The Lawrence Elementary School

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Please click here to see important information for 2020-2021 Incoming Kindergarten Students including a PowerPoint Presentation


Principal's Corner     

                        Principal’s Newsletter for October 2020

I continue to be incredibly proud of our students for how well they are following our social distancing procedures. They are all consistently wearing their masks and have adjusted to being back in school. I am also proud of all of our teachers and staff for their commitment to our students and in helping them navigate the technology platforms we are using. The last seven months have required us to adjust and adapt to a new way of teaching and communicating. We are all still learning together on how to use Seesaw, ZOOM, and Google Classroom to the maximum benefit for our students and families. 

IB Focus: For the month of September, we focused on the word CARING and discussed ways that we can all show caring for others, ourselves, our school, and our work/goals. The students worked with their teachers to brainstorm ways that they can take action and demonstrate caring. Here are some of the ideas that would be fun to accomplish as a family, too.
         Write letters, draw pictures, or write thank you notes to people we care about or are thankful for

        Paint or color happy pictures or phrases on rocks and leave them in the neighborhood or at school     

         Pick up litter

         Write letters to seniors in nursing homes

         Help the environment and animals by not using plastic straws

        Plant flowers  

IB LEARNER PROFILE FOCUS FOR OCTOBER IS COMMUNICATORS

Students who are COMMUNICATORS are able to think and communicate in more than one language and in more than one way. They can express their feelings and ideas by speaking, drawing and writing. They can also communicate using mathematical language and symbols.  

How can you as parents develop students who are communicators at home?

• Encourage your child to stay in touch with relatives and friends who live outside of Middletown by writing letters, using the phone or sending email.
• When working on mathematics homework, encourage your child to explain his/her answer to you orally or by drawing a picture.
• Ask your child questions after they read or listen to a story. Encourage them to discuss their opinions with you about the characters, book, or author.
• Work with your child to improve his/her listening skills. Being a good listener is an important part of communicating with others.
• Encourage creative expression through art, music, drama, or physical movement. Oftentimes, we communicate without saying a word; we allow our creativity and bodies to communicate our thoughts and talents.
• Communicating our feelings is a huge priority at Lawrence School. We use the Mood Meter, RULER, and Meta-Moment tools to help teach children how to communicate effectively. A magnetic Mood Meter will be going home with all students in October to reinforce the language and strategies we use at school. See Tuesday/Thursday folder

CARING and COMMUNICATOR are two learner profiles that connect well to one another. Learning how to communicate in a caring way is a good goal for October and beyond!   

Each grade level team continues to collaborate with specials teachers and the IB PYP coordinator to design units that combine the Middletown curriculum with IB teaching and learning practices focused on transdisciplinary themes. The students have greater opportunities for voice, choice and ownership of their learning, are co-creators of new learning experiences and in taking action, and embark on opportunities for student-led inquiry. 

Volunteering at Lawrence

I want to strongly encourage all families to become actively involved in school. As partners with school staff, we want to collaborate with you to help every child reach his/her full potential. Please look for ways that you can make a positive impact at Lawrence School. Even though we are living in a ZOOM world right now, you can still make a difference. A school is a reflection of the community it serves, and your positive, active involvement helps to make our school a special place for children.

You may be interested in volunteering on school committees. Here are some options:

School Safety & Facility Committee (reflect on fire drill and lockdown practices, review facility needs, discuss health and safety issues as they relate to COVID, etc. – ZOOM meetings are once a month)

School Governance Council (elected parents work alongside school staff and discuss school-wide  initiatives to positively impact the school improvement plan and student achievement, examine school data, create school goals, etc. - looking for volunteers to attend our first meeting in early November. Families will vote on the parent membership of this committee, so please let me know if you are interested by Monday, Oct. 19, 2020.  

International-Mindedness and Policy Team (work alongside the IB coordinator and principal to help plan multicultural and global experiences for students, exposing students to different cultures, planning assemblies/speakers, connecting to community resources, helping to create IB policies related to language, assessments, academic honesty, etc.  – dates and times to be determined)

We always welcome ideas and input. Our belief is that everyone has something to share and offer. Please contact Principal Jim Gaudreau if interested in any of the committees at gaudreauj@mpsct.org or 860-632-2158. Thank you.

       Daily Attendance is important. Our goal is ON TIME, EVERY DAY, ALL DAY!

Please do not forget to call the school when you are keeping your child home or you know your child will be late to school for an appointment. The best number to call is 860-632-2158.

In addition to calling your child absent, a hand-written note from the parent to excuse the absence is also required. The note can be given to your child to bring to school when he/she returns and can be given to the classroom teacher. Thank you for your support in writing these absence notes.

Reminder: Even when your child is not physically in school, there are ZOOM lessons and/or posted work for them to complete. Even on Wednesdays, there is posted work and independent activities and websites for your children to access (Pathblazers 2-5, Footsteps 2 Brilliance K-1, and additional ones by teacher). Your child’s daily attendance when not physically in school is based on the work they complete from home. If you are having any difficulty with work completion at home, please contact your child’s teacher for support.  

Picture Day: I have tentatively chosen a day in April 2021 for Picture Day. Typically, we have Picture Day in October, but for this year, the goal will be a spring date. I will keep you updated.   

Safety Drills: Every year our school practices safety procedures and protocols in case of emergencies. We have already begun to practice our fire drill procedures. The children are told that these are practice to lessen any possible anxiety. The police and fire departments work collaboratively with Lawrence School to provide meaningful feedback and monitoring of the drills. The drills are continuing throughout the fall.

High School Tutor: One of our current Lawrence Families has a child in high school who is willing to provide online tutoring for any students K-5. If interested, please email me so that I can connect you to the family.          gaudreauj@mpsct.org  

School Schedule: The district is continuing to implement a hybrid model, as students come to school for in-person instruction on specific days and participate in distance learning on other days. If for some reason, you need to change your Cohort, please contact me directly.  The hybrid schedule is as follows:

Cohort A                    Monday and Thursday in-person learning at Lawrence

Cohort B                    Tuesday and Friday in-person learning at Lawrence

Cohort C                    Students work remotely Monday – Friday; do not attend in-person  

                       *Wednesday will be a Distance Learning Day for ALL students

Communication: Developing a solid partnership with your child’s teacher will help your child tremendously. There are many ways of communicating with our school. Here are a few ideas:

• Contacting the classroom teachers through e-mail with any questions. All e-mail accounts use the teacher’s last name and first initial. Ex: Jim Gaudreau is gaudreauj@mpsct.org.
• Each teacher uses a regular communication system (Class Dojo, group emails, etc.). Sign up to receive reminders and updates from the teachers.
• Visit the Middletown Public Schools webpage for detailed descriptions of the curriculum and for all of our policies. The district and school handbook are also on our website.
• Read all communication between the teacher and home
• Tuesday and Thursday folders: children in kindergarten – grade 5 receive folders every week. Inside are important notices from the school about upcoming events, the PTA, and family fun activities. If you have an important message to give to the school, you can put the note/message in the folder. Folders are returned to the teacher on your child’s next day of school.
• Families doing Distance Learning Only will receive flyers electronically
• Attending PTA Meetings and School Governance Council Meetings virtually
• Participate in our family book clubs virtually – more information will be coming soon

RECYCLE YOUR TEXTILES: Lawrence School has a textile recycling bin in the back of our parking lot. We get a $100.00 for every ton of textiles we collect, so please bring your bagged items whenever you are cleaning out the closets.  Items for recycling include clothing, shoes, accessories (hats, scarves, etc.), and linens. These items can be in any condition.  All items must be bagged before putting them in the bin. Thank you.

Technology: 

• Students in grades K and 1 will be using Ipads.  If your child does not already have a school issued Ipad, the district will be providing him or her with a device. Students in grades 2-5 will use Chrome books.  If your child does not already have a school issued chrome book the district will be providing him or her with a device.  Children will take their device home at the end of their school day and bring it back and forth to school. If you have issues with your devices, please reach out to the teacher.
• It will be very important that families assist their children to create a habit of charging their device as soon he or she comes home.  In addition to reminding their child to place the device in his/her backpack each morning, we are also asking that the devices are charged so children are ready to use the devices in school.

• The Middletown Public Schools has established a support line for any technology questions and or technological difficulties.  Please email techassist@mpsct.org should you have any questions or concerns.  In addition you can call them at (860) 638-1480.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch and To Go Meals-eligibility status apply to all meals served to students)

• The Middletown Public Schools offer an online payment option called MySchoolBucks. This online payment service provides a quick and easy way to add money to your child’s meal account using a credit / debit card or electronic check. In an effort to remain cash free, families are encouraged to pay for all meals on line.  Go to www.MySchoolBucks.com or download the mobile app and register for a free account.  
• Breakfast, lunch and “meal to-go home” are all ordered in advance; this will be done with students each day for the next day they have school. 
• To-Go-Meals: a to-go meal is available for students to take home from school for distance learning days. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you want your child bringing the meals home.  
• FREE breakfast and lunch is available every Wednesday at school from 9-1 by the cafeteria. Upon pick-up, parents will only need to provide the name(s) of the enrolled student(s).  If families have students in multiple schools, they may claim meals for all students at one location. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
• Should you have any questions about food service, please contact Janet Calabro at calabroj@mpsct.org or (860) 638-7519 or (860) 638-7518.  In addition, you can go to the MPS website and search the food service page.

COHORT C PICK UP DAY

     For our remote learners and families, many teachers will be putting out materials and books for you to pick up from 12:00 – 6:00 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Lawrence. Free library books, a free magnetic Mood Meter, and additional supplies will be available based on the grade. Tables will be set up outside for you to browse.         Take care!

Social-Emotional Strategies:

A focus at Lawrence School is in helping students to be able to recognize their feelings and to help them learn strategies to self-regulate and respond appropriately to triggers. Communicating their feelings in a constructive way is emphasized, and the Meta-Moment is shared with students.

We discuss that all of us – every student in the school, every teacher, every parent – we all have triggers, something that may get us angry or upset. Learning to recognize our triggers and the triggers of others helps us with our emotional responses. Taking the time to stop and think about the best way to respond to a peer or adult when one is triggered is emphasized.

Sample Strategies:     Take 3 deep breaths, Get a drink of water, Count to 10, Go to the Calming Corner [take a break], Draw, Write, Read a Book, Think of a Place/Person/Pet that makes you happy, Talk to someone you trust, Squeeze or hold a comfort object, Positive self-talk

VISION:

The Lawrence School is an inclusive community that supports and values the academic, social, physical, and emotional development of every student through an engaging and relevant transdisciplinary curriculum that fosters students as collaborators, communicators, thinkers, and global citizens.

MISSION STATEMENTS:

1. We foster students’ emotional intelligence because we believe social-emotional learning is key to the development of the whole child.

    

2. We cultivate a growth mindset among students, families, and staff because we believe in the value and importance of perseverance, varied learning dispositions, risk-taking, goal setting, and reflection.

    

3. We foster a safe and welcoming environment that promotes a mutually-supportive school community of empathetic and collaborative individuals who are globally responsible, curious, and action-oriented.

    

4. We engage learners by purposefully planning lessons that encourage inquiry and critical thinking, value student interest, and promote collaboration and discourse among all students.

    

5. We value a balanced and comprehensive arts and physical education program that enhances the core curriculum and allows students to explore, experience, and appreciate world cultures and language experiences while encouraging creativity, curiosity, and healthy movement.

    

6. We provide rigorous challenges so students take ownership of their learning as they use reasoning and thinking skills and academic risk-taking in order to develop creativity, perseverance, and recognition of their role in the global environment.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The Middletown Board of Education is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, civil union, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or past or present physical or mental disability in any of its education programs, activities, or employment policies.  All educational programs and offerings, including vocational education and extracurricular activities, subscribe to this policy. Marco Gaylord, Director of District Operations, has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the district non-discrimination policies and may be reached at 311 Hunting Hill Avenue, Middletown, CT  06457; phone (860) 638-1485.