Friday Falcon
Forest Avenue's Weekly Newsletter for Staff
Issue #17
Staff Spotlight
Bridget Bunyon
- If you weren’t a teacher, what would be your dream job? I would love to be a professional organizer. There's just something about decluttering and organizing that is so fun to me.
- What’s your favorite memory from your school days as a student? When I was in third or fourth grade, my class went on a field trip to Parkerville Schoolhouse, a small one-room schoolhouse from the early 1900s. We all dressed up and took on different identities of actual students from the schoolhouse and experienced the day as that student. Our teacher taught us in the style of the early 1900s and told us stories of what would happen in that classroom. It was definitely an unforgettable day and a top memory!
- What’s your favorite memory from your very first day as a teacher? Although much of it is a blur, one moment sticks in my mind: when the bell rang, signifying the start of the day. I found myself staring at 23 bright-eyed first-graders, and the realization hit me that I was responsible for them as their teacher. It was both fulfilling and nerve-wracking, all at once.
- What’s your favorite current picture book to read aloud to your class? I love How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills. It’s a cute book that my beginning readers find so silly.
- Describe the most influential teacher you ever had. In third and fourth grade, I looped with Miss Connolly. She made us feel like a family for the 2 years she had us. Miss Connolly helped me to develop a love of learning that has stayed with me throughout my life. I will always be grateful for the impact she had on me as a student and as the educator I am today.
Important Dates
1/15- If you are an educator on a one year plan please be reminded that Monday, January 15th is the deadline for you to submit evidence towards your Formative Evaluation.
1/16- PositiviTEE day! Wear something with a positive message!
1/16-1/26- ACCESS Testing (See ACCESS 2024 email)
1/18- Department Meeting
1/19- Scavenger Hunt
1/19- Visiting Chef at Lunches
1/21- Vinyassa for Varden
Reminders
- Invite me in for a 10 minute read aloud to celebrate "families" this month!
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If you haven't already, sign up for the scavenger hunt! The form is in Melissa's email from over break!
If you are able to contribute or join- see the flyer posted in the office, "Vinyasa for Varden."
See Dave's email regarding his absence Tuesday and Wednesday for coverage updates.
Please see Dave or I with any questions regarding his recent email around hats and hoods!
Thoughts/Ideas/Miscellaneous
- If you would like coverage support during the assessment window, please sign up, here. We will do our best to provide this help!
Classroom Corner
DIBELS Galore
The Reading Team plus Jen Letourneau have been working hard to complete all the mid year DIBELS assessments. Thank you for your flexibility as they try to keep up with the latest demands from the state. Way to go, ladies. THANK YOU!
We have opinions!
The fourth graders in Ms. Ginsberg's class were typing away during Writer's Workshop this week. They were excited to share their opinion pieces with me! Students had thinking stems available to them to help them narrow down a topic. During this particular workshop, the mini lesson was around using various sentence starters to transition topics. You could find small groups, partners, and individuals engaged in their topic of choice!
On the Right Track
Staff shoutouts...from the kids!
Ms. Saliga
"She always helps me have fun on my movement breaks."
Ms. Rodrigues
"She's nice and helps me read. She makes me feel good about myself as a reader."
Ms. Wood & Ms. Hermann
"They make good food and are really nice."
A shout goes out to...
- "...Marcia Gaudette for the bringing in the amazing cakes she made herself!"
- "... Our lunch monitors and custodial staff doing an amazing job between all lunch transitions!"
- "... Annemarie King: For filling in wherever and whenever there is a need in the building "
- "Jen Letourneau for creating and facilitating our first substitute and paraprofessional training! Our staff was engaged and appreciated the support and guidance. Thank you so much Jen for the innovative work! Session 2 will be implemented next week!"
Let's celebrate!
January Birthdays:
Happy Birthday to Bridget Bunyon on Friday, January 12th!
Happy Birthday to Josie Saliga on Friday, January 12th!
Happy Birthday to Sam Emerson on Thursday, January 18th!
Happy Birthday to Danielle Wood on Monday, January 29th!
Forest Avenue Elementary School
Website: www.smore.com
Location: 136 Forest Avenue, Hudson, MA, USA
Phone: 978-567-6190