Bellows Weekly Bulletin

Monday, 1/6 - A Day

• 3rd Grade Early Morning Library - 8:00

Tuesday, 1/7 - B Day

• 4th Grade Early Morning Library - 8:00
• Internet Safety Assemblies with Katie Greer - Grades 3-5

Wednesday, 1/8 - C Day

• 5th Grade Early Morning Library - 8:00
• 5th Grade STEAM Enrichment Experience- Mobile ED- Skydome

Thursday, 1/9 - D Day

• 3rd Grade Early Morning Library - 8:00

Friday, 1/10 - E Day

• 4th Grade Early Morning Library - 8:00

Monday, January 13

• PTSA Winter Clubs Start

• RNIC Meeting - 9:15 - FEB Annex

• 5th Grade Puberty Workshop- Session II

Monday, January 20

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - School Closed

The District's phone system will be getting an upgrade while we are closed for Winter Break. Should you need to contact someone in the District, we recommend sending an email. As we complete the phone upgrade, some voicemails will have a generic message until our staff returns in January. If you call one of our staff members and get a generic voicemail, please know this is normal and you can leave a message.

This is a reminder regarding my November email about vehicle and pedestrian safety. We are still observing a lot of unsafe driving on Carroll Avenue during arrival and dismissal times. It is imperative that we obey the following rules of the road for our children's safety:

* The speed limit is 15 MPH on Carroll Avenue. If you can do 10 MPH, that is even better. Please adhere to the law and be mindful of our children who are crossing the street.

* Students should be dropped off and picked up from the driver side door when arriving on Carroll Avenue. This is the side of the door closest to the sidewalk. Students should not be driving in the front seat or exiting out of the passenger doors on the street side of Carroll Avenue. This is unsafe!

* DO NOT stop in the middle of the street and block traffic to allow your child/children to enter or exit your vehicle. This could cause an accident, but most importantly, the person entering/exiting the vehicle could get hurt.

I appreciate those who already adhere to the rules of the road and are committed to the safety of our community members. We should all be modeling mindfulness of others by driving slowly down Carroll Avenue at all times and by using the safest routes to schools for bikers and pedestrians.

As always, I am available if you have thoughts, comments, questions or concerns. Everyone's safety is my top priority.

Katie Greer, the former Director of Internet Safety for the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, has created her own approach to internet safety that realistically considers the appeal of technology for people of all ages.

She will spend the day working with our students in grades 2-12 on age-appropriate ways to enhance digital wellness while staying safe online.

Join us at 6:00PM on January 7th for a parent-only presentation. Her goal is to educate in a way that helps audiences use the internet in a safer, more productive way, from recognizing health traps to protecting yourself with privacy precautions.

This cross-generational speaker will help bolster conversations at home about ways to protect our children online.

Topics Included in her Parent Presentation:

• Updates on the latest tech trends, including popular apps, social networking trends, and gaming
• Social media age limitations - and how often kids are breaking them
• Privacy settings, location services, check-ins: Are your devices set-up safely?
• Advice for having real conversations with your child to foster a positive online experience for your family, with suggested restrictions and rules
• Digital health check-in: Is your family doing a good job balancing life and technology?
• Smartphones & Age: What's the average age kids get smartphones? Are there alternatives? Is there a right age for kids to get smartphones?

Please visit Katie Greer's website to learn more about her experience and speaking engagements.

District Calendar

FEB Family Handbook (in progress)

January Letter Day Calendar

January Lunch Menu

Fifth Grade Locker Decorating

Band Schedule

Volunteer Forms

"The RNSF "Give, Grant, Impact" Appeal is here! Now through December 20th, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Each donation funds grants that bring innovative resources, programs, and experiences directly to Rye Neck students, providing them with opportunities to explore, create and excel. Visit the RNSF WEBSITE to donate today!"

Grants so far have funded:

- The F.E. Bellows Fifth Grade School Store

- Garden Beds for Planting Spring 2025 in the Bellows' Life Garden

- Sensory Materials & Equipment for Students at Bellows

PTSA Website

Booster Club Website

Rye Neck School Foundation Website