What's up at Western?
Western Coventry Elementary Family Newsletter
February 27, 2022
Letter from the Principal
We are rested, reset, and READY for return! This time of year is so exciting - students are flourishing both socially and academically and it's amazing to see their success. I am honored to have a front row seat to their growth and performance. Covid cases are subsiding, student attendance is increasing, and the weather will start to get warmer! Great things to come.
As you probably know, Superintendent Levis announced that masks will be optional as of March 7th. School districts are meeting with the Department of Health over the next week to determine if other protocols will need to be amended. I will communicate any changes that are made over the coming week so that you are up to date.
We always look for opportunities to teach and learn in response to the things that come our way. The new change in mask guidance is a great time to foster acceptance and respect for others' choices. "Masks- optional, respect for individual choice - required." At Western, we are respectful of family differences and we respect everyone's individual choice around wearing a mask or not wearing a mask. Our goal is to continue to strengthen these important social skills among students so that Western can be an inclusive environment where differences are valued.
I look forward to a great week with our incredible children!
Dr. B
Breakfast/Lunch Menu This Week
March 14th - Distance Learning Day for Students
Help our PTO
"Many hands make light work"
The PTO plans school events and raises funds for things like recess equipment, curricular materials, Adopt-a-Family, School-Home folders, school events, assemblies (coming back!) and so much more. Those of you who went to Santa Sale know the hard work that is put into these traditions. The PTO is also a great way to ensure that parent voice is a part of your child's education.
PTO meetings have been hybrid - so you can join in person or virtually. Even as COVID subsides, we will likely keep the virtual option for those who find it more convenient with busy schedules or little ones at home. We would love to see more people as we have many fun things to plan this Spring. I promise, it's fun and so fulfilling! Next meeting is on 3/8 at 6:30 pm in the Western Library.
Westie Wear
Family Dance - Country Western
Western is so excited to announce that we will be hosting a Spring Family Dance! Planning is in progress and the tentative date is May 14th at Twelve Acres in Smithfield. This is an outdoor tented venue that can accomodate our large and lively crowd! The theme will be "Country Western" so get ready to dress up that Cowboy and Cowgirl attire.
Providence Bruins Family Outing - March 26th
Coming Soon: New Arrival and Dismissal Traffic Pattern
You may have seen a group of folks during arrival and dismissal observing, measuring, and planning. We have partnered with the Department of Transportation for guidance on the safest and most efficient arrival and dismissal routine at Western. Having our school on a busy state road leads to many complications. They have identified a number of issues such as out of date road signage, traffic congestion, and more. The week after April break, we will pilot a new arrival and dismissal routine in hopes to find the safest and smoothest process for Western Families as well as for people passing through on 117 during these busy segments of time. Times for arrival and pick up will NOT change this spring, as not to interrupt your daily routine. I will push out much more information before April Break. Stay tuned!
Report Cards
Trimester 2 Report Cards will be available on March 21st on Aspen. If you are having an issue logging in, please email parenthelp@coventryschools.net. This video is very helpful: short video to explain all the features. Please email parenthelp@coventryschools.net if you need any assistance.
COVID Updates
Mask Update: At the school committee meeting on 2/17, Superintendent Levis announced that masks will become optional beginning on Monday, 3/7. We are still awaiting updated guidance on how this will impact other policies currently in place such as masking during the isolation period. The district team will discuss remaining protocols this coming week with RIDOH and I expect to have updated guidance in place before 3/7 when the mask mandate is lifted.
COVID-19 Test Kits: We have received a shipment of COVID-19 test kits for each student. If you would like one, stop by the office to pick one up. We will not be sending them home with students at the elementary level, but they will be available for pick up during school hours (call if you need to pick it up later - Dr. B is usually still there).
RIDOH Playbook (Updated 2/8/22)
Coventry Updated Health and Safety Protocols (updated 1/10/22)
Please reach out to our school nurse at 401-397-3355 with questions about whether or not to send your child to school.
Contest Update
Thank you to all families who sold these coupon cards! We still have some left that we will sell in the office and at upcoming school events. This week, we will announce the winning classroom and winning student during morning announcements.
SurveyWorks Time
Please fill out our annual SurveyWorks questionnaire. We need as many parents as possible to fill out the survey so that we have quality data on how to improve education at Western, at the district level, and at the state level. Simply visit this link:
Feinstein Ticket Winners!
- Winning schools receive a $5,000 grant!
- Winning students receive a $500 grant, which they can give to their school or a non-profit of their choice.
- Winning students also receive a surprise set of gifts from us at The Feinstein Foundation!
See more information on The Feinstein Website
YMCA is Hiring!
YMCA is hiring for summer! They are looking for all summer positions: water front/lifeguards, camp staff. Part and full time positions, including paid training and member benefits. For more details, email Laura Stiles at LStiles@ymcapawt.org.
Community Opportunities for Coventry Children
Coventry Public Library Upcoming Events
Save the Dates!
- March 8: March PTO Meeting 6:30 in Western Library and on Zoom
- March 10: School committee Meeting
- March 11: Trimester 2 Ends
- March 14: Distance Learning Day (Teacher PD)
- March 21: Trimester 2 Report Cards available in Aspen
- March 24: School committee Meeting
- March 26: Providence Bruins Family Outing
- April 7: Bingo Night
- April 14: Spring Pictures by Lifetouch
- April 15: No school (Good Friday)
- April 18-22: Spring Break
- April 25-29: Spring Book Fair
- May 11: Distance Learning Day (Teacher PD)
- May 14: tentative date for the Western Family Dance
- May 30: No School (Memorial Day)
- June 4: Vendor Event
- June 13: Last day of school (half day for students)
Helpful Links
Join the PTO!
Western Coventry Elementary School
Email: bagleykristin@coventryschools.net
Website: coventryschools.net
Location: Western Coventry Elementary, Flat River Road, Coventry, RI, USA
Phone: 401-397-3355
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Western-Coventry-School-103618818704674
Twitter: @westerncov