Wednesday's Words
November 23, 2022
What's Inside
- Family Letter
- Press Release - Wreaths Across America
- Technology Department Reflection: Katie Greer
- Calendar Reminders
- Norfolk PTO News
- Health & Wellness
- KPHS events
- NPS Employment Opportunities
- Classroom Happenings
- Norfolk Recreation Upcoming Events
Dear Families,
We wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving break. November offers another great opportunity to honor and celebrate the Indigenous people of the Americas. Please see below if you are looking for some books for kids written from the Native perspective by Native authors. These books are also great to read on a kindle or audible during road trips.
Be on the lookout for an additional issue of Wednesday Words next week that will provide information about our Standard Based Reporting practices, Teacher Conferences, and how we support all students by incorporating MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) practices.
We look forward to seeing our students on Monday, November 28th.
Have a wonderful long weekend-
The NPS Administrative Team
Keepunumuk: Weeachumun’s Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Greendeer is a beautifully illustrated and more complete story of Keepunumuk, the time of harvest for the Wampanoag people from the regions around Plymouth. Written and illustrated by Native people, including Danielle Greendeer of the Mashpee Wampanoag Nation, the story centers on the Wampanoag experience as told by a grandmother to her grandchildren.
We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell (Cherokee) shows younger kids how traditional values centered around thankfulness and gratitude are honored today by people in Cherokee Nation
Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard. Kids ages 3 to 5. This is a modern Native American story about the popular pan-Native food fry bread. Author Kevin Noble Maillard, an enrolled member of the Seminole Nation, writes in a simple but powerful verse that fry bread is more than just a meal. It’s also a symbol of family togetherness and traditions celebrated by tribes across the country.
Forever Cousins by Laurel Goodluck. Story of two cousins whose friendship is tested when the family moves to the Rez. This tender story about navigating change reminds readers that the power of friendship and family can bridge any distance. Through beautiful illustrations and text, the story also highlights the ongoing impact of the 1950s Indian Relocation Act on Native families, even today.
REMINDER: Norfolk Public Schools, Town of Norfolk to Host Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit Later This Month
NORFOLK -- Superintendent Dr. Ingrid Allardi and Town Administrator Justin Casanova-Davis remind residents that Norfolk's Freeman-Kennedy School will host the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit later this month as part of a special free event open to the public.
Please click here for full Press Release.
Empowering students on how to use technology in a healthy and safe way!
Katie Greer, Internet Safety Expert, visited Norfolk last Thursday and shared her expertise with students in grades two through six during the school day, and for community members at an evening presentation. Each of Katie’s presentations were tailored for her audience.
TOPICS COVERED:
- Rules - Establishing rules to follow for using devices
- Video Games - Understanding healthy boundaries and protecting your data.
- Personal Information - How to protect your personal information online.
- Online Chat- Benefits and risks of communicating with friends online.
Privacy Settings - How do they work/Are they effective/What does ‘private’ really mean?
Digital Footprint - The impact of activity online as it relates to leaving a digital footprint.
This is not a One-Size-Fits-All Model - What is right for one family might not work for another.
DID YOU KNOW?
Most sites and apps require users to be 13 years of age to use their sites, apps and offer no protection for children younger than that. For more information go to: COPPA
Katie shared real life experiences and practical advice on how to develop a healthy relationship with technology. She gave examples on how to develop skills and knowledge to effectively use the internet and digital technology. For more information please visit https://www.klgreer.com/
Thank you to NCL and thank you for partnering with us on this complex topic!
-NPS Technology Team
H. Olive Day presentation
Trish Kelley, Director of Technology, introducing Katie Greer at the FK
Katie Greer's parent presentation
Calendar Reminders
- Thursday, November 24, 2022 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Day
- Friday, November 25, 2022 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
Norfolk PTO News & Events
• PTO Co-Chair Opening
We are in search of a Co-Chair to join the PTO's Executive Board! In this position you will work with the current co-chair to supervise, direct and coordinate the work of the PTO. You will work directly with principals and teacher representatives at both schools to maintain a supportive relationship between the schools and the PTO. This is a two-year term. Please email norfolkmapto@gmail.com with questions or interest.
• Upcoming PTO Meeting Dates:
December 7th at 7:30pm, Location TBD
January 11th at 7:30pm, FK Cafeteria
February 1st at 7:30pm, Location TBD
March 1st at 7:30pm, FK Cafeteria
April 5th at 7:30pm, Location TBD
May 3rd at 7:30pm, FK Cafeteria
June 7th at 7:30pm, Location TBD
To get involved with the PTO please contact us at NorfolkMAPTO@gmail.com
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming!
The book fair is returning to Norfolk schools December 5th through 9th. Please keep your eyes out for more information.
We are also looking for volunteers. Please use the links below to view available time slots and sign up:
Freeman Kennedy - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084AAFAE2BABF85-freeman
H. Olive Day - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4CAFA62CA5F49-holive
Minted Fundraiser
The Norfolk PTO is excited to share that we have again partnered with Minted this holiday season. Order personalized holiday cards or photo gifts through Minted using the promo code FUNDRAISENORFOLK and receive 20% off your order. 15% of all proceeds will be donated back to the Norfolk PTO to support our schools. Order now through December 31, 2022.
Fundraiser for 6th Grade Promotion!
Over the next months the 5th/6th Grade Promotion Committee will be hosting a variety of fundraising events to support the 6th Grade Promotion in June 2023. As a school district it is important for us to recognize and celebrate your child's years within the Norfolk Public Schools. All money raised goes towards end of the year events for our 6th graders (field day, promotion day, ice cream truck, Camp Bournedale, etc..) and a gift that is left to the fifth grade class. Our goal this year is to have a variety of fundraising events which involve students and families!
Our first fundraiser is with Boston Wick Candles. There are 6 different candle scents (hello winter-vanilla chai, apple cider donut, Norfolk -brown sugar & fig, cozy nights, and thankful). The cost of each candle is $20.00 and we receive 50% of the proceeds! Attached to this Connect Ed. you will find an information sheet and ordering form (we will send paper copies home today). If you are interested in ordering a candle, please fill out the ordering sheet and send it into school with your child. Your child's homeroom teacher will collect the envelopes. Please place the ordering sheet in a sealed envelope marked BOSTON WICK Fundraiser. This fundraiser may help you get a jump start on your holiday shopping.
• Wednesday, November 30, 2022 - All candle orders are due
• December 20 and 21 - Candles will be available for pick up
If you have any questions about this fundraiser, please feel free to reach out to Jen Oliver at jenoliver2008@gmail.com or Lisa Altham-Hickey at althamhickey@norfolk.k12.ma.us.
Sincerely,
Lisa & 5th/6th Grade Promotion Committee
Health & Wellness
Click here: Creating a Calm Holiday Season
Monday, December 5th, 5:30-7:30PM @ the North Attleboro YMCA
300 Elmwood Street
WORKSHOPS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO ALL.
NO Y MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED.
RSVP TO BRYNNEK@HOCKYMCA.ORG
King Philip Regional High School Events
New KP Merchandise
Parents Night Out!
Click on picture for more info
NPS Employment Opportunities
We are always in need of:
- Substitute Teachers
- Lunch Monitors
- Food Service Assistants
The tradition continues... working with clay in Mrs. Mellick's art class!
Students made posters to welcome Katie Greer who presented on internet safety!
Grade 4 wrote Thankful Essays for their families in Mrs. Cloutier's class!
Norfolk Recreation Upcoming Events
Wednesday's Words
• Special Issue: Wednesday, November 30th
Standard Based Reporting practices, Teacher Conferences, and how we support all students by incorporating MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) practices
• Our next regular issue will be: Wednesday, December 7th
Norfolk Public Schools
Email: allardi@norfolk.k12.ma.us
Website: norfolk.k12.ma.us
Location: 70 Boardman Street, Norfolk, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 528-1225