Week of April 22nd, 2024
Important Dates:
April 28th - GDRHS Chamber Choir Performance - Swallow Union 5 pm (doors open @ 4 pm)
April 29th - Autism Acceptance Week
May 2nd - 1st Grade Concert @ 6:00 pm
May 7th - Teacher Appreciation Day
May 9th - 2nd Grade Concert @ 6:00 pm
May 10th - Half-Day Dismissal at 12:15 pm
May 13 & 15 - Grade 4 MCAS - Math
May 14 & 16 - Grade 3 MCAS - Math
May 17th - Half-Day Dismissal at 12:15 pm
May 20th - Fine Arts Festival - MSN @ 7:00 pm
May 24th - Memorial Day Assembly @ 9:30 am for Students & Veterans
May 27th - No School - Memorial Day
May 30th - Grade 4 Concert @ 6:00 pm
May 30th & 31st - Incoming Kindergarten Screening
High School Peer Leaders
Thank you to Kelly McManus, GDRHS Librarian and Advisor for the high school Peer Leaders for visiting Swallon Union 4th graders this week to talk to them about kindness. These leaders designed two days of lessons around the book "Have you Filled a Bucket Today?" and engaged students in dicussion and activites around empathy and kindness. Thank you!
High School Chamber Choir Concert at Swallow Union THIS Sunday April 28th
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.
Lachlan Mozeika (3D) has demonstrated all school year what it means to be a Ti-GRRR! He especially showed Respect and kindness when he made inspirational messages for all of his classmates to stick on their desk during the final ELA MCAS test this week. Keep on shining, Lachlan!
August Patterson (1C) shows what it means to be Responsible and show Growth this school year. He has worked hard at ensuring his morning work is completed each day and has been a wonderful leader as the classroom assistant.
3rd Grade Spring Concert
Mrs. Mohan kicked off Swallow Union's Spring Concert Series on Thursday evening with our 3rd Graders. They have been working hard to showcase their singing and recorder skills and it showed. Thank you to our families for filling the house and supporting the arts and music so that our students have these opportunities!
Autism Acceptance Week
On Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Groton-Dunstable student leaders participating in the World of Difference Institute will be facilitating a Day of Difference in conjunction with Autism Acceptance Week across the district. High school and middle school student leaders will engage classrooms in an interactive read aloud discussion to build awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity and promote an inclusive community in which the varying needs and abilities of all are honored and understood.
Thank you all for your support!
Jess Durling
MTSS Coordinator, PreK-12
Candidate Night, May 2 at 7:30pm. Hear what the two Dunstable candidates running for School Committee (Christina Andriole and Rafael Glod) have planned for the future and ask your questions! We’re hoping to make this hybrid - in person at the SU Library and also a virtual option. Click here to join: Candidate Night Zoom
Teacher Appreciation Week: The PTO is again hosting a teacher lunch and raffle baskets on May 10 in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. Click on this sign-up by May 3 to see how you can help! TAW Sign-Up If you're out looking for donations to help with the baskets, here is a donation letter you can use that displays our non-profit status: Tax Donation Letter - TAW 2024
Kyndra's Kitchen: Take a night off from cooking! Kyndra's Kitchen is a local meal delivery service who is generously donating 10% to the PTO when you order between April 25 - May 9. Visit www.kyndraskitchen.com, select "menus and services", then "school fundraiser page", click "order now", add items to your cart, and use code "SUFUNDRAISER" for free delivery.
SU Pottery Night: We're looking forward to seeing everyone in the SU cafeteria on May 1 for Pottery Night! If you missed Wednesday's deadline, please reach out to swallowunionpto@gmail.com by end of day 4/26. No guarantees, but we can see what we can do!
Book Fair: Week of May 6
Check out the PTO May Newsletter.
Groton-Dunstable Youth Soccer Food Drive - Saturday, May 11
For many families who depend on school meals, the summer months can be challenging. GDYSC is teaming up with Loaves & Fishes to collect healthy snacks for the Summer Kids Bags program to help ensure these families have access to nutritious snacks during the break.
Please help by donating an item below:
Name Brand Macaroni & Cheese
Shelf Stable Yogurt Pouches
Fruit Cups or Apple Sauce Pouches
Crackers and Peanut Butter
Healthy “Lunchbox” Snacks
Items will be collected at the Cow Pond Playing fields on Saturday, May 11.
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 to sign your student in the office so they can get a pass and ensure they are marked present.
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. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding of the school’s sign in procedures when late.
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.
PERFORMANCE DATES
June 6th: 6:30pm
June 7th: 6:30pm
June 8th: 2:00pm
SU Music Concerts:
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.
SEPAC Events
G-D Special Education Parent Advisory
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.
