We had a busy week at Cole School with Bus Driver Appreciation Day on Tuesday and Secretary Appreciation Day on Wednesday. You would be very proud to know that the students showered both the bus drivers and Mrs. Tracey with lots of extra thank yous and many cards. They were all very touched by the gestures of appreciation! The Tanglewood Marionettes visited on Monday for two shows. K-2 saw Sleeping Beauty and grades 3-5 saw Perseus and Medusa. 5th grade did an amazing job hosting the Community Meeting this morning and focused on the SEL theme of responsibility. 3rd graders celebrated Arbor Day today as well!
During the Community Meeting this morning, I reviewed expected behaviors with the entire student body for PTO sponsored events as there were some concerning behaviors at the most recent Stay and Play. Students heard again that all school rules apply all day long at Cole School, even for PTO sponsored events. Students should NEVER be climbing on or hanging from the soccer nets. Students should NEVER be putting hands or feet on another student or adult. If students are not showing expected behaviors, they will be asked to leave the event and not allowed to participate in the next event. Please review this with your children before attending the upcoming Stay and Play, Variety Show, and Art Show.
Thank you for sharing feedback with us through the 2024 Cole School Family Survey. The results were positive and comparable to previous years' surveys. A picture of the summary is shared below. A few notes to add:
- While family engagement shows 21% favorable, we believe that it is actually much higher than that, but this tool gauges favorable answers differently. For example, when asked how often you meet in person with teachers at school, it shows only 1% favorable answers of weekly or more and monthly. However when we look at in person meetings with teachers weekly or more, monthly, every few months, and once or twice a year, we are at 98% favorable. This holds true for all questions in the family engagement section of the survey.
- The narrative responses were very thoughtful and overwhelmingly positive! The greatest take away is the strong sense of community that is fostered here by every member of it (students, staff, families, and greater community).
- A few clarifications to share that came up in the feedback -
- A Buddy Bench exists on the playground and is used by students when needed.
- The Rec Dept. programs are run by the Norwell Rec. Dept. We do not oversee those programs or have any say in the scheduling.
- Feedback specific to PTO events and planning was shared with them at this week's PTO meeting.
I was so touched this week when I received a Magnificent Meerkat nomination from a Cole School family for fostering an open and warm environment where children feel seen and heard. I never expected to be nominated, but it sure filled my bucket!
Magnificent Meerkats has been a hit with the students! One 5th grade student was overheard excitedly announcing, "I was nominated as a Magnificent Meerkat!" as he got in his car at pick up. He couldn't wait to share the news with his mom. Each week no less than three students remind me to make the announcement on Thursday morning. It is something that they look forward to and celebrate those that are nominated. This week's Magnificent Meerkats have been shining brightly at Cole School! Check out some of the reasons given for their nominations:
- She is consistently receiving positive feedback from all specialists and teachers. She is a model student who is always doing her best, has an outstanding attitude and puts forth best effort in all areas.
- He consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, and a willingness to help others. He can be counted on time after time to help his friends clean up, finish a project, or solve a problem. He is a model for his peers!
- He has been working very hard on folllowing directions, having self control and using kind words to friends. He has been doing an excellent job with this and we are very proud of him! Keep up the good work!
- She is a kind and friendly student. She consistently goes out of her way to ensure that other students feel safe and welcomed at school. She often looks for ways to lift other students up.
Using balloons (K), beachballs (1st), rubber balls (2nd) and volleyball trainers (3rd-5th) we started our Volleyball Unit this week! With age appropriate striking items, students worked on their skills of bumping, setting and serving with partners. 4th/5th graders played a fun cooperative game called Moon Ball Elimination.
April
April 29 - Gr. 3 Field Trip and Gr. 5 Field Trip (2 classes)
April 29 - Gr. 2 MA Audubon enrichment
April 30 - Gr. 5 Field Trip (2 classes)
May
May 1 - Elementary Early Release - 12:20 dismissal for all students
May 1 - Gr. 3 American Rev. Projects shared 9:30-10:00am
May 1 - Variety Show Rehearsal (all grades)
May 2 - Gr. 4 High Tech High Touch enrichment
May 2 - Kindergarten Orientation 5pm
May 3 - School Lunch Hero Day
May 6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6 - Incoming Kindergarten Screenings
May 6 - Town Meeting
May 8 - School Nurse Appreciation Day
May 9 & 10 - MCAS - Grade 4 Math
May 9 - Cole School Variety Show at NHS
May 13 & 14 - MCAS Grade 3 Math
May 15 - Gr. 4 High Tech High Touch enrichment
May 15 & May 16 - MCAS Grade 5 Math
May 15 - School Council Meeting 3:30
May 16 - Gr. 4 Field Trip
May 17 - Early Release Day for Professional Development - 12:20pm dismissal for all students
May 20 - Community Meeting - Grade 1 Hosting - Parents and Community invited to attend
May 20 - Gr. 3 Field Trip
May 20 - Gr. 2 Pedestrian Safety Lessons
May 20 & 21 - MCAS Grade 5 Science
May 27 - Memorial Day Holiday - No School
May 28 - K Field Trip
May 29 - Art Show 5-7pm
May 30 - Grade 4 Concert 7 pm
May 31 - Gr. 3 Field Trip
Upcoming - Mark Your Calendar
June 3 - Bike Safety Presentations
June 3 - Gr. 1 Field Trip
June 4 - KF and KG - Habitat Day 9:30-10:00
June 5 - KD and KJ - Habitat Day 9:30-10:00
June 5 - PTO Meeting 7pm
June 7 - Field Day
June 10 - Connections Meeting
June 10 - K Whales and Dolphins enrichment
June 10 - Grade 5 Band Concert
June 13 - Gr. 4 Geography enrichment
June 13 - Gr. 5 Move Up Day to NMS
June 13 - Grade 5 Celebration 6-8pm (Grade 5 Students and Parents only, no siblings or other family please)
June 14 - Gr. 2 Field Trip
June 14 - Gr. 5 Field Trip
June 17 - Tentative Last Day of School and Move Up Day for K-4
Attention Norwell Community!
Exciting News!
Norwell Youth Cheer registration is now officially OPEN! Thanks to our incredible partnership with SHD Marketing, we're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new website, making registration easier and more convenient than ever before!
Registration is open to incoming grades 3-8th for the Fall 2024 Youth Football Program. Whether your child is a seasoned cheerleader or looking to try something new, we welcome all levels of experience!
Here's what you need to know: Who: Incoming grades 3-8th What: Norwell Youth Cheer Registration Where: Visit our new website https://www.norwellyouthcheer.com/ to register! When: Registration is NOW OPEN, so don't wait to secure your spot as it will close on June 17th!
Join us in fostering teamwork, spirit, and fun in our vibrant Norwell community! Let's make this season one to remember!