Ship's Log
Week of May 27, 2019
Are you counting down the days? I really try not to and use everyday to make a difference, but sometimes it's hard not too when the stress of the year keeps building up... but I digress....
I hope ALL of you had time to rest, relax and spend time with family this weekend. I tried to balance work, housework and neglected home stuff and watched a couple of movies while my boys were away... until they came home to watch the Bruins game with me...
This is my BUSY week... Zack graduates on Friday (I still can't believe it)... and there are activities each night so I will be leaving about 2:30 each afternoon so that I can be on time :)
We have Mass on Thursday this week for Ascention Thursday.
Let's make it the BEST Week of the year!
This WEEK:
BUS DUTY: Denise Lawson
Monday- Happy Memorial Day
Tuesday (Day 166) *Stella out/Ronna cover
Grade /3 to the Ecotarium
Wednesday (Day 167)
IEP Meetings 9:00 & 9:45- Bobbie (Ally then Denise)
Thursday (Day 168)
School Mass 9:00
SPRING Concert- Students should arrive by 5:45
Friday (Day 169)
Grade 8 Retreat
Allergy Presentations by Grade 6 & 7 TO K-5 at 10:00
Happy Birthday
Sunday-
Monday- Elaina Sarsfield
Tuesday-
Wednesday-
Thursday- Luca Ciccolini
Friday- Alivia Carlin
Saturday-
Before // After School Activities:
Monday- Choir
Tuesday- BOK 4-8
Wednesday-
Thursday- BOK K-3
Friday-
BE AMAZING & Don't FORGET!
Cell Phones should not be used for personal use during class/work time. Please limit use to your prep/breaks. We understand there are times you need to be accessible- in those cases just let me know please.
UPDATE summer reading lists- please!!
SUPPLY LISTS were Due May 17th- Please get them into the office ASAP for budget planning
Just a reminder that you are responsible for the contents of the faculty/staff handbook- These are the guidelines and expectations for staff members
Graduation
Please RSVP to Mrs. Priddy and let her know if you will also attend the dinner afterward.
This is in the faculty/staff handbook and a friendly reminder is always helpful=
"Working in an elementary school setting provides our faculty with the opportunity to interact with students and parents in a variety of community-building activities, many of which take place outside of the regular school day. These obligations include Back to School Night, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Open House, Concerts, Science Fair and Graduation. ALL faculty are expected to attend these events. If for some reason, a teacher cannot attend one of these events, he or she may request the use of a personal day or sick day. Staff are also required to attend at least 2 fundraiser events during the school year (Comedy Night, Color Run, Pasta Supper, Gala, Golf Tournament etc.) unless other arrangements have been made with the principal or headmaster."
End of Year
This is always an early release day and we will have our awards assembly in the gym that morning- I'll confirm the time... this is usually followed by our Staff end of year party/luncheon- Location TBD
We will have June 14th off (enjoy) but ALL staff should plan to work on June 17th and 18th to complete additional work on our self study and supporting materials.
We are hoping to finalize most of the work by June 18th but there may be some things that will require additional work before the beginning of the next school year.
I always feel like this is the time of year that we run 100% on adrenaline- there are so many things to do and we're balancing several things at once. The last month of school is filled with so many to-dos, and sometimes we let the tasks overwhelm us and change the way we react and support the students who need us most.
I am going to make an assumption (based on some observations) that our students are beginning to sense the end of the year is near. We may see students exhibit behaviors that we haven't seen for a while OR new behaviors that leave us wondering. I found an article (linked here) that reminds of WHY this happens and how to support students through this transitional time.
"These students may begin acting out, appear less focused, and possibly shut down. Also, to adults, youthful fear and anxiety may look like anger."
In addition, the article reminds us of what stress does to the body.
"Under significant stress, the brain becomes hyper-vigilant, hyper-focused, reactive, and emotional. When stress hijacks the emotional limbic brain, we are left in a survival response as the prefrontal cortex shuts down and turns off. The frontal lobe allows us to think through choices and consequences, plan, prioritize, problem solve, and emotionally regulate with focused attention. When a continuous stream of fear, anxiety, and worries seizes our frontal lobes, our ability to think through experiences and challenges is compromised."
I want you to know that I recognize how frustrating behavior management can be at this time of year, but I also want to remind you how important it is to dig deep inside yourself to monitor your response, stay calm (at least on the outside), and ask for support from colleagues or myself if you need it. I know that I need to do this myself at times too. We can support each other and FINISH STRONG! You've Got This!!
Upcoming Events:
5/27 NO School- Memorial Day
5/28 Grade 2 & 3 Ecotarium Field Trip
5/30 Ascension Thursday Mass 9:00
5/30 PK-5 Spring Concert
5/31 8th grade retreat
6/3 School Mass 9:00- NJHS INDUCTIONS
6/3 Violin Concert 6:30
6/4 Buddy Picnic
6/5 Worcester Bravehearts Baseball Game K-8
6/6 Clap Out 11:00
6/6 8th Grade Graduation 5:00
6/7 Field Day
6/10 School Mass 9:00
6/11 Preschool Graduation 10:00
6/12 PTO Out of Dress Day
6/13 LAST Day of School- Awards in Gym 9:00 // Dismissal 11:30
8/27 First Day of School
NEASC Meetings:
June 3rd
June 10th
June 17 & June 18th
Stay Connected!
Email: bfrench@stannaleom.org
Website: www.stannaschool.org
Location: 213 Lancaster Street, Leominster, MA, United States
Phone: 978-424-1874
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaintAnnaCatholicSchool/
Twitter: @BobbieFrench