Varnum Brook Weekly Update

Greetings,

Better Together at VBES!

What a joyful Friday at VBES! Our building was filled with smiles, excitement, and a wonderful sense of community as we welcomed so many caregivers for our Fall Stroll/Parade and Fall Into Reading opportunities. There is something truly special about opening our doors and seeing our students, staff, and families come together to celebrate learning and one another.

It was a beautiful reminder that schools are at their very best when all stakeholders feel welcomed, connected, and valued. These are the moments that strengthen our community, and I hope we continue to create more and more opportunities to bring our families into the life of our school.

Building Positive Bus Communities 🚌

We are excited to strengthen our partnership with our bus drivers as we work together to promote safer, kinder, and more positive bus rides for all students.

Much like our Patriot Tickets, which recognize individual students, and our Golden Tickets, which celebrate classroom communities, we are extending this spirit of recognition to our buses!

Students will have opportunities to be recognized for their individual efforts to demonstrate kindness, respect, and safe riding behaviors. Additionally, when an entire bus demonstrates positive behavior for two consecutive weeks, those riders will earn 15 minutes of extra recess together!

Our goal is simple: to celebrate the positive choices our students make, strengthen relationships with our bus drivers, and build a sense of shared responsibility and pride among our riders. Every student plays a role in creating a safe and welcoming bus community!

Bathroom Expectations and Safety

We continue to closely monitor our student bathrooms and refine our protocols to ensure these shared spaces remain safe, clean, and respectful for everyone.

We would appreciate your partnership in reminding your child about appropriate bathroom etiquette, including respecting others' privacy, caring for our facilities, and using these spaces responsibly. These small but important conversations at home reinforce the expectations we teach and model at school.

A Day of Learning for Our Educators

A reminder that there is no school for students on Tuesday, November 3. While our students enjoy a day away, our educators will be engaged in professional development.

Just as we encourage our students to be curious, reflective, and lifelong learners, we hold ourselves to those same expectations. Our commitment to growing our knowledge, strengthening our practices, and learning alongside one another is rooted in our shared goal of better serving and supporting every learner at VBES.

Looking Ahead to November

November is shaping up to be a busy month! Please take a moment to review the updated dates and upcoming events included in this newsletter. We appreciate your partnership in staying connected and informed.

One Important Communication Reminder: When you reply directly to this newsletter, your message does not reach me. I always welcome your questions, concerns, ideas, and feedback. Please email me directly at adolan@nmrsd.org. Open communication and strong partnerships matter deeply to me.

As we turn the calendar to November, I am reminded once again of how fortunate we are to be part of this school community. Thank you for showing up, for partnering with us, and for helping make VBES a place where children feel a true sense of belonging.

With gratitude,

Ami