Dear Barlow Mountain Families,
Welcome December! We hope everyone enjoyed a Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. As we celebrated, we reflected on how grateful we are to be part of such a joyful, warm, and supportive school community. We cherish the diversity of our students, families, and staff. Our school is a place where all students feel welcome and supported, regardless of their abilities, socioeconomic status, cultural heritage, language, or any other factors.
This week, we celebrate Inclusive Schools Week, recognizing and honoring the unique contributions of every member of our community. Inclusive Schools Week allows us all to take a moment to applaud the progress we’ve made toward building more inclusive school communities while pledging to continue our work toward becoming a more inclusive society. This year’s theme, “Every Voice Matters,” echoes the fundamental belief that every individual has a unique perspective and contributes to the rich tapestry of our school communities.
Creating more inclusive learning environments, dismantling barriers to participation, and promoting equity and understanding among all members of the school community is crucial for several reasons.
Inclusive environments ensure that all students have equal access to opportunities and resources regardless of their background or abilities. This helps to level the playing field and reduce disparities in academic achievement.
By fostering inclusion, schools reflect the real world and prepare students to thrive in diverse workplaces and communities. Exposure to differing perspectives and experiences enhances critical thinking skills and broadens students’ understanding of the world.
Inclusive environments promote a sense of belonging and acceptance essential for students’ social and emotional well-being. When students feel valued and supported, they are more likely to engage in learning and develop positive relationships with peers and educators.
Inclusive schools create a culture of respect and empathy, reducing the likelihood of bullying and discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. This contributes to a safer and more supportive learning environment for all students.
When students feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their perspectives, they are more likely to actively participate in classroom discussions, collaborate with peers, and take ownership of their learning. This can lead to improved academic performance and overall learning outcomes.
Inclusive schools teach students the importance of respecting and valuing the perspectives of others, essential skills for participating in society. By promoting empathy and understanding, schools empower students to become responsible and compassionate citizens who contribute positively to their communities.
How will we celebrate at BMES?
- Each classroom will have a guest read aloud All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Koffman, and add a copy to their classroom library.
- You can find a display of books highlighting inclusion in our school library available to check out and read together at home.
- We are also inviting all faculty, staff, and visitors to wear orange on Friday, December 6th to celebrate our inclusive school!
We are looking forward to seeing many families supporting our PTA and our classroom libraries at this week's Book Fair. Have a wonderful first week of December!
Warm regards,
Becky & Caitlin
Reminder: Dress For Cold Weather at Recess
It seems the colder weather has arrived! As winter approaches, a reminder that students will go outside for recess each day except for when it is precipitating or the "real feel" is below 20 degrees. All students should have long sleeves and long pants for playing outdoors.
November World Language Update
RPS language learners have been practicing their map skills in Spanish class!
Students are hiding the coqui frog in different continents around the world, and using Spanish to describe its location. They can say what it's far from, close to, and what it's north of, south of, east of, and west of. Ask your child to tell you where different places are located!
Library Volunteers Needed!
There are still some November and December library spots open for some classes! We’re excited to continue the cherished BMES tradition of inviting parents to volunteer during their child’s library session! This is a wonderful opportunity to support our amazing library and librarian, Mrs. Hegley, while also sharing a special moment with your child during their school day.
Don’t miss out on this memorable experience—click here to sign up!
Barlow Mountain Elementary School
Email: rlaus@ridgefieldps.net
Website: https://bmes.ridgefield.org/
Location: 115 Barlow Mountain Road, Ridgefield, CT, USA
Phone: 203-894-5800