JRB Family Newsletter

February 12, 2021

Milestone After Milestone

Milestone After Milestone

It is hard to believe we have made it to February Break with only one hiccup in our hybrid schedule. That is truly a testament to our families and our staff for being proactive and using caution whenever possible. We certainly thank all of the families that continue to choose the side of safety when keeping students home for colds or family contacts. We also appreciate it when they let us know in advance about travel plans (thank you Nurse Flis). Each time we make it past a holiday or a vacation, we simply marvel at how well things have been going. Keep up the great work and be safe over this upcoming break.
Milestone After Milestone
It's Still Cold Out There

It's Still Cold Out There

We will continue to look at each day as a chance to head outside for recess as long as the 'Real Feel' temperature will allow us. However, students can't head into the snow without boots, snow pants, gloves/mittens, and of course a coat. We have had fun out in the front field making huge snowmen and forts, plus we can occasionally head out back to the hill for some fun too. Please make sure you send in appropriate clothing for these opportunities.
It's Still Cold Out There
State-Wide Assessments

State-Wide Assessments

We are quickly coming up on our annual dive into state-wide testing (MCAS and more). As of February 12th, we are still scheduled to complete MCAS in grades 3, 4, and 5. The state has reduced the number of sessions per subject to a single one. That will leave us with a single section of Math and ELA in all three grades. Additionally, the 5th-grade will have a Science & Technology session.


The testing window is from early April until later in May. Our exact dates are not yet determined, but we will keep you informed once those are decided.

State-Wide Assessments
Learning Tree Preschool Openings

Learning Tree Preschool Openings

The Learning Tree Inclusive Preschool Program may have a limited number of spots available for community peers beginning on Monday, March 1st or Thursday, March 4th.


If you are interested in being considered as a community peer. Please complete an application.


Applications may be submitted electronically via Google Form or a paper copy may be printed, completed, and mailed to:


Pupil Services Office

11 Oakmont Drive

Ashburnham, MA 01430


The deadline to be considered as a community peer is Monday, February 15, 2021.


If there are more applicants than spots available for community peers in the preschool program, a virtual public lottery drawing will be held. Should a lottery be necessary, it will be held on Monday, February 22nd at 10:00 a.m. Families will receive a Google Meet link for the lottery.

Please note: you do not need to be present virtually for the lottery to be considered.


Families will be notified by Tuesday, February 23rd if their child is accepted into the program.


If your child is accepted as a community peer into the preschool program, you will receive an enrollment package. A completed enrollment package is required before your child may begin the preschool program.

Please direct questions about the preschool program to Aimee Vera at avera@awrsd.org


Learning Tree Preschool Openings
Nurse Notes

Nurse Notes

Reminder to all parents of 3rd Graders: Your child’s physical is due. If your child has had a physical in 2020 please have a copy forwarded to the health office if you have not already done so. If your child is in need of a physical, please make an appointment with their Primary Care Provider soon. If you need a form, please call the school nurse and one will be sent home. Physicals can always be faxed to the health office at 978-827-5699. Thanks for your prompt attention!

Thanks,

Mrs. Flis, RN

Nurse Notes
Here Is What Is Coming Up

Here Is What Is Coming Up

February 15-19, NO SCHOOL (February Break)


April-May (exact dates still TBD)- MCAS Testing for grades 3-5

Here Is What Is Coming Up
AWRSD Travel Guidelines

AWRSD Travel Guidelines

Please remember to reach out to our school nurse at jflis@awrsd.org if you plan on leaving the state for travel. You can read all of the district travel guidelines here.
AWRSD Travel Guidelines

PTA News

Spring Family Photo Session-JRB PTA fundraiser

Spring Family Photo Session-JRB PTA fundraiser

The JR Briggs PTA would like to invite you to participate in their Spring Family Photoshoot fundraiser. Photography by Veronika Patty is partnering with the PTA and will be offering family sessions on March 21st, 2021. If you are interested please reserve your spot!


Click Here to find more information.

Spring Family Photo Session-JRB PTA fundraiser

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John R Briggs Elementary School

John R Briggs Elementary School

John R Briggs Elementary School

nnorth@awrsd.org 978-827-5750 jrb.awrsd.org/