Pleasant Street School News
building a community of learners that strive for excellence
This Tuesday... We want you at our Family Reading Night!
In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, JR.
As we celebrate and honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. students have been reading a number of stories about his important contributions in our nation's history. Quotes offered by some of our students include:
"He changed the world." "He didn't want people to be treated differently." "He lead marches." "He stood up for what was right." "He was a very important person."
We encourage families to visit local libraries to find more child friendly books and resources on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or click on the link below.
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/martin-luther-king-jr-day/kids-books/Making the Most of Indoor Recess on Cold Wintry Days!
Professional Development Day January 16th
Elementary teachers from Riverbend/Sanders, Royalston Community School and Pleasant Street came together for a full day of continued learning on implementing our Readers Workshop balanced literacy instructional approach. We took time to recognize celebrations of learning that we are seeing with children across the district and wanted to share these with our families.
Celebrations for Students
- Kids being excited about reading!
- Children are more involved in the learning process
- Common language
- Children are more engaged
- Love to read
- Children are having deeper conversations (author, character, setting, big ideas, theme, schema, and more)
- See childrens' thinking evolve in turn and talk
- Increased confidence
- Able to think more about that they are reading
Changes in Teacher Instruction that are Positive
- Know my students better!
- Instruction in more personalized to meet individual needs
- Clearer on my (teacher) expectations of student learning
- More focused on what kids need
- Teaching more strategically and seeing children using strategy to help their learning
- Teaching kids to think more metacognitively
- Seeing the rate of progress for children
Help Us Reach Our BoxTops for Education Goal
Our PTO needs more families to be involved!
Our Volunteer Box has been such a Big Hit!
Donations Always Appreciated!
- tissue
- papertowels
- cleaning wipes
- low sugar snacks- pretzels, goldfish, animal crakers, raisins, etc.
Times are Tough...We Care for One Another in Our Community
At Pleasant Street, we have children who need winter gear, boots, warm jackets, hats, mittens, and snowpants. We also have children who rely on eating at school as there is not enough food at home. Last week, one of my teachers commented that she had 8 children in her class who didn't have a snack. This teacher had already emptied her emergency supply closet and had moved on to offering up her lunch.
If your family is struggling financially we want you to know that you are not alone and that help is available. For community resources, information about food or fuel assistance and more, you can contact the North Quabbin Patch office at 423 Main St., Athol at 978- 249-5070. The Patch office can direct families to supports that are available in our area. The North Quabbin Community Coalition also has an on-line directory at : http://www.nqcc.org/resource.html that lists a wide range of resources with everything from alcohol and substance use treatment, to education, legal services, mediation, housing, education, veteran services, and more.
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 :)
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
- Jan. 19- Martin Luther King Day, no school
- Jan. 20, Family Reading Night, 6:00-7:00 pm-Make it a date!
- Feb. 2, Parent/Teacher Organization meeting, 6:00-7:00 pm, all are welcome
- Feb. 4, District half day, noon dismissal, lunch will be served
- Feb. 6, PTO cake dance, likely 6:00-7:30 pm, more information to folllow!
- Feb. 11th- projected 100th day of school- look for 100 day classroom recognitions!
News from Principal Ellis
Email: dellis@arrsd.org
Website: arrsd.org
Location: 1060 Pleasant Street., Athol, MA 01331
Phone: (978) 249-2405