Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Page 1 of 10
Sandown Central School
September 2014 Newsletter
Dear Parents,
A very warm welcome back to all!! The Sandown Central staff and faculty welcome the children and community to another exciting
school year! Our students have settled into their new classrooms and are transitioning smoothly into their new routines at school. The
August Open House continues to be a great way to introduce our returning fifth graders, our entering fourth graders, and parents to the
teachers and staff at Sandown Central School. We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new staff members: Christine Beyrent,
Emotional Disabilities teacher, Karen Laplante, Learning Disabilities teacher, and Alexandra Hughes, Speech and Language Pathologist.
We have also been very fortunate to have Kim Capel as Mrs. Conte’s long-term substitute in fourth grade.
The staff has been very busy getting to know your children and developing lesson plans for their classes.
Please take time to speak with your child about their successes and challenges at school throughout the year. This helps to build a
stronger communication between you and your child as they move through the grade levels.
Our teachers are meeting with their classrooms in the mornings and talk with them about what bullying is and ways to stand against
bullying every day. The teachers also discuss what it means to be a Sandown Central Eagle. A Sandown Central Eagle always shows
Respect, Responsibility, and makes Right Choices. We continue to work towards creating respectful caring relationships among
classmates and staff. On the first Day of school we held an all school assembly introducing the staff and presented a video modeling
what a Sandown Central Eagle does to show respectful behavior throughout the school.
We will continue throughout the school year developing a safe and healthy school environment for all individuals.
We want to encourage continued teamwork among students, parents and the school. We have a strong volunteer program and we
urge you to become involved in the school in any way you can. There are many different opportunities throughout the year that you
might find to be of interest to you. Please consider becoming part of our volunteer program. Our Volunteer Coordinator is Laurinda
Costa and you can contact her at Sandown Central School 887-3648 x 0.
The Sandown PTA is also a great way to enhance and support your child’s educational experiences. By participating in the PTA you get
to know the schools and support some wonderful programs, as well as helping to build a strong academic community. Please visit our
website to link to the Sandown PTA. Remember to check our school’s website for all information.
A quick reminder at car drop off in the morning: Parents please have your children remain in the vehicles with you until they are let out
to enter school. We are unable to supervise the children that are leaving the vehicles and going out to the playground. This can cause
an unsafe situation. We continue to keep safety a priority at Sandown Central School. We also ask that visiting parents not bring their
younger children outside to the playground during recess times as well. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Also, please remember to call the attendance line-887-3648 ext. 0 if your child is going to be absent.
Best wishes for a wonderful school year!
Cordially,
Douglas E. Rolph
Principal Sandown Central School
Page 2 of 10
Fifth Grade News
Fifth grade has had a great start to the new school year! We have
been busy meeting new friends, saying hello to old, and adjusting
to classroom procedures and routines.
We had a wonderful Spirit Day to celebrate the beginning of the
new school year and to build community spirit with our new fourth
graders. The day was a huge success!
In science, we are finishing our unit on chemistry. Students have
familiarized themselves with the periodic table of the elements. We
have learned about solutions and solubility, mixtures and molecules,
and so much more through several science experiments. We even
had a chemistry lesson presented to us from Australia, via distance
learning!
In math, we have nearly finished our first unit about place value.
Students are rounding and writing numbers with and without
decimals. Our next unit will focus on the addition, subtraction, and
multiplication of whole numbers and decimals. Students have also
been busy reviewing basic multiplication facts. This is such an
important foundation for so many math skills. Please continue to
practice these facts with your child.
Constitution Week presented an opportunity for your child to be
introduced to the workings and history of this document. We will be
learning more about this document when we study the thirteen
colonies later in the year.
Finally, the fifth grade team would like to thank you for all the support
you give your child at home. It is your continued support that will
ensure that your child will have a successful school year!
October Calendar
October 2
TRSD School Board Meeting, 7:30 PM,
Superintendent’s Office, 30 Greenough
Road, Plaistow
October 3
Progress Reports for First Trimester
October 8
PTA Meeting, 6:30 PM at Sandown North
October 9
TRSD Budget Committee Meeting, 7 PM,
Superintendent’s Office, 30 Greenough
Road, Plaistow
October 13
NO School – Columbus Day
October 16
TRSD School Board Meeting, 7:30 PM,
Superintendent’s Office, 30 Greenough
Road, Plaistow
October 23
TRSD Budget Committee Meeting, 7 PM,
Superintendent’s Office, 30 Greenough
Road, Plaistow
October 24
PTA Halloween Dance, 6-8 PM at
Sandown North Gym
October 27
School Picture Retake Day, 9-10 AM
October 28
School-wide Field Trip to the Boston
Museum of Science, 9 AM – 2:30 PM
Page 3 of 10
Fourth Grade News September 2014
Students transitioned well to Sandown Central and into their fourth grade classrooms during September. During the month we began introducing Reading Street. Students have been learning classroom procedures, reviewing good reading strategies and learning how to choose a just right book. Please have your child read at home as much as possible. Students should be reading literature that is at their level. If you find that they are reading material that is too difficult suggest that they try that particular book later in the year when they are ready and find a new book to try out. Classroom teachers and the library can help with suggestions for independent reading if necessary.
Math lessons have focused on either place value or geometry standards. Please continue to practice addition and subtraction facts at home to support concepts taught at school.
Calling all Rock Hounds! Our Rock and Minerals unit has been a blast for the kids. We have discovered properties of minerals using our excellent observation skills. Students are enjoying using their senses to become little geologists. Ask your child to describe their favorite rock or mineral.
Fourth graders also celebrated Constitution Day on September 17 and throughout the week with several different activities. We also enjoyed International Dot Day activities, Sandown Central Spirit Day, and a walking field trip to the Sandown Public Library.
To support our social studies unit on government, all fourth grade classes visited the State House and the New Hampshire Supreme Court building. Thank you to all the volunteer chaperones. They helped to make the day a wonderful learning experience for our students.
Classrooms began the anti-bullying program called OLWEUS. Teachers have incorporated the mini-lessons into their weekly schedules. At these meetings we practice respect, responsibility and right choices which are encouraged throughout the week. We hope that you will support the philosophy at home.
It is important to set up a consistent homework routine with your child. Parents are to be a support and a guide. We expect that in fourth grade students begin to increase their independence with homework. If you find that your child struggles or is overwhelmed, please notify your child’s teacher so everyone may work together to support your child’s success.
We also expect students are prepared and ready to learn each day. Please remember to pack a healthy snack each day. Healthy snacks give your child the proper nutrition for using their brain power and sustaining their energy throughout the day. Be sure your child arrives to school on time as morning routines in the classroom are an important way to be ready to learn and participate. Finally, encourage plenty of sleep as rested students are happy students!
Page 4 of 10
Why Your Child Should Be Reading at Home Every Evening
Mary Youngblood
Literacy Specialist
September 2014
I encountered this infographic during the summer, and it proclaims in a profound manner the
importance of our students reading at home at night. I need not comment any further. This highly
respected study was completed by Nagy and Herman back in 1987.
Page 5 of 10
STAR Assessments
Mary Youngblood
Literacy Specialist
Earlier this month, all students throughout the Timberlane School District took the STAR Reading and Math
Enterprise assessments. This is our first year using this powerful tool, and as part of the implementation, we are
participating in professional development with Renaissance Learning. These research based, computer
adaptive assessments identify a child’s current performance level in both math and reading, monitor
students’ growth throughout the year, and help teachers determine appropriate instructional levels and skills
that students are ready to learn. Classroom teachers will be sharing your child’s results with you early in
November at Parent-Teacher conferences.
Music department news
Submitted by Alison Yankowskas
Sandown Central students are off to a great start in their music classes and ensembles!
In general music classes, students are learning how to warm up their head voices for singing. They have also
been experiencing the joy of synchronizing with classmates through folk dancing; the boys and girls already
how to dance Galopede, Sasha, and Sweets of May. Ask your child how the class “peels the banana”
(casts off) in our latest dance!
Instrument classes are off to a great start as well. Mr. Mainella and I have had a great response to sign ups
this year. Chorus just had its first rehearsals this week. If your child is not part of these ensembles and would
like to join, please contact me ([email protected]) for strings and chorus or Mr. Mainella
([email protected]) for band.
Library News
Thank you to all of the parents, families, and students who visited the book fair in September! We are happy
to be back with lots of new books and resources to assist students with their academic research and pleasure
reading. We hope to see you often!
THANK YOU SANDOWN PTA!!
A Big Sandown Central Eagles “Thank you!” to the PTA for the new playground equipment this year – new
kickballs, soccer balls, footballs, 4-square balls, and jump ropes!!
Page 6 of 10
On September 16th Sandown Central participated in an all-day School Spirit and Teamwork enrichment day. The students had the opportunity to participate in different team activities from volleyball to cheerleading and dance, kickball and soccer, all while cheering each other on, working together, and building a sense of community. Coaches and instructors were brought in from various local recreation programs to help run our spirit day.
Our amazing PTA purchased shirts for
students to wear on this day. These shirts
featured the Sandown Central eagle on the
front and the SOAR acrostic on the back
highlighting the core values of our school.
schoschool. Thank you PTA!
A special thank you to:
Timberlane Youth Soccer League: www.timberlaneyouthsoccer.org Timberlane Youth Lacrosse: www.timberlaneyouthlacrosse.org Timberlane Tornadoes Football: www.eteamz.com/timberlanetornadoes/ Timberlane Tornadoes Cheerleading: www.leaguelineup.com
NH Junior Wildcats Pop Warner Football & Cheer: www.nhwildcats.com
for their participation in the Spirit day Event.
Page 7 of 10
Technology Newsletter
It’s 2014 and technology is moving fast here at Sandown Central. With the
increased use of our Google drives and Google tools such as docs and
spreadsheets and our continued use of EasyTech from Learning.com , our
work is entirely “in the cloud”. What this means for students is that they can
access their work from literally anywhere that has internet access. For
parents, you will be able to see everything that I see and come to
understand what your child is doing in technology class.
You can view the EasyTech lessons online at www.learning.com to see what
your child has been working with during class. Your child’s work can be
found on their Google Drive. See instructions below:
Page 8 of 10
Dear Parents/Guardians,
With the start of school comes more germs, bacteria and viruses. Please remind your children
that frequent hand washing is the best way to stop the spread of germs! Another important way
to keep children healthy is to make sure they are getting enough sleep at night. Children 7-12
years of age need 10-11 hours of sleep per night. Also, for your information, the AAP
(American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends the seasonal influenza vaccine for all children 6
months and older.
Suggested Guidelines For Keeping Your Student Home From School
Sick children of any age should not attend school. Your child will benefit from extra rest and will
recover more quickly while minimizing the spread of illness at school. The following are guidelines
from the NH Department of Health and Human Services.
Fever- A fever consists of a temperature over 100 degrees during the night or morning before
school. Students should be fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications
such as Tylenol or Motrin before returning to school. For fevers over 101 a call to the doctor may be
necessary.
Conjunctivitis- (Pink Eye) Students with crusty, itchy, red eyes with thick yellow drainage should be
excluded from school. Once a diagnosis of conjunctivitis is made, the student may return to school
after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment.
Strep throat- Students with strep throat may return to school after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment
and be fever free.
Staph Infections- All infections should be reported to the school nurse and all open wounds must
be covered while at school/ school activities.
Rashes- Any student with an unusual rash, or rash with fever should be evaluated by a healthcare
provider prior to returning to school.
Vomiting and/or Diarrhea- Students should be kept home for any episodes of vomiting or diarrhea
occurring within 24 hours of the school day.
In addition, please report any contagious illnesses, hospitalizations or injuries to the school
nurse.Doctor’s notes are required for activity restrictions related to illness or injury for physical
education and recess.
Please contact me with any health concerns you have. Up to date information from parents and
guardians is always helpful for me to help keep your children safe and healthy! Thank you!
Mary Hatton Sandown Central School Nurse
(603) 887-3648 ext. 309
Page 9 of 10
New Hampshire Department of Health and
Human Services
Division of Public Health Services
Enterovirus-D68 Information for Parents
October 1, 2014
Enteroviruses are very common viruses, and fall is a common time for enterovirus to cause respiratory illness. Enterovirus D68 infections
are less common than infections with other enteroviruses. Seven cases of enterovirus D68 have been identified in New Hampshire so
far, but and there are cases in most U.S. states.
Infants, children, and teenagers are more likely than adults to get infected with enteroviruses and become sick. Symptoms can include
a runny nose, sore throat, cough, wheezing, rash and fever.
Preventing the Spread of Enteroviruses in Schools and Daycare Centers
• There are no vaccines for preventing enterovirus D68 infections.
• You can help protect yourself from respiratory illnesses by following these steps:
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
Avoid kissing and hugging people who are sick
Avoid sharing cups or eating utensils with others.
Use standard disinfection procedures for surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against enteroviruses, which is why hand washing is so important.
• The enterovirus D68 does not live long outside the body. Once a surface is dry, it likely does not contain live virus.
Staying Home When Sick
• As always, parents should keep children home when they are sick.
• Children should stay home until they are without fever for at least 24 hours
without anti-fever medications and until they feel better. Once they return to
school, they should continue covering their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or
their elbow and disposing of the tissue and frequently washing their hands.
Resources
CDC Cover Your Cough and Clean Hands Poster
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm
CDC Everyday Preventive Actions that Can Help Fight Germs, Like Flu
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday_preventive.pdf CDC Hand Washing Posters
http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/posters.html
NH DHHS Page 1 10/1/14
EV-D68 Information for Parents
Page 10 of 10
Calling all Parents:
Please join the Sandown PTA. The Sandown PTA does so many wonderful things that
make a difference for our students. We depend on you for all we do. The money the PTA
raises stays right here to support and enrich our children’s education.
While we run on parent volunteers, joining the PTA does NOT mean that you are making a
huge time commitment to the organization. We welcome any assistance that you are
able to give for various events, but understand that time constraints may prevent you from
volunteering. Please don’t let time constraints stop you from supporting the Sandown PTA:
become a member!
The PTA meets the second Wednesday of each month. You are welcome to attend any
of the meetings and see what the PTA is all about.
If you need a copy of the membership form, your child’s teacher can send one home.
Check out our website. It has all the Sandown PTA information on it. There is a link to our
website from the school’s website: www.sandownschool.com. Please feel free to contact
Heidi Chaput, [email protected], if you have any questions about the Sandown PTA.
Mark your calendars: PTA Events
Sept. 26rd: Ice Cream Social Feb. 6th: Mother and Son Dance
Oct. 24th: Halloween Dance Mar. 28th: Pancake Breakfast
Nov. 21st: Elf’s Holiday Workshop April 17th: Father and Daughter Dance
December 5th: Holiday Auction May 15th: Bingo For Books
Don’t miss our Halloween Dance on October 24th!
