James Morris School
Weekly Newsletter, Vol. 12.21.2017
Pajama Party Earned!
Our Three School Reading Celebration
Our three elementary schools made a commitment this year to increase emphasis on students’ independent reading habits. Supported by our shared Library-Media Specialist, Mrs. Jennifer Fodor, each school has challenged students and staff to take a growth-mindset approach to independent reading stamina.
To celebrate the completion of our first trimester of such emphasis and growth, all Region-6 elementary students and staff spent a day together at James Morris School for a Reading Celebration. The day featured students and staff dressed as their favorite book or character, students participating in a Region-6 bookmark design contest, readalouds, a recycled-book swap, and our oldest students combining poetry and art to expand their recent experience exploring the Norman Rockwell Museum.
Past three-school celebrations have included such thematic days as the Olympics, the Presidential Inauguration, St. Patrick’s Day, and multiculturalism. We expect to join again this school year for at least one more gathering.
The seventh of these three-school gatherings since 2015, this Reading Celebration again allowed students to renew acquaintances, begin new friendships, and generally socialize with the peers they will join once they reach Wamogo Middle School. Building these relationships between students across the district has been the driving force behind these three-school gatherings, as we believe it will help them enter Wamogo Middle School with more friends, acquaintances, and comfortability.
Authentic Writing by Students
Pre-Kindergarten Winter Performances
Elementary Vocal Music Concert & 4th Grade Band Informance
50 Questions to Ask Your Kids
Kindergarten Teamwork
Thursday afternoon, Mrs. Panasci's Kindergarten class worked together at recess to rebuild a slouching snowman!
Technology
A Peek Into the Classroom
Students' discussions are tracked by the teacher to monitor participation and contributions, thereby establishing individual- and group goals for stronger collaboration
Attentive listening, one of our school improvement goals, includes effective note-taking and summarizing.
"Close reading" includes the careful analysis of words, phrases, patterns, and choices the author makes
Upcoming Calendar Events
Mon., December 25th-January 1st: Winter Recess
Tues., January 2nd: School Reopens
Mon., January 8th: BOE Meeting @ 7:00 PM at District Office
Wed., January 10th: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - Teacher's Professional Development
Thurs, January 11th: 5th & 6th Grade Winter Concert at 6:30 PM in Wamogo Auditorium
Mon., January 15th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School
Wed., February 7th: Early Dismissal - Teacher's Professional Development
Mon., February 19th: President's Day - No School
Tues., February 20th: Teacher's Professional Development - No School for Students
Flyers and Forms
Our School Vision
Our vision for James Morris School is to be highly regarded for our students' academic growth, and for instilling in students the desire to strive for the intrinsic value, rewards and opportunities that result from quality, professionalism, and pride in one’s work. To achieve this vision, we believe in:
A culture of academia
A strong partnership with parents and the community
A growth-mindset for students and staff
Research-based practices
Authentic hands-on learning experiences for all students
Awareness and understanding of issues related to diversity - social, cultural, and cognitive
Embedded character education and promotion of strong habits of mind
Regional School District No. 6 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Title IX - Contact
Debbie DeLisle
98 Wamogo Road, Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-6656
Section 504 - Contact
Debra Foley
98 Wamogo Road, Litchfield, CT 06759
860-567-6642