The Spartan - 09/22
Strafford School Community Newsletter
September 22, 2024
Good evening, Spartans!
We hope everyone has had a fabulous weekend of Fall fun. We are feeling particularly inspired by the wonderful open house this week. We saw so many smiling faces of students and their families. We are especially appreciative of our community here at Strafford School, and thank you all for everything you do to be a part of our school!
Mrs. Blackington & Mr. Merrill
IMPORTANT: Pick Up/Drop Off
We continue to work hard and develop our procedures. A few important reminders!
NWEA Assessments
The NWEA assessment window will be open, and students across our school will participate in this important assessment. Educators use the data collected from this information to inform their instruction, identify students who may need additional supports, and to track your child's individual progress. Students in grades K-4 will take reading and math assessments, and students in grades 5-8 will be taking reading assessments.
To best prepare your child for any assessment, we recommend the following
- Ensuring a good night's sleep
- Pep talks about trying your best
- A healthy breakfast and lunch
- Talking about test strategies as students get older
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Last Chance to Order Spiritwear!
The online store closes at midnight tonight (Sunday 9/22)! Grab your gear now!! There are pajamas, shirts, hats and more!
π₯³ Fun Happenings at School! π₯³
Students in Mrs. Pigman's 1st grade class earned their PDI Badges (Protect Don't Infect) after learning about germs!
Supporting Your Learner at Home
β Tutor.com β
- Tutor.com offers 24/7 online tutoring, essay drop-off and test prep services for all New Hampshire students in grades 4-12, as well as adult education learners at no cost.
π Important Dates π
September 26, 2024
Picture Day
October 9
K-4 Families Donuts & Data Presentation
October 14, 2024
NO SCHOOL - Columbus Day
October 15, 2024
NO SCHOOL - Teacher Workshop Day
October 26, 2024
PTO's Halloween Hoopla - Trunk or Treat 3:30-5 PM and K-4 Family Halloween Dance 5-7 PM (See flyer in PTO section)
October 30, 2024
Character Parade - K-4 will march in a parade through the middle school and out to the playground, weather depending. Parade will begin at 2:30 PM, families are invited to watch! More info to come soon.
October 31, 2024
NO SCHOOL - Parent Teacher Conference Day
November 5, 2024
NO SCHOOL - Election Day in School Gymnasium
November 11, 2024
NO SCHOOL - Veteran's Day
November 15, 2024
Picture Retake Day
*this event is intended for parents, caregivers and families only; we kindly ask that families have alternative plans for their learners that morning.
π Notes from the Office π
Navigating Alma for Middle School Parents and Students
It is very important to be able to use Alma is for both parents and students in middle school. Below are some important features that parents and students need to use to have a successful academic year!
Missing Assignment Notifications: Notifications for missing assignments must be turned on by parents in order to start receiving them. This is a great tool for parents to stay up to date on their student's assignments. To turn on these notifications please go to your account, click on your initials in the upper right corner and click "Notification Preferences".
Academic Classes: Academic classes have 2 gradebooks; one for competencies and one for letter grades. You can view both of these option when you choose the class in Alma and then click on the box below the class name. This is also where you can view all assignments for that class.
We encourage all parents to log on to Alma and click on the various tabs to become familiar with where information is located. As always, please reach out if you have any questions. office@strafford.k12.nh.us
π©π»βπ« COME WORK FOR US! πΌ
We are still in need of the following positions:
- Paraprofessionals (Full or Part Time)
- Lunch/Recess Monitor (Part Time 10:15 AM-1:15 PM M-F)
- Substitute Teachers
- Custodian (Part Time)
- Substitute RN/School Nurse
If you are interested please take a look at job descriptions and application info HERE. Please spread the word!
π 8th Grade Class of 2025 π
Spartan Blankets for Sale!
The 8th grade class will be selling Strafford Spartan Spirit Blankets to raise funds for their class trip to New York City! Blankets are $30 and are cozy, warm and super soft! You can purchase a blanket at home soccer games or anytime by sending in money to the office. Please make checks out to Strafford School.
Park Lane Jewelry Fundraiser
8th Grade FUNDRAISER Sept. 20th thru Oct. 20th.
Please shop for the 8th grade fundraiser. Together with Park
Lane Jewelry, the 8th grade class will receive HALF of the $$ for
every item sold. It is a great cause. Share the link with family
and friends. Your purchases are appreciated. SHOP AT THE
LINK BELOW.
π Activities & Extra Curriculars π
If you are interested in starting a club, activity or group please reach out to us! Office@strafford.k12.nh.us
National Junior Honor Society
Students in grades 7 and 8 who have 3s and 4s in all competencies, conduct and effort and A's and B's in all subject areas are eligible to join National Honor Society. Emails have gone home to families of students who are eligible for this Fall's induction.
β½ Fall Athletics β½
π₯ Fresh Picks Cafe π₯
Paying for Breakfast/Lunch
πΉStrafford School PTO πΉ
Meetings
Our meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the school library. Upcoming meeting dates: October 8th and November 12th
If you would like to sign up to decorate a trunk please email StraffordPTO@strafford.k12.nh.us
π« Candy Donations! π«
We always need donations of candy for our Trunk or Treat event! If you would like to donate, please drop off at the main office anytime or at Open House!
π Sign up forms to decorate trunks will be coming home with students in September! π
π Strafford Rec Sports π
Strafford Recreational Sports is a non-profit organization in Strafford, New Hampshire. Our mission is to provide recreational sports to the youth of Strafford with emphasis on fun and learning.
For more information on our offerings please take a look on the website HERE.
π£ Community News & Resources π£
Hill Library
Middle School Programs at Hill Library
After school programs are in full swing at the Hill Library! Students in grades 5 and up are welcome to join us every Thursday after school for some gaming fun. We'll have fun board and card games and some great snacks. We're also introducing a new program on Tuesday, October 1 at 5:30pm-- Grades 5+ Decorating Committee! Middle schoolers can help make decorations and decorate the youth room at the library!