G.R. Austin Intermediate School
December 19th, 2024
Happy Holidays form GRAIS
December 19, 2024
Dear Intermediate School Families,
It is hard to believe that Saturday will already be the official start to winter, and that we are off on our first school vacation of the year tomorrow. From my start in the district as a middle school teacher, through my three years as assistant principal there, then my being appointed principal of GRAIS nine years ago, to this moment, I have always been VERY proud to be part of the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District. I consider myself very fortunate to lead the most talented, compassionate, and flexible staff around, and to receive so much support and appreciation from so many wonderful families in Freetown and Lakeville! Thank you to all who so generously had your children deliver holiday gifts to me and to the teachers and support staff. Every card, treat, and gift has been so appreciated. We wish you a wonderful holiday season and a restful break for the children.
Greater Massachusetts Special Needs Events:
Please see this link for some nice opportunities: https://www.spedchildmass.com/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_source_platform=mailpoet&utm_campaign=newsday-sped-child-newsletter-sample_61
Campus Programs:
Campus Programs is offering a GRAIS Home Alone Safety Class in January. Please click on the link below to sign up!
Keep the Learning Alive:
Although we hope our students enjoy some peaceful rest over break with some lovely, lazy days in pjs, I thought I’d share some ideas to keep them thinking that are disguised as fun family activities! You could take a family field trip, read a holiday book together, create some wonderful pieces of art, measure up some goodness by cooking and baking together, have a game night, write some thank-you notes, or take a nature hike. The children may not even realize they are practicing math facts, working on literacy and social skills, and staying fit!
Nature Classroom:
Deposit of $150 is due tomorrow!
The deposit may be paid by a check made out to FLRSD or through Unipay.
Note that the google form will not bring you directly to Unipay. Please use the following link to pay through Unipay.
The dates for the trip are June 3rd - 6th
Please fill out the google form to register your child for Nature’s Classroom.
https://forms.gle/HopmENecu5NL4q5J9
The total program cost is approximately $525.00. More information on a final payment will be sent out as we get closer to the trip.
Check out https://www.naturesclassroom.org/ for more program information
Clothing Drive:
Many thanks to the families and staff who donated to our socks, hat, and mittens drive! All donations will be helping a number of agencies in the area!
From the Library:
Last month, Mrs. Grabke presented students with a reading challenge – Read for the Gold. Students set a reading goal for the rest of the school year and are being encouraged to read more and explore different genres. To keep students on track for reaching their reading goals over the December break, you may try these tips from Kids Read Now (https://kidsreadnow.org/9-creative-ways-to-keep-kids-reading-over-winter-break/):
Create a Cozy Reading Spot
Make a Reading Game
Explore Real-Life Connections
Watch a Movie Based on a Book
Start a Family Book Club
Frequently Requested Contact Information:
First Student Bus Company
Ken Rezendes at 508 763 9260 or kenneth.rezendes@firstgroup.com
Fore and Aft Program
Lisa Pacheco at 508 923 2000 extension 1730 or lpacheco@freelake.org
Campus Programs
Diane Czapiga at 508 923 2000 extension or 1719 or dczapiga@freelake.org
Dates to Remember:
Deadline for Deposit for Nature’s Classroom - December 20th
Pajamas Day and 11:30 a.m. Dismissal - December 20th
January 2nd - School Resumes
January 20th - No School
February 7th - 11:30 a.m. Dismissal
February 17 - School Break Begins
February 24th - School Resumes
Spring Anticipated MCAS Dates:
March 31 and April 1–Grade Five ELA
April 2 & 3–Grade Four ELA
May 12 & 13–Grade Five Math
May 14 & 15–Grade Four Math
May 19 & 20–Grade Five Science
*Subject to Change
With wishes for a wonderful break,
Dr. Sullivan
508.923.3506 x 3150/esullivan@freelake.org