Rocket News
April Edition
Welcome Spring!
For families that are traveling during spring break, please make sure that you have completed Dr. Siegel's survey so that we can make note of it. If you made late plans or didn't complete the survey, please reach out to let us know about your travel (if it requires a quarantine period) and your return date. Teachers will be reaching out with live stream information for the quarantine period.
We look forward to the nicer weather when we return and to the many exciting learning opportunities that await us. Wishing you a safe and restful spring break!
The Placement Process
The placement process for the 2021-2022 school year begins in April. The goal of the placement team is to create well-balanced classes that will meet the needs of all children. The professionals that participate in the placement process include: classroom teachers, related arts teachers, school counselor, CST members, special education teachers, BSI teachers, and the principal.
Examples include:
A unique family situation (twins or cousins in the same grade level)
Characteristics of an ideal classroom environment
General academic/social/emotional needsPlease note that this is not an opportunity to request a specific teacher or specific friends. Over the years, we have found that friend requests limit students' social opportunities and restrict their ability to develop new friendships over time. Any forms that include requests for teachers or students will not be considered.
If you have something to share, please use this form and refrain from sending letters or emails. All forms must be submitted by April 23rd. Please be advised that following the April 23rd deadline, the link will be inactive and no further input regarding placement will be accepted. There will be no exceptions because of the complexity of the placement process.
Autism Awareness
Did you know? April 2 is International Autism Awareness Day, and April is National Autism Awareness Month! This month, the Reynolds School community is working together to increase autism acceptance in our school. On Friday, April 16th, Reynolds staff and students will honor autism awareness and acceptance by wearing blue. Our staff will also participate in a fundraiser to raise money for Autism Speaks. Our entrance will be decorated to help increase knowledge and understanding of autism. A large symbol-based communication board will be installed in the Preschool playground to promote both independence and inclusion for children with communication needs. Autism awareness is not just a month in our school. Reynolds School is a special place that fosters acceptance by spreading awareness and celebrating differences every day.
2nd Grade Speech Writing Unit and Flipgrids
Second grade students learned how to use their voices to make real world differences this month. The English/Language Arts unit, Changing the World: Writing and Delivering Speeches to Create Change, focuses on building the foundations of opinion writing and the basics of essay structure. Students select a topic, gather facts and evidence for support, and write a speech to persuade their audience. All students recorded their speech using Flipgrid, during Tech/Media class with Mrs. Cucci. Paige, a second grader said, “I am so excited to record and share my speech today.” The work learned in this unit will be the foundation for all upper grade opinion writing and for third grade work with Literary Essays.
National Green Week
During the week of April 19th, Reynolds School will be celebrating National Green Week. Throughout the week, students will be participating in events and activities that focus on reusing, reducing, and recycling.
Thank you to Mrs. Cucci, Mrs. Santos and the entire Green Week Committee for their planning.
Upcoming April Events
School Reopens- April 12th
Autism Awareness Day- April 16th
Green Week- April 19th-23rd
Parent Input Forms Due- April 23rd
Get Active Day (sweats & sneakers) - April 23rd
See the Reynolds Calendar for Additional Dates