The Shining Star

Dear Families,

As we head into Winter Break, we want to wish you and your family a restful, joyful, and safe break. We are so grateful for your partnership, support, and all you do to help your child thrive each day.

We hope you enjoy this special time with your loved ones, and we look forward to welcoming our students back after the break.

Wishing you Happy Holidays and a wonderful break!!

Warmly,
Penny Ann Manteria

We would appreciate your feedback as we continue to work together to support our students. The survey should take just a few minutes. Thank you for taking a moment to share your thoughts.

https://forms.gle/AYPZnawuHGZajW16A

CONGRATULATIONS SUPERSTARS!

PreK

• Mrs. Alexander - Easton Czarnecki
• Mrs. Craigwell - Siobhan McMullen
• Mrs. Szubelick - Jasper Young
• Mrs. Glaze - Leo Zanetti

K

• Mrs. Barry - Bentley Lecours
• Ms. Foster - Owen Gloster
• Mrs. Murray - Leora Kearney

Students will receive a lawn sign, call home, certificate and picture on the bulletin board

Kindergarten:

Appleseeds: Students are wrapping up unit 5 and have now been introduced to all individual sounds. They are working on recognizing the symbols, producing the sounds, and blending the sounds together to read words. As we move into unit 6, students will be introduced to digraphs, which are two letters that team up to make a new sound. Students have had the opportunity to read their very first book, Pet Fun! They are working hard at becoming readers and writers.

Math: Students are finishing up a unit on addition of numbers within 10. They have had opportunities to practice addition with worksheets, manipulatives, and games! Students learned about the addition symbol (Gus the Plus) and to recognize that symbol means they should put the two numbers together. After the break we will be moving on to subtraction and the introduction of "Linus the Minus".

Science: Our mini meteorologists have been busy tracking the weather and recording the data. We have had a variety of weather the last few weeks which has given the students a wonderful opportunity to track and discuss different weather patterns.

StoryLab: In the Magic Tree House books Jack and Annie just returned from their trip to the Caribbean where they ran into pirates! Next- they travel to Ancient Japan and the time of the ninjas!

Prek

This month, students have been strengthening early literacy, math, and social skills. We are reviewing letter sounds through phonics activities and exploring phonological processes such as rhyming and beginning sounds. In math, children are practicing counting, simple addition and subtraction, and building and extending patterns. We have also been focusing on social skills, including problem solving, cooperation, and safe play with peers.

Next month, students will continue building foundational literacy, math, and social skills. We will focus on learning new letter sounds—b, f, o, and g—and continue practicing blending, segmenting, rhyming, and identifying beginning sounds through our Heggerty curriculum. Mid-year assessments will begin to help guide instruction and support individual growth. In math, children will build upon counting, basic addition and subtraction, and patterning skills. In science and dramatic play, we will explore themes of snow and ice, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and collaborative play.

Reminders:

🕗 Re-establish routines:

Getting back into regular bedtimes, wake-up times, and morning routines makes a big difference in starting the day calm and ready to learn.

🎒 Check backpacks:
Please take a moment to look through your child’s backpack for any important papers, classroom work, or items that may need to be returned.

🧥 Cold weather prep:
With the temperatures dropping, please send your child with a warm coat, hat, and gloves each day. Labeling items helps us reunite them with their owners!

📚 Keep reading at home:
Even 10–15 minutes of reading each night supports language development and helps students get back into learning mode.

😊 Encourage positive attendance:
We appreciate your support in helping students arrive on time and ready for a full day of school. Consistent attendance helps them stay connected and on track.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping our students transition back successfully. We’re excited for all the learning and fun ahead!

Reminders of Upcoming Events:

• December 24-January 2 - Holiday Break

• January 5 - Back to school and Happy New Year!
• January 19 - MLK day No School
• January 22 - PBIS Snow day Fun
• January 23 - Early Release for Teacher inservice

Penny Ann Manteria, Principal

Early Childhood Center at Quarry Hill

43 Margaret Street

Monson, MA 01057

Manteriap@monsonschools.com

413-267-4160 x5

"Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together make this world a beautiful garden." – Unknown