Family and Community Update
May 24, 2021
Welcome
to the Family and Community newsletter! Each Monday, we'll share the most current information, events, and resources happening within Attleboro Schools and the Attleboro community.
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From the AHS Senior Celebration! #BluePrideLivesHere
You can still fill out the free/reduced lunch application!
Register for the 2021-2022 School Year
Transportation 2021-2022 Update: Fee for Service
For families interested in having their child(ren) ride the bus next school year:
Attleboro Public Schools will offer bus service on a Fee-for-Service basis for the 2021-2022 school year. Information for Fee for Service 21-22 can be found under the “For Families” Tab (Transportation-FFS).
Reminder: All K and Gr. 1 students are eligible for free transportation
Important Transportation Documents
Fee for Service Frequently Asked Questions
You can check your child’s bus status and fee-for-service eligibility for the upcoming 2021 2022 school year by viewing the listing by streets on our website at www.attleboroschools.com. This information is based on the general area and is subject to change.
If you think you qualify for free/reduced lunch, filling out the lunch application may also qualify you for reduced transportation fees.
Elementary School Families:
Family Engagement Survey
The following is a survey that we are asking all of Elementary school families to fill out in order to better serve our Attleboro Schools community. We look forward to your input! Please complete by Friday, May 28. Your voice is important to us.
The survey link is:
https://hanover-research.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6suQv8LqgnmODD8
English Learners Parent Advisory Council
Feedback from Families on Help during COVID-19
Attleboro Public Schools (APS) and the Shah Foundation are looking for feedback from parents and caregivers in our school district about help available to families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Complete this short survey on help for families during COVID-19 & enter to win one of four $50 gift cards! All surveys are anonymous & take 5-10 minutes to complete.
Learn more: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6307716/AttleboroENG
Conozca más: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6307716/AttleboroESP
دقائق لإكماله. تعرف على المزيد
Fall 2021-22 ABACUS Registration
Fall 2021-22 ABACUS Registration
ABACUS is now accepting Pre-K through 8th grade registrations for the Fall 21/22 school year!
Registrations will be taken at our main office, please call us for more details at 508-222-0309 xt.13
Programs Located at:
ELC
All Elementary Schools
All Middle Schools
ABACUS Summer 2021 Programs
State Financial Aid Deadline Extended:
COVID Update from the MA Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE)
Information on Vaccines for Ages 12+:
Youth ages 12 and up can now be vaccinated with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. For details, including FAQs and information on parental consent, visit mass.gov/vaccinesforYouth. http://VaccineSignup.mass.govyouth-related graphics available for download, a short video from Massachusetts Medical Society President Dr. Carole Allen, and a Twitter message from Dr. Lloyd Fisher, president of the Mass Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and his daughter Caroline, who took part in the vaccine
Click here for a list of local sites offering the vaccine to students of age.
Do you need assistance getting to or from your vaccine appointment?
The Health Lifestyle Alliance (HLA) can help! To request assistance or schedule transportation, please contact:
sangelovski@attleboroschools.com
508-222-0012 x1139
Additional Resources:
Know your rights and resources during COVID-19
MA COVID-19 Vaccination data and updates
COVID-19 Vaccinations for People Under 18
Vaccine locations and information
COVID-19 vaccine frequently asked questions
Vaccine Information for You and Your Family
Just4U
Support group for students ages 7-12 with a loved one facing substance abuse
Connecting with peers can provide a helpful place for children and adolescents to learn about, discuss and cope with a loved one's addiction.By going to a meeting and listening to others who may be in a similar situation, feelings of isolation may lessen. Children and adolescents may also develop skills needed to better handle their particular situation.
In Taunton, the Cory's Cause support group, Just4U, is held the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Family Resource Center.
This group is for kids grades 7-12 and provides a supportive environment to help kids cope with a loved one's substance abuse or addiction. If you have any questions, please send an email to coryscause@aol.com.
Join us as we work to Make It OK to talk about mental health and to Make It OK to seek help when needed.
Expanded Child Tax Credit
In 2021, families can get:
• $3,600 ($300 a month) per child for children ages 0 to 5.
• $3,000 ($250 a month) per child for children ages 6 to 17.
IRS should start paying these benefits monthly in July 2021. Most families will get $250 to $300 a month per child from July through December 2021. Families will get the remaining $1,500 to $1,800 per child when they file their 2021 taxes in Spring 2022.
The Child Tax Credit will not affect your Medicaid, SNAP/Food Stamps, TANF Cash Assistance, SSI or other public benefits.
Learn about the Child Tax Credit (CTC) in many languages here: https://poverty.umich.edu/child-tax-credit/
File by May 17 & get free filing help here: https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
Fact Sheets:
Discounts on Internet Services and Equipment Rentals
- Up to a $50/month discount on their broadband service and associated equipment rentals
- Up to a $75/month discount if their household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
Community Resources and Supports
Please click here for the Community Resources and Supports available to all families.
This list of community resources was created for the Attleboro Public Schools community by Be Heard: Community Coalition for Education. This resource guide includes links to information and resources to support APS students and their families. You can access the Community Resources and Supports by clicking the link above.
Hotspot Collection
If your student currently has a hotspot provided by Attleboro Public Schools, it must be returned by the end of the current school year. Please see below for collection information.
Hotspots must be returned by Friday, June 11, 2021. If your student is currently learning remotely via Attleboro Virtual Academy, your hotspot can be returned after the last day of school.
Bring your hotspot to APS Central Office at Attleboro High School:
Attleboro High School | Superintendent's Entrance
100 Rathbun Willard Drive
Attleboro, Ma 0270
If you do not have transportation or need to arrange another way to deliver your hotspot, please contact Sarah at:
sangelovski@attleboroschools.com
508-222-0012 x1139
Did you get P-EBT? You could get more money for food with SNAP
If you have been receiving P-EBT, we wanted to share information about another important program that can help you buy food as kids go back to school in-person and P-EBT funds are adjusted accordingly. It’s called SNAP. SNAP is here for families at any time - during the pandemic and after. It is now easier to apply.
SNAP is monthly money for food. We encourage you to check your eligibility and apply.
Am I eligible to get SNAP?
Eligibility is based on your household’s size and income. Some types of income do not count for SNAP, like the current $300 per week boost in unemployment (Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation). Earnings of students under 18 in school do not count.
Will receiving SNAP impact my immigration status?
Like P-EBT, using SNAP does not impact you or your kid's immigration status. SNAP is not considered in a “public charge” test. It is safe to get food benefits that you and/or your kids are eligible for.
How much will I get if I’m eligible?
● The amount of SNAP you get generally depends on your income and how many people are in your household
● During the COVID-19 emergency, you will temporarily get the maximum SNAP amount
● For example: $616 per month for a family of 3, and $782 for a family of 4
Learn more / Apply:
Applications only take a few minutes to complete!
● Visit www.MAp-EBT.org/SNAP
● Call the Department of Transitional Assistance Line at 877-382-2363 or Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333
IMPORTANT: P-EBT is available in summer 2021 - keep your card!
For more information and support, contact:
Sarah Angelovski
sangelovski@attleboroschools.com
508-222-0012 x1139
Empowering Youth-Adult Relationships Webinar:
Join Lighthouse Health and Wellness Education for a webinar featuring presenters from the Mass Mentoring Partnership! This webinar is designed to enhance the capacity of adults to support the development of empowering youth-adult relationships in schools and youth development programs. The training will also help adults learn how to create opportunities for young people to share their opinions, thoughts, and voice in programming. Please register online to join one of the following webinars: 10:00-11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18; 3:00-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 27; or 9:30-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 2.
Be Heard: Community Coalition for Education
June 2, 2021 at 6pm
Join Be Heard as community members, students, and APS staff come together for our last Coalition meeting of the school year. In this meeting we will reflect on the work we've done over the past year and discuss the sustainability of our initiatives moving forward.To receive the meeting link, or if you are unable to attend on June 2, 2021 and would like more information, please contact Be Heard at:
APL Opportunities for Parents and Guardians
Virtual English Conversation Circle
Wednesday 5/26 @ 6pm
Practice speaking English with other adult English learners using Zoom. Speakers of all languages, and all English levels are welcome.
Jazzin' the Blues Virtual Concert with Paul Speidel
TWO VIRTUAL CONCERTS!
Thursday May 20th 7pm & Saturday June 5th 2pm
Two unique concerts—attend one, or both! These entertaining and historical concerts take listeners on a musical journey from the beginnings of Jazz and its Country Blues roots, through each period of Jazz evolution, bringing them right up to the modern day with examples of the Blues influences—not just in Jazz—but also Latin, Soul and Rock-n-Roll!
Registration is required for each concert. A link to the virtual event will be emailed the day prior.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Attleboro Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency
Virtual Genealogy ClubTuesday,
May 25@ 6pm
Come and share with other genealogy enthusiasts your research success stories, roadblocks, thoughts and questions. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. A meeting link will be e-mailed to you, after you have registered.
Thursday May 27 @ 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
The Parents Book Club meets once a month to discuss a book that probably, most of us have read. Our conversations are more social than anything and are very casual. They are intended to be a place for moms who love to read to get together and enjoy adult company. We usually, but not always, get around to discussing the book! We always have fun and look forward to the next meeting. For May's meeting we'll discuss With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo.
FREE CLOTHES/ROPA GRATIS
95 PINE STREET
Saturday,June 5
9:00-11:30 a.m.
Sábado 5 de junio, 9:00a 11:30 de la mañana
Men's, Women's, and Childrens
For spring and summer
De hombre, mujer Y ninos
Event requirements: No children, Masks, Social distancing
Requisitosdel evento: No niños, Máscaras, Distanciamiento social
Savers Clothing Drive to Benefit the Greater Attleboro Area Council for Children
We are collecting your gently used clothing, shoes, accessories & linens. The Greater Attleboro Area Council for Children will receive cash from Savers for every pound donated. No donation is too small!
So grab a bag and clean out some of your closets!
We have the following collection dates:
Saturday, April 10th and 24th - 9-11 am
Saturday, May 8th and 22nd - 9-11 am
Saturday, June 5th and 19th - 9-11 am
Contactless drop off available. Simply put your items in your trunk, drive up to the building at Door D, pop your trunk and a volunteer will empty your vehicle for you.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept any small kitchen/houseware items, sport equipment, toys or books for this collection drive.
Please bring your donations to us at 135 County Street, Attleboro. No drop offs directly to Savers please. We won't receive the credit.
Thank you for your support!
Food Drive for Kid's Summer Cafe's and Local Food Pantries
In support of World Hunger Day on Friday, May 28, several APS schools are collaborating with Hunger to Hope for a food drive. All donations will benefit the Kid's Summer Cafe's and other local food pantries. Donations of healhty, non-perishible food items are welcome the week of May 24-May 28, 2021. For a list of suggested items, please see the image to the left.
Please bring donations to
APS Central Office
Attleboro High School | Superintendent's Entrance
100 Rathbun Willard Drive
Attleboro, Ma 0270
Monday, May, 24-Friday, May, 28, 2021
3:00-4:00pm
Examples of Individual Snacks for the Kids Summer Cafés:
- Nut/Peanut Free Snacks
- Fruit Cups
- Applesauce Cups
- Pudding Cups
Crackers or Chips
Examples of Nonperishable Items for area Food Pantries:
- Canned Chicken or Tuna
- Low Salt Canned Vegetables
- Canned Fruit
- Cereals (low sugar)
Pasta or Rice (whole grain)
For more information, contact:
TouchTomorrow- A Festival of Science Technology and Robots
Save the dates and join us virtually! June 6-12, 2021
Join us for a week of experiments, tours presentations and demonstrations at the virtual TouchTomorrow, a family-friendly festival for all ages. Be sure to visit often as our schedule of events grows! Click here to register and learn more.
Please note that some programs are by invitation only, and all programs will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
MCAS Administration 2021
Scheduled Administration Dates:
Elementary Schools
Grade 3: May 13 (ELA), May 20 (Math)Grade 4: May 11 (ELA), May 18 (Math)
Middle Schools
Grades 5: May 18(ELA), May 25 (Math) , June 2 (Sci)
Grade 6: May 20 (ELA) May 27 (Math)
Grade 7: May 20 (ELA), May 27 (Math)
Grade 8: May 18 (ELA) and May 25 (Math), June 2 (Sci)
Attleboro High School
Grade 9: Students will take their required Science MCAS test the week of May 31.
Grade 10 Update: The English Language Arts MCAS test for grade 10 students will be held the week of May 10. Most of Cohort A and AVA students will test on Monday, May 10 and Thursday, May 13. Most of Cohort B students will test on Tuesday, May 11 and Friday, May 14.
Grade 11: Grade 11 students and families are reminded that they have the choice to opt in to MCAS testing this spring. Please see Principal Runey's April 28 email for more details.