Avery Moments
October 23, 2020
Dear Avery Families,
Although there is some return to routine, school for those in the building is different. Teachers are teaching both remote and in-person groups simultaneously, trying to make the students at home feel included while meeting the needs of those students in front of them. This is an enormous task and the teachers are working extremely hard to provide each student with the best possible learning experience. Our students have shown remarkable patience through technology glitches and when they have been “knocked out” of the Zoom call yet again. Thank you to our families for supporting both the students and teachers as we continue in uncharted territories.
The beginning of every school year entails learning routines and procedures, primarily with large group instruction, discussion and review. As a typical year evolves, there tends to be shifts from whole group, all day instruction to minilessons and independent or group work. The students work towards increasing stamina in academic tasks and study skills. In the past this happened seamlessly as the year progressed. This school year began with all students spending the entire day linked to their Chromebooks with their teachers. Teachers were fearful of "sending" the students off to work independently for fear they may not be able to get back to the meeting. Our students have become more proficient in navigating the technology. You will begin to see a gradual shift from total teacher directed instruction to shorter lessons with time to read, write, and work independently. As students return to the classrooms, this will also impact what the school day entails. Teachers will need to make shifts in their schedules to accommodate mask breaks, transitions times when going to specials, etc. Please bear with the teachers as they navigate the dual world of today's instruction.
Thank you for your partnership in providing the best possible experience for our students!
Regards,
Clare
Clare Sullivan, Principal
Student Health Surveys
Upcoming Dates
10/22/20- Cohort D1 (first grade students) starting
10/24/20- Dedham Arts Electronics/Metal Recycling 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
10/26/20- Cohort C2 (students in grades 2-5) starting
10/29/30- Cohort D2 (students in grades 2-5) starting
10/30/20- First deadline to request cohort change
10/30/20- Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest
10/30/20- Spooktacular Stroll- 5-5:45 p.m. for younger students; 7-7:45 p.m. for older students- Sign-up link below
Notes from the Nurse -
We are working hard to keep everyone at Avery healthy and safe. If your child is sick, please do not send him or her to school. If your child is sent home from school sick, you will need to get a doctor's note clearing him or her to return to school.
Mrs. Bennett
From the Secretary's Desk-
* If your child is going to be late or dismissed early please call or email so we are aware. This will make for an easier transition or dismissal.
* In order to avoid a large lost and found area please put your child's name or initials on their belongings. The weather changes daily and jackets and hats are being removed and forgotten during recess.
* If any of your contact information changes please let us know immediately. It is important to have several emergency contacts and your correct email addresses. If you are not receiving notices from Avery School please call 781-310-5501 or email me at rgianopoulos@dedham.12.ma.us . I will see that you get included. It is important that you receive the information from the school and Superintendent Welch. They contain valuable information regarding the Avery School and the Community; as well as the Dedham Public Schools District.
Mrs Gianopoulos (Mrs. G )
Dedham Youth Commission Gift Program-Deadline Approaching!
The program is being run a bit differently this year. All requests are being accepted through the DYC directly. (All information provided is kept confidential.)The DYC will be distributing gift cards only.
In order to qualify for the program you must:
- Be an official Dedham resident,
- Qualify for Low Income Housing or Free/Reduced Lunch
- Be experiencing an unforeseen financial difficulty
The DYC is planning to distribute the gift cards the week after Thanksgiving.
To apply for a $50 gift card, please click the link below. Once you have completed the questions, remember to click submit.
https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/Xba02mIDF20c1tLddfYEl
Library News
Mrs. Garland
Specials
On another note, although the specials may seem less important than the major curriculum areas, it is expected that students join these sessions on time and attend for the entire session.
Dedham Parents/Caregivers-Let's Talk
Date: Monday, October 26, 2020
Time- 7-8 p.m.
RSVP for the October 26th support group by emailing adube@dedham.k12.ma.us or aoseimensah@dedham.ma.gov by Sunday, October 25th. A link to participate will be provided to all interested parents/caregivers on October 26th.
Facilitated by:
Dr. Ashley Dube, PsyD, NCSP, LEP
DPS Director of Counseling Services, PreK-12
Angela Osei-Mensah, MSW, LICSW
Dedham Youth Commission