting ID: 748 0450 5496
Passcode: WESPTO
Wednesday, Nov 18, 2020, 06:00 PM
undefined
Clever Family Information
Norms and Tips for Remote Learning.
Norms:
- Be on time for the daily morning check-in. Attendance will be taken, and your child will be marked absent if they are not present for the check-in.
- Select an appropriate learning space to allow your child to be present in the lesson and ready to learn.
- Ensure that your child's device is charged for daily use.
- During a live learning session, your child should be visible to the teacher with the camera on. Virtual backgrounds included in the Google environment can be used.
- Complete and submit work assignments on time through Google Classroom.
- Use all applications in the Google Suite appropriately.
- Adhere to all Attleboro Public Schools policies.
Google Meet Tips:
GOOGLE MEET TIPS
Before the meeting:
- Find a comfortable spot to sit. It is best to keep your device on a steady surface if possible.
- Make sure your background is school-friendly.
- Try your best to be on time.
- Enjoy a snack before the meeting begins.
When the meeting starts:
- Mute your device by clicking the microphone button.
- Be sure that your camera is on.
During the meeting:
- Be patient, this is a learning experience for everyone.
- Be engaged - looking, listening, and thinking.
- Unmute your microphone when your teacher asks you to talk. Mute your device again when you are finished speaking.
- Even though we are not in our school building, our school rules and expectations still apply.
- Families please be considerate and allow the children the opportunity to work with the teacher.