RUSSELL SCHOOL FAMILY NEWSLETTER
August 1, 2022
August 6, 2023
Russell Office Number - 617.635.8803
Summer Update
We hope you all are enjoying a wonderful summer break filled with relaxation and fun. As we approach the new school year, we want to welcome our returning students back and extend a warm greeting to all the new students joining our Russell family. We know that we have a few weeks until Boston is back to school, but we also wanted to be sure that we got important information and updates out to you in a timely manner so you have plenty of time.
Uniform Sale:
Get ready for the upcoming school year by purchasing your school uniforms now. Uniforms are on sale, and you can find all the information and the link to the sale below.
Help Us Welcome Our Staff Back:
We want our amazing staff to return to school in style! Let's surprise them with a well-stocked lounge to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication. We have created a wish list on Amazon to make it easy for you to contribute and help make their lounge a comfortable and welcoming space.
Class Assignments & Welcome Letters:
We are in the process of finalizing class assignments. One week before the start of the school year, families can expect to receive welcome letters, class assignments and bus assignments. We are excited to get our students back into the classrooms and continue their learning journey.
Alternate Transportation Request:
If your child will be attending an after-school program and requires alternate transportation, please complete the request form now. The process takes about two weeks to go into effect, so let's ensure everything is set up smoothly. You can find the alternate transportation request form [Alternate Transportation Request Link].
Dismissal with PickMyKid:
This year, we will be using PickMyKid for dismissal. We will provide comprehensive instructions on how to set up your account and use the app prior to the start of the school year. This system will streamline the dismissal process and enhance student safety.
Classroom Ambassadors & Parent Site Council:
We are looking for one parent from each classroom to serve as a Classroom Ambassador. Your support with communication and family engagement will be invaluable. If interested, please let Ms. Lydia know.
Additionally, we have various opportunities to join our Parent Site Council, including the roles of Co-Presidents. The Parent Site Council plays a crucial role in school decision-making, and we encourage you to get involved and make a difference in your child's education.
Paid Opportunities at Russell:
For those looking for paid opportunities, we have three Parent Mentor Positions available. These part-time positions involve supporting classrooms, the Parent Site Council, and the School Site Council. We are also hiring a cafeteria assistant and a lunch monitor—excellent entry-level positions in the field of education. Links to the Boston Public TalentEd are below. If you are interested in being a parent mentor please contact Ms. Lydia for more information.
Key Dates:
- Thursday, September 7: First day of classes for 1st through 5th grade.
- Monday, September 11: Start of K0, K1, and K2.
Our web page and social media are also updated with key dates, helpful links and information.
We can't wait to see all our students back at Russell Elementary School. Let's make the upcoming school year a memorable and successful one together. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to our school office. We will be returning to the building on August 15th for limited dates, and then we will be back full time on September 5th.
Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Best regards,
Russell Leadership Team
Sep 7 - 1st through 5th grade students report to school.
Sep 7 - Kindergarten Conference (K1 and K2 team at conference)
Sep 8 - Kindergarten Families Welcome (Tentative awaiting approval)
Sep 15 - Pep Rally
Sep 21 - Back to School/Russell Open House @ Russell 5:00-7:30pm
Sep 27 - School Based Equity Round Table
Oct 5 - Parent Site Council
Oct 9 - No School - Indigenous Peoples' Day
Oct 9 - School Site Council
Oct 25 - School Based Equity Round Table
Oct 31 - Harvest Fest
Nov 2 - Parent Site Council
Nov 3 - Pep Rally
Nov 10 -No School - Veterans Day
Nov 16 - School Site Council
Nov 22 - Early Release @ 12:40pm
Nov 23-24 - No School - Thanksgiving
RUSSELL UNIFORMS
Uniforms are available for order now! We have added some new styles including the gym shorts at the request of our students. Plus our always popular sweatpants are also available!! Order now to be ready for September!!
STOCK THE LOUNGE
The Russell staff gives 100% every day and they always put our students first. Help us welcome them back with a little extra comfort by helping us to stock the lounge. You can find our Amazon Wish List below.
WE ARE HIRING!
SUMMER READING
Twenty minutes of reading can change your child's life!
What are the benefits of reading 20 minutes a day?
- Improved vocabulary
- Expanded word knowledge
- Deepened empathy
- Improved academic performance
Twenty minutes of reading a day is all it takes! Prevent what the education world refers to as the "summer slide." The summer slide is real and is attributed to a lack of reading over the summer.
These booklists were compiled by librarians from BPL, the Departments of English Langage Arts and Library Services, and ELA teachers from BPS. Summer Reading Together engages students to share the experience of reading and talking about books they read over the summer when school begins.
- To access books in an eBook format:
- Go to your Clever access and login
- Find the Sora App - It has a blue spaceship
- When Sora opens, click the Summer Reading Together 2022 banner and find your book.
This initiative aims to prevent summer reading loss, encourage pleasure reading, and foster a culture of readers. Our focus is to motivate, engage, and cultivate a culture of readers.
Summer Reading Together List By Grades
- K0/K1 - I Promise by LeBron James
- K2 - Milo's Museum by Zetta Elliott
- 1st - Where are you From? by Yamile Saied Mendez and Jaime Kim
- 2nd - Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi
- 3rd - Battle of the Bad-Breath Bats by David Bowles and Shane Clester
- 4th - Planet Omar by Zanib Mian
- 5th - The First Rule of Punk by Celia Cruz