Wentworth School Family News

Monday, January 20 - No School: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Friday, January 31 - Spirit Day TBD (RESPECT Token voting: Superhero Day Vs. Blizzard Warning/White Out Conditions!)

Wednesday, February 5 - Wentworth PTA/PTO Meeting at 6:30 - Wentworth Learning Commons

Wednesday, February 12 - Early Release at 1:45 PM

February 17 - 21 - No School: Winter Break

2024-2025 Scarborough Public Schools Calendar

This month, as we looked ahead to the new year 2025 together at our school-wide assembly on Wednesday, we discussed our SEL focus: revisiting our classroom charters. We discussed the problem with New Year's Resolutions and watched a video emphasizing "It probably won’t happen in one big moment, it’ll happen in thousands of little moments." We also enjoyed the book "Our Class is a Family" and discussed how revisiting our Charters is a lot like making a commitment to each other to contribute to our community to make it safer, and I work with our community to ensure we get along.

We wrapped up our whole school assembly this week with a sneak peek performance for all students. by the Burnurwurbskek Singers, comprised of men representing many of Maine’s Wabanaki people (including the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Micmac tribes). The members of the Burnurwurbskek Singers have been singing and drumming together for almost 25 years. They perform traditional northeast Native American woodland songs, passed down from generation to generation.

The performance was extra special because they were accompanied by traditional Native American dances, performed by one of the drummer's daughter, a third grader named Quinn. Quinn was also joined by one of our very own Wentworth students, a fifth grader named Lilah who was so proud to share her Native American heritage with her classmates and teachers. Here is a little clip of the singing, drumming and dancing.

The Burnurwurbskek Singers are honored to continue to share their Native American drumming, singing and dances with others, and held additional performances for fifth graders following the assembly during SEL and Community times. They not only performed, but also shared an important message about the dangers and harm caused by stereotyping, and the message of inclusion was a strong connection to our RULER work. Special thanks to Mr. Reagan, who coordinated this wonderful connection for our school.

While the fifth graders had their special Community Activity, the fourth graders had guests of their own! Thank you to Mrs. Sullivan for coordinating with Junior Achievement Maine, who brought several community volunteers to our school on Wednesday. Each fourth grade classroom heard about a career from a volunteer, and how Classroom Charter expectations still apply in the adult professional world!

Students enjoyed the guest speakers, the activities and the learning!

Finally, our third graders had some very special guests of their own. Aly and Fiona, Scarborough High School seniors and members of the Ecos Club, presented to all the third grade students about sustainability. Through an interactive presentation, singing, and movement students learned about our recycling program, what happens to trash, the reality of landfills, and were empowered to make a positive impact on our environment by doing their part. Here is a clip of Aly and Fiona creatively sharing their message with their younger peers.

We were so impressed with these two SHS students (and Wentworth School alumni!) we are bringing them back to present to the fourth and fifth graders.

What is it?

The Classroom Charter is a tool that can help us create the positive, supportive social-emotional environments that we know are best for learning. The Charter is like a promise we make to one another, or an agreement.

How it Works:

The Charter describes how we want to feel at school and what we can do to ensure that everyone has those feelings more consistently. Everyone has a voice in its creation and plays an active role in

bringing it to life. The Charter is considered a “living” document – meaning once it’s created, teachers and students make a habit of checking-in with the Charter throughout the school year.

Why it Matters:

When there is a climate of emotional support and warm relationships between teachers and students, and students among one another, there is an increase in productivity and wellbeing,

greater likelihood of academic success, and better outcomes for students as they become adult community members. The same is true for families.

Check out this link to learn more about creating a Family Charter.

Last call! All Yearbook Cover submissions are due tomorrow. We cannot wait to see how our students interpret the theme for the 2024-2025 Wentworth Yearbook: "Growing as Learners."

Email: kcrosby@scarboroughschools.org
Website: www.wentworth.scarboroughschools.org
Location: 20 Quentin Drive, Scarborough, ME, USA
Phone: (207)730-4600