Wednesday's Words
November 30, 2022
What's Inside
- Family Letter
- Paperless Report Cards
- Wreaths Across America Visit
- NCTA Grant Award
- Calendar Reminders
- Norfolk PTO News/BOOK FAIR SCHEDULE
- Health & Wellness
- KPHS events
- NPS Employment Opportunities
- Classroom Happenings
- Norfolk Recreation Upcoming Events
Dear Families,
We have reached the point of the year when we get to share all the great learning your child has been part of so far. It is a great opportunity for teachers and families to connect through parent/teacher conferences to discuss progress and to partner on the next steps. In this issue, you will find information on our Standard Based Reporting process, the district’s approach to MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports), Norfolk Educational Support Team (NEST) and Student Support Services.
REPORT CARDS:
This Friday, December 2nd, you will be able to access your child’s Term 1 report card via IPASS (see information below on how to log in). Report cards for students in Grades 1 through 6 are issued three times a year: December, March, and June. For students in Kindergarten and Preschool, report cards are issued two times a year: January and June.
Report cards give parents a general overview of how their child is progressing toward meeting end of year expectations. At the beginning of the year, when skills are just introduced, we expect our students to receive an academic performance level of a “1” or a “2” on the standards that students are still learning; a “3” might be given if a standard was fully introduced and the student has had opportunities to demonstrate mastery.
Special Education Progress Reports are distributed at the same time as your child’s report card and reflect your child’s progress toward the goals and objectives stated on his/her IEP. This marking term, progress reports will be mailed home on Friday, December 2nd, via the US postal system.
Click on this link for an Overview of Standard Based Report Cards and Special Education Progress Reports.
CONFERENCES:
Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled for next week and offer a wonderful opportunity to share information and partner to support your child’s success both inside and outside of the classroom. Parents, children and teachers all benefit when there is a strong, positive relationship between home and school. Children feel more confident and secure when they see their parents and teachers working together. Parents and teachers benefit when there is a strong line of communication and they are able to share information and work together to support children’s success.
Click on this link for a few quick tips on how to build a strong relationship with your child’s teacher.
MTSS, NEST and Student Support Services:
How is MTSS and NEST process supporting my child? MTSS stands for Multi-Tiered System of Supports. It is not a program but a “way of doing things” so that every child receives “what they need” in order to reach their goals. MTSS is a systematic approach that addresses conditions for creating a successful and sustainable learning environment that is proactive in addressing students’ learning needs. MTSS is based on a 3 tier system.
Special Education is specially designed instruction or a related service (like speech, OT, PT) to meet the unique needs of a child who has been identified with a disability which impacts their ability to make progress in school.
Click on this link to learn more about MTSS.
Click on this link to learn about our Norfolk Educational Support Team (NEST) process.
Click on this link to learn about our Student Support Services.
Wishing you a wonderful December!
Sincerely,
Victoria Saldana
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
iParent: Paperless Report Cards
As part of our continued effort to reduce paper and limit our environmental footprint, the district implemented a 'Parent Portal' called iParent, where parents are able to access information about their child's school attendance, as well as view their report cards. We will not be sending home hard copies of report cards, we will make the report cards available for you to review through iParent.
Please click on the link below to learn how to access the report cards.
If you DO NOT have access to a computer or internet, hard copies will be made available upon request, by calling the H. Olive Day School office at 508-541-5475 or the Freeman-Kennedy School office at 508-528-1266.
Wreaths Across America Visits the Freeman-Kennedy School
Wreaths Across America visited the Freeman-Kennedy School today and students had the opportunity to learn about and honor members of the military who have lost their lives in service to our country. During a morning assembly, students watched a virtual interview with Joe Reagan, the Director of Outreach for WAA and a close personal friend of Adam Kennedy. The interview was conducted by two of our students and provided a chance for members of our school community to learn more about who Adam was as a person, friend and soldier and why the school was named in his honor.
Wreaths Across America also brought their mobile exhibit which serves as a museum to educate visitors about the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. The mobile unit is also an official ‘welcome home’ station for Vietnam Veterans who were never properly welcomed home from the war. During today’s assembly four local Vietnam veterans were welcomed home through a formal pinning ceremony conducted by Ambassadors for WAA. Adam Kennedy’s mother, Ms. Nancy Smyth, joined the ceremony and closed the program by laying a ceremonial wreath on Adam’s memorial stone at the front of the Freeman-Kennedy School. A special thank you goes out to Mrs. Altham-Hickey, members of the FK planning committee and staff members, Norfolk Police and Fire and to all involved in supporting the planning and organization of this special event. The mobile exhibit will be open to the public tonight from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
NCTA grant used to purchase books for our Unified Young Readers Program
Congratulations to Julia Fredette, Freeman Kennedy teacher, who was awarded a grant by the Norfolk County Teachers Association (NCTA ) to purchase books for our Unified Young Readers Club. The purpose of this club is to connect all students, and provide opportunities for inclusion, collaboration and understanding. The books address topics such as inclusion, awareness, friendship, bullying and acceptance of students with and without disabilities.
Calendar Reminders
- Friday, December 2, 2022 - Report Cards Issued
- Tuesday, December 6, 2022 - Noon Dismissal - Conferences
- Thursday, December 8, 2022 - Noon Dismissal - Conferences
Norfolk PTO News & Events
Checking holiday cards off your list this week?
Don’t forget about our Minted Fundraiser!
Just visit www.minted.com and purchase personalized holiday cards or photo gifts by using the promo code FUNDRAISENORFOLK and receive 20% off your order. 15% of all proceeds will be donated back to the Norfolk PTO to support our schools. Order now through December 31, 2022. It’s an easy way to give back and get holiday cards and personalized gifts at the same time. We appreciate your support this upcoming holiday season!
PTO Co-Chair Opening
We are in search of a Co-Chair to join the PTO's Executive Board! In this position you will work with the current co-chair to supervise, direct and coordinate the work of the PTO. You will work directly with principals and teacher representatives at both schools to maintain a supportive relationship between the schools and the PTO. This is a two-year term. Please email norfolkmapto@gmail.com with questions or interest.
Upcoming PTO Meeting Dates:
- December 7th at 7:30pm, Location TBD
- January 11th at 7:30pm, FK Cafeteria
- February 1st at 7:30pm, Location TBD
- March 1st at 7:30pm, FK Cafeteria
- April 5th at 7:30pm, Location TBD
- May 3rd at 7:30pm, FK Cafeteria
- June 7th at 7:30pm, Location TBD
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming!
The book fair is returning to Norfolk schools December 5th through 9th.
Click here for FK/HOD Book Fair SCHEDULE
We are also looking for volunteers. Please use the links below to view available time slots and sign up:
Freeman Kennedy - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E084AAFAE2BABF85-freeman
H. Olive Day - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4CAFA62CA5F49-holive
Fundraiser for 6th Grade Promotion!
Over the next months the 5th/6th Grade Promotion Committee will be hosting a variety of fundraising events to support the 6th Grade Promotion in June 2023. As a school district it is important for us to recognize and celebrate your child's years within the Norfolk Public Schools. All money raised goes towards end of the year events for our 6th graders (field day, promotion day, ice cream truck, Camp Bournedale, etc..) and a gift that is left to the fifth grade class. Our goal this year is to have a variety of fundraising events which involve students and families!
Our first fundraiser is with Boston Wick Candles. There are 6 different candle scents (hello winter-vanilla chai, apple cider donut, Norfolk -brown sugar & fig, cozy nights, and thankful). The cost of each candle is $20.00 and we receive 50% of the proceeds! Attached to this Connect Ed. you will find an information sheet and ordering form (we will send paper copies home today). If you are interested in ordering a candle, please fill out the ordering sheet and send it into school with your child. Your child's homeroom teacher will collect the envelopes. Please place the ordering sheet in a sealed envelope marked BOSTON WICK Fundraiser. This fundraiser may help you get a jump start on your holiday shopping.
• Wednesday, November 30, 2022 - All candle orders are due
• December 20 and 21 - Candles will be available for pick up
If you have any questions about this fundraiser, please feel free to reach out to Jen Oliver at jenoliver2008@gmail.com or Lisa Altham-Hickey at althamhickey@norfolk.k12.ma.us.
Sincerely,
Lisa & 5th/6th Grade Promotion Committee
Health & Wellness
Click here: Creating a Calm Holiday Season
Monday, December 5th, 5:30-7:30PM @ the North Attleboro YMCA
300 Elmwood Street
WORKSHOPS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO ALL.
NO Y MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED.
RSVP TO BRYNNEK@HOCKYMCA.ORG
King Philip Regional High School Events
New KP Merchandise
Parents Night Out!
Click on picture for more info
NPS Employment Opportunities
We are always in need of:
- Substitute Teachers
- Lunch Monitors
- Food Service Assistants
Norfolk Recreation Upcoming Events
Norfolk Public Schools
Email: allardi@norfolk.k12.ma.us
Website: norfolk.k12.ma.us
Location: 70 Boardman Street, Norfolk, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 528-1225