JW Killam Principal's Corner
Ms. Leveque's Weekly Newsletter
From the Desk of Ms. Leveque
Hello Families! I know you are receiving many, many emails right now so this note is for the kids! The teachers at the Killam School miss seeing your smiling faces and learning with you. I miss saying hello to each of you as you enter the building in the morning. It's my favorite part of the day!
We know right now feels very different at home. We hope you are spending plenty of time with your families and being kind to one another. Don't forget that we are all TRRFCC people and we need to remember to put the "I" in kind right now. Help your families out by cleaning up your toys at the end of each day and helping with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Play lots of games with each other and ask for some quiet time to read, write, and relax, just like we do in school. My day feels very different too! I'm making sure to go on a long walk every day and read each night. I'm also trying out some new recipes!
You might not know what to think about being home right now since it's not a school vacation week. It's ok to have lots of different feelings right now. Send me an email with your questions and I'd be happy to answer them. Or even better, send me notes about what you have been working on. If your grownup will let you, send a picture to @Killamnews on Twitter. I promise to write back to any emails!
Miss you,
Ms. Leveque
Kid Articles and Ideas -- Ask Grownups First!
Important Killam Dates
Out of abundance of caution for the COVID-19 virus, the Reading Public Schools is closed through April 6th. Buildings will be closed and teachers will not be working during this period of closure. We thank our custodial, facilities, and technology staff for their tireless work in our buildings during this period. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Doherty will communicate additional information. Take care and stay healthy.
Food Resources in the Greater Boston Area and Reading
Free & Reduced Lunch Options
RPS will be offering grab & go meals for those Reading Public School students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. The meals will be available at the Reading Memorial High School Cafeteria from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, beginning on Monday, March 16th. If students would like to participate, they must sign up ahead of time by completing information on this link: https://forms.gle/pzyL2aQgUmfQ1RHs8
Project Bread
Project Bread has resources for families and individuals who need food assistance, including a directory of where to get food help. Click here to visit their website.
Working from Home
Working virtually (and with the whole family at home) is a new challenge for many.
Below are some links that we think you might find helpful!
- Smile for the Camera! – Video Conferences: There's a temptation to run meetings by phone; it's less obtrusive and often you can multi-task. Don't give in! Virtual collaboration feels much more real — and is much more productive — when we use video conferencing for as many meetings as possible. Plus, it's fun to see familiar faces. Zoom works GREAT for video conferences!
- Walk n’ Talk: Working from home can leave you stuck in your chair for hours! Make sure you get up, walk around, go for a quick walk outside while you’re on a call. The fresh air and exercise will invigorate and wake you up!
- Virtual high fives: Send encouraging words and praise to your colleagues when you can! It might be just the boost they need!
- Set a Good Example: It can be tempting when you’re at home to respond to messages at all hours. Set aside “time out of the office” at the end of the day. Embrace activities with your children, pets, family, and take time to slow down.
- Have Patience: Right now, routines are disrupted; events have been canceled; kids of all ages are unexpectedly home from school for weeks. Be patient. Be accommodating. Do you part to practice random acts of kindness toward everyone on your team.
Here are a few additional links that you might find helpful:
Should we have playdates?
Report Cards for Term 2
As a reminder, parents and guardians can access your child's released report cards at any time! Login to your PlusPortal account and choose the eLocker tab on the top of the page. This will bring you to all official report cards that can be downloaded as a PDF and printed or saved from the luxury of your home.
Attention 5th Grade Families-- Middle School Transition Information
It is hard to believe that we are already preparing for transition to middle school! Although we are not ready to have the fifth graders leave us quite yet, they are sure to be ready for the big move come summer! Please click on the link below to access transition documents for both Coolidge and Parker including:
Welcome letters from each middle school principal
Parent input form due April 3 (please note these are different than the elementary input form)
Important Transition Dates
Registration forms for "Welcome to Parker" and "Welcome to Coolidge" (in August)
Please note that the middle school transition meetings will be postponed until tentatively April 27th at 7:00 pm. Middle School Principals will be in touch as that date approaches to re-evaluate if necessary.
The Coolidge "Family Math and Science Night" on March 25th is also postponed for now.
PTO Corner
New in 2019-20 - Pay PTO dues with Venmo at @KillamPTO!
Please be sure to include your child/family’s name in the notes when you submit your Venmo payment so we can credit the dues to the appropriate family.
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