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 Spofford Times Newsletter |
Greetings!
As we prepare for the December break, I first want to wish all of you a happy and safe holiday week. As life can become very busy at this time of year, it is important for all to remember how children are affected by the preparations of the season. Sometimes, children can feel lost in the preparation for the season. So, I 'd like to take a moment to highlight this week the importance of how we all can help to accentuate the positive in children. Most people would agree that self-esteem is important and worth cultivating in ourselves and our children. Children develop physically and mentally in spurts, and often their self esteem is very fragile as they grapple with growing up. They may doubt themselves when other children or adults tease or hurt their feelings. Children need parents to set the pace. Be a confident role model and avoid having your child feel as though he/she cannot rise to your lofty level. Seek guidance when there are family changes (divorce, new babies, step-families, death in a family). Always talk with your child, and take his/her feelings and concerns seriously. You can do this by encouraging a sense of humor and by nurturing problem solving skills. Remember that responsibility develops a positive self concept. Both at home and in the community, encourage volunteerism and jobs that grow with your children. Demonstrate what a good neighbor is and what a good citizen is. Emphasize that it is as important to care about others as it is to be cared for by others. This holiday season, children can be a bright spot in the lives of many! These suggestions are known to all of you, however, I felt that at busy times of the year, it is important to take a moment to remember them and reflect on how we are actualizing them in the children. So, take a moment over the vacation week, to rejuvenate yourself and your children. Happy Holidays!
Have a wonderful week!
Sincerely,
Kathryn Nikas, Principal
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 Grade Six News |
Holidays Around the Globe Grade 6 students have taken their Country project to a new level as they researched the celebrations that are enjoyed world-wide. Each student is in the process of becoming an "expert" on one country and it heartening to see their excitement as they share news about their global spot. This month they have discovered dozens of different celebrations around the world from the Tomato Tossing festival in Spain to coming of age celebrations in Viet Nam. Please check out the bulletin boards in the hall that highlight the costumes and other holiday gear for each country. Students created paper dolls dressed in traditional clothing connected to each holiday. The write ups explain the traditions the students discovered and shared with their classmates. |
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Extended Studies Pilot Information
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Extended Studies for Advanced Learners Pilot Program at Spofford Pond School
Important Dates!
- Parent Nominations for students in Gr. 3 and 4 are now being accepted. Parents should click on the online form link below to nominate their child for the program. Nominations should be completed by Monday, January 16th (If you have already nominated your 3rd or 4th grader, you do not need to do so again)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDZMeUtqOWVvNXREY05VVG85Yk9TWFE6MQ
- Teacher Nominations for students in Gr. 3 and 4 are now being accepted. Teachers should click on the online form link below to nominate a student for the program. Nominations should be completed by Monday, January 16th. (If you have already nominated a 3rd or 4th grade student, you do not need to do so again)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dExsdk5YVVU4TmRRcGl2OE9rTWlGQlE6MQ
- Grade 5 ESP students will begin classes the week of January 23rd.
Classes will run for (6) weeks, ending March 9th. Parents and students will be receiving an email with more information.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns you may have about the program.
Thank you,
Barbara Boulay
Teacher Liaison
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 Spanish News! |
Hola! Spanish classes in third, fourth, and sixth grade have been continuing the topic of "Family" throughout this season. The third graders have drawn pictures of their families involved in their favorite winter celebration and labeled the family members shown in Spanish. In fourth grade, the students are becoming increasingly proficient at answering questions about their own families, as well as about families shown to them in pictures and family tree diagrams. We even sang a song about "Mi familia grande" (My big family). They also played a Mexican game called "pirinola", which is very similar to the driedel game played during Hanukah. Fifth grade students have been expanding their "food" vocabulary and having short conversations about foods they like and don't like. They've had brief dialogs about the different meals of the day and what they might eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The sixth graders are completing the family photo albums they have been creating. In January, they will have an opportunity to share them with their classmates. All classes will be learning about holiday traditions in Spanish speaking countries, such as the ceremonies called "posadas", the importance of the nativity, and Three Kings Day. The fifth graders will learn about the history of the piñata and will even make mini piñatas to take home! ¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo! (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!) Señora Careri y Señora Marcille |
 Preschool Screening | |
PRESCHOOL SCREENING
Boxford Public Schools
Cole Preschool
1/25/12 9:00-11:30 am
If your child is between the ages of 3 and 5
and will not be attending kindergarten in
Sept. 2012, and you have concerns about
his/her development, please contact
Cole School (978)887-2856 to
set up an appointment.
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Help Wanted!
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A minutes secretary is needed to attend the Topsfield Conservation Commission meetings held twice a month on Wednesday evenings typically lasting 2 to 3 hours and prepare written minutes. The applicant should be computer literate, reliable, and able to work well with the public. Good writing skills and attention to detail are essential. It is very helpful for the Minutes Secretary to know shorthand or have a personal laptop computer to use during the meetings. Experience with preparation of minutes for a permitting board, and especially with a Conservation Commission, would be particularly valuable. Approximately 7-9 hours per month, $13.60 to $18.60/hour.
Please send resume to: Lana Spillman, Conservation Administrator lspilman@topsfield-ma.gov or 8 West Common Street Topsfield, MA 01983 (978) 887-1510 |
Child Centered Family Care
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What is Family Centered Care? Family-centered care recognizes the central role of families as decision-makers, caregivers and supporters of children and youth with special health care needs. Family-centered care is driven first and foremost by family needs, preferences and values and is an approach to developing and delivering services and service systems that is coordinated, comprehensive, culturally aware and appropriate. For information on services for children and youth with special health needs, call the statewide Community Support Line Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bilingual Resource Specialist (Spanish) available. 1-800-882-1435 TTY: 617-624-5992
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