LAW Principal's Corner
December 2023
Greetings LAW Families,
As we embrace the festive season, we'd like to remind you to maintain healthy routines for your children amidst the holiday festivities. Please ensure they continue to enjoy nutritious meals, get sufficient sleep, and come to school appropriately dressed for the cold and wet New England weather. Given our commitment to outdoor activities, your cooperation in preparing your children for the chilly weather is greatly appreciated.
With the approaching holidays, it's easy for families to become entangled in the hustle and bustle. We extend our gratitude for your mindfulness in sending well-rested children to school. This not only fosters their well-being but also enhances their learning experiences.
December invites us to reflect on the significance of friends and family. During the winter break, we encourage you to take moments to connect or reconnect with those dear to you. In the midst of our busy lives, the holidays present a unique opportunity to instill in our students the joy of giving back to others.
A reminder that electronic report cards will be issued on December 11th. Our dedicated teachers invest considerable time in providing comprehensive feedback. We encourage you to carefully review the report cards with your child and, if needed, utilize the Caregiver/Parent/Teacher Conference times for further discussions or clarifications.
As we approach the holiday season, the LAW Staff wishes you and your families a joyous and restful break.
Warm regards,
Beth Lewis
Ryan Donaher
Lost and Found
Our Lost and Found is overflowing!!! We separated and placed many items on display to be viewed during the Holiday Extravaganza Event on (Nov. 30) in the gym. We are asking parents/caregivers to write your child's name inside their clothing or at least in their coats, ski pants and boots. Then we will be able to return the items to their rightful owner instead of having them pile up in the "Lost and Found". I will leave tables of lost and found items outside on the sidewalk in front of the main office if you would like to stop and look through it. They will be there through next Wednesday and then they will be donated to charity.
Important Dates to Remember
Nov. 30 - Winter Extravaganza 6-8 p.m.
Dec. 1 - First Trimester Ends
Dec. 1 - Picture Retake Day
Dec. 5 - School Committee Meeting ASRHS @ 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 - 90 Minute Early Release - 1:45 Dismissal
Dec. 8 - Holiday Shop Sponsored by the ASPTO
Dec. 11 - Report Cards issued
Dec. 12 - ASPTO Meeting 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 14 and 15 - Parent/Caregiver/Teacher Conferences 6-8
Dec. 14 and 15 - Adjusted Early Release Days 1:15 p.m.
Dec. 14 - Teacher Luncheon sponsored by the PTO
Dec. 18 - LAW Chorus Caroling to Nashoba Park 11:00a.m.- 12:00 p.m. (permission slip required see Mrs. Swenson)
Dec. 19 - Panther Leadership Team Meeting 3:30 - 4:15
Dec. 20 - School Committee Meeting @ 6:30 ASRMS
Dec. 20 - Restaurant Night @ Papa Ginos in Leominster 4-8 p.m.
Dec. 20 - SEPAC Meeting 6:30- 9:00
Dec. 21 - Winter Solstice Concert
- Session I- 9:30- 10:30 a.m.
- Session 2 - 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Great time had by all at the Holiday Extravaganza sponsored by the ASPTO!
Winter Solstice Concert
We thoroughly enjoyed the Winter Solstice Stroll last year, and this year, we are excited to present a school-wide grade level concert on December 21st. The concert will unfold across two sessions, with the first session scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by the second session from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly request limiting attendance to (2) persons per family. It's important to note that this restriction applies across both sessions. For example, if both members cannot attend one session together, one member may attend the morning session and the other member in the afternoon.
Regrettably, due to space constraints in our gymnasium, we must adhere to these attendance limitations to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all attendees. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated as we strive to showcase the singing talents of all our students while respecting the capacity of our venue.
Thanks to Mrs. Swenson our Music Teacher for pulling this event together and teaching our students some wonderful songs for our families to enjoy!
We will be sending out a google form sign-up for the sessions within the next week.
Students can dress in their holiday best on the day of the concert if you so desire.
Message from our Physical Education Teacher: Mrs. Watelet
Dear LAW Families,
Below is the LAW 2023-2024 PE class schedule. Please post somewhere at home.
Students are required to wear sneakers for PE class for the safety of themselves and their classmates. If a student does not have sneakers they will need to sit out for the class. They will be given a sneaker reminder sheet to fill out and take home.
If sneakers are a hardship for your family please reach out to the LAW Guidance Counselor or Nurse for assistance. If you have spare sneakers you may want to leave them in your child’s cubby/locker at school or their backpack as a backup.
LAW PE teacher,
Mrs. Watelet
Parent-Caregiver/Teacher Conferences
Conference Dates/Times:
- Dec. 14 - 6:00- 8:00 p.m.
- Dec. 15 - 1:40 -3:25 p.m.
Here are the guidelines for this year's conferences:
The Pick-a-time sign-up is for those who want a remote conference only.
Please click on the link below to sign-up for your child(ren) remote conference session.
If you wish to request an in-person conference you will need to email your child(ren)'s homeroom teacher to set up a time to meet. You can start reaching out once the conference sign-up information is sent out.
- UA will not be offered on Pick-a-time, If you would like to meet with a UA staff member, please email the teacher and set up an appointment. You may request a remote or in-person option. Due to the large number of students on the UA teachers' rosters, you should only meet with UA if you have a concern.
Please click on the link below to use the electronic sign-up system for a remote conference. Remember this system is for remote conferences only.
The Importance of Attending Your Child's Conference:
Research shows that students learn more, have higher grades, and have better school attendance when parents are involved in their child's education. That's why attending parent-teacher conferences is so important: it's a great way for parents to become involved and stay involved throughout the school year. Parent-Caregiver-Teacher conferences are a good way to meet your child’s teacher and learn about your child’s academic and behavioral performance. Keep in mind that you are an equal partner at the conference. If you have questions the conference is a good time to share them with the teacher. Don’t forget to share what you know about your child.
Here are some questions you might ask during the conference:
- Does my child hand in classwork and homework on time and is it complete?
- Is my child doing work at or above grade level?
- Does my child work better in groups or alone?
- How does my child get along with others? Adults? Children?
- Is there any concern about learning or behavior problems that I should know about?
- What can I do at home to help my child build on strengths and improve weaknesses?
- How can I keep in touch about my child’s progress?
Great Veterans Day Tribute- Thanks to Mrs. Swenson and our Panther Leadership Team
Check out our First Grade's Thanksgiving Day Play!
ASPTO Events for December
Events:
LAW Holiday Extravaganza:
November 30 6-8pm LAW Cafeteria
Come for a night of exploring different winter holidays. Take a picture with Santa, eat some treats, play some games and make some crafts!
Sign up to donate some baked goods here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094EAEA923A6F49-46218184-holiday#/
LAW Holiday Shop:
December 8 during the school day:
Please click the link below to sign up for as many day of shopping slots as you can! (and set up the night before)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C49A8A62FA1FD0-46367603-holiday
LAW Teacher Luncheon:
December 14th:
All food should be dropped off by 10:45am
Please sign up here to donate a dish for our teachers:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C49A8A62FA1FD0-46359391-lawstaff#/
Fundraisers:
Raise Right Gift Cards:
The ASPTO annual holiday gift card fundraiser is back! Please go to www.RaiseRight.com or download the RaiseRight app.
Enter the ASPTO Enrollment Code: 9B11867L34693
E-gift cards and home delivery are available anytime.
Deadline for Physical Gift cards is 12/8 for pickup starting 12/18
Paper order forms available by request.
Questions? Email asptoscrip@gmail.com
Spirit Wear:
Did you know our Spirit Wear shop is always open?! Get your gear in time for the holidays!
https://ayershirleypto.launchcart.store/shop
Papa Ginos (leominster) Night:
December 20, 4-8
Tell them you are with the ASPTO and we get a portion of the proceeds!
GotSneakers:
Drop off used sneakers or athletic shoes at the bins outside the middle school or LAW at anytime during the school year!
Our next meeting is Tuesday, December 12
Just us in the Middle School Library or via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83374131557?pwd=enpoc2pOS2d3aVNZdVB0c1c3REtVdz09
6:30-Executive Business (all welcome)
7:LAW Business
7:30: MS Business
A Successful Book Fair- Thanks to Mrs. Atwood & Parent/Caregiver Volunteers!
LAW Adjustment Counselor's Corner
Food Security
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry (978)772-4627
Monday, December 18th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Please visit if you need help! No income requirements!
Open to residents of Ayer, Devens, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, and Shirley.
Just join the drive-thru line to receive a holiday dinner with all the fixings!
If you are interested in supporting our holiday meal distributions, please consider making a financial donation to Loaves and Fishes: https://loavesfishespantry.org/dinner/
Loaves and Fishes Flyer: Holiday Meal Distribution Information:
:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CZwbaEfQH2NdAlN44UzptYb0d2kBVHdh/view?usp=sharing
Snack Pack Program:
LAW Weekend Snack Pack Program offers snacks for students. The form can be found here, or email if you prefer that we send home a paper copy.
Please click on the link below for the monthly Adjustment Counselors Newsletter:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XM4OzLHXaZCH3O3409Ujc3OHog_Rc9h/view?usp=drive_link
Thanks to all who were able to attend our first Family Literacy Night! Thanks to our wonderful staff who volunteered to make this possible!
Bingo for Books? Anyone?
A Fun Phonics Activity /Dr. Lance
Mrs. Carter dressed as a fortune teller to look for prediction clues while reading a book to a group of students.
Mrs. Gardner helped run one of our Literacy Games!
Ms. Pinard gave students an opportunity to read 3 words for 3 tosses!
Mrs. White assisted students with a syllable counting game!
PBIS Update - Dr. Donaher
Hi, Caretakers!
Happy December! Students continue to be reminded about all school expectations as they pertain to the school, classrooms, recess, bathrooms, and the bus. Students have been working hard to be great community members and have been earning green and gold PAWS to use at the School Store.
In the month ahead, we will continue to educate and reinforce these expectations at our Friday Schoolwide Weekly Meetings. At home, please have a conversation with your student(s) about all school expectations including what it means to be a safe passenger on the school bus--this would be very helpful!
As always, I am here to help and support--please do not hesitate to reach out. I am looking forward to the month ahead and the holiday season! For now, I hope that you all have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable December!
Happy Holidays,
Dr. Donaher
Nurse Barter's Corner
Take action to stop respiratory viruses from spoiling holiday cheer!
-If you are sick, stay home to avoid putting others at risk. You should also avoid others in the household to lessen their risk. If you have severe or worsening symptoms, call your healthcare provider.
-Cover coughs and sneezes when around others to help protect them.
-Stay away from others who are sick, if possible.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread easily this way.
-Handwashing often with soap removes most germs, including respiratory viruses, from your hands. If soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can kill many germs.
-Viral particles in the air spread between people more easily indoors than outdoors. Any way you can improve air quality, such as opening windows or using air purifiers, can help reduce the amount of virus you are exposed to.
For more information please visit CDC!
Stay Healthy!
Mrs. Barter
Please see our district's website for any health related information/policies or forms ASRSD health services
Mrs. Lewis, Principal x1101
Happy Holidays from LAW !
Dr. Ryan Donaher, Asst. Principal x1105
LAW Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mission Statement
At the Lura A. White Elementary School we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual, embrace diverse backgrounds and respect differing points of view to build a strong inclusive community. As we learn together, we draw on the differences in who we are.