Pleasant Street School News
building a community of learners that strive for excellence
Green Team Report- The First 100 days
Pleasant Street School is registered with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection as a Green Team school. What this means in our school community is that we have taken steps to reduce our environmental impact through concrete actions. We actively recycle paper, plastics, and returnable bottles and cans. Additionally, food waste from our cafeteria is used by a local pig farmer. With staff guidance from Ms. Stephanie Parker, our school Green Team, is lead by a core group of third and fourth graders. Recyling efforts are also supported within classrooms as children take turns with different helper jobs.
Two students, Daltin and Isaac have prepared a Green Team student report and graph that depicts our paper recycling efforts after the first 100 days. Please click on the links below to read the Green Team student report and graph chart.
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Green-Team-report-February-11th.pdf
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Green-Team-100-days-chart-3.pdf
Thank you to staff and students alike who have supported our school community's efforts to be more environmentally responsible.
New District Math Program Earns High Marks!
We wanted to pass on these findings of the Eureka Math program from a recent independent study. Essentially major publishers of math curriculum programs were evaluated on alignment to common core math standards, focus, coherence, usability, rigor, and math practice. According to Education Week: "In all, just one curriculum series stood out from the pack... Eureka Math far surpassed all other curricula evaluated." View the complete report at EdReports.org (http://www.edreports.org/).
We appreciate that this years implementation of a new math program has required a BIG transition for students, families, and teachers alike! We have already witnessed some promising indicators and we are confident that with increased time and directed effort significant gains in student performance will be achieved,
Pictured: a graphic from the EdReports study. The Eureka program was identifed as the only one that meets criteria for alignment to the common core reflected by the green line.
Preschool News!
Puppies in school?...
This past week we had Officers Bill Chapman and Ray Jackson, along with three blood hound puppies, visit the morning session of preschool at Pleasant Street School. Students enjoyed meeting the puppies and learning about their special training as police dogs. Pictured is Bill Chapman and daughter Catarina who currently attends the preschool at Pleasant Street School.
To find out more about what is happening this week at preschool please click on the link below:
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Preschool-Newsletter-March-9-2015.pdfKindergarten Readers
K Students in Action!
Hailey reading to Lucas
Leah with a classic story by Dr. Seuss
"40 Throws" recess fun in Mrs. Morin's Class!
February Table of the Month...Goes to Mrs. St. Jean's Third Grade Class!
Family Learning Challenge?!
During the school vacation week we issued a "Family Learning Challenge." We asked for families to please send in "evidence" of a family learning time. This could be almost anything- a reading log, a math journal, a writing journal, pictures of an experiment done together, a visit to the library, and more. All children who participate will be entered into a drawing to receive prizes and each participant will also be recognized at our next all school meeting. Our goal was to encourage family time
Pictured above: a post card from the National Cowboys and Western Heritage Museum that Mrs. Magee toured while visiting family in Oklahoma. Pictured below- images of contemporary art from MassMoCa, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams, MA. Principal Ellis visited MassMoCa during the February vacation where she also saw Mrs. Gospodarek who was taking in the museum.
Scenes from Around the School
Applying Reading Strategies
Fourth Grade Math
Student Council in Action
Meet Challenges and Achieve Success- MCAS- 4th grade writing preparation program!
Friendly reminder- at this point, students should be working on their second essay. We thank families for your support in promoting your child's writing practice and increased success.
Meet Challenges and Achieve Success- MCAS- writing preparation program challenge!
Writing Challenge Packet (This was sent home in hard copy with students on 2/13/15)
Writing Prompts (This was also sent home on 2/13/15).
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/MCAS-writing-prompts.pdf
If you have questions about this 4th grade home writing challenge you can contact the school or feel free to send an email to Principal Ellis at dellis@arrsd.org
Community Events & Postings
Do you have news to share or want to inform members of our school community about family friendly events in our area? If, so please email or forward a flyer or link.
Thank you :)
Brain Building in Progress! Plan to attend a free workshop for families with children ages birth to 5. This is being held on March 10th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and registration is required. for more information click on the link below.
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Brain-Building-Parent-Workshop.pdf
Winter and Spring 2015- Happenings at Valuing our Children- click on the link below to see what is being offered at this wonderful family resource center.
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Happenings-at-VOC-winter-2015.pdf
For other local events, happenings, and resources in this area... you can also check the North Quabbin Community Coalition website below:
Upcoming Events...Mark your Calendars!
Upcoming Events and Dates
- March 11- district half day- noon dismissal, lunch is served
- March 24- April 6- ELA Spring testing window- look for more specific information
- April 2, Grade 4 MCAS ELA, long composition
- April 6, PTO meeting, 6:00-7:00 pm, all are welcome, childcare is provided
- April 8, School House Rock, Live, Children's play at Mount Wachusett Theatre
News from Principal Ellis
Email: dellis@arrsd.org
Website: arrsd.org
Location: 1060 Pleasant Street., Athol, MA 01331
Phone: (978) 249-2405