The RISE Report
Weekly Newsletter, October 23, 2022
This is the first edition of my weekly newsletter to you. Although we have been in a bit of a transition to start the year, we are now settling into our routines and getting to know our students, staff and families. I am very excited to be back in Reading and joining the RISE Preschool family this year! My goal is to keep you informed about upcoming events and important information throughout the year. I also encourage you to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at (781) 942-9179 or via email at joanne.king@reading.k12.ma.us.
This is an exciting time for our youngest learners as we continue to implement developmentally appropriate and inclusive practices in our classrooms. Our students will develop new friendships, begin to learn problem-solving skills, build some independence, play and take part in fun and engaging learning opportunities with their classmates. We will also be offering opportunities for parents/guardians to volunteer in our classrooms and see first hand what's happening at RISE. Stay tuned for more details to come!
I wish you all a wonderful week ahead,
RISE Picture Dates This Week...
Student Drop-Off & Pick-Up at RMHS
RISE Outdoor Space at Killam is Ready!
Halloween Happenings at RISE
PTN News Corner
Did you know that October is Fire Safety Awareness month? We are working with our SAFE Coordinator at the Reading Fire Department, Lt. Ryan Buckley, to schedule classroom visits at RISE. Lt. Buckley will be spending time in each classroom meeting with students and sharing important information to keep them safe. Be on the lookout for some photos coming soon!
This is also the time of year when dues are collected from each family to support the work of the PTN. Informational flyers will be sent home in backpacks this week so be on the lookout! We are hoping this gives families enough time to respond and send in the suggested amount ($35 per family) before we begin our holiday activities in November and December.
If you have any questions, or interest in volunteering this year to support our PTN, please reach out to Courtney. We welcome everyone to join!
Health Updates from Our School Nurses
We appreciate our families working with us to keep our students healthy and safe at school.
- Cold and flu season is upon us. Please monitor your child for symptoms and keep them home for these situations. Parents/guardians need to call the absentee line if your child will be out sick. Provide your student’s name, teacher name, reason for absence; You must also notify Extended Day if your child attends that program.
- COVID home tests are available for any families who need them. See here for updated COVID protocols.
- Our next vaccine clinic is this Friday October 28th at Coolidge Middle School from 2-6 PM. Preschool COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines for anyone over age 3 will be available. Here is the link to register for an appointment.
- Preschool vision screening is now mandated by MA Department of Public Health. Screenings are taking place at all RISE sites. You will be notified if the screening indicates a referral for a further follow up. Please contact your school nurse if you would like to opt your child out of this screening.
- Reading School Nurses:
- RISE @ RMHS Nicole.pelley@reading.k12.ma.us or mary.giuliana@reading.k12.ma.us
- RISE@Killam Sharon.grottkau@reading.k12.ma.us
- RISE@ Wood End Kristen.agami@reading.k12.ma.us
November Conferences
Transition Planning Workshop
Preparing students with disabilities for life after high school officially starts at age 14 and requires planning, skill development, and network support. This VIRTUAL presentation will be particularly important for our families with secondary level students on IEPs, but it is never too early for parents/caregivers of younger children to have a sense of what’s to come. Don’t miss out on this important topic. Click here to pre-register!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
📌 Wilmington SEPAC’s Basics Right Workshop - Evaluation and Eligibility. Thurs. Oct. 13th, 6 to 8PM via Zoom. Click here to register
📌 Inclusive family kickball game. Sun., Oct. 16th, 11AM to 1PM at Washington Park
📌 Board nominations requested. by Sun., Oct. 16th. Email: SEPACelection2022@gmail.com
📌 Board elections and SEPAC Business Meeting with presentation of Program Review Results. Tues., Oct 18th, at 7PM, hybrid (RMHS library and on Zoom–link forthcoming)
📌 Andover SEPAC’s Basics Right Workshop - Understanding the IEP. Tues. Nov. 8th, 7 to 9PM via Zoom. Click here to register.
📌 Reading SEPAC’s Basics Right Workshop - Transition Planning. Tues., Nov 15th, 7 to 9PM via Zoom. Click here to register!
We HIGHLY ENCOURAGE all parents of children who receive, or may receive, special educational services to attend one or more of the Basic Rights Workshops, especially if you never have.
Check your email for more details from us about these topics and more. Not on our mailing list? Click here to join SEPAC's mailing list and while you’re at it, follow SEPAC on Facebook and on Instagram.
Important Dates to Remember:
24: Diwali begins
26: Picture Day for RISE students at Killam
28: Vaccine Clinic at Coolidge Middle School, 2-6 PM
31: Halloween Happenings & Costume Parade
November
8: Teacher In-Service; No school for students
11: Veterans' Day; No school for students
16: Early Release for Conferences; 12:45 dismissal for all students; No PM classes
18: Teacher In-Service/Conferences; No school for students
23: Early Release; 11:00 AM dismissal for all students; No PM classes
24-25: Thanksgiving Recess
About R.I.S.E.
Email: joanne.king@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: https://rise.reading.k12.ma.us/
Location: 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, USA
Phone: 781-942-9179