The Cardinal News
Paris Elementary School October 2019
A Message from Mrs. Pacholski
As we near the end of October, a month that threw us a few challenges, I take comfort in knowing we have such wonderful students, parents, and staff to work with each day. We experienced the unimaginable at Paris Elementary School on October 1, 2019. Although we do our best to prepare and plan for emergencies that may occur, we also hope we will not be the ones to experience and deal with these situations.
While the fire at PES was quite small and contained quickly, it did impact our school community in many ways. Our students and staff needed to be evacuated from the school and the entire student and staff population needed to be transported to the high school for the remainder of the day. School had to be cancelled for 3 days and upon the return of our PreK-grade 4 students, our 5th and 6th grade students had to be relocated to the Norway Armory, Roberts Farm and the Bryant Pond 4-H Camp & Learning Center. We were all able to come back together once again under the same roof on Monday, October 14th.
I am beyond proud of the students and staff at PES. Our children were able to tell the difference between a practice drill and an emergency situation. They exited the building swiftly and safely, waited quietly outside for further directions from teachers and myself, and they responded to a stressful and scary situation with the respect and responsibility we all work to instill in them each and every day. The staff at PES did an exceptional job keeping your children safe, entertained while at the high school, and helping them return to some normalcy and routine upon the return to school. I am so incredibly proud of their commitment and dedication to our students and our school.
It was a crazy and hectic few weeks to say the least, but we had the support of so many throughout this ordeal. As I reflect on all that took place on the day of the fire and during these past few weeks, I am humbled by the dedication of our community, parents, colleagues, and friends. We appreciate everyone who supported us whether it was by providing us space to continue working, dropping off donations of school supplies for students , sending us emails and sharing kind words, or working tirelessly to get our school ready for students and staff to return. We have a wonderful community and we thank you for all your support.
Celebration of Learning
Thursday, Nov 7, 2019, 05:00 PM
Paris Elementary School
Attendance Matters
Attendance letters have been sent home recently based on our attendance report that we receive each week. These letters are sent to parents/guardians to help keep you informed about your child's attendance rate throughout the school year. We certainly understand children will be sick from time to time and family situations may arise that require students to miss a day or two of school. However, several missed days of school over time adds up quickly and does affect your child's attendance rate and can affect their academic progress. Please reach out to us if you have any questions about these letters and we will be happy to talk with you about it.
The most fundamental element for school success is that children consistently come to school on time for the full day. Children who are chronically absent in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the third grade. Students who cannot read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely than proficient readers to drop out of high school. – U.S. Department of Education Report on Chronic Absenteeism in the Nation’s Schools
First Grade Writing Celebration
Resilient Kids!
Resilience building practices will be the primary focus for this 6 week class series. Children will foster a strong sense of self awareness and emotional learning through mindfulness, movement, and compassion activities.
Caregivers can enjoy a treatment at Good Medicine (book in advance) or enjoy nourishing food at LB Kitchen downstairs, while their little ones learn about self care! Our goal is for everyone to leave feeling rejuvenated and more balanced. We look forward to nurturing you and your little ones!
Where: Good Medicine Collective, Portland, ME
What: 6 week kids series to build self awareness, compassion, and resilience!
Who: Children ages 3-5 years old
When: Every Wednesday 10:30-11:30 — Nov. 13th through Dec. 18th
November 13, 20, 27 and December 4, 11, and 18
Auditions for Under A Yellow Star: Diaries of Children of the Holocaust
On Friday, November 15, at 6 p.m. sign-ups/auditions for Under A Yellow Star: Diaries of Children of The Holocaust will be held in the cafetorium at the Guy E. Rowe School in Norway.
This play will be performed at OHCHS on April 3 and 4. Following the public performance, we plan to tour schools in the region.
This performance piece takes actual writings of children who experienced the Holocaust during WWII at the hands of Hitler’s Third Reich. Participants will learn about The Holocaust and use their knowledge in this peer-education piece. This project is sponsored by SAD 17.
Any child in the Oxford Hills ages 8 through high school is encouraged to take part. However, whoever takes part is expected to understand this is a serious commitment that needs to be seen through until the end of the school year. Rehearsals are every Wednesday and Friday from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Rowe School. Attendance at rehearsals is important and at performances is mandatory.
Children are expected to be on time, to have had their evening meal and to bring a snack. The only requirement is that they be able to read and memorize their parts. Parts vary from very short to quite long. All children are on stage throughout the performance regardless of the length of their part.
Because the material is dark, we ask that parents be prepared to answer questions their child might have. Further, we encourage parents to take part as well. There are four (small) adult roles in this piece. The touring portion of the project will take place on Fridays during the school day so parents must be able to make those performances.
Parents will need to be on hand November 15 at 6 p.m. to fill out forms and provide contact information as well as permission slips. We also encourage participants to organize car pools.
For more information contact Anne Sheehan at amsheehan2009@gmail.com.
Junior Duck Stamp - Statewide Wildlife Art Challenge
Maine Audubon is collaborating with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and LL Bean for the 25th annual statewide Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program, and we're looking for Maine students to submit some creative, innovative, and beautiful waterfowl art! The deadline for submissions is March 1!
The program, including a multidisciplinary curriculum, encourages students to explore their natural world, invites them to investigate biology and wildlife management principles and challenges them to express and share what they have learned with others.
Students will be able to submit an entry of approved waterfowl art into a statewide competition. Designs are judged in four age categories -- K-3rd grades, 4th-6th grades, 7th-9th grades, and 10th-12th grades -- with awards for first, second, and third places and honorable mentions.
Entries must be postmarked by March 1, 2020. This year judging will take place at the LL Bean Flagship Store in Freeport, ME on Wednesday, March 11, with award presentations on Saturday, March 21, at 9 am.
The Maine Best of Show entry will compete with contest winners from other states in a national competition. The first place national winning design is used to create the Federal Junior Duck Stamp. Proceeds from the sale of Junior Duck Stamps (which cost $5 each) support conservation education by providing awards and scholarships for students, teachers, and schools.
Submission deadline must be postmarked by March 1, 2020.
Please Send Submissions To:
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Attn: Junior Duck Stamp Program Coordinator
321 Port Road
Wells, ME 04090
Upcoming Events
Fall Festival 10/26/19 3 pm - 6 pm
PTO Meeting 10/28/19 6 pm
Picture Day 10/29/19Halloween 10/31/19
5th Grade visits the Tech School 11/1/19
Clocks Go Back An Hour 11/3/19
Boston Museum of Science Presentation for 5th and 6th Grade 11/5/19
6th Grade visits the Tech School 11/7/19
Celebration of Learning 11/7/19 5 pm - 7 pm
Veteran's Day - No School 11/11/19
PTO Meeting 11/25/19 6 pm
Contact Us Anytime
Email: l.pacholski@msad17.org
Location: 4 Hathaway Road, South Paris, ME, USA
Phone: 207-743-7802
Facebook: facebook.com/pariselementaryschool