All the News That's Fit to PRINT!
Parent Updates - November 12, 2021
State School Of Character
National School Of Character
National Blue Ribbon School
2 Hour Early Dismissal - Wednesday, November 24, 2021
~ NO SCHOOL ~ Thursday, November 25 & Friday, November 26
From the Desk of Mrs. Brush
Having stamina for something means being able to stick with something for periods of time. This stamina, or endurance, builds strength. Stamina can apply to lots of different areas, such as exercise or painting. It can also apply to reading.
Teachers often think about a student's reading stamina. Reading stamina is a child's ability to focus and read independently for long-ish periods of time without being distracted or without distracting others. Reading stamina is something that parents can help students develop. Here's how:
- Vary the way the reading is done. Parents can think about this in terms of having their child "read to himself, read to someone, and listen to reading." Some combination of the three should make up the reading time, especially for new or struggling readers.
- Choose "just right" books. If your child is at a stage of being able to read alone, help him choose books that he is able to read independently. This means he should be able to decode almost every word in the book correctly. In this situation, avoid using books that are too difficult to read alone. If your child will be reading with you, choose books that are lively and engaging.
- Set reasonable goals. Most toddlers and preschoolers find it difficult to sit for long periods of time, even with the most engaging book! When starting out, limit book time to just a few minutes and work up from there. For elementary aged readers, consider starting with 10-15 minutes of reading time, and work up from there. Add a few minutes to your reading time every week or so.
- Celebrate progress. Without getting too caught up on the number of minutes spent reading, celebrate the time that is spent reading. Share your favorite parts of books read, plan the next visit to the library, and share progress with other family members.
Spending longer periods of time reading means fewer interruptions and more time reading what you love. As your child moves into higher grades, having reading stamina will help your child navigate the longer texts and assignments. Using these tips can help develop more stamina in your reader.
Enjoy this beautiful weekend - but once you head inside, grab a good book and read together! If you need recommendations for some great books, don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher.
~Mrs. Brush
Community Meeting Update from Mrs. Penta
I want to give a big Tracey thank you to Mrs. Rubush’s 2nd grade Cubs for leading Friday's K/1 and 2/3 Community Meetings, AND another big thank you to Mr. Pearce’s 5th Grade Cubs for their respectful and thoughtful performance at Friday's 4/5 Community Meeting.
As many classes filed out of the gym they bumped elbows with our Vets in thanks, gave them cards of appreciation and stopped to chat some more with them.
As our SRO, Officer Chris Holmes shared with me, “Thank you. That was such a wonderful presentation. All of us veterans were literally holding back tears. Excellent job!” Veteran Jimmy shared, “As a Grandpa, it is so great to hear the young kids and see what they shared with us.” Mr. Matt said, “Thank you so much for having us and sharing the morning with us, we love being here at Tracey.”
It was so special to share this time with our veterans and show them appreciation for all they have done for us!
Our Guests of Honor
Mrs. Rubush's Class
Mr. Pearce's Class
NPS Implements New Protocol by the State of CT: Screen & Stay
NPS is implementing the Screen and Stay program that was announced by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont on Thursday.
If a student is exposed to a positive individual in a school setting, parents may choose for their child to participate in the Screen and Stay protocol. Screen and Stay allows for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated students to continue with in-person learning instead of observing normal school quarantine procedures at home.
If a student is identified as having been exposed to a positive case, and the parent would like to participate in Screen and Stay, an affirmation form will be provided by your school nurse. This document must be completed and submitted to the nurse before the student can return to school.
Screen and Stay protocol requires that a parent or other adult agrees to monitor their child for any signs or symptoms of Covid for 14 days from the date of exposure. If the student develops symptoms during this time period, the student should be kept home, and the school nurse should be notified.
Please note that students will not be able to participate in aerobic activities while at school during this time, such as P.E., wind-playing instruments, and choir, as well as after school programs.
Screen and Stay is optional. Parents may still choose to keep their child home for a traditional quarantine if they so choose.
Notes from the Nurse
Just a few quick reminders from Nurse Talia:
-Please try to be sure your child wears a mask to school and it would be wonderful if they have a back up mask in their backpacks. Between gym, recess, and the paper ear loops breaking, everyone could use an extra!
-Please remind your cub to bring their water bottles to school. I know our young cubs will need a little extra help, but I would love to work it into our “responsibility routine” for our older cubs, ie: charged computer, homework folder, mask, and water bottle…
-I also want to share with you that there is free Covid testing, M-F 8-4. Progressive will test you and your student(s), you just show proof of insurance. They’re located at St. Philip’s Church, the Big church right behind the school, off of France Street.
https://progressive-diagnostics.com/
-Ongoing Free testing is still Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Veterans Park, see times in the link. https://www.norwalkct.org/2312/COVID-19-Testing
NPS continues to follow Addendum 5 issued by Gov. Lamont and the State of CT.
Thank you for your help and have a great weekend!
Nurse Talia
Notes from the Office
- If your child is going to be absent for the day, please make sure to call the office. If either Mrs. Espinoza or Mrs. Campos call and leave a message to check on your child, please make sure to return the call.
- If you need to pick up your child early, please send a note to your child's teacher. If there is an emergency and you need to pick your child unexpectedly, please call the office.
- If someone other than you or a designated family member with your family number is picking up your child, please make sure your child's teacher has been notified and that the person has proper identification. For your child's safety, we will not release him/her to someone that is not properly identified.
- Dismissal change phone calls need to be made to the office before 2:45 unless there is an emergency.
This Week's Family Character Dare Challenge Is...
PTA Meeting on Thursday, November 18th at 6:30pm via Zoom!
Monday, November 29 - Fall Picture RETAKE Day
Follow us on Twitter @TraceyMagnetNPS
Tracey Magnet School
Lindsay Esposito - Curriculum and Site Director
Ivannia Campos - Parent Coordinator
Email: camposi@norwalkps.org
Website: https://tes.norwalkps.org/
Location: 20 Camp Street, Norwalk, CT, USA
Phone: (203) 899-2960
Twitter: @TraceyMagnetNPS