Friday Flash

Principal's Message

Reminder Friday June 12th is an early dismissal at 12:15

Friday June 5th marked the completion of a dream five years in the making. During mud season my first year as principal, Carol Cottrell spent several Tuesday afternoons driving me around Newbury so that I would know the territory my students came from. On our final day of touring Newbury Carol brought me to Camp Farwell and shared her idea of bringing the Bradford and Newbury sixth graders together at the camp before they would head off to Oxbow. Working with Carol and the Hanson family, owners of Camp Farwell we were able to bring Newbury students to Camp Farwell for the first time in the spring of 2024. Finally, in June of 2026 students from both OUUSD elementary campuses were brought together at the camp on Hall's Pond. It was nice to see the students working, laughing and learning together. My hope is that this is the beginning of a new tradition for our students.

The year is quickly winding down and there's only one week of school left. It might not be typical learning experiences for the students of Newbury but learning it is all the same. We are wrapping the year up with Knight School, Field Day and Graduation. The week is going to fly by!

I'm sad to announce that Watch Them Grow Newbury closed as Friday last week. That means that there is no longer a Preschool in Newbury. Creating a deep void for the youngest learners in our community. As some of you might be aware, in the FY 27 budget I proposed having a full day PreK as part of the school. Capstone Community Action Head Start is willing to partner with us, to provide financial, social and professional support for our program. Working with Head Start is a huge benefit for us. In looking at future enrollment we believe there to be roughly 18 kindergarteners in each of the classes after next year, that means they are currently pre-kindergarteners now. I urge you to support PreK at the upcoming budget vote on June 16th.

~Loretta

PS: Sixth Grade Graduation is Friday at 10:00

Bradford & Newbury Sixth Graders at Camp Farwell

Newbury 5-6 at Camp Farwell

From the Nurse

Water & Swimming Safety Reminder

As the weather becomes warmer, many families will begin enjoying swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and other water activities. We would like to remind families about the importance of water safety.

Please help keep your child safe by:

Always supervising children around water
Never allowing children to swim alone
Using properly fitted life jackets when boating or swimming in open water
Teaching children to ask permission before going near water
Encouraging swimming lessons when possible
Reminding children not to run near pools or dive in shallow water

Please also remind children:

To listen carefully to lifeguards and adults
To stay within designated swimming areas
To avoid rough play in or near the water
To take breaks and stay hydrated during hot weather

Even strong swimmers should always have adult supervision around water. Practicing safe water habits can help prevent accidents and keep summer activities fun for everyone.

Thank you for helping keep our students safe and healthy this season!

Music Notes

Dear Parents,

The students did an amazing job at the concert! I was extremely proud of everyone. If your son/daughter has an instrument at home please return them by Tuesday, June 9th to avoid being charged.

If your child would like to have 2-3 lessons during the summer to keep up their skills, please send me an email asap. If there is enough interest I will try to organize 2-3 group lessons for free at school. If you are interested in private lessons, please also send me an email as they may also be offered for a fee.

Instruments must still be returned however by Tuesday, June 9th regardless as to whether your son/daughter may be continuing their studies. I need to inspect the instruments to make sure they are in good working condition and that no repairs are needed. If they are continuing with summer music studies, instruments will be handed back out to them by Friday, June 12th with a new song!

If you are interested in purchasing your child's instrument, please let me know and I will get back to you with a price. They have specific serial numbers with different prices depending on the brand, age, etc.

Thank you again for your support of the NES Music Program!

Free instrument rentals for Concert Band will again be available next year for students in grades 3-6. Let's Grow Our Band!!!!!

Have a wonderful summer!

Roxanna