* Belonging * Excellence * Engagement * Inclusion * Innovation

Welcome back to a brand new year filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for growth! I hope your winter break was filled with joy, laughter, and special moments with your children. As we embark on this journey in 2024, I’m so grateful for the partnership we've built. Collaboratively, we've created a nurturing environment where all students thrive. We're committed to fostering a school community where every child feels a deep sense of belonging and connectedness. Our shared dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive space is the cornerstone of our success. Our goal is to provide your children with numerous opportunities for deeper learning, exploration, and growth. We're committed to igniting their curiosity and nurturing their passions, guiding them toward a future full of possibilities. Together, let's continue to inspire, support, and uplift our young learners, guiding them toward becoming confident, compassionate individuals ready to make a positive mark on the world. Here’s to an excellent year ahead!

I've highlighted some additional information below for your convenience.

* I'd like to gauge interest in our upcoming student breakfast offering. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey: https://forms.gle/hCwfXjFP8QtMW3jv8

* The building was a busy place over winter break, with numerous contractors in and out. The last of the sound panels were installed in the '94 wing and will have an immediate impact on teaching and learning. The roofer returned to assess and repair areas where where we've experienced leaking. The cafeteria doors were also repaired, as leaking was noticed here as well. One of our sewer pumps was also replaced. Custodial has been doing an amazing job cleaning, making repairs, and changing out burnt light bulbs.

* On January 17th we will have an all school meeting and students will get to meet their new mascot, Henry Husky, in person!

* I recently met with PTG members who have historically been involved in the planning and execution of the book fair and a family math night. The vendor this year is "Best Book Fair" out of Woburn. It looks like at this point March 6th will be the start of the book fair, with teachers able to browse and create wish lists. On March 8th, we will host an evening book fair/math night from 5:30-8:00ish. The following week, students will be able to shop during a scheduled book fair visit with their individual classes. Rebecca Del Giudice is spearheading the event.

* Today our staff wellness committee will meet to discuss how we examine staff stress levels, develop recommendations, implement an action plan, and periodically measure it for impact.

* On January 19th the PTG will hold its monthly hybrid meeting in the Principal's Office and via Zoom from 12-1 pm.

* On January 24th the TES School Advisory Council will meet from 8-8:45 am.

* Thoreau Elementary School will host a feasibility study presentation on 1/17 at 7pm in the auditorium. CHA will present initial findings and solicit input from stakeholder groups. We hope to see you there!

* Follow the CMS building project here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2fpPBwFhOs&list=PL1TTzrWEKOOn8BIb14q1wF4vVwGxBizLg

* Concord Ed Fund: https://concordedfund.org/

* The recent Student Council video link can be found below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2fpPBwFhOs&list=PL1TTzrWEKOOn8BIb14q1wF4vVwGxBizLg

* SEPAC info: https://concordsepac.org/

* If changes to student dismissal occur, please send an email to the classroom teacher and secretaries (emails below) as early as possible. A note in the child's backpack can also be helpful. We ask that all changes take place prior to 2PM. If your child attends the Concord Rec program and there are changes made, please alert Concord Rec and the school. All visitors must ring the buzzer and check in at the main office with our secretaries for safety reasons. Thanks for your assistance with this.

* The following staff members and contact information may be of interest to you.

lcanale@concordps.org - Administrative Assistant

kbyrne@concordps.org - Administrative Assistant

rlevesque@concordps.org - School Counselor

jbasler@concordps.org - Assistant Principal

ssequeira@concordps.org - School Nurse

With Gratitude,

Principal Sparks

Please click HERE to view the flyer for the First Friday Series Event: "How Are Our Children Doing After Covid?"

Date: Friday, January 5, 2024

Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Place: Concord Free Public Library, Goodwin Forum

129 Main Street, Concord and on Zoom

What is Girls on the Run?

Girls on the Run is a national nonprofit after school program that helps strengthen girls’ social, emotional, physical, and behavioral wellbeing. Girls on the Run is one of the only youth development programs with compelling evidence that proves participants learn life skills and then use them in other aspects of their lives. Girls on the Run is a program for Girls in grades 3-8.

Who are we looking for to Coach?

GOTR is dedicated to training volunteers to create positive inclusive environments and build genuine relationships. We strive for our volunteers to represent the diverse and vibrant communities we work with. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages and abilities. We welcome coaches of all gender identities. You do NOT have to be a runner to be a GOTR coach!

What is the time commitment?

The season runs from March 31 - June 1st. Practices are held 2 days per week, primarily after school for 75/90 minutes each. Coaches should plan to attend practice both days each week, but may attend 1 day per week if coordinated with their co-coaches. All curriculum, training and materials are provided, but some small amount of prep time will be required. Check out the Spring 24 Season Calendar for season details.

What does training look like?

After completing an initial vetting process (coach application and background check), we will provide thorough training to prepare you for the season. On-demand, virtual modules cover the curriculum and safety basics. Choose a live training session that works for you - we will have several in-person training sessions (~3 hours) offered in February and March. Attending a New Coach In-person Training is required to be a Girls on the Run coach. At coach training you will learn more about GOTR alongside other new coaches, have a chance to try out a lesson (Sample GOTR Lesson), and gain the skills to be a supportive, inclusive coach. Check out the Spring 24 Preseason Calendar - Training Dates and Deadlines here with all training dates included.

Who will I coach with?

Every team has 3-6 GOTR-trained coaches who work together to lead their team of girls through the season. Girls on the run coaches can be educators/school staff, family members of participants, and community members.

https://www.amerasport.com/THOREAU-HUSKIES-GEAR/products/2261/

https://vimeo.com/866757679/ea36c31bda?share=copy

Resources:

• Freckle Engagement Kit
• Freckle Help Center

Webinar Videos:

• Smart Start Guide: Freckle
• How-to Webinar: Freckle Getting Started
• How-to Webinar: Freckle Interpreting Data
• How-to Webinar: Freckle Enhancing Instruction

* As we continue to build our collective understanding of best literacy practices, I want to share a link to the MASS literacy guide, which is a great resource, albeit a little overwhelming. We're so fortunate to have such amazing ELA and reading specialists right here at Thoreau to support all your great literacy work!

https://www.doe.mass.edu/massliteracy/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2fpPBwFhOs&list=PL1TTzrWEKOOn8BIb14q1wF4vVwGxBizLg

Growth Mindset

The practice of building a child's growth mindset in school has been happening for some time now. But as a parent or caregiver you might wonder, what exactly is a growth mindset and how can I promote it at home? Here is a helpful article that addresses these questions:

Encouraging a Growth Mindset in Children: Resources for Parents

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! For those of you who do not know me, my name is Rachel Levesque and I am the school counselor at Thoreau. I support students emotionally, socially and behaviorally. I also help connect families with community resources and financial support. Please feel free to reach out to me at rleveque@concordps.org.

The start of the school year is very exciting and a time when a foundation is laid for growth. Some families wonder about the new year ahead and what it will mean for their child. The following is a link to a guide from Responsive Classroom which outlines common developmental traits for children ages 4-14 in three different areas.

Responsive Classroom Developmental Traits

A more detailed version of this can be found in the book Yardsticks by Chip Wood.

Here's the town resource guide as well: https://concordma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31959/2021-Resource-Guide

A message from The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Dear Colleagues, Students, and Families:

The first installment of Mr. Nyamekye's DEIB Newsletter is now available. Pages 9-14 highlight important DEIB-related updates as we begin the 2023-2024 school year. CLICK HERE to access the newsletter via Canva OR CLICK HERE for the PDF version of the newsletter via Google Drive (no sign-in required). A shared vision and commitment to our DEIB work is critical to sustaining our efforts across the school community. Our coalition requires continued collaboration, partnership, introspection, input and feedback. To facilitate this, we encourage you to continue using the DEIB Feedback Form, accessible via the following link: https://forms.gle/r1DfUvdMSNJSzrLH9. Please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Nyamekye if he can be of any guidance or assistance.

PTG Meetings will be held (hybrid) between 12-1pm once monthly (no December meeting). PTG Events Calendar includes all meeting dates and agendas. Sept 22nd will be our first meeting date - we hope to see YOU there!

Interested in rolling up your sleeves with us? We always have room for helping parents - please reach out to committee chairs or the leadership team (PTG Roster).

Leaders Needed! This is a critical year for new volunteers in both the President and Vice President roles (we are both sadly in our final eligible year of service). No experience necessary and mentorship included! A fantastic way to immerse yourself in the parent and school community.

You can always reach the PTG President at ThoreauPTG@gmail.com as a place to start for questions if you aren't sure who to ask.

PTG Executive Board

Erin Sahacic - President

Natalia Sternberger - Vice President

Elizabeth Morrison-Howe - Communications

Sandeep Pisharody - Treasurer

* PTG Calendar - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17f-ptDvb2h7bCzI0UGigUbwleKC1sZD5uZwu5cz0xZw/edit?usp=sharing

* Sign-up for the PTG membership toolkit - https://thoreauptg.membershiptoolkit.com/

* District Calendar -

https://www.concordps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Combined-Calendar-R.O.-6.12.23.pdf

* Strategic Plan -

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1skF_EWEu8mbWEcrGa3VbF5WPJ0povA2b_wQDwmTT7mU/edit?usp=sharing

* Thoreau SIP -

https://docs.google.com/document/d/15p-fNTqFe-DtLmHIkcRSPhfWFIJFi8F00jQ5T9Ga28g/edit?usp=sharing

* School Site - https://thoreau.concordps.org/

* District Site - https://www.concordps.org/

* Supply Letter - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UURTycDj6cvVePJzUtMbZ7RRmG7BiFWkjFVBLYf8SNs/edit?usp=sharing

* DESE School Profile - https://profiles.doe.mass.edu/general/general.aspx?orgtypecode=6&orgcode=00670020

Julie Basler, Assistant Principal - jbasler@concordps.org

Lauren Canale, Secretary - lcanale@concordps.org

Kellie Byrne, Secretary - kbyrne@concordps.org

Rachel Levesque, Guidance - rlevesque@concordps.org

Sara Sequeira, Nursing - ssequeira@concordps.org

Michael Bordonaro, Head Custodian - mbordonaro@concordps.org

Email: jsparks@concordps.org
Website: https://thoreau.concordps.org/
Location: Thoreau Elementary School, Prairie Street, Concord, MA, USA
Phone: 978-318-1300