Principal's Corner

Good Evening!

Happy Veteran's Day. Thank you to all that have honorably served our country!

We’re excited to welcome all families into the building this Thursday and Friday for Family Conferences!

• Schedule Reminder:

  • Thursday is an early release day with dismissal at 12:45 PM.
  • There is NO SCHOOL on Friday.

  
  

• Academic progress and achievements
• Demeanor, behavior, and social-emotional well-being in the classroom
• Unique contributions to classroom culture and the amazing things they’re doing each day!

Report cards will be uploaded in Plus Portal by the end of day Tuesday, November 12th. Please note there are no paper report cards sent home.

Warm regards,
Lindsey Fulton

• The Killam PTO is excited to leave the paper order forms in the past and roll out a new electronic storefront for Killam gear
• The store is open now through Friday, November 15
• Two shipping options during checkout:
• Complimentary pick up at the school lobby on:
• Thursday, December 19, between 8:00 - 8:30 am, 2:45 - 3:15 pm, or 4:30 - 6:00 pm
• Friday, December 20, between 8:00 - 8:30 am or 2:45 - 3:15 pm
• ** If these times do not work for you, please select shipping to your home address **
• ** An adult needs to pick up the gear physically; we cannot put it in your child's backpack **
• Pay for shipping directly to your house. Orders will be shipped around December 13.
• This is a fundraiser for the PTO; every dollar counts, and we appreciate your support!
• Contact Gear Coordinators Nora Flynn (nflynn46@gmail.com) and Lindsey Donahue (lindsey.g.donahue@gmail.com) with any questions

We are excited to welcome author, Jessie Janowitz, for two short assemblies on Wednesday. You can check out an interview with her here!

This Week:

Tuesday, November 12th- Report Cards published to portal

Thursday, November 14th- Early Release Day 12:45 pm dismissal- Family Conferences 12:45-4:10 pm

Friday, November 15th- NO SCHOOL- Family Conferences all day

Next Week:

Tuesday, November 19th- PTO Meeting 7 pm @Killam

Coming Soon..

Wednesday, November 27th- Early Release 11 AM dismissal

Thursday, November 28th- Friday, November 29th- NO SCHOOL

Kick off your holiday season on Saturday and Sunday, December 7th and 8th by visiting Reading Education Foundation’s (REF) 22nd annual Festival of Trees, a winter wonderland of decorated holiday trees donated by local families, organizations, businesses and schools that festival visitors can win for themselves! This signature REF fundraising event, held at Reading’s Parker Middle School, is a magical and memorable community holiday tradition for adults and children of all ages. Fun can be had for all ages while raising money that REF provides to the Reading schools through teacher-initiated grants. There is local entertainment throughout both days including live performances by school choruses, bands and local groups. Food trucks will be outside selling items at the event. Lucky winners of tree raffles will be selected at closing on Sunday night.

Tree Donations

REF has a goal of 100 donated trees this year – please consider donating one! We welcome trees from PTO’s, grade levels, groups and staff. This is a great way to showcase the creativity and curriculum of the Reading Public Schools. You don’t need to spend a lot on a tree – just a fun theme and a few gift cards or small tokens (especially from our local businesses) are all you need. Remember, you don’t even need a tree as we’ve seen hockey sticks, bookcases and other itemS serve as a “tree”. If you are interested in donating a tree please email us at reftreedonor@gmail.com and include the following:

- Name of Tree Donor

- Contact information & phone number

- Tree Name

Here is a link to a digital copy of the flyer for your newsletter and a hard copy to display on site.

Advanced Ticket Sales Are Open

Raffle tickets purchased in advance will be preprinted with purchaser’s raffle number on the back, saving patrons the time and hassle of entering their personal information. Visit readingef.org to purchase tickets.

REF, non-profit foundation, is committed to supporting innovation and excellence in the Reading Public Schools. REF’s goal is to enhance and increase educational opportunities for all Reading students by providing funds for projects that go beyond the scope of traditional classroom learning. To learn more about REF, advance sales, opportunities to donate a tree, and see a schedule of events, visit the REF website at www.readingef.org.

Dear Families,

As we head into cold and flu season, I want to remind you of the guidelines for attendance at school:

School Attendance Guidelines for Sick Days:

Please keep you child home for:

• Fever of 100 degrees or higher. A child with a fever should not return until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without taking a fever reducer such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

• Infectious illness such as strep throat for which they have been treated with antibiotics for less than 12 hours.
• If you are uncertain about whether to send your student to school, please call me in the Health Office at: 781-942-9177

Avoiding Head Lice

We have seen a few cases of head lice at school. Here is some information that may be helpful:

• Lice spread through head-to-head contact. They need a host to survive and do not live on surfaces for long.
• Remind your students to hang clothing such as coats and hats in their cubbies and not to share these items. They should also be reminded not to share hairbrushes, barrettes, and headbands.
• Posing for selfies with friends is another way lice may travel head-to-head.
• For students with long hair, it is recommended that hair be worn up or in a ponytail or braid.
• Get into the habit of checking your student’s head for nits or lice, especially if you notice that they are exhibiting behaviors such as scratching or complaining of itchiness.

If you do find any evidence of lice, please know that they do not spread disease and there are effective ways to get rid of the lice. If I suspect your child has lice while they are at school, I will call you to discuss treatment options. Use this link for more information about lice from the CDC and Healthy Kids

Thank you,

Sharon Grottkau, J.W. Killam School Nurse

Phyllis Fagell, author of Middle School Superpowers, will be presenting an interactive virtual session on “Helping Kids Make Smart, Ethical Decisions” on November 14th at 6pm. All are welcome!

The RMHS Drama Club presents We Will Rock You - School Edition (Nov 8-17)

We Will Rock You - School Edition is guaranteed to blow your mind!

Join the RMHS Drama Club for an electrifying journey through a world where rock reigns supreme! We Will Rock You - School Edition brings the iconic music of Queen to life with a vibrant cast and crew of talented students. Experience unforgettable hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Another One Bites the Dust," and "We Will Rock You" as our heroes battle the oppressive Globalsoft regime to reclaim the spirit of rock 'n' roll.

This energetic musical combines a compelling story of rebellion, friendship, and the power of music, with a rock concert feel that will bring audiences to their feet. With a fresh twist and dynamic choreography, it’s a show that will resonate with audiences of all ages!

Don’t miss your chance to witness the magic of live theater! With shows Nov 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th at 7:30 pm and Nov 10th and 17th at 2:00 pm in the Reading Memorial High School Endslow Performing Arts Center. Grab your tickets now at https://www.rmhsdrama.org and prepare to rock out with us.

$20 for Adults

$15 for Students and Seniors

Dickens Holiday Marketplace and Craft Fair (Dec 14)

You are invited to the Dickens Holiday Marketplace and Craft Fair on Saturday, December 14th from 10 am to 3 pm at RMHS.

This event is a wonderful holiday marketplace featuring approximately 50 craft vendors exhibiting and selling their creations. The RMHS Main Street hallway will be transformed with seasonal decorations and musical performances throughout the day. We look forward to strolling carolers, Shakespearean actors, dance troupes, musicians, refreshments - and 50+ crafters/vendors, all under one weather-proof roof. Patrons will enjoy shopping, relaxing with a cup of cocoa, and taking in the holiday spirit. Free admission! Free parking!

The Dickens Fair is a fundraiser for Parents Supporting Student Theatre (PSST), which supports The RMHS Drama Club. All fundraising enhances our students' experiences by paying for extracurricular teachers (Playwriting, Shakespeare, Improv, and Technical Directors), providing student scholarships, covering extra production costs (mic batteries, fog machines, shop tools, etc.), and feeding working students who spend 8 hours on a Saturday building sets!

See https://www.rmhsdrama.org/dickens-faire for additional information.

All proceeds raised will go directly to the RMHS senior class and all the fun senior activities, i.e. prom, senior week, and graduation.

We will have two different races scheduled: a true 5k and a 10 and under ½ mile fun run! We encourage the whole family to participate!

Here are a few details about the fundraiser:

• Event Date: Sunday November, 24th

• Start Time: 8:30 AM 10&U and 9:00 5K

• Location: Birch Meadow Elementary School (27 Arthur B Lord Dr.)

• Registration Fee: $15 Fun Run & $30 5k

Link to Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Reading/WalkItLikeYouRocket

Kadi Buckley, Chrissy Clawson, Jess Greenbaum and the senior class officers.

Friends of Reading METCO invites you to join us for a parent social in Boston on 11/16 (adults only, see flier for details) and to hold the date for our annual Holiday Brunch in Reading on 12/7/24, starting at 10.30am.

Friends of Reading METCO is a volunteer group of Boston and Reading parents, working together to make connections between families and support the METCO program in our District. Contact ilka@ilkawalkley.com if you’d like to know more.

Ben Holmen, Claire Holmen, Andrew McCullough, and Jack Sisson participated in the Chess Wizards All-School Scholastic Chess Tournament this weekend. They all played great, and Andrew won all four of his scheduled games!

Andrew, Jack, and Ben combined forces to take home the 4th/5th grade division third place team trophy for Killam.

To learn more about Reading SEPAC, please visit our website: Reading SEPAC Website

Should you wish to receive our monthly newsletter, please send an email to SEPACReading@gmail.com

Please note that Reading SEPAC IS OPEN TO ALL parents/caregivers and not only families who have a child with special needs as we offer various opportunities to connect with other families and provide learning experiences.

Recording Link to the Sarah Ward Presentation - 360 Thinking Model:

If you missed the in demand presentation by Sarah Ward on October 23rd about executive function strategies, you still have time to view the recording of her presentation for Reading SEPAC.

The recording will be available for 30 days after the presentation date (Oct 23).

Here is the link to access the recording: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/aqLxihsFdraQih-eg7sefEiQRmpfpEULyz8oGnVvX6QRFUA2wukKZcEPTPP3wg7V.B8eiUsm_v7fpEo7V

Passcode: S$00kHeYRsePac1023Sw

To access the course handout please use this link: https://www.dropbox.com/t/0Mns5cshwY3IlLPp

New SEPAC Board Members:

Last week Reading SEPAC held its annual board elections. We are excited to announce that the entire board decided to continue and added two new board members.

Reading SEPAC Board members for the 2024/25 school year:

Amanda Fitzgerald

Dilly Wilson

Eunice Kenyon

Jacyln Lee

Patricia Kiely

Zea Lennard

Past Events:

Recorded events that’s available on the Reading SEPAC Website:

The Right to Read Panel Discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw_oIuqkUt0

The New IEP Presentation

MCAS & Students with Disabilities Presentation

Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Presentation

• Review tiered system of supports and provide examples

• Outline effective communication channels with your team and school

***Should you wish to reach out to Reading SEPAC anonymously, please use this form

Email: lindsey.fulton@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: https://killam.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US
Location: 333 Charles Street, Reading, MA, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JWKillamSchool
Twitter: @smorenewsletter