It has been an absolutely wonderful first week of school! Students are already starting to create new friendships and learn the routines and expectations of their classroom and the school. We had a great turnout for the first PTO meeting of the year and look forward to the many events and activities the PTO is actively planning. Pick Up Patrol has been working amazingly well and has streamlined all of the communication helping us to ensure the safety of students at dismissal. Thank you all for your help in using this system. We are down to 25 students whose parents need to complete the sign offs in Aspen. Mrs. Festa will be reaching out by phone to those families to help get that task completed. We are well on our way to a fantastic school year at Cole School.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, a significant day in our nation's history. In recognition of this day, our 5th grade students read and discussed a Scholastic News article about the events of that day, offering an age-appropriate opportunity to learn about this important part of American history. Given the sensitive nature of the topic, our other grade levels did not discuss September 11th in class today. As always, we know that families may choose to talk with their children about historical events in the way that feels right for their family, and we're happy to answer any questions you may have about how this topic is approached at different grade levels at Cole School.
A few helpful reminders:
- Walkers leave through the front door of the school.
- Parents using the pick up system must have a sign with the student's last name posted in the front or passenger side window in large bold capitals.
- The front loop of the building is closed to cars during arrival and dismissal. Please park in the parking lot during those times.
Each year we practice a number of mandatory drills (fire, shelter in the building, lockdown, bus evacuation) with our students and present them in the most developmentally appropriate way. We had our first fire drill yesterday with the Norwell Fire Department. The staff and students did an awesome job following all the procedures. On Monday, the bus drivers will teach students about bus safety and bus evacuations upon arrival at Cole School on Monday. All students (including drop offs and walkers) will participate in this drill.
Many thanks to the two outgoing parent representatives on the School Council - Mr. Hamory and Mr. Martin. We are so thankful for their time and input over the last two years.
We are now in need of two new Cole School Council Parent Representatives who will join our current parent representatives, Mr. Steven Fantes and Mrs. Lauren Maloney, to help guide our school as we move forward to implement the goals in the Cole School Improvement Plan. This position holds a 2-year commitment with a monthly meeting from 3:30-4:30pm. Interested parents can learn more about School Councils and their roles in school improvement here.
If you would like to nominate yourself or another Cole School parent, please send Mrs. Burns (eliza.burns@norwellschools.org) the name and a brief bio introducing yourself to the community. This bio will be used for the ballot as these are elected positions. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, September 18th. An Google Form election ballot with all nominated parents will be sent home via email the following week in preparation for the first School Council Meeting on October 14th.
Mark you calendars for the upcoming Open House/Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 24th. Students and families are welcome to come visit the classroom and specialist areas, meet the teachers, learn more about the grade level curriculum, and see the classroom. This year, please join us in the gym for the first 10 minutes to hear important information from a School Committee representative.
5:00-5:10 Grades 1 and 2 Families Convene in the Gym for School Committee Speaker
5:10-5:45 Open House/Curriculum Night in 1st and 2nd Grade Classrooms
6:15-6:25 Grades 3-5 Families Convene in the Gym for School Committee Speaker
6:25-7:00 Open House/Curriculum Night in 3rd-5th Grade Classrooms
We will be reviewing expected behaviors with the students before Open House/Curriculum Night, but please also preview the expected behaviors with your children before entering the building:
1. Children MUST stay with their family for the duration of the event (no running through halls)
2. Visit your child's current classroom and specialists only so previous year's teachers can focus on their new students and families
