The Weekly Buzz
From Palmer River Elementary School
February 14, 2025
Dear Families,
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a federal law, requires school districts to distribute school report cards annually to the families of all enrolled students, regardless of a school's Title I status or accountability designation. These report cards provide essential information, including assessment and accountability results, teacher qualifications, and other key district and school performance metrics. Our most recent School Report Card is linked below for your reference.
Additionally, ESSA mandates that districts inform parents of students in Title I schools of their right to request information about the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teacher(s). This information will be provided upon request.
We value your continued partnership and wish you a restful and enjoyable vacation week. We will see everyone back at school on Monday, Februray 24, 2025!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Kristine Kefor, Principal (email: kkefor@drregional.org)
Dr. Cheryl Leandro, Assistant Principal (email: cleandro@drregional.org)
phone: 508-252-5100
#WeAreDR!
Empower, Ignite, Shape
To learn more about School Report Cards, click below.
A Few Photos from the Week!
Upcoming Calendar Events for PRES
- February Vacation Week: Monday, February 17th to Friday, February 21st
- PTSA Talent Show: Friday, February 28 at 6:00pm
- Literacy Week: Monday March 3rd to Friday March 7th
- Literacy Night for Students in Grades 1-3: Thursday, March 6th at 5:30-7:00pm
- Spring Scholastic Book Fair: Thursday, March 6th to Friday, March 14th
- PRES School Council Meeting: Tuesday, March 11th at 3:30-4:30pm
- Incoming Kindergarten Information Night for Families: Thursday, March 13th at 5:00-6:30pm
- Trimester II Report Cards Published in Aspen: Tuesday, March 25th
- Spring Picture Day: Tuesday, March 25th
- Spring Parent Teacher Conferences (as requested): Thursday, March 27th
🐝 The Buzz from The Nurse's Office 🐝
Hello, Parents and Guardians!
As we get closer to February vacation, we hope your family is looking forward to a fun and relaxing time together. To keep our school community healthy and happy, we’d love your help in ensuring everyone returns to school feeling their best. Thank you so much for your support, and enjoy the break!
Please remember the following guidelines before sending your child back to school:
If your child feels unwell, please keep them home until they are symptom-free and meet the school's health requirements.
Students should be fever-free (without medication) for 24 hours before returning.
If your child has experienced vomiting or diarrhea, they should stay home for 24 hours after symptoms subside.
If your child has tested positive for any contagious illness (such as flu, COVID-19, or strep throat), please follow your healthcare provider’s guidance and notify the school nurse. Also, antibiotics should be taken 24 hours before returning. We are reportedly experiencing the highest Flu cases in 15 years.
Encourage proper handwashing and other hygiene practices to help prevent the spread of illness.
Thanks for helping us keep our school a healthy place for everyone! If you have any questions, just reach out to the nurse’s office.
Medical Requirements for 3rd and 4th Grade Students
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Palmer River Elementary School District mandate that each student have a current physical examination on file with the school nurse before entering 4th grade.
For third-grade students, physicals submitted during this school year will meet the requirements.
For fourth-grade students, please submit them as soon as possible.
At this time we are missing a majority of physical forms from 4th graders entering the middle school next year. Documents can be faxed to (508) 252-5110, emailed to me at eferreira@drregional.org, or enclosed in a sealed envelope and sent in with your child, as per your preference.
Spare clothing
Accidents happen! All children are recommended to keep a spare set of clothes at school. This includes a shirt, pants, underpants, and socks. Spare clothing will be stored in a safe location in the classroom and returned at the end of the year. I can also store them in the nurse's office if needed.
Donations
If you would like to donate packaged unused underwear and socks, we would greatly appreciate it. They will be kept in the health office if a child needs them.
Hope you all have a wonderful, healthy and restful February break!!!
Nurse Elizabeth
🚌 Bus Drop-Off Policy 🚌
The Monthly Mindset
February's Monthly Mindset is FRIENDSHIP!
Friendship is a close relationship between people who care about each other, enjoy spending time together, support one another, and share common interests; it's built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect.
Food Service Menus
CLICK HERE for the daily meal planner.
CLICK HERE for printable PDFs of Monthly Menus.
MCAS Dates for Grades Three and Four
DR in The Boston Globe
Our district received some positive coverage in this week’s Boston Globe regarding our approach to advanced coursework. The article (CLICK HERE) alludes to how DRiving Toward 2030 facilitates how we are shaping a culture of excellence and recognizes our commitment to meeting students where they are while providing opportunities for academic growth and success. Our district is mentioned near the end, highlighted in green.
Our expanded advanced math offerings in Grades 7 and 8 have been well-received by our students and families. This initiative is not only helping our college-bound students position themselves more competitively but also empowers our dedicated teachers to more effectively differentiate instruction, close learning gaps, and support individual skill development for all students.
We are also pleased that the Globe highlighted our Grade 8 Algebra pilot at DRRHS this coming September.
In an era where many districts are reducing ability grouping, our structured approach ensures that we ignite the learning of students of all readiness and help them receive the appropriate challenge and support they need to thrive. The article underscores the importance of this work and reflects positively on our district's commitment to both academic excellence and instructional effectiveness.
DR Wellness Committee Calendar
Rehoboth PTSA Announcements
Reflections Winners
PRES Book Fair
Community Announcements
BMS Class Wins Snowplow Naming Contest with Rehoboth Highway Dept.
The Town of Rehoboth's Highway Department recently partnered with Palmer River Elementary School and Dorothy L. Beckwith Middle School to name their new snowplow. Homerooms were able to submit one name per class for a chance to win $100 to use towards classroom supplies, earn an extra recess, and the opportunity to be “introduced” to the truck in person.
The winning class is from Dorothy L. Beckwith Middle School. Julie Heim’s grade 5 homeroom
class won with the name “Scoop Dogg!"
DRiving Towards 2030!
Palmer River Elementary School
The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District
#WeAreDR!
Website: https://pres.drregional.org/
Location: 326 Winthrop Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769
Phone: 508-252-5100/Fax: 508-252-5110
Dighton Rehoboth Regional School District does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected group.