Week of April 1st, 2024
Important Dates:
April 8 & 10 - Grade 4 ELA MCAS
April 9 & 11 - Grade 3 ELA MCAS
April 15th - 19th - Spring Vacation
April 25th - 3rd Grade Concert @ 6:00 pm
April 29th - Half-Day Dismissal at 12:15 pm
Solar Eclipse (partial) on Monday!
On Monday, April 8 we have an exciting opportunity to observe a partial solar eclipse! This rare celestial event will begin in our area sometime after 2:00 pm and the next solar eclipse won’t happen until August 23, 2044. We are excited to make this opportunity educational, memorable and safe!
Our PTO has generously purchased NASA approved viewing glasses for each student so they can safely view the eclipse without risk to their eyesight. Your child’s teachers will reach out to you with information as to how their class will participate in viewing the eclipse - either outside or inside while livestreaming the event in the classroom. If your child’s teacher chooses to take their class outside, we require parental permission via a permission slip or response to a Google Form that will be sent to you.
Students will be allowed to take their glasses home so they can use them during dismissal, on the bus and with their family and as a keepsake to remember this special event. As always, please reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns!
MCAS Starts Monday
This coming week, our 3rd and 4th grade students will participate in the MCAS English and Language Arts Assessment. We certainly encourage students to put forth their best effort on these assessments, we do not put undue pressure on them. These assessments are simply a snapshot of their academic performance and progress within the current grade level standards. Our goal during MCAS is to provide a supportive environment where students can feel empowered to demonstrate their abilities without unnecessary stress or anxiety. Please support your children in the same manner and mindset at home ~ they have been working hard and are ready for this!
Students Arriving Late to School
Parents/Guardians - if you do not make it to parent drop off (ends around 8:55 am) and you pull around to the front of the school and there are NO staff members outside, you must:
Park your car in a parking space - please do not use the fire lane.
Walk into the office with your child(ren) to sign them in and they will receive a pass to ensure they are marked present, their dismissal plan that day, and whether or not they are ordering lunch.
There continues to be numerous families that drop their child off at the front door and leave. You are required to walk them in and sign them in to school as the front doors are locked and they can not get in unless someone lets them in. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding of the school’s sign in procedures when late. This is for safety so everyone is accounted for.
Wish Project Donations
Thank you to all of our families for their generous donations for the Wish Project. The Student Council collected and organized 24 bags of personal hygiene care products that were received with so much gratitude from the Wish Project. Swallow Union and Mrs. Moreau, School Counselor made their Instagram page!
Ti-GRRR Awards
G ~ We believe that one can develop a GROWTH mindset and learn new things.
R ~ A RESPECTFUL school community member is considerate of others.
R ~ A RESPONSIBLE school community member takes care of themselves, others and their environment.
R ~ A RESILIENT school community member takes on challenges, learns from mistakes and experiences growth through this process.
Kieran Muchugia (4O) showed Responsibility and pride in his work when he chose to continue working long and strong on his math even when given the choice to choose math games!
Oliver Druziako (1C) has shown amazing Growth and Resilience with staying focused on his work, learning new skills and concepts, and he continues to work hard even when something is challenging!
Maren Cotton (KM) has shown so much Growth this year in Kindergarten. She has championed the importance of a growth mindset and Resilience - when you make a mistake you try again and that is what learning is all about!
Cameron Sears (left) (2R) has shown amazing Growth this year! He has continued to work hard in all academic areas and demonstrates Resilience when things get challenging. We are so proud of you Cameron!
Jake Wells (right) (2R) has been working very hard in second grade! He has shown Growth and Resilience when reading and writing in class. Way to go, Jake!
Orlin Frisbey (2R) showed Resilience and Respect by sharing and turn-taking with his peers. He has been flexible and kind when playing games with his friends! Way to go, Orlin!
Thomas Silva (2C) took initiative to make a card for a friend who was not feeling well. He has been kind and caring towards his peers. Keep up the kindness acts, Thomas! #Respect
Jack Walmlsey (left) (KM) works really hard each day and has been a rockstar learning about Growth mindset and how mistakes make us a stronger learner! His sense of humor makes us laugh every day.
Finn Twomey (right) (KM) is always ready to learn and participate! He has a great attitude and is Respectful and kind to his teachers and classmates.
Raelynn Beauregard (KM) works really hard every day and is kind Respectful to teachers and classmates. She comes to school with a smile and great attitude every day!
Charlie Scheu (1S) demonstrated excellent Growth and Respectful behavior to the substitute when his teacher was absent. His work habits and growth mindset towards his schoolwork is wonderful to see!
PTO Updates
Science Fair - see how hard the student's have been working working on their projects! This Saturday April 6th at Middle School North (MSN) Gym at 9:00 am.
Pottery Night - we're partnering with Time to Clay to host a pottery night in the SU Cafe on May 1 at 5:30. Register here by April 24! SU PTO Pottery Night (google.com)
SU Library Book Drive - help us refresh our book collection with books specifically requested by students! community: SU Book Drive (signupgenius.com)
Healthy Bites Newsletter: Breakfast Edition
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to an edition of Healthy Bites! This month, we're diving into the importance of starting your day with a nutritious breakfast.
Why Breakfast Matters:
1. Fuel for the Day: Breakfast jump-starts your metabolism and provides energy to kick-start your day. It replenishes your body's glucose levels, which are essential for brain function and physical activity.
2. Improved Concentration: A balanced breakfast can enhance focus and concentration in class. Studies show that students who eat breakfast perform better academically, and have better memory recall, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
What Makes a Good Breakfast:
1. Include Protein: Protein-rich foods like eggs, yogurt, milk, or nut butter help keep you feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime.
2. Fiber-Rich Foods: Incorporate whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into your breakfast for added fiber, which aids digestion and provides sustained energy.
3. Limit Added Sugars: Be mindful of sugary cereals, pastries, and sweetened beverages. Opt for natural sources of sweetness like fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.
Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas:
1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a protein-packed and delicious morning treat.
2. Whole Grain Toast with Avocado: Top whole-grain toast with mashed avocado and a sprinkle of sea salt for a satisfying combination of healthy fats and carbohydrates.
3. Oatmeal with Nut Butter: Cook oatmeal with milk or water and swirl in a spoonful of almond or peanut butter for a creamy and filling breakfast.
Remember, breakfast is important! Make time to fuel your body and mind for success. It can be prepared the night before or wake up a little earlier to make sure you don’t skip breakfast. If you have any questions or need further guidance on healthy eating, don't hesitate to contact the school nurse.
We wish you all a happy and healthy weekend ahead!
Sincerely, Nurse Jen and Nurse Kate
PERFORMANCE DATES
June 6th: 6:30pm,
June 7th: 6:30pm
June 8th: 2:00pm
SU Music Concerts
Grade 3 performs on April 25th at 6pm at SU.
Grade 1 performs on May 2nd at 6pm at SU.
Grade 2 performs on May 9th at 6pm at SU.
Grade 4 performs on May 30th at 6pm at SU.
4th Graders will also perform at the GDRSD Fine Arts Festival in the Middle School South PAC at 7pm on May 20th!
The Kindergarten "Informances" will take place in the music classroom from 11:30 - 12:00. KL is on June 4th, KM is on June 6th, and KO is on June 7th.
2024 MCAS Dates
April 9th and 11th - Grade 3 ELA
April 8th and 10th - Grade 4 ELA
May 14th and 16th - Grade 3 Math
May 13th and 15th - Grade 4 Math
G-D Special Education Parent Advisory Council
Message from GDEF ~ Please consider a donation.
The Groton Dunstable Education Foundation (GDEF) is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting innovative and inspiring grants to enhance the quality of our students’ education. In the last academic year, GDEF awarded 12 grants across district schools totaling over $16,000 (information about all funded projects can be found here). If you or any loved ones are looking to make a year-end donation that will have an impact on your children's education, please consider donating to GDEF here. Your donations are directly returned to the hands and minds of students in the form of science, arts, technology, math, literacy, social-emotional learning, and civics programming.
Thank you for your support, The GDEF Board of Directors
The GDEF recently and graciously granted us funding to buy 16 wordless picture books for each of our Kindergarten classrooms. These books are an example of all the ways GDEF supports our students! Thank you for enriching our learning community!
School Start Time
The school day begins right at 8:55 am and both bus and parent drop off areas are completed at this time as well. If you bring your child to school after this time, please park in the parking lot and walk your child into the office to be signed in. Please do not drop your child off at the front door alone and please refrain from parking in the fire lane for safety reasons.
Absences
If your child(ren) will be absent for any reason, parents/guardians are responsible for notifying the school by calling in the absence. All student absences must be reported by 8:55 am by calling (978) 649-7281, choose option #1 and provide your child(rens) name, teacher, and reason for absence. Anyone who calls after this timeframe may receive an automated call regarding your child’s absence from school without notification. This is in place to ensure all students are accounted for either at home or in school.
Wellness Policy
Below please find the District’s Wellness Policy that we follow in order to ensure we are reinforcing healthy habits as well as student allergies. Teachers will be working with their Room Parents, School Administration, School Nurses and our PTO to ensure food that comes into school for school sponsored events (not including PTO sponsored events) such as special classroom events and school-wide gatherings, adhere to this policy. Thank you in advance for helping us with this throughout the school year.
