Weekly Newsletter
May 2, 2024
News from Principal Emma Liebowitz
YEARBOOKS!!!!! See below for information about how to order a yearbook. Paper copies will also be sent home this week.
Upcoming Events
Friday, May 3 - Second Grade Dinosaur Field Trip
May 6 - May 10 - Fifth Grade to Camp Keewaydin
Wednesday, May 8 - 1:50 Release
Wednesday, May 8 - School Committee Meeting at 6:00
Wednesday, May 15 - First Grade Fish Ladder Field Trip
Wednesday, May 15 - 1:50 Release
Thursday, May 16 - Fifth Grade Field Trip to Hitchcock Center
Friday, May 17 - Senior Luncheon
Monday, May 20 - Ohketeau Presentation in afternoon
Wednesday, May 22 - All School Meeting at 2:15
Thursday, May 23 - Third Grade to Wilder Homestead
Friday, May 24 - First Grade Trout Release
Friday, May 24 - Fourth Grade Book Launch at 10:00
Monday, May 27 - No School
Wednesday, May 29 - All School Meeting/Share the Music
Thursday, May 30 - Field Day (Rain Date 6/4)
Friday, May 31 - Art Showcase
Link to Sanderson Academy calendar.
School Committee Members Needed
We are in need of two School Committee members for Ashfield! This is the link to the School Committee information of the District website:
MCAS Dates
May 2 - Fifth Grade Science
May 7 - Fourth Grade Math
May 9 - Fourth Grade Math
May 14 - Third Grade Math
May 16 - Third Grade Math
May 21 - Sixth Grade Math
May 23 - Sixth Grade Math
Sanderson Apparel
Would you like Sanderson apparel? Click on the link below to order Sanderson apparel. The store will be open until Friday May, 17th. Items can be shipped to your home for a fee or sent home from school with your child. Once the store closes, it will take 2-3 weeks to get the items to you. https://cart.silverscreendesign.com/sanderson_academy/shop/home. Please email lindi.russell@gmail.com with any questions.
News from the Health Office from Nurse Loranna
Greetings from the health office! While we say goodbye to April (and Autism Acceptance month), I wanted to add a great picture/graphic that I found that goes more in depth on what the phrase “autism is a spectrum” can mean, as well as how that can be a harmful/hurtful way to describe an individual (more or less “severely” autistic). I wanted to add this as I had written in a past newsletter that autism is a spectrum, which is a true statement, but can be hurtful when thought of as a linear (in a line) spectrum. I am passionate about learning all I can to help support my practice, which is one of the things I love about being a school nurse and keeps me inspired and motivated. If I am wrong about something, I hold myself accountable. I have found a great resource that I have been diving into; if you are interested in a fresh/updated perspective about autism, I recommend you check it out! She says it best, “ Basically: conceiving of the autism spectrum of one line from “less” to “more” autistic is not helpful. Rather, it may help to think of it as a circle with different categories. These categories might include things like: socializing/social differences, special interests, language differences, sensory processing style, emotional regulation, executive functioning skills, and other facets and co-occurring conditions as well. One Autistic person might have high needs in one area, but low needs in another area — or high skills in one area, but low skills in another area.” the occuplaytional therapist
I thought adding this entry would be a nice way to finish up the month of April and move into May- which is mental health month. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or comments! lalmeida@mtrsd.org
Preschool news from Ms. Freeman and Ms. Becky
Many of us are hearing and seeing birds at home and all around our school’s campus. We have noticed chickadees, cardinals, blue jays, sparrows, and goldfinches outside our classroom window. We see many red-winged blackbirds by the fire pond and the sounds from the birds as we walk through the woods is magical. So, this week seems like the perfect time to learn more about birds.
We talked about how many birds have migrated back to the area now that spring has arrived. We talked about where birds live and some materials they use to build their nests. We thought about what it would be like to be a bird, and what materials we would use in our own nests. Using our thoughts and ideas, we gathered materials on campus and created nests. The photos show us gathering and using our collected materials to build our nests. The last 3 photos show finished nests carefully placed for birds to use.
We look forward to learning more about birds!
Preschool News from Ms. Melanie and Ms. Kylee
Preschoolers have been eagerly anticipating the hatching of our classroom chicks. We had six chicken eggs in our incubator. Each day the children have been looking at a chart that illustrates the development of the chick from day one to day twenty-one . . . hatch day! They were fascinated by how quickly a chicken develops. They have documented the life cycle of a chicken in their Spring Detective Journals. The children also enjoyed learning about how a chick, whose body fills the egg, is able to carefully peck its way out using its egg tooth. It is hard work and it takes a long time, sometimes even a whole day.
We prepared the brooder and talked about all of the things that baby chicks need. Since the mother hen is not available to them, the chicks need an alternative heat source. The children decided that we could not take turns sitting on the chicks to keep them warm because we are too big and heavy! Instead, we have a heat plate that the chicks can go under to stay warm. The chicks also need food and water. We discussed how we needed to teach the chicks to go to the water and food dishes since the mother hen is not there to show them. Lastly we talked about cleaning the brooder and putting fresh bedding down to keep the chicks dry and comfortable. Taking care of baby chicks is is hard work, but preschoolers are great helpers.
On Monday, our first chick emerged, as expected based on our chart. It just so happens that Monday was Ms. Kylee’s birthday, so we named the chick Kylee! On Tuesday, three more chicks joined Kylee. Two eggs remain in the incubator. The children are hopeful that they will hatch soon. We did talk about how sometimes, not all of the incubated eggs hatch and that is another part of the life cycle. We are so grateful to the Wildermuth family for providing us with the eggs and incubator. This has been such an exciting and magical experience!
Kindergarten News from Ms. Sarah, Ms. Veronica and Ms. Beckwith
In our literacy program, we finished our class book about what foods people eat that come from trees with a closing statement about why our topic is important (“People depend on trees.”) and we took a closer look at that vocabulary word depend. Then we introduced the topic for our independent books—what animals eat from trees. We reread the part of our book Be a Friend to Trees that taught us about what animals eat from trees and then students made organizers choosing three animals from the book and matching them with their food. Then we started our own books with our focus page that tells our readers what they will be reading about (“Animals eat lots of food from trees.”)
First Grade News from Ms. Wyckoff and Ms. April
First graders were excited to have a live chat with their adopt a cow host farm this week. During this live chat, first graders got to hear from Farmer Julie and see a live view of our adorable calf Celestial! During this chat we learned that a female cow will have her first calf around two years of age and she isn’t full grown until she's about 3-4 years old. She grew another 2 inches and gained 118 Pounds. At seven and a half months old Celestial stands 44 inches tall and weighs 524 pounds! It was the sweetest thing to see Celestial nuzzle up next to her cow friends and the absolute best to see her live!
Second Grade News from Ms. Lilly, Ms. Laura and Ms. Taylor
Our second grade class has been working so hard since being back from break to put the finishing touches on our paleontologist narratives. Our final product is complete with pictures and even an” about the author” section. It is perfect timing for our field trip this Friday to The Rock Fossil and Dinosaur Shop. In math we are wrapping up our money unit and heading into multiples of ten, one hundred, and one thousand. We have also started a new science unit this week about erosion. This will be a fun hands on unit for the last few weeks of our year!
Third Grade News from Ms. Carole and Mr. Luke
Third grade had a magnificent day at Hancock Shaker Village with our preschool buddies last Thursday. The weather was perfect, and groups took advantage of the opportunity to learn about the history of the village, the way people lived there, and, of course, we enjoyed communing with the baby animals. The trip was paid for in part with generous help from the PTO. Chaperones also make our trips possible, and we are so grateful to them for giving us their day.
This past Monday we were lucky enough to have Grayson’s dad, Paul, volunteer some time and hard work to repair a heaved post for our garden gate. He generously brought in supplies, gloves, bags of cement, and a cheerful willingness to get sweaty and dirty with us. Paul did a great job, and now our garden gate closes properly. Many thanks!
This Thursday we say a teary farewell to Jules, our student teacher who has been with us since September. We have greatly enjoyed and benefited from Jules’ presence in our class, and we send them off with best wishes for the next chapter of their life.
Fourth Grade News from Ms. Lagoy and Ms. Upright
We are wrapping up our study of the Southwest Region. Students will finish their scrapbooks this week and then we will begin studying the West Region. It won’t be long before students will be choosing a state for their independent state research projects.
We hope all fourth grade families will be able to join us for our book launch party/poetry slam on Friday, May 24th at 10:00.
Fifth Grade News from Ms. Johnson and Ms. Shero
Fifth grade has been elbows deep in MCAS and Keewaydin prep this week. Students have been working hard on math and science MCAS. They have shown perseverance and enthusiasm. We have also been preparing for our week at the Keewaydin Environmental Education Center next week. Students are all excited and nervous as they prepare for this amazing week of education, exploration, and self growth.
News from Ms. Prew
How can we support our amazing Sanderson students with their math learning? This article explains that “Research shows that strong home/school relationships, playful activities, and ‘learning by explaining’ can help students who are struggling”. Please check it out! Send me your thoughts. :) aprew@mtrsd.org
District Library News
Newsletter at this LINK.
SEPAC News
IEP Workshop
Join us for the Caregiver Workshop to:
* understand DESE's new IEP Process
* become familiar with the new forms
* learn to navigate the new processes
Follow the link to the virtual session on May 20 here:
Community News, Events and Job Postings
Check out what is happening in our area!
Craft Fair
On Saturday, May 4th, the student council will be holding a raffle of vendor items donated during the 2nd Annual Audrey's Angels Craft Fair being held on the field hockey field at Mohawk Trail High School from 10-3.
Currently, there are 50 vendors whose fees are being donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Hawlemont School will be holding a bake sale and Wandering Waffles will be the food truck.
Please come and support all!
About Us
Email: eliebowitz@mtrsd.org
Website: https://sanderson.mohawktrailschools.org/
Location: 808 Cape Street, Ashfield, MA, USA
Phone: (413) 628-4404
Facebook: facebook.com/SandersonAcademy