May 11, 2012
Dear Parents,
I just met Davy Crockett, Annie Oakley, the best
sharpshooter for Lewis and Clark, two Queens of England, Tom Brady (I wish),
and Anne Frank. These were third
grade students dressed up as characters of books they have read. Precious.
We are planning our annual Memorial Day assembly with the
American Legion. Parents and
community members are welcome to attend on May 31 at 9:0 AM. Our seventh grade students will
continue the tradition of decorating graves on Thursday, May 24. After the assembly on the 31st,
they will participate in a flag burning ceremony. If you have old flags that
need to be disposed of, send them to the office and we will dispose of them
properly. Also, if you have a
family member, friend, or community member who is currently serving in the
military, please email me their name, rank, and where they are stationed. We always honor those on active duty at
the assembly.
Kelly Meacham and Amy Richardson have been the school’s Farm
to School Coordinators this year. On Monday students in grade 1 and 2 visited
the Meacham farm. They circulated
among 8 different activity stations, including milking, making ice cream,
planting, art activities, and m ore.
Yesterday students in grade 4 visited several farms in town. The Farm to School initiative has
brought a variety of learning activities to the school this year. Fresh fruits and vegetables have been
supplied to the kitchen. Taste
testis of new foods such as yams have been conducted. Students in grade 7 and 8 boiled sap into syrup as part of
their science curriculum. This is
an example of how FTS has enriched our programs.
On Tuesday we took students in grades 7 and 8 to see the
movie Bully. I am thankful for the
support of our PTSF to make this financially possible. This was a powerful movie, and learning
opportunity. After returning to the school, students were divided into small
groups to discuss the movie. I am
proud of the school team for their efforts. The movie was quite emotional, yet due to the planning of
the teachers, the discussions were conducted in such a way that students were
able to process what they saw. I
learned so much from students.
First I learned that their perspective of bullying is very different
than the adult’s perspective. Second,
I learned that many students feel that the things portrayed in the movie would
not happen here because the adults wouldn’t let them happen. Neither would the bus drivers. My first conclusion is that all of the
attention we adults pay toward
behavior is paying off. Many
students stated they feel safe here.
My second conclusion is that students can be as oblivious to what is
going on around them as the adults are. When I stated that there are parents and students who
do not feel the school is safe, I was met with confused silence by the
students. So my third conclusion
is that this work never ends. The focus upon respectful behavior must remain a
priority in this school.
One last thing,
I try to arrive at school between 7:00 and 7:15 AM. When I enter the
lobby, there are often students who have been dropped off by their
parents. Please do not drop off
students at school before 7:30 AM, when supervision is provided.
Our last student led assembly is Monday at 12:30 PM. Please feel free to join us. And remember that Thursday is an
early release day with students being dismissed at 12:00.
Have a wonderful weekend. Get the peas and lettuce into the garden! As always, give your child a hug for
me.
Judy Callens
