Aiken Update
November 19, 2021
Message from the Principal
When I think back at the uncertainty we were all feeling at this time last year, I recognize that although we haven’t fully emerged from the tunnel yet, the light at the end is shining so much brighter than it was a year ago. Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and gratitude for the blessings in our lives. When I saw this quote a few days ago, I couldn’t help but think of the last twelve months. “Be thankful for the struggles you go through. They make you stronger, wiser & humble. Don’t let them break you. Let them make you.”
School remains a beacon of light for our community and I am eternally grateful for the trust that you continue to place in us. I have never been more proud of the staff in their daily efforts to keep children feeling safe, welcomed and confident in their abilities to learn and grow. As we close out conference week and head into the Thanksgiving break, your support means so much and the staff greatly appreciate every email and kind word that you share. We continue to gain strength from each other.
On a personal level, I am thankful that this year we will spend Thanksgiving with family and I will not be attempting to replicate my mother’s mashed potatoes. I am thankful to have been part of the vaccine clinic at Whiting Lane School where I watched hundreds of children receive their first dose of the vaccine. I am grateful to spend each day with your children. Their smiles and laughter are a continual source of joy in my life. I wish all of you a Thanksgiving break filled with family, hope and love.
Take care,
Shannon
Announcements and Updates from the Office of Equity Advancement
Aiken Artists
Thank you!
Bristow Middle School Lottery Process
Dear Grade 5 families:
Bristow Middle School is pleased to announce our selection process for the 2022-2023 school year! For those families that may be new to West Hartford, Bristow is a small, close-knit, middle school learning community within the West Hartford Public Schools. Our students come from every neighborhood in town and our population is reflective of the richness and diversity of our whole community. We limit entry to 105 students each year and those students are selected by a lottery process.
All fifth-grade students currently enrolled in the West Hartford Public Schools are automatically entered into the Bristow lottery. During the month of December, all fifth grade families will receive an email message about the lottery process and how to inform us about whether or not you would accept your seat if you receive a favorable lottery number.
For West Hartford residents with fifth-grade students currently enrolled in private or parochial schools, there is an application that must be submitted in order to be included in the Bristow lottery. That link will be active December 1 and will be available through the district and Bristow websites.
Lottery results letters will be sent out by email January 22, 2022. We will host two information sessions, one on Thursday March 3, 2022 and another on Monday March 7, 2022. The format is still to be determined, but we are hopeful we will be able to host them in-person.
For a comprehensive explanation of the lottery and selection process, please see our Student Selection Process linked here. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Bristow at (860) 231-2100.
Warm regards,
Chad D. Ellis, Ph.D.
Principal, Bristow Middle School
PJ Day at Aiken
Square 1 Art - Fundraiser Ends Today
Your student has created a very special art masterpiece. You will be given the opportunity to purchase unique gifts and keepsakes printed with your child's artwork. Every order made will help you preserve the special memories of your child’s creative growth in a fun and inspiring way.
Be sure to make your order(s) by 11/19/21. Keep a lookout for a personalized brochure that will go home with your kids this week. Orders will only be accepted online or by phone. Shipping to home is free for orders over $75, and is always free when shipped to the school at the end of the sale. Unfortunately, due to supply chain issues, Square 1 Art is not able to provide free stickers of the students' artwork this year. We are recommending that families that wish to receive their orders for Hanukkah, to order as soon as possible and ship to your home. There are two ways to order:
Online Ordering
- Website: https://www.square1art.com/shop
- Click on the "My Art" tab at the top
- Enter students access code found on the brochure sent home, or search for your students art using the "search" feature.
- Click tab on students artwork "Add To My Art". If you have more than one child, continue searching and adding artwork for all students.
- Click on "Shop Products" to purchase
Phone Orders
- Have your child access code, and product code ready.
- 888-332-3294 ext 1
Lastly, under the "My Art" tab, there is an upload feature that allows families to upload artwork of siblings that do not attend Aiken. Feel free to use this feature, and Aiken will still benefit from the sale. Please be sure to use the class/grade of your Aiken student in the drop down menu when uploading, so we know who to send it home with.
Thank You,
Amanda Pihl & Julie Cutler
Lyman Pie and Cookie Dough Pick Up Information
- Pies and cookie dough will be available for pickup in the Aiken auditorium on Monday November 22nd from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m
- Please enter the parking lot off of Hillsdale. You can park along the drop off lane or in the parking lot.
- Enter the auditorium through the side door entrance (please see picture). Do not enter the school through the main doors. Side door will be labeled and propped open. Come in that door and pickup will be just inside.
Aiken Holiday Donation Drive
Spotlight on Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
The featured book this week The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Marc Pett and Gary Rubenstein
Summary
Beatrice Bottomwell has NEVER (not once!) made a mistake. She never forgets her math homework, she never wears mismatched socks, and she ALWAYS wins the yearly talent show at school. In fact, the entire town calls her The Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes!
One day, the inevitable happens: Beatrice makes a huge mistake in front of everyone!
But in the end, readers will realize that life is more fun when you enjoy everything—even the mistakes.
Possible Discussion Questions:
- Why is Beatrice afraid to make mistakes?
- How do you feel when you make a mistake?
- How can you learn from your mistakes?
- Explain Beatrice’s reaction when she makes a mistake during her performance. She could have cried or ran away, but she laughed. Why do you think that is?
- Why is it important that everyone just calls her “Beatrice” at the end?
Link to the Read Aloud: