Jaguar Tracks for Families
April 13, 2021
From the Desk of Mrs. Ippolito
What a great first week back to school. Thank you to all of our wonderful families for supporting their children to arrive both at school and online, on time. It starts everyone's day on the right foot!!
Please remember a few details when coming to JE;
1. Please no pets during the school day on JE property.
2. It feels weird for me to say, but please leave school property as soon as your child is dropped off to ensure social distancing.
3. Please use our Free Little Library for children's books only and do not leave books outside the library itself.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week before school vacation!
All my best,
Mrs. Ippolito
Joshua Eaton Reminders:
- Doors open & students begin to sign on @ 8:10
- Morning Work @ 8:15 -8:25
- School starts @ 8:25
- The dismissal bell rings @ 2:45
- Car tags must be hung on car visor or placed on the dash of the car to pick up car riders
- Send a note with your student if changing transportation home
- Students receive a free lunch every day
For families who are walking home via Oak St, please be sure to stay on the sidewalks as you leave JE to help keep everyone safe!!
Placement 21-22
Spring is the time of year when we begin planning for next year. Soon we will be meeting as a staff to begin the process of assigning students to classes. Student placement is a complex, collaborative process that the staff and administration take very seriously. We spend a great deal of time carefully thinking about the whole child while we create our classes for the next school year.
Any parental input should be provided in a written format through this survey form but know that written input is optional. Placements are made by the professional educators involved with your child and are also informed by your input as a parent. Our highest priority is to create safe, inclusive, heterogeneous classrooms. It is important that you offer information that is not specific to any particular teacher. Requests for specific teachers will not be considered in the placement process.
In order to facilitate our placement process, we ask that, if you decide to use the Google Placement Form, that you do so by Thursday, April 15th. After this date, we cannot accept additional responses.
Fifth-grade parents: Middle School placements will be handled at the middle school level, and fifth-grade families have already received transition information about each respective middle school. This information is also available on the Coolidge and Parker Middle School websites. Do not fill out this survey form for an outgoing fifth-grade student.
Families with incoming kindergarteners: Information regarding placement and kindergarten screening will be coming later in the year. Do not fill out this survey form for an incoming kindergarten student.
Please understand that once classes are created the decisions are final. We hope that you will continue to support our efforts, trust our judgments as professionals, and encourage your child to look forward to an enjoyable and productive school year.
Again, the survey form can be found here.
Sincerely,
The Elementary Principal Team
Julia Hendrix, Birch Meadow; Beth Leavitt, Barrows; LisaMarie Ippolito, Joshua Eaton; Sarah Leveque, J.W. Killam; Joanne King, Wood End
Joshua Eaton PTO NEWS
PTO General Meeting - April 14th, 7 pm Click link to join: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/83594495264
5th Grade Yearbook: Art and Poem Contest! *Deadline EXTENDED*
5th graders are invited to participate in a cover contest for the yearbook! Students can draw a picture or write a poem about JE pride and what JE means to them. A student yearbook committee (more on that soon!) will determine the winners whose work will be showcased on the front and inside cover of the yearbook! All submissions will be included in the yearbook.
Please submit your child’s work to Rosanne Guerriero at rosannetg@gmail.com by April 26th. If you cannot scan artwork and send digitally, please email Rosanne to determine an alternative way to submit.
National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3-7!
What a year it's been! We want to shower our amazing teachers and staff with appreciation, and the PTO has a lot of fun things planned. We've adjusted some of our usual activities (unfortunately, no potluck this year!) but we still need your support to make Appreciation Week a success! Please consider signing up to donate packaged snacks/beverages or gift cards: Sign Up Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c48aaaf2ca1fac25-jeteacherstaff. Thank you!
*All donations are optional. Snack cart donations can be dropped off between April 29-May 2 in a bin outside at 16 CURTIS STREET. Gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to the same address anytime before May 2. Questions? Call/Text Meredith Yoder: 703-795-4536.
Open PTO Positions for the 2021-2022 School Year:
It's that time of year when we begin to look at the PTO positions that are open for the next school year! Joining the PTO is a wonderful way to build connections with our school community and contribute. Below are the roles that we will need help filling for next school year:
· Vice President
· Enrichment Coordinator
· Volunteer Coordinator
· Social Coordinator
· Community Service
All positions can be served with a second person. Outgoing members can meet with new members to coordinate a transition to set everyone up for success. Please email Amber Hunt at jeptopresident@gmail.com with any questions or if you are interested.
Joshua Eaton Dance Fit Program -Fundraiser
Hi families!
Our Joshua Eaton Dance Fit program kicks off right after the break! Here is a trailer for the character videos that students will watch during the program. We can't wait!
Mrs. Courtney
Mrs. Nazzaro
Ms.Cucinotta
Mrs. Ippolito
Important Dates
- April 14th - PTO General Meeting 7:00 pm Click link to join: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/83594495264
- April 17th - 25th - April Vacation Week
- May 2021 - See MCAS Dates below
- May 28th - District PD Day (No School for Students)
- June 18th - Grade 5 Promotion Ceremony - Car Rally
- 9:30 - Mrs. Johnston's Class
- 9:50 - Mr. Derosier's Class
- 10:10 - Mrs. Donlon's Class
- June 21st - LAST day of school K - 5
Travel During April Vacation
FREE MEALS FOR STUDENTS BOTH IN AND OUT OF SCHOOL!
Through the extension of the Seamless Summer Meal program started in response to COVID-19, we are able to offer all Reading Public School Children FREE meals until the end of June.
What this means for your family–
- Your school-age children will receive a healthy breakfast (at Coolidge, Parker and RMHS only,) and lunch every school day, at no cost, in a safe and welcoming environment. This applies to students who are attending classes in school.
- Our other option for FREE meals for children, ages 0-21, in your home is meal distribution. This may include remote learners, participating in a hybrid learning mode, or any other children in your home. These meals will provide breakfast and lunch for each day, including weekends, at the bridge of Reading Memorial High School on Wednesdays from 2:30 – 3:30 pm or Friday from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon.
Your family may participate in BOTH options. Students can eat at school and receive Meal Distribution for the remote days and weekend meals that your family is entitled to.
This program allows Reading School District to provide the most nourishing and appetizing meals possible for your children. When your children eat school meals, it helps the school system by providing federal funds to the district. The more meals we serve, the more funding we receive, allowing us to focus on providing wonderful, nutritious meals for your family. If your children have never participated in school meals, consider trying the program this year!
If you have any questions please contact Danielle Collins, School Nutrition Director, at Danielle.Collins@Reading.k12.ma.us or 781-670-2822
METCO Director Search
Dear Reading Community Member,
The Reading Public Schools are seeking a METCO Director for the 21-22 school year. As part of that process, we are seeking your input about the characteristics and skills this person should have. Please complete the survey at this link by Friday, April 16th.
The Screening Committee for selecting the next Reading Public Schools METCO Director is seeking members. This committee will review applicants for the METCO Director position, interview applicants, and send finalist choices to the Superintendent. These candidates will be interviewed by the Superintendent and he will make the final choice. We are collecting community input through a survey of families, staff, and RMHS students. This committee will review those survey results and use them to inform our questions as part of this process.
The composition of the committee is as follows:
LisaMarie Ippolito, Joshua Eaton Principal, Co-Facilitator
Julia Hendrix, Birch Meadow Principal, Co-Facilitator
Teacher
Teacher
Teacher
METCO Parent/Guardian
METCO Parent/Guardian
Parent/Guardian
Secondary Level Student
The following dates are the timeline for the screening committee. Please make sure you’re available for these dates prior to indicating interest.
April 26th
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Screening Committee Organizational Meeting
Question Review and Selection
May 6th
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Meet to review applicants
Friday, May 14th
7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Interviews
Send pre-finalist to Superintendent
Please click on the following link to sign up for the METCO Director Screening Committee The deadline for this is April 16th. https://forms.gle/Zk4H7HoqZ3ehTrHF9
Even if you are unable to participate in the screening committee we ask that you complete the needs assessment survey.
Julia Hendrix Julia.hendrix@reading.k12.ma.us
LisaMarie Ippolito lisamarie.ippolito@reading.k12.ma.us
Joshua Eaton News
MCAS Update
Grades 3-5 MCAS 2021: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is preparing for MCAS administration this spring and therefore I am starting the work to be prepared here.
The testing dates for Joshua Eaton are:
Tuesday, May 11th - Gr 5 ELA
Thursday, May 13th - Grs 3 & 4 ELA
Math
Wednesday, May 19th - Gr 5 Math
Tuesday, May 25th Grs 3 & 4 Math
Science
Thursday, May 27th - Gr 5
DESE has made the adjustment to one session per grade and content area and a shortened testing window. We do not have information yet on how tests will be administered for fully remote students.
Student Absences - IMPORTANT
There are two ways to do that prior to 7:45 am of the morning the student is absent:
1. Call 781-942-9161, Dial 1 - leave a message
2. Email jeeabsences@reading.k12.ma.us
From the Desk of Mrs. Trevejo, School Nurse
Pool Testing update- Week of 4/9- Number Tested Results
- Staff 38 -Negative
- Students 199 -Negative
- Total 237
4.9.2021
From the Health Office -
This was our first-week pool testing all consented students and staff members. Overall, the process went smoothly. To maximize the benefits of pool testing, we would like to increase number of students getting tested. Right now, we are only testing approximately half of our JE population. If you haven’t signed your child up, there is still time. Please fill out this google form. We will not be able to include your child in this week’s testing, but we will be able to include them the next time they will be in person.
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=pLyBa1nNQUOpBOov91j-Khq-qSxcUPJBqh7GozD1HDlUMjcwOU1DWDVCUjFMMldSTkRHSTU3NkFBVC4u
Please remember that you will not be notified of results UNLESS your child’s pool tests positive and they will need to participate in the follow up reflux testing. I will be in touch with you directly if that is the case.
As of Monday, March 22nd, the state has updated its travel guidelines. For more information, please see Mass DPH Travel Guidelines. If you have any questions, please reach out to me directly, elmy.trevejo@reading.k12.ma.us
Sun Safety
Just a quick reminder that with the warmer weather, it’s important to make sure that your children are protected from the sun. Twenty percent of a person’s lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. Use sun precautions every day. Even on a cloudy day, up to 40 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays pass through the clouds.
Use Sunscreen
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all kids — regardless of their skin tone — wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Whatever sunscreen you choose, make sure it's broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) and, if kids are in or near water, is labeled water-resistant. Apply a generous amount and re-apply often. (15 minutes before exposure and reapply every 2 hours or as indicated by the company) https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/facts-about-summer-sun-safety
Cover Up
One of the best ways to protect skin is to cover up. To make sure clothes offer enough protection, put your hand inside garments to make sure you can't see it through them.
Avoid the Strongest Rays of the Day
Try to stay in the shade when the sun is at its strongest (usually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). If kids are in the sun during this time, apply and reapply sunscreen — even if they're just playing in the backyard. Most sun damage happens from exposure during day-to-day activities, not from being at the beach. Remember that even on cloudy, cool, or overcast days, UV rays reach the earth. This "invisible sun" can cause unexpected sunburn and skin damage.
Double-Check Medicines
Some medicines make skin more sensitive to UV rays. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any prescription (especially antibiotics and acne medicines) and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines your kids take can increase sun sensitivity. If so, take extra sun precautions. The best protection is simply covering up or staying indoors; even sunscreen can't always protect skin from sun sensitivity.
In good health,
Elmy Trevejo, RN MPH
From the Desk of Ms. Cucinotta, PE Teacher
Office of Student Services
Dear Families,
The schools have been busy over the past few weeks prepping for the upcoming change to full - in person learning! We are looking forward to seeing more students in the building! We understand that this shift in the learning model can bring up additional questions about supporting your students and we would be happy to meet with individuals during office hours to discuss any questions or concerns.
Below, please find our office hours for the month of April. Please use the DOODLE Poll link to select a time to meet with us. We continue to enjoy these opportunities to meet with families on an individual basis.
Prior to your scheduled time, a ZOOM link will be sent to you via email. Please be sure to include your email address when you sign up!
If you have any questions regarding Office Hours, please contact Allison Wright, Director of Special Education @ Allison.Wright@reading.k12.ma.us.
Office Hours for April 2021
- Thursday 4/15 @ 9:30-10:30 am
- Tuesday 4/27 @ 2:00-3:00 pm
Link to the Doodle Poll to sign up for Office Hours:
https://doodle.com/poll/qywrhxnahz424rm3?utm_source=poll&utm_medium=link
Doodle: Student Services Office Hours - April 2021
Best,
Allison Wright
Director of Student Services
Reading Public Schools
Reading, MA 01867
Parent Conference: Topic - Autism through Endicott College
SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council)
Please join the SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) at our next business meeting on
Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 7:00 PM!
New business to be discussed includes a presentation by Team Chair, Kelly DiCato, on the DESE Resource Guide to the MA Curriculum Frameworks for Students with Disabilities, followed by caregiver comments/questions; also a parent prepared a presentation on local/regional community resources providing family education/advocacy, recreational opportunities, and summer camps, followed by a parent discussion regarding the same; and other items.
Please join us for these presentations and discussions and feel free to share any
additional resources that you think other parents may find helpful.
All are welcome!
This meeting will be held virtually, via Zoom.
Join us for our next
VIRTUAL SEPAC MEETING
on Tuesday, April 13th at 7 PM.
Meeting link: Join Zoom Meeting
All are welcome and ENCOURAGED to attend!
Connect with SEPAC by clicking these links:
- Join SEPAC's mailing list by emailing SEPACREADING@gmail.com
- Follow SEPAC on Facebook (please adjust settings so that you are sure to see our posts)
- Visit SEPAC’s website
The mission of the Reading Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of, all children with special needs in the community.
Thank you,
SEPAC BOARD
Coolidge: Sleeping Beauty; Briar Rose
The Coolidge Production of "Sleeping Beauty, Briar Rose:, will be virtually broadcast on April 16 at 7:30 & April 17 at 3:00. The students, directed by Stephen MacDonald have been working hard and long on the play, and are excited to share this amazing, virtual event with our Reading community! You can watch from any device, at any location, at home, or on vacation! Please consider joining us and showing your support of the arts in Reading.
Tickets for this virtual event ($10 per viewer), and more information about the play can be found here: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/43732
The group also has a Facebook page, which you are welcome to follow.
We hope to "see you" there! 🙂
April Vacation FREE Activties
From us and the New England Patriots Foundation, it's Spring Week 2021! We're excited to provide FREE admission and opportunities to some of Massachusetts favorite cultural institutions during April School Vacation Week (April 19-23)!
Most attractions require advanced registration to ensure safety. Please visit https://www.highlandstreet.org/programs/community-events/spring-week to sign up and view a full list of events!
Family Support Resources
Please be reminded of these amazing resources, if your family is in need:
- RPS Behavioral Health Resources linked here.
- Town of Reading: compiled resources linked here.
- RCASA and Mental Health Support linked here.
- St. Vincent de Paul linked here.
- Free & Reduced lunch access: sign up here.
- Reading Food Pantry linked here.
- Project Bread link here.
- Residential Financial Assistance (Rent/Mortgage) link here. (New resource! Check it out!)
Mrs. Ippolito, Principal
Mrs. Trevejo, School Nurse
Mrs. Greco, Administrative Assistant
Website: http://reading.k12.ma.us/joshuaeaton
Location: 365 Summer Avenue, Reading, MA, USA
Phone: 781-942-9161
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaEatonSchool/
Twitter: @Mrs_Ippolito