Colonial Park Weekly News
September 28 - October 2
Principal's Note
Dear Colonial Park Families -
This week, we are already welcoming in October on Thursday. As a reminder, Thursday will also be our rescheduled Back to School Picnic, from 5:00 to 7:00, and I can't wait to see our families at this fun event!
Our first Goldie Gathering was Friday, and we also celebrated the legendary Dolly Parton with "9 to 5 Day." Our office staff recognized this month's Confetti Moments, and they are:
Biraj, Grade 4 - Mr. Wickham
Anelia, Grade 4 - Ms. Faughnan
Julio, Grade 2 - Mrs. McCarthy
Ms. Jess - Mrs. Flynn
We are so proud of these rockstars for kicking off our Confetti Moments!
On Monday, our Data Team will meet with each grade level to review the Beginning of the Year data. At that time, we will identify students who will benefit from Tier II and/or Tier III interventions, and classroom teachers will begin the planning for their in class small group instruction. This work will continue during our Faculty Meeting on Thursday and our Professional Development on Friday, when teachers will score their Beginning of the Year SRSD Writing Assessments and collaborate as grade level teams on small group instruction. Please read the section of the newsletter titled "Information on Early Literacy Screening" for more information on our Beginning of the Year Assessments.
Just a reminder, please have your child leave all toys and fidgets at home. We have recently had some incidents of special toys being lost or "accidentally" given away, and in order to avoid anyone being upset, we ask that these things stay at home. If your child has a fidget that is particularly successful in regulating them, please contact your child's teacher before sending it to school. Thank you so much for your cooperation!
Just a reminder, Friday, October 2 is an early release day for all SPS students. Preschool will be dismissed at 11:40, and our students in grades K-4 will be dismissed at 12:00. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!
Best,
Rosa Flynn
School Picture Day, Thursday, October 8
Our School Picture Day is scheduled for Thursday, October 8. We are excited to welcome back Patrik Kisucky, owner of School Art Studio and former Colonial Park parent, for the third year in a row. For more information, please visit the link below. I am also attaching package and pricing information.
Preschool News - Stoneham Early Learning Center at Colonial Park
We will be welcoming Ms. Kelsey back to Colonial Park on Tuesday, October 13, and Ms. Jess will continue in the classroom on Tuesday and Wednesday to help with the transition. We are SO LUCKY that Ms. Jess will return to her position right next door in Ms. Jean's class, so she will be available to support Ms. Kelsey as she and her student adjust.
Below please find the weekly newsletter from Danielle Tucker, Preschool Director.
Information on Early Literacy Screening
Each year, students in grades K-4 participate in beginning of the year, middle of the year and end of the year testing to assess their understanding of grade level reading and math skills. Our district uses DIBELS 8 and Star Early Literacy/Reading and Math. Both DIBELS 8 and Star Early Literacy/Reading are valid, developmentally appropriate, DESE-approved early literacy screening instruments.
Our grade level teachers, reading specialists, special educators and principals meet to analyze the data collected and determine appropriate interventions for students, if they are needed. Students whose data suggests gaps in their understanding of grade level literacy skills are placed in intervention groups with a reading specialist or special educator. The instructional focus of each intervention group directly supports the needs of the students in that group.
Over the next two weeks, all three elementary schools will send letters to the families of students in grades 1-3 (kindergarten is forthcoming because their assessment window is in October) whose composite DIBELS score fall in intensive intervention. The purpose of the letter is to let families know that we have identified the areas of challenge and have developed a plan to address their child's needs. We will progress monitor each child during the 6-8 week intervention period and adjust instruction as needed.
As always, we are grateful for your support and collaboration.
PTO News
*The Spiritwear Store is still OPEN! Purchase Colonial Park and/or Spartan gear now through October 1st! Additional options have been added from past years and most items are available in blue, white or grey. Orders will be received in November. Check it out: Colonial Park Spirtwear Store
Next Week
*Back to School Picnic - Thursday, October 1st, 5-7 p.m. - Join us for our first event of the year! We will have music, pizza for purchase AND an ice cream truck! The PTO will provide an ice cream treat for each Colonial Park student attending (families are welcome to purchase additional items). We will also have Goldie stuffed animals for sale, $20/each. Bring your picnic blanket and come hang out with your CP friends, new and old! Halloween is just around the corner... *Pumpkin Patch Sponsors - We are looking for sponsors to help offset the cost of the pumpkin patch (10/22 during school hours). If you have a business that is interested in sponsoring this fantastic event, please email colonialparkpto@gmail.com for more details! Thank you to Bookkeeping Partners LLC for being our very first sponsor! *Halloween Trunk or Treat event - Saturday, October 31st, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (rain date 11/1) If you dare to join the Halloween Committee and help bring this spooktacular event to life, please email colonialparkpto@gmail.com. Trunks Wanted! You can sign up to decorate your car here: Trunk or Treat Signup