Carpenter Courier
January 30, 2020
Principal's Corner
Dear Parents and Guardians,
With the holidays in the rearview mirror, since returning from winter break, we've been able to focus on instruction. We did complete some benchmarking testing for our Kindergarteners and 1st graders and are finishing our second-language ACCESS testing. Ms. King, with the help of Ms. Dazzo and Mrs. Grosso, conducted our Carpenter Spelling Bee and we had many 3rd-5th graders participate. Mrs. Loftus has continued to work with our Battle of the Books Team to get ready for the start of the Battle season. Based on when you read this, we closed out the month with our annual Open House.
Shifting into February, our 2nd graders will be taking the COGAT test next week which will be about two periods of testing starting on Monday. The PTO is sponsoring the Snowball Dance and we will be collecting for Uncle Pete's Lunches on Thursday, February 13th. Our classrooms will have Valentine Parties on the 14th, but we're excited that it is another whole month of routines and instruction. Good luck to all of our Talent Show participants! Feel free to come enjoy Carpenter student talents on Friday night (January 31st 6:00 p.m.) in the north gym. Also, good luck to our Science Olympiad participants on Saturday morning (2/1) at Emerson!
Our monthly theme is FAIR FEBRUARY. As shared throughout the year, each month we have an identified focus that aligns with Second Step Lessons, or in general, supports the social-emotional-behavioral learning of our students. Teachers emphasize the importance of the skill or value and we build it into our language and regular teachable moments. As I go out to lunch recess daily, I have found continuous opportunities to have discussions with our students regarding their play and playing fair. However, the value of being fair extends everywhere and the concept can be taught in developmentally appropriate ways based on the age of your child. It is important to be fair in the classroom, when sharing resources, amount of attention provided by adults, etc. For our older children who understand the concept, it is also important to begin to teach that Fair doesn't always mean Equal; fair is children and students being provided what they need. As always, please continue to support our monthly themes by having conversations with your children at home. Our collaboration will help our students generalize the skill and knowledge and help them to understand that these aren't just school concepts, but rather life values.
Please note the attached flyers - particularly the information regarding registration.
Sincerely,
Mr. Brett Balduf, Principal
Carpenter Elementary School
Early Childhood Diagnostic Preschool Screening
On a monthly basis the Early Childhood Diagnostic Team conducts screenings of children ages three to five. Additionally, twice a year they conduct developmental screenings of children birth through three. The screenings are conducted by a team, consisting of an occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, psychologist, and social worker. The areas assessed include motor, communication, play skills, pre-academic and thinking skills.
The next Preschool Screening is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2020. Additionally, a screening for children birth through age three is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2020. If you have concerns about your child's development in any of these areas please call
(847) 318-5360 to schedule an appointment for the screening.
Lunch with the Principal
Serenade
Spelling Bee Winners
Staff Parking Lot
RAPTOR VISITOR MANAGEMENT UPDATE - BRING YOUR IDS!
Chess Club - Session 3
REGISTER NOW FOR SESSION 3 OF THE LUNCHTIME CHESS PROGRAM!
Registration for Session 3 of the lunchtime chess program at Carpenter is underway! The 8-week program runs from 3/5/20 to 4/30/20 and takes place on Thursdays from 11:40 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. The program is open to Carpenter students in all grades and of all chess abilities. Professional instruction will include the basics for novice players and build with opening theory, middle game planning, and end game combinations for continuing students. Playing chess improves memory, uses analytical and critical thinking skills, teaches problem solving, responsibility, sportsmanship, social skills and more! The benefits of chess last a lifetime!
To register, please go to www.carpenterchess.eventbee.com. DISCOUNTED Registration Fee applies through 2/27/20 so register NOW! For more information about the program, please refer to the program flyer. Chess-Ed is looking forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST this Spring!
Carpenter Snowball Dance
Carpenter School presents the annual
Snowball Dance!
Friday, February 7th
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Carpenter School - North gym
Dress code - Semi Formal
Cost is $20, $10 for each additional student. Must be a Carpenter student.
This is a PTO event so please register online at the PTO website store. The last day to register/pay for this event is Friday, January 31st (advance purchase ONLY - no walk ups will be allowed.)
If you have any additional questions please contact Erica Duffy @ ericaduffy06@gmail.com or Samantha Antonacci at santonacci@daprileproperties.com.