Julian Curtiss Newsletter #20

Our 5th grade students exemplified the true spirit of Julian Curtiss during the Battle of the Books competition, representing our school with extraordinary tenacity. Tasked with reading and answering questions about ten selected texts, they demonstrated remarkable intellectual depth, courage, and perseverance throughout the challenge. Their knowledge of the literature and unwavering team spirit shone brightly, showcasing their ability to work collaboratively under pressure. These students made Julian Curtiss incredibly proud, embodying the academic excellence and resilient character we strive to cultivate in our scholars.

Congrats to Malcolm, Max, Bella, Leila and team captain Autumn!

Soar Like Eagles,

Eduardo & Claribel

Our 3rd grade writing celebration was a vibrant showcase of young scholars' passionate opinions. Parents filled the classrooms to hear their children's thoughtfully crafted opinion pieces on diverse topics ranging from the merits of longer recess and extended school hours to the magic of Christmas. This event celebrated not just writing skills, but students' ability to articulate their perspectives with clarity, creativity, and conviction. Our young writers demonstrated remarkable confidence as they shared their carefully reasoned arguments, bringing their unique voices to life through the power of written expression.

A huge thank you to Mrs. Grandinetti and Mr. Hohl!

Our kindergarten students from Ms. Semmes' class visited Mr. Redmond's pre-K classroom, turning reading time into a beautiful cross-classroom bonding experience. They showcased their growing literacy skills by reading engaging stories like "The Cat," "The Fat Rat," "Mabel's Kit," and "The Dog and the Log" to their younger peers. This heartwarming interaction not only strengthened the kindergarteners' reading confidence but also motivated and delighted the pre-K students. Through this meaningful exchange, our young scholars demonstrated the power of peer learning and the joy of sharing stories.

Join us for an evening celebrating the 2024-25 school year. This special parent-only event will feature dinner and dancing in a

festive Studio 54 theme.

Take this opportunity to connect with fellow JC parents while enjoying a memorable night out. Evening attire inspired by the iconic Studio 54 era is encouraged.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Purchase tickets using the link below.

Fifth to Sixth Grade Parent Input Request

In order to provide input for your student’s middle school placement, parents are given an opportunity to provide the committee with their insights via the Parent Input Form prior to February 7, 2025. Before completing the form, we highly recommend reviewing the video (English, Spanish). Please note: completion of this form does not guarantee placement into the selected courses.

Grade 6 teachers and administrators constantly monitor student progress and achievement to ensure their needs are being met in their courses. Adjustments to course schedules are made on a case-by-case basis and can happen at any time throughout the school year. Parents are a key factor in the decision to make movements in classes. The middle school philosophy for the district ensures that all parents are notified early and often when schedule or course changes are recommended.

Links to videos, as well as transcripted slides regarding the 5th to 6th grade transition and a compiled FAQ are available on the transition website

Save the date! The ALP Leadership Team is hosting a virtual Q&A to answer questions about the placement process for Advanced Studies for Elementary ALP for the 25-26 School Year on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

To accommodate parent schedules, morning and afternoon sessions are being held.

Parents are invited to attend either session.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

9:30 AM Zoom link

7:00 PM Zoom link

Elementary ALP Placement FAQ

Julian Curtiss School is proudly accepting magnet applications for the upcoming school year. As Greenwich's "United Nations School," we offer a unique educational experience with foreign language instruction from kindergarten through fifth grade. We are particularly distinguished as the only elementary school in the district that offers French language instruction beginning in kindergarten. Our intimate school environment fosters a true family atmosphere, enabling us to develop deep, personal connections with each of our scholars. While we may be small in size, we are big in heart and commitment to excellence, "small school, big family". Our community celebrates the rich diversity of our student body while maintaining high academic expectations for every scholar. This combination of cultural appreciation, language immersion, and academic rigor creates an exceptional learning environment.

We encourage you to share this opportunity with families seeking a special school community where every child is valued, challenged, and supported in their academic journey. For those interested in joining our school family, we welcome you to learn more about our magnet program and experience firsthand what makes Julian Curtiss truly unique.

Application is due February 2nd.

Thank you,

Eduardo Calderon and Claribel Michilena

Join us for Julian Curtiss School's Gymnastics Open House, where our K-5 students will showcase their impressive physical education achievements! Parents are invited to watch their children demonstrate skills on various equipment including the balance beam, climbing ropes, and climbing wall. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand how our physical education program builds strength, confidence, and coordination in our students. Come witness the excitement as your children navigate challenging equipment and celebrate their accomplishments alongside their classmates. Mr. O'Brien will be present to answer any questions about our comprehensive gymnastics program.

We look forward to having you join us for this special demonstration! See schedule below.

Students who will turn 3 years old but will NOT turn 5 years old by September 1st of the following year are eligible to apply for entrance to the GPS Preschool Program.

The GPS Preschool follows state guidelines for kindergarten entrance the year that the student reaches their fifth birthday.

Students will be accepted based on maintaining balanced classes (age and gender).

First Priority - Siblings of youngsters who are presently enrolled in the preschool program (and will continue in the program as a 4 year old for the next school year) and siblings of Magnet K-4 students presently enrolled at Julian Curtiss School will have priority status for a vacancy in a preschool class. These students are not placed in the lottery system.

Second Priority - Remaining vacancies in the Julian Curtiss Preschool classes will initially be filled with youngsters who live within the school's attendance areas.

Help JC to raise funds for children battling cancer at Connecticut's Children Hospital.

See link or scan below.

It's time for our mid-year check-in. We will be administering the assessments below to collect data that will help teachers know how to plan targeted instruction for each of their scholars. This data is not used for grading, it is used as a resource to identify the specific needs of our scholars.

Mid-Year Assessments Windows

DIBELS window is open Jan 3 - 24th (K-3)

LAS Links window is open Jan 2 - March 7th (ESL students)

Link it Form B window opens for January administration (K-5) - Jan 21 - Feb 7

This month, we are thrilled to spotlight My Uncle Martin's Big Heart by Angela Farris Watkins, beautifully illustrated by Eric Velasquez, as our Book of the Month.

In this heartwarming story, Angela Farris Watkins, PhD, shares a unique perspective on her uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through her eyes, we see not only a towering civil rights leader but also a loving family member and man of deep faith and compassion. The book offers children a rare glimpse into his life beyond his public role, highlighting the profound love he shared with his family, and all of humanity.

My Uncle Martin's Big Heart reminds us of the power of kindness, character, and service to others. It’s a story that inspires us to reflect on how love and courage can truly shape the world.

We encourage you to explore additional books written and illustrated by Eric Velasquez. His works beautifully celebrate diverse stories and often highlight important cultural and historical moments. This is also a wonderful opportunity to talk with your children about influential historical figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the values they stood for. These meaningful conversations can inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Here are some resources available to our families. Reference the link above for more information.

Do you have a love for teaching and learning? Want to be part of an amazing school community? JC is the place for you! We are seeking enthusiastic, flexible individuals to join our dynamic team - help shape young minds and make a meaningful impact, one day at a time!

If interested, please contact Mr. Calderon at (203) 869-1896 and click on this link https://www.applitrack.com/greenwich/onlineapp to apply.

Feel free to pass this message along.