Important Dates
November 22
Shawn Tobey (Civil Engineer) for Grade 4
November 25
Grade 4 to the State House
November 27, 28, 29
No School
December 3
PTA Meeting 6:30
December 12
Mall in the Hall (1:00-2:30 PM), community invited!
December 20
Early Release 12:35 PM
Community Assemblies for the Year:
January 24: Concert for Grades 3 and 4
February 14
April 18: Earth Day
May 16: World Language Concert
June 6: Concert for Grades K-2
Important Links
A Note from Mrs. Pitts
Dear RES Families,
Last week, we invited Carla Cole, CEO & Founder of No Brain is the Same, and Megg Thompson, the dynamic presenter, to bring their very important message to Rye Elementary School. This organization seeks to teach neurodivergent kids about the neurotypical world and neurotypical people about the neurodivergent world. During the assembly on Friday, students learned about the concept of patterns in our brains and how these patterns are different in each of us. We wanted to provides examples of the language used during the assembly that helps to describe these patterns and allows learners to understand and "participate" in their own learning and that of others. We wanted to share THIS RESOURCE with you so you could engage in conversations with your own family and continue the self-reflection and empathy that fosters stronger relationships among us all!
Warmly,
Lori Arsenault and Michelle Pitts
Seeking and Offering Holiday Support
We hope every Rye School District community member feels safe, secure, and free from financial stress, but we know this just isn't the case for some of our families. With the holiday season upon us, we encourage you to seek support if you need it. Please email Lori Arsenault, RES School Counselor (larsenault@sau50.org) or Michelle Pitts, RES Principal (mpitts@sau50.org) and trust that we will respect your privacy and support you in any way we can.
Please consider the following ways that you can access support during the holiday season, or at any time.
Holiday Support
The Seacoast community is so fortunate to have an amazing resource - GATHER. This local food pantry has a mission to build food security in welcoming and dignified ways. As we near the Thanksgiving holiday, GATHER is offering meals for families that include a turkey. If you would like to access this resource, you can contact GATHER at (603) 436-0641 and ask to be added to the list for Thanksgiving meal support. Turkeys and fixings will be available for pickup on Thursday November 21st from 12:00-3:00pm at the Portsmouth location on West Road.
The Rye Fire Department runs an amazingly efficient and extremely generous toy drive for families across the Seacoast. Please contact the Fire Department or Lori Arsenault (RES School Counselor) to get a form and for more information and support.
GATHER Mobile Markets and Pantry
GATHER's Mobile Markets are outdoor, farmer market style shopping experiences. Everyone is welcome to shop and everything is 100% free of charge. GATHER’s Pantry is located in Portsmouth on West Road. You can register onsite to access the variety of staples, fresh produce, proteins and more at no cost to you. Learn more about this amazing organization and the support they provide by visiting HERE.
End 68 Hours of Hunger
If your family is experiencing food insecurity, END 68 Hours can help. This program provides children with food for the approximately 68 hours between when that student has lunch on Fridays at school and returns again on Monday for a school meal. If this support could be helpful to you, please contact Lori Arsenault (larsenault@sau50.org), RES School Counselor.
Lunch in our Caf
Beginning on December 2, we will allow one family member at a time to have lunch with their child(ren) but this is very optional and we don't want families to feel pressured to attend. This is an occasional event as we do want children to build independence and social skills in the cafeteria, a perfect time for this!
- Email resoffice@sau50.org if you would like to attend with the date/time. It is important to anticipate who will be in the building. We love these opportunities for students and their family members but we will always put safety first.
- We do have a focus during this time...eating for energy and brain power!
- Family members must meet the child in the cafeteria and leave from the cafeteria.
- Days for family visits are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We do not have lunch visitors on Fridays.
- Lunch times are:
Kindergarten-11:45-12:10
First Grade-12:10-12:35
Second Grade-12:10-12:35
Third Grade- 11:15-11:40
Fourth Grade-11:15-11:40
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff explores the cultural shifts that have contributed to a rise in anxiety and mental health issues among today’s youth. The authors argue that changes in parenting styles, social media dynamics, and societal attitudes towards safety and emotional well-being have created a generation that is more anxious and less resilient. They offer insights into the implications of these changes and suggest ways to foster greater emotional strength and resilience in young people.
Complete the book over the holidays and join us for two virtual sessions of meaningful conversations and connection as we navigate these crucial issues together!
Wednesday, 1/22/25 from 7-8 PM
Wednesday, 1/29/25 from 7-8 PM
Sock-tober
A big thank you to the RES Student Council who collected 255 pairs of socks! We are sending your donations to an Elementary School in Asheville, NC.
Thank you to everyone who donated!!
No Brain is the Same
Megg Thompson, from "No Brain is the Same" visited our school to present to K-2 and 3-4 about the magic of neurodiversity. She showed examples of how our brains think differently and the importance of identifying your personal learning tools.
RJH, SAU 50 Connection and the Principal Report for School Board
In an effort to create a ONE STOP SHOP for families, we are now publishing the RES and RJH newsletter on Thursdays and sharing the link in one place:)
Please find the latest edition of the SAU 50 Sensation here.
From Michelle: November SCHOOL BOARD REPORT
Wreath/Poinsettia/Kissing Ball Fundraiser:
Approximately 30% of the sale price goes to the PTA!
Less than One week left to get your order in: Rye PTA Holiday Plant and Wreath Fundraiser - Cheddar Up
Order deadline is next Monday, November 25
Available for delivery or pickup Dec. 2-4 at RES.
PTA Grants Update:
Approved at last week's meeting: Kindergarten Literacy Grant, submitted by Ms. Hanna and Ms. Scally. Fun tools to engage and aid the students in their pursuit of learning how to read! Examples include whisper phones, a reading essentials toolkit, nursery rhyme poetry books, and more!
Recent Fulfillment of Grant: Library Cozy Reading Corner, submitted by Ms Somers. Items include bean bag chairs, cube chairs, pillows, and rug. The aim is to create a quiet corner for emotional regulation and individual/partner reading. Library corner BEFORE / Library corner AFTER
Riptide Swag
Now that cozy weather is officially here, you might wish you had one of our Full zip sweatshirts! Or maybe your kids would like some Riptide sweatpants? Or maybe a Riptide Tumbler for your favorite beverage to bring courtside? Check out what we have for spirit swag at:
Rye Riptides Apparel - Cheddar Up
Upcoming Volunteer Needs:
Next month we will be looking for help for the Holiday Cookie Swap to honor the Teachers and Staff at each of the schools. A sign-up will be sent out soon!
We also plan to do a luncheon for them that day!
Stocking Elves
While this is not a PTA-sponsored event, it is one that is close to the hearts of our school community, so it’s worth a huge mention!
The Daniels Family has been inspiring the community for the past 6 years to bring something magical to the less-fortunate children of the seacoast. 100% of your donations go toward creating stockings to be handed out at Operation Blessing’s Gift Giveaway in December.
This year’s Goal: 1,500 stuffed stockings!!
How to help:
Purchase items from the Stocking Elves Amazon Wish List by 12/12: Amazon.com Stocking Elves All items will ship directly to Molly Daniels. (Check back frequently as the elves will update as needed)
Donate to Venmo by 12/12 @Thestockingelves (Molly Daniels).
Volunteer to participate in the sorting and stuffing events on 12/13 & 12/14 (more details to follow). It’s a really great way to get the kids involved!
Visit the Rye PTA website at: www.ryepta.org (Thank you, Cory Pavitt of Surfside Web Designs!)
Follow us: Facebook Instagram (@ryenhpta)
Contact Information
Email: mpitts@sau50.org
Website: https://res.sau50.org
Location: 461 Sagamore Road, Rye, NH, USA
Phone: (603) 436-4731