Regional School District #6

JAMES MORRIS SCHOOL

Quality, Academics, Pride

November 8, 2012
  
EARLY DISMISSAL @ 1:20 - Friday, November 9
  
NO SCHOOL Monday, November 12 - Veterans' Day Observance
  
 
Dear JMS Families and Friends,

Every Wednesday morning, the faculty meets before school for a discussion about language arts, math or 21st century technology skills. Yesterday's topic was math. Mr. Pane, Mrs. Moore and Miss Maillet presented teaching strategies they learned while attending the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' Regional Conference in Hartford. Teachers learned several great ideas for improving students' engagement in math. One example was having students work in pairs to create geometric shapes with a loop of yarn. Students have to know the attributes of the shapes to create various triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, etc. Another strategy encourages students to justify that their answers to word or application problems make sense. While mathematics instruction today promotes problem solving and conceptual understanding, we recognize that it is also important for students to be efficient with their facts and computation. Your children will come home with work samples representing both approaches.

In an effort to create and promote a more cohesive mathematics home-school partnership, Sara Baranauskas, K-6 Math Specialist, will publish a parent newsletter once a month beginning in December.  As an introduction, the November issue can be read by clicking the link here.  If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for an upcoming letter, please feel free to contact Sara at sbaranauskas@rsd6.org or call her at 860-491-6020 x 117.

We're looking forward to tomorrow's Veterans' Day luncheon. This gives students and staff the opportunity to say thanks for the service veterans give to our country, and it reminds all of us why Monday is a special day of recognition on our calendar.

Sincerely,

Guy Weik
Veterans' Day Luncheon
 
Our annual Veterans' Day Luncheon will be served tomorrow, Friday, November 9, from 11:30-12:30.  Each year we invite our local Veterans and those currently serving in the military to enjoy a complimentary Turker Dinner served in their honor. If you know of someone who would like to join us, please have them call the school office (860-567-7420) to let us know.
 
Community News and Events
REGION 6 ACADEMIC NIGHT - Rescheduled to Tuesday, November 27 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., Wamogo Auditorium.  All parents and interested community members are invited to attend.  Information regarding academic achievement, curriculum, and school improvement plans will be presented.  Babysitting will be available beginning at 6:45 p.m.
 
HOLIDAY PIE PICKUP - This coming Tuesday, November 13 from 3:20-4:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria.  Please call Lisa Galinski (860-567-8407) to make other arrangements if you will be unable to pick up your pie order at that time.  Remember that all pies must be kept in your freezer until they are ready to be used.  The PTO is very grateful for all the orders and appreciates everyone's support!
 
AUTUMN VENDOR FAIR - Saturday, November 17, 10:00-3:00 p.m. at the Litchfield Fire House.  This event is sponsored by the Tau Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and raises scholarship funds to award to students from local schools such as Region 6 and Region 10.  Over 20 vendors will be featured including Silpada Jewelry, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Barefoot Books, Flora and Fauna, and much, much more! 
PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF SHOPPING - Sunday, November 25, 4:00-6:30 p.m. in the school gym. Get an early start on your holiday shopping after you enjoy the Town Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the arrival of Santa!  Proceeds benefit the JMS PTO and provide school enrichment programs for our students.
THANKSGIVING FOOD COLLECTION 
Please consider helping local families in need this Holiday Season.  A large box has been placed in the school lobby for anyone wishing to donate non-perishable food items to the Morris Food Bank.  A second collection will take place after Thanksgiving to replenish depleted food supplies for the Christmas Holiday.  THANK YOU!
 
RSD6 E-NEWS
Regional School District No. 6