James Morris School
Weekly Newsletter, Vol. 9.14.2017
Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Geremia, for donating and installing a new basketball hoop for our students! The children are thrilled and are using it throughout recess.
A Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This week, a group of staff members and I were joined by several parents for a terrific discussion about our programming, improvement plan, and safety initiatives. The discussion lasted over three hours, and as a result of the high level of participation, enthusiasm, and interest in a variety of topics, parents/guardians are invited to again join me next Tuesday morning.
- To increase student learning
- Reflect upon past performance, and look for patterns
- Identify areas of focus
- Development an action plan
- Implement, assess, reflect and revise accordingly
Step 1 was done over the summer and early in the school year, primarily by administration, instructional coaches, and teachers. Based on the findings, areas of focus for this school year have been identified, and an action plan is in the process of development, inclusive of feedback from all staff, willing parents/guardians, and all students (at the classroom and individual student level).
I will provide you with updates throughout the fall on the development of our school improvement plan. Additionally, you are welcome and encouraged to call or schedule a visit to chat one-on-one.
You, the parents and guardians of our JMS students, are invited to play a key role in the development of this plan. Please be on the lookout for opportunities to join the discussion as they are offered, such as next Tuesday morning's meeting.
Please let me know at any time if you have questions, concerns or thoughts you would like to share regarding our JMS learning community.
Thank you,
KC Chapman, Principal
Grandparents and Special-Someones Day
- 9:30-10:30AM for students in Grades 1,2 and 3
- 10:00-11:00AM for students in AM Pre-Kindergarten
- 1:15-2:30AM for students Grades K, 4, 5 and 6
- 2:00-3:00AM for students in PM Pre-Kindergarten
WANTED: Parent/Guardian Feedback
By the Numbers
- Goal: 95.0+%
- Actual: 94.9%
Teacher Attendance Year-to-Date*
- Goal: 95+%
- Actual: 100%
* including professional non-classroom days
Weekly Whimsy
I recently viewed a series of videos on classroom instruction that was filmed in 3-D. It was almost as if the differentiated instruction, questioning, assessment methodologies and adjustments to learning experiences that met the needs of individual learners were jumping out of the screen!
Upcoming Events
Saturday, September 16th: JMS Carnival (1:00-4:00PM)
Tuesday, September 19th: Parent's Invited - School Improvement Plan discussion (8:50AM)
Tuesday, September 19th: JMS Open House (5:30-7:00PM)
Thursday, September 21st-22nd: JMS School Photos
Friday, September 22nd: Harvest Luncheon
Friday, October 6th: Teacher Professional Development Day (No School)
Monday, October 9th: Columbus Day (No School)
Tuesday, October 10th: Board of Education meeting, (Warren School, 7:00PM)
Friday, October 13th: Grandparents and Special Someones Day
Week of October 16th: Scholastic Book Fair
Wed, Thur, Fri, Oct. 18-20th: School Conferences (1:30PM Dismissal)
Flyers and Forms
Our School Vision
Our vision for James Morris School is to be highly regarded for our students' academic growth, and for instilling in students the desire to strive for the intrinsic value, rewards and opportunities that result from quality, professionalism, and pride in one’s work. To achieve this vision, we believe in:
A culture of academia
A strong partnership with parents and the community
A growth-mindset for students and staff
Research-based practices
Authentic hands-on learning experiences for all students
Awareness and understanding of issues related to diversity - social, cultural, and cognitive
Embedded character education and promotion of strong habits of mind
Regional School District No. 6 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Title IX - Contact
Debbie DeLisle
98 Wamogo Road, Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-6656
Section 504 - Contact
Debra Foley
98 Wamogo Road, Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-6642