Torringford Tiger Newsletter
December 2023
A Message From Mrs. Galullo and Mrs. Austin
Dear Torringford Families,
Happy December! We cannot believe how quickly this fall has flown by. Thank you for a wonderful end to 2023. You’ve entrusted us with your students, and we are grateful for your partnership and support. The holiday season provides a precious opportunity for us to hit the pause button on our busy lives and reflect on the achievements we take pride in. It's a time to express our gratitude to the entire school community for the unwavering support extended to our students, families, and staff.
Your students have been diligently working, progressing in their skills and moving closer to their goals. We're grateful for the privilege of being part of the support team that aids each student's learning journey and success.
As winter weather sets in, here are a few important reminders:
- In the event of a 2-hour delay, students are expected at school by 10:45. For a 3-hour delay, school starts at 11:45, with no breakfast service during delayed openings.
- Ensure students are dressed appropriately for the cold weather, as we aim to have outdoor activities whenever possible. If the temperature or windchill is 22 and above, students will go outside. We encourage students to bring boots, snow pants, and gloves for snowy activities.
- Winter weather often brings more illnesses. All medication must be brought in by an adult and directly given to Nurse Denise or Nurse Colleen. Prescription medication must be accompanied by written orders from the physician. Even cough drops require the nurse's administration.
- For student absences, please call the school at 860-489-2300 to inform us of the absence and reason. Additionally, send a note (or doctor's note) detailing the reason for the child's absence upon their return.
School will be closed for Winter Recess from December 25-December 29. School will resume on Tuesday, January 2. Upon our return, the initial days will be dedicated to reviewing behavioral expectations in various settings to remind students of the standards for conduct in classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, recess, restrooms, buses, etc.
Wishing you all a joyous and memorable holiday season filled with relaxation and cherished moments with family and friends.
On behalf of our entire staff, we wish you and your family Happy Holidays!
In partnership,
Mrs. Galullo and Mrs. Austin
Principals' Coffee Hour
Click HERE to join the meeting.
Recognize a Torringford Staff Member
As we navigate through the school year, it's important to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible efforts of our dedicated staff members. Our teachers and support staff work tirelessly to ensure the success and well-being of our students; going above and beyond to create a positive and nurturing learning environment.
We encourage you to share your experiences and recognize any staff member who has made a meaningful impact on your child's education. Your recognition not only shows appreciation but also motivates our staff to continue their exceptional work.
If you've had an encounter with a staff member who has gone the extra mile, please consider taking a moment to share your thoughts. Whether it's a teacher who provided additional support, a staff member who showed exceptional care, or anyone else who left a positive impression, your words can make a significant difference.
Please take the time to recognize that person completing THIS quick form. We will share your comments with staff in our next staff newsletter.
Family Supports
If your family or your child needs support, please don't hesitate to reach out to our school social workers, Deb Mordecai at dmordecai@torrington.org or Jim Dziekan at jdziekan@torrington.org.
Mark Your Calendar
December 13: Principals' Coffee Hour
December 14: Early Dismissal (1:30)
December 19: PTO Staff Brunch
December 22: Early Dismissal (1:30)
December 25 - 29: Winter Recess
January 1: New Year's Day Holiday - NO School
January 15: Martin Luther King Day - NO School
January 18: Early Dismissal (1:30)
Torringford Tigers are PAWSOME
- Emily Guallazaca Lata: Art Project with Mrs Fayer
- Gino Giampaolo: PE Games with Mrs. Young & Mrs. McMurdy
- Jiraiya Wilkinson: Music Lesson with Mrs Ritter
- Anthony Sosa: Reading with Mrs Farella
Mrs. Markelon’s class earned the MOST Pawsome cards during the month of November! They won a dance party with Torri the Tiger!
Students will continue to be awarded PAWsome cards throughout the year. When your student brings home an award, please be sure to celebrate your student's accomplishment.
Torringford Tigers are
RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and SAFE!
Look What's Happening in Kindergarten
Kindergarteners have been hard at work developing their phonics skills and learning new math workplaces to practice subitizing, numeral recognition, and addition. Every day, students have time to engage in integrated play and recess games. We’re learning to work cooperatively, share, take turns, and develop oral language while we explore STEM, art, and dramatic play materials.
Last month, we had the opportunity to view excerpts of the Nutmeg Ballet’s Nutcracker performance. Students were so inspired by and excited for this experience. Thank you, Nutmeg Ballet!
Student Council Hat Day
Look What's Happening in Grade 1
Veterans Day Preparations
Honoring Our Veterans
First Grade LOVES The Nutcracker
First Grade Thankful Trees
Math Workplaces
We LOVE Our Parent Volunteers
Look What's Happening in Grade 2
Grade 2 students have been working hard at it! Working hard at what you ask!?!?! We’ve been working hard at learning to use the Number Line as a tool when adding.
- First, we look for the addend closest to the sum.
- Next, we use the decomposing strategy to break apart the other addend into 10s and 1s.
- Then, the FUN begins! We jump the 10s and 1s on the number line to find the total or sum.
Mrs. Deloy’s 2nd grade students invited Ms. Mangine’s Kindergarten students into their classroom to observe, Jack! Both classes read the book Pumpkin Jack by Will Hubbell. They both placed a small pumpkin inside a container with soil. Both classes had different variables, which we found are changing the outcomes of each experiment.
What differences do you see in the variables between each experiment?
Note: Ms. Mangine’s class experiment on the left. Mrs. Deloy’s class experiment is on the right.
Variable: any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types.
On November 10th we celebrated Veteran’s Day as a school, honoring Veteran family and friends of Torringford School.
Four second grade students had the honor of sharing a few facts at the ceremony. They did a great job!
Ms. O’Connor’s class got into the spirit of Thanksgiving by writing what we are grateful for. Students then got out their watercolor painting to draw a picture to go with their writing.
Look What's Happening in Grade 3
Students in third grade have begun researching different aspects of government. Some students are using this opportunity to learn more about different governmental roles, while others are learning about civic duties.
The research process involves:
- coming up with a topic
- finding sources for their writing
- writing an explanatory/informative essay
Students will continue their research on the government when Torrington Mayor, Elinor Carbone, and State Representative, Michelle Cook, come to visit.
National Native American Month
Students in Mrs. Markelon’s and Mrs. Hollenbeck’s third-grade classes celebrated National Native American Month by learning about the contributions that Native Americans have made to our land and nation.
Did you know that the entire month of November is National Native American Heritage Month? November is the month to remember and recognize all the contributions and accomplishments of Native Americans.
Native Americans are good stewards of the land. This means that they take good care of our natural resources.
Native Americans celebrate National Native American Heritage Month in many different ways. They have fairs, street carnivals, dances and theatre performances, among other things.
After learning about National Native American Heritage Month, third-graders in these classes heard the story Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Naillard and Juana Martinez-Neal. After listening to the story, students compared and contrasted the Native American customs and traditions in the book to their own family customs and traditions. Do your family traditions have anything in common with Native American family traditions? Ask your third-grader!!
Torringford Artists with Mrs. Fayer
All students have been busy in the art room gearing up for winter!
All completed 2 dimensional artworks have been uploaded to artsonia.com. Please check out your child's digital portfolio. You can always ask them to explain the steps involved in creating the work.
Kindergarten students did a close up of a snowman with a scarf to advance their painting skills. Be sure to ask them about light and dark colors and patterns.
First grade students had fun with expressions creating a polar bear delivering a package. Ask how their bear is feeling as he delivers the box.
Second Grade students did a painting of a cardinal and learned a splatter painting technique. Ask them to explain how they did it without splatter painting themselves and the entire room.
Third grade students brought together many of the elements of art (line, shape, contrast, rhythm, pattern) to create a folk art inspired fox.
Student Services Fall Newsletter
Torrington Middle School Production of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Friday, December 15th at 7:00pm and Saturday the 16th at 2:00pm
Tickets are $5 for children/students and $10 for adults. Tickets are available in advance at www.tmsdramaclub.org or can be purchased at the door the night of the event.
For more information, contact Veronica Gelormino at vgelormino@torrington.org.
Torringford Elementary School
Torringford School is a safe and welcoming community where we take care of people and foster positive relationships. Our team spirit supports and acknowledges everyone.
Optimists persist to meet challenges with the flexibility and empathy to create healthy, enthusiastic, life-long learners.
Educate. Explore. Inspire.
Email: gaustin@torrington.org
Website: https://torringtontorringford.ss16.sharpschool.com/
Location: 800 Charles Street, Torrington, CT, USA
Phone: 860-489-2300