JW Killam Principal's Corner
Ms. Leveque's Weekly Newsletter
From the Desk of Ms. Leveque
Week of November 6, 2022
November is National Native American Heritage Month. “The month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories and acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and in ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.” This work is important to our all students mission and raising diverse students in RPS.
Let’s take this month to acknowledge and learn about our Native American families, history, and present life. Here are some links to help you learn more about this month.
Book Collection compiled by Mrs. Adamo, Killam Media Specialist
A Proclamation on National Native American Heritage Month, 2021 | The White House
15 Classroom Activities, Books, and Resources for Native American Heritage Month - Waterford.org
Native American Heritage Month | NCAI
American Indian History and Heritage | NEH-Edsitement
National Native American Heritage Month
Stay well,
Ms. Leveque
Killam's Latest Happenings
Killam Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, November 8th: No School - Teacher In-Service Day
Wednesday, November 9th: Killam Picture Retake Day
Friday, November 11th: No School - Veteran's Day
Wednesday, November 16th: 12:45 dismissal for all students; Parent/Guardian - Teacher Conferences 12:45-3:10
-Thursday, November 17th: typical school schedule; conferences from 3:10-4:10 (if needed)
-Friday, November 18th: No school for students; conferences from 8:10-3:10
School Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 8:15-2:45 (8:10-11:30 for half-day kindergarten)
Friday, 8:15-12:45 (8:10-12:45 for half-day kindergarten)
Fall Parent/Guardian - Teacher Conferences
Please note the conference dates and change in typical school schedules.
-Wednesday, November 16th: 12:45 dismissal for ALL elementary students (including half-day kindergarten); conferences from 12:45-3:10
-Thursday, November 17th: typical school schedule; conferences from 3:10-4:10 (if needed)
-Friday, November 18th: No school for students; conferences from 8:10-3:10
RMHS Sneaker Drive
From the Health Office
COVID-19 and FLU VACCINES
Our next clinic is Wednesday November 16th 2-5pm at Killam Elementary School
Please use the link below to schedule: select Pfizer or Moderna (the appropriate primary or
booster dose will be given)
Flu shots will also be available.
https://www.appointmentquest.com/scheduler/2180061935?schedule=readingschools
We will be offering the age/series appropriate Pfizer and Moderna COVID Vaccines and Bivalent Boosters
● Pfizer vaccines available for ages 3+
● Moderna vaccines available for ages 18+
The following will be available based on the most recent FDA/CDC emergency use authorizations:
● Primary vaccine series for anyone ages 3+
● 1st boosters at least 5 months after finishing primary vaccine series for ages 5+
● Booster of Pfizer Bivalent COVID vaccine for anyone ages 5+ who has
completed a primary vaccine series of any authorized or approved
COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after last dose or last booster dose
● Booster of Moderna Bivalent COVID vaccine for anyone 6+ who has
completed a primary series of any authorized or approved COVID-19
vaccine at least 2 months after last dose or last booster dose
Flu shots will be available for ages 3 and up
● Insurance is required for flu vaccines
Please bring your insurance cards (medical and prescription) and COVID-19 vaccination cards to the clinic
○ COVID vaccines are free for all regardless of insurance coverage
○ Insurance is required for flu vaccines
○ For those covered by Medicare please bring your red, white, and blue Medicare
card in addition to any other insurance cards
District Handbook- Action Required
Each year, we want to make sure that our families are aware of the school and district expectations. These are reviewed annually by principals and members of the leadership teams. Parents/guardians are asked to review this school guide which is a summary of our school’s common procedures, practices, and guidelines. These are found on the school website. We encourage parents to share this information with their child. In addition to the specific school guides, we have a Reading Public School District Handbook which outlines all the policies that our students and families are asked to abide by when participating in RPS events, including the school day. We ask all parents/guardians to review the handbook yearly and sign-off indicating that you are aware of the policies. The Reading Public School Handbook can be viewed here.
Please take some time to read through the policies and sign a Google form saying you are aware of and have reviewed the RPS Handbook, outlining the District policies.
Reporting an Absence
You can continue to call the school absence line and leave a message 24-hours a day. The number is 781-944-7831, option 1. Now, you can also email an absence to KillamAttendance@Reading.k12.ma.us. Either way, letting us know will help us make sure the Killam community is safely in the building or at home.
Occupational Therapy Activities
Speech and Language Ideas
PTO Corner
SEPAC News
Killam School Map
Parent PlusPortal Access
As a parent guardian of a child in the Reading Public Schools, you have access to the Parent PlusPortal. The Portal will be used throughout your child’s academic career as it is where you update your child’s emergency contact information, view report cards, and beyond elementary school, see your child’s grades in real time. It also acts as a communication portal between you and your child’s teacher where oftentimes, different academic links, notes, or activities are shared.
If you are a returning parent, your account is still active. If you are new parent guardian and have not received access, please reach out to our school administrative assistant, Jackie Maglio at jaculen.maglio@reading.k12.ma.us. At that point, you will receive a separate email with your PlusPortal login information. The subject line of the email is Important! Killam School PlusPortals login. This is a confidential portal that is linked to your email account. You have 48 hours to activate your Portal account using the temporary password supplied through the email. Once you login, you can update the password and personal information.
School Lunches free 2022-2023
About These Services
Ms. Sarah Leveque, Principal
Email: sarah.leveque@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: http://reading.k12.ma.us/killam/
Location: 333 Charles Street, Reading, MA, USA
Phone: 781-944-7831
Facebook: facebook.com/JWKillamSchool
Twitter: @Killamnews