MHS/WES Newsletter

October is one of my favorite months of the school year. Not only do I love pumpkin coffee and apple crisp, I love watching our students learn with kindness and curiosity. Students are naturally inquisitive and eager to learn. Have you heard your child use the phrases, "I wonder or I noticed" yet? We are hearing that all over our school grounds, including the playground and cafeteria. Students are amazing us with their questions and observations.

Also in October, routines and expectations are solidly in place and we can really start to dig deep down into learning. Additionally, we've completed our beginning of the year assessments and teachers are able to target specific skills that students' may be missing. Our students and staff are working hard. When we pause and reflect, there is much to be proud of!

Spring 2022 MCAS Results (Grades 4 & 5)

Please check your child's backpack. MCAS results are going home in an envelope today. Feel free reach out to your child's teacher or administration with any questions.

October 25~MHS/WES School Improvement Council Meeting, 4:15 PM WES Office

October 31~MHS Costume Parade at 9:15 AM

November 1-10~PTO Booster Fundraiser with the Fun Run on the 10th!!

November 3~MHS/WES Picture Re-Takes

November 3~Nature's Classroom meeting for Parent's Only 6:30 PM arrival time, meeting starting at 7:00 PM

November 8~No School, Conferences

November 11~No School, Veteran's Day

November 23-25~No School, Thanksgiving Break

Thank you all for making our Walk to School Day a success! We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful fall day! In fact, it was magical. In case you missed it, we were on the front page of the Telegram and Gazette:

https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2022/10/12/westminster-kids-join-1000-s-across-walk-bike-roll-school-day/10465108002/

We are in need of a community member to join our School Improvement Council. Our School Improvement Council serves as an advisory board to the administration of Meetinghouse School and Westminster Elementary School. The council gives input to the school improvement plan, as well as budget implications and programmatic changes throughout the school year. School Improvement Council meetings are held monthly and are open to the public. If you are interested, please email Kathy Taylor at ktaylor@awrsd.org.

Current SIC Members:

Kathy Taylor, Principal

Kellie O'Brien, Associate Principal

Juliet O'Brien, WES Teacher

Eric Sifert, WES Teacher

Melissa Sullivan, MHS Teacher

Amy Grant, Parent

Molly Buckley, Parent

Nadine Leger, Parent

Ellen Holmes, School Committee Liaison

As I am sure you have heard, first grade classrooms are busy interacting with our new books and materials during our ELA time. We are delighted that so many of you have reached out to ask how you can help at home. Working with your child at home and practicing skills has a direct impact on their learning and success in school.

Continue to be on the lookout for CKLA caregiver activities that you can do at home with your child. You may want to create a place as a collection spot for these activities at home where you can keep them so that you can revisit them all year long. It is so much fun for children to go back to things that are “easy-breezy” that were once “tricky”.

Third graders have been working hard on our first Module for Wit and Wisdom! In this first module, The Sea, students will study and explore the ocean. Poets and writers explore the sea through words and images. They will study how scientists use technology to discover new species. Students will also be exploring literature, informational text, and art as we ask the question: Why do people explore the sea?

We’re excited about our upcoming Costume Parade and you’re invited! Children in preschool, kindergarten and first grade will parade around the Meetinghouse School playground.

We discourage costumes that promote violence in any way. Costumes with blood and/or weapons are not allowed. If your child chooses to wear a costume, please send it to school in a bag with his or her name on it. If you choose to have your child wear costume make-up, please apply this at home. Thank you for your support!

When: Monday, October 31st, at 9:15 a.m.

• Children need to bring in costumes in a bag with all parts labeled with their name
• Children need to be able to put on costumes themselves
• No blood, violent characters or weapons
• Remember if child has face paint on, it will be on all day

Thank you for your help in making our parade a positive experience for our young students.

We look forward to seeing you!

(Unfortunately, if it rains, we will cancel our outdoor parade.)

Westminster Elementary

Ski/Snowboard Program 2023

Parent/Student Responsibities for this year’s program:

1. The program is open to students in grades 3, 4 and 5. All students MUST enroll in lessons and purchase a lift badge. [6 week lift badge or season pass] if they do not already have a 2022-2023 season pass. It will be your responsibility to have your ready and arrive to check-in and lessons on-time. Refunds will not be issued for missed lessons due to tardiness. Parents, siblings, and teachers of enrolled students are eligible to purchase the 6-week lift badge on the sheet provided (prices go up after December 1).

2. Your child will be skiing unaccompanied with a buddy after the one-hour lesson. Do NOT sign up:

a. If your child cannot participate until the end of the program (6pm) each week.

b. If your child is not mature enough to handle the responsibilities necessary to participate.

Be aware that there is about one chaperone per ten students. Chaperones are on the slopes and in the lodge during and after lessons. Chaperones are not assigned to ski with children.

3. WES is NOT providing busing. Transportation must rely on a parent or chaperone after school.

4. Bronze season passes will be offered through school programs at the early rate ($100 less than what is currently being offered to the public). This price will stay the same through December 1, or until they sell out.

5. 6 week Lift Badges are valid until 7:30pm with each Tuesday session.

6. Drop-offs will be allowed this year. Students must check-in at the designated table inside the lodge upon arrival. A “buddy” will also be assigned at check-in after lessons. Parents must sign out their students at Wachusett Mountain by 6pm. After a student is signed out by a parent, students are then allowed to ski under their parent’s watch until the time printed on the student badge.

Start Date: Tuesday, January 3, 2022.

The remaining sessions are Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 and Feb. 7.

Program Details:

Start Time: 3:20P
Lesson Time: 3:50P – sharp! (lessons line-up in the open space outside of the rental buildings)
End Time: 6:00P – sharp!

Fees: Fees are specified in the Student Program form.

6-week lift badge: $143.00

6-one hour lessons: $89.00

Additional fees are required if you need rental equipment.

Registration:

Sign-up for the program is now online. Deadline is December 1st!

Go to www.wachusett.com/schoolgroup and use the program code: WSTE

Sign-up for the WES Ski/Snowboard Program is limited and on a first-come-first-serve basis!

This program fills up fast.

Chaperones:

I have a requirement for a limited number of chaperones. If you are interested in being a chaperone,

and are available to be at Wachusett mountain by 3:10P please email me. Chaperones receive a pass for their personal use to allow free skiing/snowboarding for the afternoon. Additionally, Wachusett Mountain offers free rental equipment for chaperones.

Additional Info:

The activity announced here is not sponsored or endorsed by the Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District. It is offered by a private agency. Snowboards, skis, poles, or gear are not to be brought to school.

Additional information will be sent prior to the first class after sign-ups close on December 1. Lift badges will be handed out on the first day at check-in.

This season is another opportunity to get your students outdoors and enjoying their time on the snow. If you have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Pam Duval

978-821-5327 or pduval1120@comcast.net