Dolphin News
Francis A. Desmares School - November 2023
A Note From Mr. Masessa and Mrs. Custy
Greetings Desmares Families!
October was a special time for our students, teachers, and staff. During the month of October, there was only one instructional day interrupted by a half day of school. This is when we begin to develop real stamina for learning and our teachers focus on the results of standardized tests that students took in September to better prepare their lessons and guide instruction. Students needing support for Reading, Math, and ESL instruction in small groups are getting the additional support they need at this time.
Some of our special events from October included:
Friday meetings with our therapy dog, Marley, in classrooms, the School Counseling office, and at recess.
Our first author visit - Dion Leonard and his dog Gobi. Our students still talk and write about the amazing story of Gobi.
The Academic Parent Teacher Team event. Parents and teachers working collectively to establish goals for our students.
Walkathon 2023 - The most successful fundraising walkathon ever, thanks to your support! Students continue to be amazed that Mr. Masessa’s hair didn’t stay the color blue!
Burlington Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to benefit the STEM Lab at our school.
Halloween - Please see our X postings for pictures of this year’s parade. We are so happy you could make it to see your children on this special day.
In November, we will host a Title I Needs Assessment Committee meeting which will include one parent from each grade level, teachers, administrators, and members of our PTO. Mrs. Custy and Mr. Masessa will present important data that drives our teacher professional development and daily instructional strategies for committee review and discussion. If you are interested in participating on this committee, which should meet two times this year, please complete the Title I Needs Assessment Committee survey by clicking here. Our first meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 29th in the Desmares Library.
Parent - Teacher Conferences:
Information about scheduling your conference(s) will be coming home very soon in a separate letter from the main office. This year, we are using ‘Pick a Time’, which is an online program for scheduling conferences. If you have any issues or questions after you have followed the procedures for scheduling a conference on Pick a Time, please contact the main office. Stay tuned for more information!
LOST and FOUND:
We are noticing many more jackets and sweatshirts piling up on our Lost and Found table in the main foyer. If you are missing anything, please stop by the school or encourage your child to ask for assistance with looking for a lost item. All items that remain on the table and hung up on the lost and found rack will be donated to Goodwill on December 22nd.
Towards the end of the month, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. We wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Each and every day, we are thankful for the students, families, and staff that make up our Desmares Dolphin community.
~ Mr. Masessa and Mrs. Custy
Governor's Educator of the Year Nominations
It is time to recognize the hard work and commitment of our talented teachers and staff through the Governor's Educator of the Year program. We invite our Desmares community to nominate a teacher or education services professional (click here for details) that you feel demonstrates the following:
- Serves as an exceptionally skilled and dedicated educator in a public or charter school;
- Inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn;
- Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside the classroom;
- Has the respect and admiration of students, parents, administrators and colleagues; and
- Plays an active role in the community as well as the school.
To submit a nomination, please complete a nomination form by clicking on one of the links below. Nominations must be received by Wednesday, November 8th. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Custy - maryjane.custy@frsd.us
School Counseling Corner
In November, we’ll learn about our character traits: Self-esteem and Pride.
Self-esteem is liking yourself, feeling worthwhile, believing in yourself, and knowing what you do well.
Pride means to be proud of who we are. Making good choices helps you feel proud of yourself.
These are some book suggestions to understand better this month's character traits:
I am Enough by Grace Byers (English)
I am Enough/ Soy Suficiente (Espanol)
I like myself by Karen Beaumont (English)
I like Myself/ Me gusta como Soy (Espanol)
We are also celebrating World Kindness Day on November 13th. Let’s participate in the index card activity. Students will learn more about it next week.
Mrs. Moncada & Mrs. Monks
School Nurse News
Attendance
Important Dates
- November 2 - Kindness Ninja Assembly
- November 3 - School Spirit Day - Wear your blue and white!
- November 7 - NO SCHOOL - Election Day
- November 9 and 10 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher's Convention
- November 22 - EARLY DISMISSAL - Thanksgiving
- November 23 and 24 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving
- November 28 - PTO Meeting at 7:30 via Zoom
HELPFUL LINKS
Francis A. Desmares Elementary School
Nurse's Office - Ms. Dausch: 908-284-7545
School Counselor - Mrs. Monks: 908-284-7542
Bilingual School Counselor - Mrs. Moncada: 908-284-7553
Email: firstname.lastname@frsd.us
Website: https://www.frsd.k12.nj.us/Domain/284
Location: 16 Old Clinton Road, Flemington, NJ, USA
Phone: 908-2984-7540
Twitter: @desmaresschool