November 12, 2013
As the weather is
now getting colder and there is less sunlight, I am pleased to look around and
see all of our programs in full swing. Students are enjoying their
academic programs and enrichment programs that range from cooking to board
games.
Recess- The winter
season is upon us. I would like to
remind you to send your children to school dressed appropriately for outside
recess. Coats, hats and gloves are very important. We
will always go outside for recess unless it is dangerously cold. If recess is canceled, please understand
that it was canceled due to rain, snow or health recommendations only. It is
our belief that students need physical activity and fresh air and therefore we send the children outside for recess in the
winter.
Vacations-
We have had an inordinate number of families requesting work for students that
are taking vacations during times when school is in session. I want to take
this opportunity to remind the members of our school community that it is not
the school’s responsibility to provide instruction to your child/children
during the time you are away from school and that Massachusetts State Law requires your child be in school when school is in
session.
Morning
Drop off- Just as friendly reminder relative to our morning drop off.
1.
Drop
off children at the side rotary.
2.
Pull
all the way up to the end of the sidewalk before letting your child out.
3.
Let
your child out opposite the driver’s side, only.
4.
Do not get out of the car yourself.
5.
Please
remain in your car and move forward once your child exits the car, in order to
keep the line moving. For safety reasons, it is important that you follow this
procedure.
6.
The
morning drop off is designed for a single lane of cars. Please do not exit the
rotary until the car in front of you has pulled away.
The
5th Annual North Reading Turkey Trot, November 28, 2013- The 5th Annual North
Reading Turkey Trot is scheduled to go off at 8:00 A.M. sharp on Thanksgiving
Day. The elementary school challenge is
on again this year and the Batchelder School is looking to retain the title! I
am encouraging all of our families to be part of this community event. It is
our goal to unseat the defending elementary school challenge champions and
bring the coveted trophy to our lobby! The elementary school in North Reading
that has the highest percentage of participation will earn the trophy to
display in their school for the year and the $200.00 prize to be used toward
the purchase of fitness equipment in their school. This event is sponsored by
the NRHS Hornets Hall of Fame; proceeds benefit the student athletes of North
Reading. Come out to work up an appetite. Please contact Joe Davis at
jdavis@north-reading.k12.ma.us if you have any questions. See you Thanksgiving
morning! Registration is now underway on-line at: www.northreadingturkeytrot.com
At
the school we are observing an increase in the frequency of tardiness. Please
be mindful that our official start time is 8:55. Research stresses the need for
students to get to school and class on time and with good reason. Studies conducted
by the U.S. Department of Education on truancy, which is connected with
tardiness, show that school attendance is a major factor when it comes to
school success and student behavior.
- Problems with Tardiness: The most crucial learning hours of a school day are the morning hours, because they are when students are most attentive. Students who are tardy miss the beginning of their morning classes, and they also cause a distraction when they arrive late to class.
- Academics and Achievement: Students who are frequently tardy have lower GPAs, lower scores on standardized assessments, and lower graduation rates. Chronic tardiness in elementary and middle school is also linked to failure in high school.
- Behavior Problems: In the
National Center for Education Statistics Indicators of School Crime and
Safety, teachers surveyed reported that students who are frequently tardy
have higher rates of suspension and other disciplinary measures. Tardiness
causes students to feel disconnected with school, leading to behavior
problems and dropouts. Students who are frequently tardy to school are
also more apt to be fired from a job for showing up late.
Our
School is a great school with bright students and
involved parents. By refocusing our efforts on being on time each day, we can
be even better.
As
always, thank you for your continued support!
References:
National
Center for Education Statistics: Indicators of School Safety Report; US
Department of Education: Truancy Report; US Department of Education: Manual to
Combat Truancy
