Freeman-Kennedy

Dear Freeman-Kennedy Families,

As we approach the end of another school year at Freeman-Kennedy School, it's incredible to reflect on all that we've achieved together over the past ten months. We've witnessed remarkable growth and success among our students, and it's a testament to the dedication and support from our entire school community.

Our newly implemented F/K School behavior expectations have been instrumental in fostering academic, social, and emotional development in our students. Watching our F/K student falcons S.O.A.R. (Safety, Ownership, Acceptance, Respect) to success both inside and outside the classroom has been truly inspiring. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each parent and guardian for partnering with our administration and teachers to ensure the success of every student.

A special thank you goes out to our PTO and SEPAC for their unwavering support throughout the school year. Your dedication and contributions to various curriculum initiatives and grants have made a significant impact on our students and staff. We appreciate everything you do to enhance our school community.

To our sixth-grade students embarking on the transition to Middle School, we wish you all the best. Remember to embrace your best selves, and know that kindness, compassion, and empathy are the true keys to success as you embark on this new journey.

As we head into the summer break, we encourage all Freeman-Kennedy students and families to have a happy, safe, and enjoyable summer. Don't forget to explore our summer reading and math suggestions below to keep the learning spirit alive during the break. Should any family require assistance over the summer months, please don't hesitate to reach out to me via email (althamhickey@norfolk.k12.ma.us).

Wishing you all an AWESOME summer ahead!

Warm regards,

Lisa Altham-Hickey

Principal

Dear Freeman-Kennedy Families,

As we approach the end of the 2023-2024 school year, we find ourselves already looking ahead to the exciting prospects of the next academic year. At Freeman-Kennedy School, we are thrilled to announce our plans for "Move Up Days" for students in grades 3-5 during the week of June 10th, 2024.

We are eager to share that we will be hosting a "Traditional" Move Up Day event, providing students with the opportunity to meet their new teachers, explore their upcoming classrooms, and get to know their future classmates. During these sessions, students will engage in fun icebreaker activities and gain insights into the exciting curriculum awaiting them in their new grade level.

Looking ahead to the sixth grade, next year grade 6 will feature six homeroom teachers divided into three teams of two (three teachers will teach ELA/Social Studies and will partner with three teachers who will teach Math/Science). Students will remain with their homeroom class while rotating between two teachers. Further details regarding the structure and expectations of sixth grade will be shared in a letter scheduled for late August, so stay tuned for updates!

For your convenience, information regarding your child's teacher assignment for the upcoming year will be included in the comments section of their report card. Should you have any concerns or questions about your child's placement, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly via email, and I will gladly address any inquiries you may have.

Please mark your calendars with the following Move Up Day schedule:

• Grade 3 to 4: Wednesday, June 12th

• Grade 4 to 5: Wednesday, June 12th

• Grade 5 to 6: Wednesday, June 12th

As we look back on the achievements of this academic year, both academically and socially, our students have truly soared to success. I want to express my sincere appreciation to all Freeman-Kennedy parents and guardians for your steadfast support. It's through our collective efforts that we have instilled invaluable lessons, shaping the foundation upon which our students will build their futures.

As the summer vacation approaches, I wish all of our Freeman-Kennedy families a joyous, safe, and rejuvenating break. Please remember that I am here to assist you with any needs or concerns over the summer months, so don't hesitate to reach out via email.

Thank you once again for your continued partnership in nurturing the growth and development of our students.

Warm regards,

Lisa Altham-Hickey

Principal

7 - Color Fun Run 5pm

10 - Gr. 5 USS Constitution Field Trip - Cavanaugh, Moore, Cochrane

11 - School Committee Meeting - 7:00 pm in the Library

12 - Move up Gr. 3 to 4 8:50 - 9:20 am

12 - Move up Gr. 4 to 5 8:50 - 9:20 am

12 - Move up Gr. 5 to 6 8:50 - 9:20 am

12 - Chorus Spring Concert - 7:00 pm

13 - Grade 6 Field Day - Rain date

13 - 2nd Gr. Move Up day to FK 9:30 - 10:30 am

14 - Grade 6 Field Day

17 - Grade 6 Promotion 9:10 am

17 - Early Release 12:00 pm -Last Day of School

The last day of school is a half of day with a 12:00 dismissal time.

The first day of school will be Tuesday, August 27th

Next Tuesday is our final Spirit Day of the school year. Classrooms with the most feathers will be participating in a soccer game.

• If your child is absent from school and they have a doctor’s note please send it in to the health office when they return. A doctor’s note is required for 5 consecutive absences.

• If your child tests positive for covid, please contact the health office so we can go over dates for your child to return to school and protocols for what to do when they return

• If your child has a fever or vomiting, they must remain out of school for at least 24 hours until vomiting has subsided and they are fever free without any fever reducing medication

• Upcoming 4th grade students, please send in an updated physical with immunizations from within the past year as soon as possible before or at the beginning of next school year. It is required for all 4th grade students.

Medication Information 2024-2025:

• If your student will need medication, an epipen or inhaler at school next year please make sure to send in an updated allergy action plan, asthma action plan or doctor's note for the upcoming school year.

Have a great summer break!

FK School Nurse

Julia Lavoie

jlavoie@norfolk.k12.ma.us

• If your student has any medication in the health office please make arrangements to pick it up by the last day of school, students can not take medication home with them an adult needs to pick it up. Any medication not picked up will be discarded. You can contact the health office at 508-528-1266 ext 4 or by email at jlavoie@norfolk.k12.ma.us

On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 4:00 PM, student report cards will be sent home electronically.

Please use the following links for more information.

• iParent Tutorial
• Overview of Standard Based Report Cards and Progress Reports 2023/2024

iParent Tutorial

iParent Tutorial The iParent online access system gives parents and guardians access to attendance, report cards, and biographical information

launchdocs.google.com

The following Summer Math plan is being offered as an opportunity for students to review math concepts and skills students have completed during the school year. It is important to keep up with these skills over the summer. The suggested goal is for students to complete 3-5 activities a week. At the end of summer, please sign the math log and return it to your child’s next year’s teacher during the first week of school. Participation is a great way to help your child prepare for the following school year!

Available math resources and activities (grade level indicated is one your child just completed):

1. Activities that support Conceptual Skills Practice grades K-5: A math Bitmoji classroom has been created for each grade level that will provide a wide range of summer math activities. Activities can be repeated as often as you want. Once an activity has been completed, students will record it on the Summer Math Log. The math activities and math logs can be accessed on the NPS Website and the Student Start page (after June 17th).

2. Activities that support Math Fact Fluency Practice grades K and 1: Students who completed grades K and 1 will have the option to complete a fluency packet and return the fact practice portion to their new teacher in the fall. The time spent on the fact practice may also be logged on the Summer Math Log. Printable fluency packets are available on this website. If you do not have access to a printer, please email Victoria Saldana at vsaldana@norfolk.k12.ma.us

3. Reflex Math for Math Fact Fluency Practice grades 1-5: Students will be able to access their Reflex Math accounts until August 30th. Reflex is a great way for your child to practice their math facts during the summer months. Students have the ability to practice math fluency skills that have been assigned by their teacher during the school year. Math fact practice is a vital building block for students to be able to engage and access the following year's curriculum. Students should turn in the math logs to their teachers the week of September 9.

HOD and FK Printable Math Log Link

Happy Mathing from the Math Specialists Team!

Summer is the time for swimming, ice cream, fun in the sun, and ... READING! Families make a big impact in helping keep the love of literacy that is fostered during the school year alive during the summer. This can be done by setting aside time every day to read to and with your child. Below are resources that will support your child in keeping up their reading skills throughout the summer:

• Explore new titles together. Suggested lists of summer reading books as well as tips on how to make summer reading a success, can be found in the HOD and FK School Library websites. The Reading logs and NPS Library websites can be accessed on the NPS Website and the Student Start page (after June 17th).

• Keep a reading log:

• HOD - Students will tally the number of times they read each month on the form provided and share their favorite book with classmates when they return to school in the fall.

• FK- In June, during their library class, students were asked to select 5 books that they were interested in reading over the summer. Students listed the titles of the books in their Summer Reading List that was sent home. Over the summer, students are asked to read and rate the books. They may add to their list as the summer progresses. Students are asked to return their reading logs to school where they will have an opportunity to recommend their favorite book during library class in the fall.

• Students will have until September 13th to complete the reading logs (see link below).

• Norfolk Public Schools and the Norfolk Public Library read together! Check out the Norfolk Public Library website for their summer reading program.

FK Printable Reading Log Link

HOD Printable Reading Log Link

Happy Summer!! Happy Reading!!

Dear Sixth Grade Parents/Guardians,

As we approach the culmination of another school year, it is with both pride and a touch of nostalgia that we prepare for the sixth grade promotion ceremony at Freeman-Kennedy School. Watching your children grow and evolve over the past four years has been a remarkable journey, and it's hard to believe that the day of promotion is just 16 days away.

Each student has demonstrated academic success but also has a strong foundation in social-emotional learning, which will undoubtedly serve them well as they transition to middle school. On behalf of the entire Freeman-Kennedy Staff, I extend our warmest wishes to all our students as they embark on their next chapter.

We are eagerly anticipating the celebration of our sixth graders' achievements with their families and friends. This year, the 6th Grade Promotion will take place in the Freeman-Kennedy Gymnasium. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly request that families adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Promotion Day - Monday, June 17, 2024 - Ceremony will begin at 9:10 a.m.

2. Arrival Time: Parents and families may begin arriving at 8:00 a.m. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. to allow ample time for seating.

3. Transportation: Please consider carpooling or using one vehicle per family to minimize traffic congestion and parking challenges.

4. Guest Limit: Each student is permitted to invite up to six guests to the ceremony. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this limit.

5. Attire: We encourage students to dress appropriately for the occasion. In the past, attire such as dress shirts, pants, dress shorts, blouses, skirts, or dresses has been most suitable.

6. Reception - After the ceremony all students and families are invited to the cafeteria for a reception. We will show the grade 6 Memory Show and there will be breakfast food items to eat.

Below you will find guidelines for parking on Promotion Day

a. Along the fields in front of the school.

b. Along the right hand side of the Access Road –Enter off Rockwood Road and park on the right hand

side of the access road. We will have someone assisting with parking. Please note the entrance off Rockwood

MUST be left open for emergency vehicles to enter and exit.

NO Parking Locations – The Norfolk Police will be patrolling the area.

a. Boardman Street, b. Bus loop, c. Drop-Off/Pick-Up loop, d. Left hand side of access road

Morning Drop-Off - Please note that buses and drop-off begin promptly at 8:35 a.m. We ask that you are mindful

and cautious as the entire student body unloads in the morning. Safety of all students, staff, and families is our

number one priority. Arriving early is highly recommended.

Your support and cooperation in following these guidelines are greatly appreciated as we strive to make the sixth grade promotion ceremony a memorable and enjoyable event for all. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out.

I would like to wish everyone a safe, relaxing summer! Good luck in 7th grade!

Sincerely,

Lisa Altham-Hickey

Principal

As the school year draws to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our volunteers and donors for their unwavering support and dedication. Your contributions of time, effort, and resources have made this year truly exceptional. Thanks to your generosity, we successfully raised over $65,000, which will significantly enhance our school community.

Together, we created numerous memorable events that brought joy and enrichment to our students, families, and staff. Each of these moments was possible because of your commitment and enthusiasm.

Thank you for making this year a remarkable success. We look forward to continuing this journey with you in the coming year.

With deepest appreciation,

Jen Wolff and Katie Iacono

PTO Co-Chairs

Parents of 6th Grade Students please make sure to check the 6th Grade Newsletter frequently as we will continue to add important information.

Students earned over 13, 285 feathers during the month of May.

Please communicate by 9:30 AM through one of the options below:

• School Dismissal Manager is the most efficient way to communicate with the main office and your child's teacher for dismissals, late arrivals and absences.
• You may also email fkoffice@norfolk.k12.ma.us or call (508) 528-1266 and leave a message. Please make sure to state the reason for your child's absence or late arrival.

The front office will call parents/guardians by 10:00 AM if we have not received notification for your child's late arrival or absence.

Arrival: 8:35-8:45 AM

Students are considered tardy after 8:45 AM. Students then must be signed in by an adult.

Early Release Dismissal: 12:00 PM

Dismissal: 3:00 PM

Students that attend SACC and that are marked off for the carline are dismissed first. We then begin to dismiss students based on bus arrival. Walkers and bike riders are dismissed last at 3:20 PM.