Panther Press
Lothrop Elementary and Middle Level School April 26, 2019
Upcoming Events
Below are the Known end of Year Dates. Please check weekly for new information.
- April 27th: Pittsford Trail Run
- April 29th-May 9th: Grades 3-6 SBACApril 29th: OVUU Task Force Meeting-Roll out draft 5-10 Year plan-6:00 PM @ OV Library
- May 1st: OVUU Board Meeting-6:00 PM
- May 3rd: Friday Assembly @ 8:00 AM-Hosted by Sadowski
- May 4th: Green-up Day-9:00 AM-1:00 PM
- May 6th-7th: Grade 5 Science NECAP
- May 7th-9th: Grades 3-4 SBAC
- May 7th: Band and Chorus Concert @ 6:30 PM
- May 8th: PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM-Library
- May 10th: Grandfriends Tea
- May 14th: Crime not to Read-Grades K-2
- May 14th: OV Music Tour-Tentative
- May 15th: Caverly Conferences
- May 16th: Transition Day for Grade 6-8:45 AM-10;30 AM
- May 17th: Friday Assembly @ 8:00 AM-Hosted by Stever and Integrated Arts
- May 17th: Kinder to Wonderfeet
- May 17th: Memorial Day Writings Due
- May 21st: Kinder to Castleton University to see the Joshua Show
- May 21st-May 22nd: Vermont Science Assessment
- May 23rd: Grade 2 to Community Garden-8:00 AM-10:00 AM
- May 24th: Memorial Day Assembly-Hosted by Middle Level
- May 27th: No School
- May 28th: Grades 1-2 to Montshire
- May 31st: Friday Assembly @ 8:00 AM-Large Group Awards
- May 31st: Caverly Graduation@ Lothrop Gym
- June 3rd: Panther Palooza
- June 3rd: 6th Grade Student/Parent Night @ OV-TBD
- June 4th: Panther Palooza Rain Date
- June 4th: Kinder Concert @ 6:30 PM
- June 5th: Grade 2 to Community Garden-8:00 AM-10:00 AM
- June 6th: Grade 1-2 to Magic School Bus
- June 7th: Grade 6 to Boston
- June 7th: Caverly 3 Year old Celebration @ Caverly
- Week of June 10th: Pre-K Screening
- June 12th: Awards Assembly
- June 13th: 6th Grade Final Walk of the Halls
- June 13th: 6th Grade Graduation @ 6:30 PM
- June 14th: Last Day of School
SBAC Testing Begins Next Week
A Message from Superintendent Collins
During the month of May, many of our students will participate in the Smarter Balance literacy and math tests (SBAC). The Vermont Agency of Education requires students test as follows:
SBAC Literacy and Math Testing: Grades 3 - 9
VSTA (Science Testing): Grades 5, 8, and 11
Fitnessgram (P.E. Testing): Grades 4, 7, and 9
Statewide assessments are an important indicator of how our schools are doing as we monitor trend lines on student achievement. However, they are only one measure of how students are meeting statewide benchmarks. We also use internal assessments several times a year and measure students on habits of learning as well.
Both the SBAC and the science tests are computer based. This allows the test to adjust to student levels and can take varying amounts of time. Individual score reports will be sent to families in the early fall for this year's assessment. In addition, RNESU receives school wide and district wide reports to help us monitor our trends and see how we do compared with other districts and schools in the state. In addition, RNESU and the schools are penalized if we do not hit participation targets set by the state.
A variety of factors can affect the outcomes of the test. One factor which is very meaningful is how seriously the student takes the test and if they have the appropriate stamina, such as being rested and having eaten breakfast. Parents are asked to help prepare their students by talking with them about the tests in a way that is not stressful, but let them know it is important to try their best, ensure they get enough sleep and have a good breakfast each day. Schools will send home their test schedule so parents know what to expect and when.
For more information about the assessments, you can visit the Vermont Agency of Education Comprehensive Assessment Portal at https://vt.portal.airast.org/ Under Students and Families there are practice tests and other information about what to expect for these annual tests.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me or any of my staff using Let's Talk, a button found on each of the school and district websites. Enjoy spring!
Registration for NEW students is open
School Choice
RNESU School Safety Planning
Watch the Spotlight on RNESU on PEG TV to learn about school safety planning in RNESU. Guests Brandon Police Chief Chris Brickell, Lothrop Principal Debbie Alexander and RNESU Superintendent Jeanne Collins join OVUU Board member Barry Varian to share both planning and responses and the role of parents in school safety incidents. Comments or suggestions? Please use the Let's Talk button on our school website to let us know what you think (link).
Integrated Arts Column
Tools for School Points
What is Happening in P.E. Class?
Kindergarten
In kindergarten we have been learning how to use a jump rope! We have learned how to use one safely, as well as using rainbow and side swings to help us jump through it. We LOVE to use the big jump rope and have the teachers swing the rope while we put our jumping to the test!
First and Second Grade:
Spring has finally sprung and we have been taking full advantage of that in first and second grade PE! We have been learning new games like kickball outside that we can play at morning recess and during our own recess time. We will be spending a lot of time outside during the next few weeks to enjoy the weather and learn new skills!
Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grade:
Third, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders have begun the Vermont State Physical Education Assessment using the FitnessGram program. The students have worked really hard pushing themselves and practicing each component of the test: the pacer, curl-up, push-up, and back saver sit-and-reach. This week has been a practice week and we will begin to analyze our results using the Healthy FitnessGram chart that has been set by FitnessGram. Next week, all classes will take a final test. Fourth grade scores will be mandated to be reported to the state. Please look for an email to be sent home about this. I am excited and proud of all of their hard work! Hard work pays off!
Dorothy's list & Digital Resources
The Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award was created to honor excellence in children's literature. Each year since 1957, Vermont students in grades four through eight have selected their favorite book from a list of 30 nominees. It is recommended that students read at least five of the year's nominated titles before voting. Voting takes place in the spring, generally beginning in April.
Click here for a link to Dorothy's list 2019-20. If your child plans to read books from this list, please take note of the grade level that the book is recommended for and descriptions of each book are listed as well. Happy Reading!
Click here for a link to Vermont Listen Up! Vermont Listen Up! is a cooperative service among public libraries in Vermont that provide digital and audio-books. Parents and students can use their library cards from Maclure Library to access this amazing service. You can access the current books on Dorothy's List through this service. We recommend signing up and downloading the Libby App on your personal devices to access these amazing books!
Lothrop Green up Day Activities
Basket Bonanza
The 5th & 6th graders are raising money for their trip with a basket raffle. Baskets will be on display and raffle tickets will be for sale during Pittsford Trail Run (April 27) . In addition, you can purchase tickets by filling out the form below and returning it to school with payment.
Tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5
The contents of the baskets are listed in the link above and pictured below.
You do not have to be present to win. Drawings will take place at noon on April 27.
Please support the 5th & 6th grade classes and take a chance on winning some great baskets!
#1 Vermont Country Store Favorites
#2 Coach Luxe
#3 Ice Cream Dream
#4 Whole Wellness
#5 Artistic Expressions
#6 Happy Hugs
#7 Gamer's Delight
#8 Book Lovers 1
#9 Book Lovers 2
#10 Movie Night
#11 Gamer's Delight 2
#12 Cake Pop Baking
#13 Red Sox Nation
#14 Grab Bag
#15 Cooking It Up
#16 Summer Fun
#17 Spa Basket
#18 Activity Basket
PTO News
Order Your Lothrop Spirit Wear Now!
Facebook Page
We will be posting items/updates in the private group as well as the public page. Please 'like' our page and request to be added to the group (link).
Online PTO Meetings
https://zoom.us/
Upcoming Events
Spring Dance - April date TBA
Staff Appreciation Breakfast - May 2
Grandfriends Tea - May 10
PTO Elections on May 8th
Currently, the PTO officer nominations for 2019-20 are;
President: Kelly Connaughton
Vice president: Laurie Pelkey
Co-vice president: open position
Secretary: Kayla Davine
Co-secretary: open position
Treasurer: Thomas Desforges
Co-treasurer: Mary Desforges
We are offering a job share on the PTO officer positions. If you would like to split the duties with another person, the officers are willing to job share. Positions can be elected at the May 8th meeting so there is still time if you would like to help out! lothroppto@rnesu.org
Check out the descriptions of responsibilities below.
Help Wanted
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Fundraising Committee
PTO Information
Help Needed
We are always looking for folks willing to help with various tasks and events so please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to contribute.
Flagship Cinema Movie Coupon Books: $25 each, Expiration April 2020. We still have books available.
Shop with Scrip
Do you buy gift cards? Did you know you can now buy gift cards and support Lothrop PTO at the same time? Win-win! Just sign up online and use our enrollment code: 885FA3A248458
https://shop.shopwithscrip.com/Shop/Product/Browse
Amazon Smile
Don't forget about the Lothrop PTO when you shop on Amazon smile. Follow the link and the PTO will get a portion of your purchase. Or search for Pittsford parent teacher on Amazon smile. Thank you! http://smile.amazon.com/ch/03-6011454
Meetings
The Lothrop PTO meets the first Wednesday of the month in the Lothrop Library at 6:30pm. ALL Lothrop families are considered members of the PTO and are welcome to attend meetings.
Lothrop PTO Officers for 2018-19 School Year
Kelly Connaughton -President
Laurie Flood Pelkey - Vice President
Stacey Greeno Pearsons - Secretary
Thomas Desforges - Treasurer
Reusable Snack Bags
Reusable Snack Bags are in! If you did not preorder please see pictures for available designs. BPA, Thalate free, dishwasher and freezer safe. $8 set of 4 bags, $8 set of 4 lunch chillers. Email: lothroppto@rnesu.org for more info.
Flagship Cinema Booklets
- Don't forget we have flagship Cinema movie coupon books $25 cash only.
Pittsford Town Events
2019 PITTSFORD YOUTH LEAGUE REGISTRATION
Pittsford Trail Run
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Pittsford Trail Runs
5k & 1 mile
The amazing Winning Image Graphix has done it again! Scott came up with a great shirt design, sign up before April 8 to guarantee you get one of these awesome shirts!
Sign up at the Pittsford Town Office or see attached form below or online:
https://runsignup.com/Race/VT/Pittsford/PittsfordTrailRuns5k1Mile