Happy February!

We are so excited to see staff and students approaching the 100th day of school at the beginning of this month. The teaching and learning that has taken place in these first 100 days has been amazing. Have you had the chance to take a minute and reflect on all the growth your child or children have been making since August? We just love to see how the staff and students keep moving forward. We truly have a community that is resilient and determined to keep growing.

February also often brings Valentine celebrations both at home and school. A fun way to celebrate with your family is to leave 14 days of "love notes" for your loved ones each day leading up to Valentine's day. A few words on a sticky note each day saying why you love them can be a simple tradition that will create memories for a lifetime.

We know February can also be cold and full of lots of snow but we certainly hope that you will be inspired to enjoy this beautiful Maine season. Additionally, February vacation is right around the corner in less than three short weeks. Vacation week could be a great time to plan some family fun outside. May the fun in the snow begin for you and yours.

Finally, we hope February brings lots of love and kindness to your family and as always, remember we are here if you need us.

Sincerely,

Ms. Wyman and Ms. West

*Enjoy a few photos below of the fun in the snow here at Asa.

The Pilot will include:

• New Cafeteria “Share Baskets”
  
• Replace All Disposable Eating Utensils with Reusables
  
• New Cafeteria Student Waste Disposal Line and instructional signage.

• Daily Food Waste and Liquid Weight Data Tracking
  
• New Food Waste Recycling Service for weekly food waste pick-up
  
• Food Waste Table Exhibit
  
• Food Waste Education Cafeteria Posters
  
• Student Cafeteria Food Waste Reduction Progress Chart
  
• Post-Study Cafeteria Food Waste Audit
  

The interventions and food waste data tracking are cafeteria-based and will be managed by both the Nutrition Department and UMaine/Mitchell Center. Study materials will be provided through a Natural Resources Council of Maine grant.

We have noticed some dangerous and concerning behavior such as students climbing up the large snow pile in the parking lot and then climbing into the tree next to it. Also, these students have been darting between cars that are here for pick up, as the students are moving between the snow pile in the parking lot and the playground. Additionally, students have begun to bring the after school playground troubles into school expressing the rough play they are experiencing with other students.

Due to these concerning events we are highly recommending that if students are playing at the town playground after school that there is a plan for supervision of this play time by a trusted adult. Additionally, please note that the town is diligently working to keep up with the snow and remove the snow pile as it builds up.

They will also be sponsoring a spirit day on Friday, February 17th. Wear your favorite PJs and come to school with "bed head", no hair brushing needed.

The next student council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 7th at 3pm.

The PTO is sponsoring a Read A-Thon that began on Monday, January 30th and will run through Friday, February 17th. The goal of the Read Your Heart Out Read A-Thon is to promote student literacy activities while also fundraising for this year's Memory Book. The PTO hopes to raise enough money to provide a Memory Book to each student free of charge. The Read A-Thon will culminate in a Winter Carnival on Friday, February 17th to celebrate all of the great reading that took place over the previous three weeks.

If you would like to donate and have not had the opportunity or would like to share the Read A-Thon information for family and friends you can find it in the flyer below.

Finally, the PTO is always welcoming new members. The next PTO public meeting is on Thursday, March 2nd 6PM to 7 PM at the Keith Anderson building. Also, you can always find the PTO on Facebook or contact them via email asaadamspto@rsu26.org to find out about opportunities to support their great work in our school community.