The Feathered Flyer Update

Dear Families,

As we settle into November and feel the autumn chill, I want to begin by sharing how thankful I am for our wonderful school community. The partnership between our families, teachers, and staff is what makes our school such a special place, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside your children.

Here are a few quick updates, requests, and important reminders for the month ahead:

• Recess Equipment Donations Needed With outdoor play in full swing, our recess bins are looking a little low! We are currently in need of soccer balls and basketballs. If you are able to donate one or two, our students would be incredibly appreciative.
• Bottle Redemption Volunteers Wanted We are looking for parent volunteers to help empty the bottle recycling bin near the driveway and take the returnables to Seacoast Redemption (15 Hardwick Rd, Boothbay; open Monday – Thursday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM). I have attached the current schedule with highlighted weeks where we need coverage. If you can take even just one week, please send me a quick email and I will add you to the calendar! Any help with this ongoing effort is greatly appreciated.

Snow Days vs. Remote Days

As winter approaches, I want to clarify how weather-related school cancellations work. Because our school operates within an Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS), each school is its own district. This means our call may differ from neighboring towns like Southport, Boothbay, or Georgetown based on our specific conditions.

Here is what to expect when winter weather hits:

• First 3 Inclement Weather Days = Traditional Snow Days: The first three times school is canceled due to weather, we will hold standard Snow Days. No remote work will be assigned—we want students to enjoy these days just like we did growing up: go outside, play in the snow, and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate!

• Subsequent Inclement Weather Days = Remote Days: If additional weather days are needed beyond the initial three, we will transition to Remote Days.

  • Teachers will send home Remote Learning Packets around December 1st with clear instructions on what work to complete. Some of our older grades may also hold short virtual sessions.

  • Remote Meals: If you signed up for remote day meal packages, plan to thaw and use those meals during Remote Days.

  • Meal Sign-Up: If you haven't signed up yet but would like your student to receive remote meals, please print off the form. Please return the completed form to the office by November 9th so our kitchen team can prepare and distribute meals alongside the remote learning packets.

Thank you again for all you do to support our school—whether it’s volunteering, collaborating with teachers, or simply encouraging your children each morning. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with rest and warmth!

Warmly,

Laura Mewa

My name is Gary Upham and I am the School Counselor for Edgecomb Eddy School. I have been a School Counselor for 10 years. I will be exploring a new program this year that is part of the Social Thinking Program by Michelle Garcia Winner. While I am learning this new program, I will continue to use the Choose Love program for students Kindergarten through third grade. For grades fourth through sixth we will be using Common Sense Media to learn about being safe online.

I am available to all students at Edgecomb Eddy School. I meet with students 1:1, in small groups and in the classroom setting. Our classroom guidance lessons meet the American School Counseling Standards for students. I may be contacted through email gupham@aos98schools.org or by telephone at school 882-5151.

The first Unit we will cover this year is Courage. The Choose Love Curriculum is online at ChooseLoveMovement.com if you would like to review and support your child. In every lesson there is a home component. I will be sending home flyers and information that can reinforce what your student is learning at school, at home.

Child Development - Kindergarten

Compared to four-year-olds, five-year-olds thrive with structured, predictable learning and exploratory play. They often look for permission from adults to complete a task or transition to the next activity. Five-year-olds tend to be a little calmer and more literal than their younger peers. They tend to be self-absorbed and have difficulty expressing empathy. As their language skills develop, a sense of initiative motivates them, while failure often results in a sense of guilt. Causes and effects are often understood through intuition, not logic. Focusing on one thing at a time helps them stay clear (Wood, 1994).

Six-year-olds experience dramatic growth all the way around: physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. They like being industrious and are constantly in a hurry, being more interested in the process of something than the product. They love being first in line, though they also love to dawdle. They find it important to have friends, and are boisterous, talkative, melodious, and generally noisy all day. They enjoy cooperating, and are particularly sensitive to criticism. Six-year-olds become better at thinking logically, making comparisons, and noticing differences. They are more eager, imaginative, driven, curious, and enthusiastic than perhaps they will ever be for the rest of their lives (Wood, 1994).

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your student!

"The Parent Teacher Club" is actively seeking new members! Do you want to make a positive difference in your school community? Research shows that students whose parents volunteer have:

• Positive Attitude: Seeing parents involved fosters a stronger appreciation for education and a more favorable view of the school environment.
• Increased Confidence: Children feel more valued, supported, and proud when they see their parents contributing positively to their school community.

• Stronger Social Skills: Students often demonstrate better social interactions and self-esteem through the sense of inclusion created by community events.

• Lifelong Values: Children learn the importance of civic duty and are more likely to become adult volunteers themselves.
• Better Communication: Staff and parents build trust and solve problems quickly together.

Check out the list of events that the PTC usually coordinates. We can't do it all without you! Please reach out to Maureen or Audrey if you have any questions or are willing to take the lead on an event!

For more information please see their website at https://www.healthykidsmaine.org/.

Please find below some upcoming events and classes