The RISE Report
Weekly Newsletter, April 30, 2023
We hope you enjoyed the weekend. We have some big events coming up in the next few weeks. On May 11th we will host our Spring Open House for all RISE families. This is a wonderful time to visit your child's classroom and experience some of the fun they enjoy every day! Check out all the details below.
In order to accommodate the Open House, all students, PreK-5, will be dismissed early on May 11. RISE students will be dismissed at 12:00, and elementary students will be dismissed at 12:45. All students will have a full day of school on Friday! Please note these schedule changes.
As a reminder, our final fundraiser of the year has begun! The Prince Pizzeria flyers were sent home and all the important details are included in this newsletter (see below). Send in your orders and get ready to enjoy some tasty pizza in the coming weeks! Please note, all orders are due by Friday, May 12.
Have a great week!
~Dr. King
Spring Open House for Families
In addition, our very talented related service provider team (speech & language therapist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist) will be providing a brief workshop for families during the Open House. They will teach you some activities you can do at home to help build your child's skills, as well as provide information about developmentally appropriate expectations within each area (speech, fine and gross motor skills). There will be two 45-minute presentations offered during each hour so families have an opportunity to visit classroom first, then attend the workshop, or vice versa. These workshops will be presented at the RISE at RMHS location only, but all RISE families are welcome and encouraged to attend. We will have some activities set up for children so parents can attend to the presentations.
The elementary open houses begin at 5:00 p.m., giving our families who have students in other schools time to visit their classrooms as well. This will be an early release day for all students, PreK-5. RISE students will be dismissed at 12:00, and elementary students (kindergarten through grade 5) will be dismissed at 12:45 which gives families ample time to pick up at multiple locations if needed.
Schedule for the evening:
- 4:30-6:30 - ALL RISE classrooms are open for families to visit (these hours include classrooms at Killam, RMHS, and Wood End). Please note, elementary open house hours will differ.
- 4:30-5:15 - Session 1 - Meet Our Therapists: Linda Boyages, Maria Fitzpatrick & Sarah Whalen will offer strategies and activities families can do at home to keep children engaged and growing in skills.
- 5:30-6:15 - Session 2 - Meet Our Therapists: Linda Boyages, Maria Fitzpatrick & Sarah Whalen will offer strategies and activities families can do at home to keep children engaged and growing in skills.
Student Safety During Pick Up
We realize families want to connect and socialize, which is so important, but this is not a safe space to have children play. With the most inexperienced drivers often leaving school at this time, and an increase in traffic, we need your help to keep our kids safe! If families want to stay for play, please move to the tot lot on Bancroft Avenue, adjacent to the tennis courts. This is a safe and enclosed space where children can play and parents can socialize. We appreciate everyone's support!
PTN News Corner
Prince Pizzeria Fundraiser:
Our final fundraiser for the year has begun! This one is "as easy as pie" and provides families with an opportunity to purchase vouchers for the delicious Take 'n Bake Prince Pizza (3-pack of full size pizzas). Flyers were sent home in backpacks before vacation, so be sure to get your orders in by the deadline, Friday, May 12 and help support the RISE programs!
Enrichment Programs:
May 31 and June 1, the Discovery Museums Traveling Workshops will provide a 45-minute workshop on Liquids & Solids to each classroom. Students will investigate the role temperature plays in causing materials to change from solid to liquid or liquid to solid. This is a very engaging science exploration for our youngest learners!
PTN Meeting Dates for 2022-2023:
Meeting dates for the remainder of the year will be on:
- May 31, 7:30-8:30 PM via ZOOM Please note change of date!
- June 7 End-of-year celebration at Birch Meadow Field, 4:30-6:30 PM
End-of-Year Celebration:
Mark your calendars! On Wednesday, June 7th we will be having our amazing end-of-year celebration at Birch Meadow field (across from Coolidge Middle School). This event will include lots of cool fun including music, activities, the Kona Ice Truck and a performance by Bubbles McGee! You won't want to miss this as we wrap up a fabulous year and get ready to head into summer! More details will be coming soon!
Quick Updates:
The PTN has our own Venmo account set up for donations; @RISEPTN can be used for future transactions, collecting dues and fundraising. There is a small associated fee of 1.9% plus $0.10 per transaction (i.e. on a $100 contribution the fee would be $2.00). We hope this makes it easier for families to help support the PTN.
If you have any questions, or interest in volunteering this year to support our PTN, please reach out to any of our PTN board members. We welcome everyone to join!
- Co-Presidents: Meghann Cerratani & Diana Gil
- Vice-President: Rachel Bramante
- Secretary: Corey Mathison
- Treasurer: Courtney Martinello
Did you know May is better hearing and speech month?
Throughout the month of May, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) focuses on raising awareness about communication disorders and the role of ASHA members (SLPs and Audiologists) in providing life-altering treatment!
Specifically, the focus this year has been on identification of the early warning signs of a speech-language or hearing disorder. Whether for your own use as parents, caregivers, relatives, or spouses and/or as teachers within the classroom, ASHA has created information sheets regarding early learning signs for various areas within our field (see PDF below) for more information.
Looking for some play ideas?
Our very talented OT, Linda Boyages, has created lots of fun spring activities using a hole punch, fidget toys, dice, pom-poms, markers and crayons to help your child build their strength, visual spatial, sensory, and fine motor skills. You can even have your child help with the some spring gardening including planting some seeds and watering those growing plants! For an awesome outdoor adventure, try the shadow drawing! It's sure to keep those little ones engaged and you may be surprised by what they can do!
Have a great month!
Linda Boyages, OT #1537
Occupational Therapist
RISE Preschool
North Suburban Child & Family Resource Network
RISE Extended Day Applications for 2023-24
Below are the RISE registration forms for the 2023-24 school year. Please complete this information and submit it to the Extended Day Program as soon as possible to be considered for a spot. These fill up quickly, so don't delay! If you have any questions, please contact Mackenzie Irwin, Assistant Director of Community Education.
Crossing Guards Needed! Please consider applying
In collaboration with the Reading Police Department, we are seeking community members who may be interested in serving as a Crossing Guard. These positions are essential in ensuring the safety of our students and families. Here is a link to the job posting with information on expressing interest. Thanks in advance for helping to spread the word in our community. We are in immediate need of substitute crossing guards, so if you may be willing to support in this role from time to time, please let us know!
Kindergarten Registration for 2023-24
We know the registration process can generate a lot of questions. Here are some of the FAQs we have heard from families.
Reading Public School Medical Policies
We are seeing an increase in the number of students absent with fevers. Please be sure to check with your pediatrician about Covid, strep, or flu testing if needed.
Reminders:
1. Documentation of all immunizations and a physical exam must be provided prior to the first day of school as mandated by Massachusetts State Law. All medical requirements are included in new student paperwork. If your child has a summer birthday, please make sure their scheduled physical happens before the first day of school and send the documentation to school for your child’s record. Medical or religious immunization exemptions are permitted; documentation of such exemptions is required annually.
2. First Aid: Most injuries are minor; however, please make sure to complete all emergency contact information for your child. Include contact numbers for parents and any other person who might be responsible for picking up your child in the event of an emergency. Also include your child’s physician’s name and contact information. Remember to update this information throughout the school year for any corrections or changes.
3. Medication Guidelines:
- Doctor’s orders and parent authorization forms must be completed for ALL medications given in school (including over-the-counter medications).
- Tylenol and ibuprofen can be given in middle and high school with parental consent.
- All medication orders expire at the end of the school year.
- Medications must be provided in their original labeled container.
- A parent or responsible adult must transport medication to and from the Health Office and meet with the nurse regarding instructions. Do not send any medication in your child’s backpack.
- Exception to medication guidelines: Short term antibiotics may be given without a doctor’s order. The antibiotic must be provided in the original labeled container. This serves as proof of a doctor’s order in this case only.
4. Attendance at School: Please do not send your child to school if they have any of the following:
- Fever of 100 degrees or higher. A child with a fever should not return until they have been fever-free without a fever reducer such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen for 24 hours.
- Infectious illness such as strep throat for which they have been treated with antibiotics for less than 12 hours.
- Any symptoms listed on the COVID health screening. Please check your child for symptoms daily. If you have any concerns, please contact your school nurse, and follow up with your child's physician.
5. School Screenings: State mandated school screenings are as follows: Vision screenings are done in grades prek-5,7 &10, hearing screenings are done in grades K-3, 7 & 10. Height and weight screenings are performed annually on grades 1,4, 7 &10. Postural screenings are done for grade 5-9 annually. SBIRT screenings are done in grades 8 &10.
Parents will be notified of upcoming screenings and notified if a referral is indicated after the screenings. Parents may opt out of any screenings in writing to the school nurse.
6. Communication from the Health Office is through SNAP Health Portal, which connects directly with your child’s electronic health record, and provides direct messaging to your school nurse. School nurses may also reach out via phone call, email, and school newsletters. Please make sure your contact information is up to date.
7. Contagious Illnesses: Please notify the Health Office if your child has any contagious illness or conditions such as COVID, flu or strep throat. Always refer to your pediatrician for guidance.
8. Student Absence: If your child is absent, please call the absentee phone line and mention the reason for the absence. A note is required for all absences when your child returns.
9. Allergy Guidelines: Reading Public School Guidelines for Food Allergies are available on the district webpage under District Information. All classrooms are food-free except for individual snacks and lunches provided from home. All food brought into the classroom must follow the Food Allergy Guidelines. You will be notified of food allergy restrictions for your child’s classroom prior to the beginning of the school year. No food sharing is allowed.
10. Allergies and Chronic Conditions: Please contact the school nurse if your child has any health issues or life-threatening allergies so appropriate accommodations can be made.
Please send in a copy of your child’s yearly physical so that health records and immunizations can be updated. Summer is a good time to reinforce good hygiene habits such as handwashing, cough and sneeze etiquette and the importance of no food sharing at school. Another health issue to consider is lice prevention. Please get into the habit of watching for symptoms and routinely checking your child’s head.
Please contact your school nurse with any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with you and getting to know your child.
Sincerely,
Reading Public School Nurses
Reading Coalition...Community Support
The Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support, formerly known as RCASA, was established in 2006 in Reading. The coalition started as a town, police, school and community initiative focused on improving collaboration and reducing substance abuse. The coalition was grant-funded from 2007-2019. Today, the coalition funded under the Reading Police Department, offers programs and services that focus on substance misuse prevention and mental health promotion.
Follow us on Instagram @rcps_rpd
Like us on Facebook @reading coalition
Follow us on Twitter @rcoalition4prev
Latest News from SEPAC
Film Screening: Anxious Nation
Tuesday, May 16. 7pm.
RCTV, 557 Main Street, Reading, MA
Click here for a PDF of our event flyer.
Family meetup at the Boston Kite and Bike Festival
Join other SEPAC families at the Boston Kite and Bike Festival
Saturday, May 20. 12-4pm
Click here to connect with us for this event
Looking ahead
June 20. 7pm. End of Year Social. Location TBD.
Summer: Patio socials and popsicles on the playground. More information coming!
We encourage you to join SEPAC's mailing list, follow SEPAC on Facebook, and follow SEPAC on Instagram
About These Services
The Town of Reading contracts with William James College to offer a special service for our residents. The William James INTERFACE Referral Service maintains a mental health and wellness referral help line Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843 (toll free). This is a free, confidential referral service for individuals across the lifespan living in Reading. Callers are matched with licensed mental health providers from our extensive database. Each referral meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller. Click here to learn more!
Mark your calendars
May
11: Early Release to prepare for Open House; 12:00 dismissal for all RISE students. RISE Open House, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Killam, RMHS, and Wood End classrooms.
12: Full day of school; 2:00 dismissal at RMHS and 2:30 dismissal at Killam & Wood End
14: Happy Mother's Day!
29: Memorial Day; No school
31: Discovery Kids Enrichment Program (Liquids & Solids); PTN Meeting (please note change of date), 7:30 PM via ZOOM
Overview of RISE Programs
Reading Public Schools offers a variety of outstanding integrated preschool programming for Reading residents. Our integrated programs serve tuition-based students and students who receive special education services. Our goal is to create an environment of mutual respect, where all students learn from their teachers and from each other.
Our integrated preschool programs are multi-age, and students may enter when they turn three years old. This enables our younger students to learn from their older classmates. Our four-year-old students love being role models and leaders to our three-year-old students.
Our integrated programs are designed to support the learning and growth of both tuition students and students with disabilities. Our approach is play-based. Students learn school, social and academic skills through center activities, free play, circle time, recess, and more.
If you have questions about our programs, you are welcome to contact Dr. King.
Contact Information
Email: joanne.king@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: https://rise.reading.k12.ma.us/
Location: 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, USA
Phone: 781-942-9179