Willett Whaler
Week of November 1, 2020
Principal's Corner - Mr. Jeffrey Cateon
Thank you to all families that met with our teachers for conferences this week. If you were unable to attend, please schedule with your child's teacher.
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.
As a reminder, our doors open each morning at 8:30 AM and we dismiss at 3:20 PM.
There is no school on Tuesday, November 3rd (Election Day) and Wednesday, November 11th (Veterans' Day).
Remember to turn your clocks back this weekend.
Families can pick up free breakfast and lunch at AHS on Blue Pride Way (outside in front of the HS entrance) from 11:00AM-1:00PM each day. The bag includes a breakfast and lunch item. We are encouraging all families to fill out free/reduced lunch forms in order to ensure there is not a gap in January after the community feeding program ends on December 31, 2020. You can fill it out digitally here.
If you haven't already, please join us on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter , Instagram) and on our Website.
From the Desk of the Assistant Principal - Mrs. Christine Brierly
Well, it finally happened! Our first snow of the season has found us here at Willett and we could not be more excited. We look forward to building snowmen, sledding, and of course, hot chocolate with marshmallows! But, as the autumn leaves fall from the trees and the cold air begins to beg for the heat to finally be turned on in our homes, our daylight hours also become shorter. For some people, this can cause a shift in our mood and some feelings of discomfort or anxiety. If you find your child starting to experience some of these feelings, one way to help is to teach them a mindfulness technique called breath meditation.
Below is a link to one activity called Beanie Baby Meditation. It’s a simple 2-5 minute meditation that guides children in basic breath meditation. For at home practice, find a small stuffed animal and space to lie down on the floor or another fairly flat surface. Then follow along with this class as they rock the little friends to sleep or just watch how the teacher does the activity in the video clip and improvise to create your own calming moments for your child. This is wonderful for before bedtime or anytime you want to focus and calm the mind. I have also included a link to an article on some free or low cost apps that can be downloaded to help support your family with mindfulness. Of course, you don’t need an app...you can always just use any soft, calming music that will help you or your child relax and unwind.
Stay safe and know that YOU ARE APPRECIATED!
Beanie Baby Meditation Exercise for Kids (and Adults!)
A message from the Health Office - Mandatory Flu Shots
As a reminder, per Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations, a mandatory flu shot for all students (including those students in AVA) is due by December 31, 2020. Please submit proof of administration to the health office.
Please inform the school nurse if your child is absent due to covid symptoms. Also inform the nurse if you suspect your child has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid 19.
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.