Rowayton Elementary School

We hope that you can join us for Open House Night on Thursday, September 14 at 6:00pm. Please see the program below for a schedule of classroom and support staff visits. The sessions repeat so that parents with multiple children are able to visit all teachers. If you have one child enrolled at school, you do not have to attend both sessions. We look forward to sharing the first few weeks of school with you!

The Rowayton Register is a video summary of events that occurred at school this week and reminders for the upcoming week. We know that we have many busy families and we hope the Rowayton Register will help keep you informed when you're on the go. Remember that more details can always be found in the weekly Sunday Smore, on our website, or on the Rowayton PTA website. We look forward to growing and showing you our communication skills as we develop this piece!

Follow us @Rowaytonelem

We are seeking new members for the Rowayton School Governance Council, a group of parents, teachers and community members that meet monthly to assist the school’s administration in decisions impacting the quality of the school, and the achievement of its students. Examples of recent SGC projects include: repaving the front pathway of the school and refreshing front landscaping (currently underway), kicking off the first annual talent show, promoting parking lot safety, introducing programming for an inclusive school community, and addressing other facilities issues.

For the 2023/2024 school year, we have the following open positions:

• Four parent/legal guardian positions – must have a child currently attending Rowayton School

• One community position – must represent or work for a community business or interest group; ok if also has a child who attends Rowayton School, but not a requirement

• One teacher position

Interested in applying?

If you are interested in applying, or would like to nominate someone, please email satowers78@gmail.com with the following information by September 15

• Name

• Relation to the school (parent or community member)

• At least 3 sentences on what you hope to contribute by serving on the School Governance Council

Applicant names and responses will be shared with the school community for a vote later that week, and results will be decided by September 28.

What would I have to do if selected for the School Governance Council?

Serving as a council member will require time, energy, and a willingness to listen. Members are required to attend one meeting each month from September – May, and attend 1-2 off-site, district-wide trainings per school year. Meetings take place on Thursdays in the school library with an option to Zoom in, and alternate between 4-5 PM and 6-7 PM. Attendance is important - members are permitted to miss no more than two meetings.

What is a School Governance Council?

All schools in the Norwalk Public School system have their own governance councils to guide their school’s development. The School Governance Council focuses on areas such as:

• Analysis of student achievement

• Allocation of resources

• Development of improvement plans

• Programmatic and operational changes

Who is on the School Governance Council?

The council represents the many interests of the families and staff that make up the school’s unique community. The council is comprised of 16 people:

• 7 parents or legal guardians

• 5 teachers

• 2 community members

• The Principal (as a non-voting member)

We are excited to announce that Rowayton Academy is returning this fall. A variety of courses will be offered Monday through Friday from 7:50am-8:50am. Look out for the descriptions on course offerings and information on registration on the PTA website at RowaytonPTA.org.

Get your spot now before classes fill up!

• Yearbook Committee is looking for volunteers. Please email Elisa Dolan at rowaytonyearbook@gmail.com!

• PTA Memberships are STRONGLY encouraged, giving you access to school emails, the school app, merchandise, and more! Please sign up today!

• Know a small business who might want to purchase a Corporate Sponsorship? Please reach out to Kevin Benitez at kevbenitez@gmail.com.

• MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Parent's Night Out on Wednesday, September 20th at 5pm at Bayley Beach. Last year was a a ton of fun, and we cannot wait to welcome our newest school families this year!
  

• SAVE THE DATE for our FALL FUNDRAISER on Friday, November 17th at 7:00PM at Shore and Country Club. Back by popular demand, our silent disco theme is extraterrestrial this year...so start shopping for costumes! If you would like to contribute to our silent auction, please contact Samantha Page at shpage12@gmail.com.
  

The PTA Wellness Committee partners with our staff to offer a wellness program throughout the school year. Each month, we'll be showcasing wellness activities, movement, foods, SEL and books via a Color of the Month campaign. We'll also host two Wellness Weeks full of fun healthy learning opportunities.

The wellness committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 9:30 in the cafeteria. Please join on Wednesday, Sept 20 if you're interested in learning more or email juliekristinvincent@gmail.com if you're interested in volunteering!

Calling all Rockstars! Friday, September 29 is worldwide Rock Your School Day. Teachers around the world will be building excitement for learning by delivering out of the box and engaging lessons to their students! Students can show how much they ROCK their learning by dressing like their favorite rockstar. There will be live musical performances on our front lawn that day at arrival! Come ROCK with us!

NWEA MAP Growth assessment is a nationally standardized test which measures what students know and informs what they're ready to learn by using a computer adaptive test that adjusts to the student. Your child's teacher will use the results of the NWEA MAP Growth assessments to better understand your child's individual needs in order to promote progress. Students at Rowayton will participate in the NWEA MAP Growth assessments in math and reading at the beginning, middle, and end of the year.

The window for administering these tests for the middle of the school year will begin on September 13. Below is an outline of the grades that will be testing each day. Your child’s teacher can provide you with a more a more detailed outline of the testing schedule.

If your child must be absent during this window, a make up date will be arranged. Teachers have prepared for positive and calm testing environments. Please join us in ensuring that our students are both mentally and physically prepared. We encourage rest the night before, and breakfast will be available at school if needed. Thank you for your continued support!

September 13: Grades 3, 4, and 5

September 14: Grades 3, 4, and 5

September 15: Grades 3, 4, and 5 make-ups

September 19: Grades 1, 2, and 4

September 20: Grades 2, 3, 4, and 5

September 21: Grades 1 and 3

September 22: Grade 5

The Brien McMahon Athletic Department is inviting our school and community members to participate in a football-filled evening this fall. Our students will be able to experience a pre-game meet and greet with our school mascot, Brien McMahon, enter the field with the football team, and stand with the players and cheerleaders during the playing of the national anthem. In addition to the game, they will be treated to music from our award-winning marching band and their halftime show.

September 14: Open House Night 6:00pm - 8:00pm

September 25: No School for Yom Kippur

September 29: Rock Your School Day

October 6: Walkathon!

October 9 & 10: No School