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Swift River Elementary Weekly News

Week of September 16th - September 20th, 2024

Swift River ElementaryWeekly NewsWeek of September 16th - September 20th, 2024

πŸ“£ Here's What's Happening This Week

Greetings, Families!

We hope this newsletter finds you happy and healthy! We’re excited to share updates and highlights from our classrooms as we continue our journey of learning and discovery together. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership!

β€œShoot for the moon. Even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.” β€”Les Brown

πŸ™Œ Weekly Shout-Outs

SRE Literacy Team

This week our β€œWeekly Shout-Out” goes to our amazing SRE Literacy Team consisting of Mrs. Lyn Girad, Mrs. Sue Stebbins, and Mrs. Amy Stanek. These three amazing reading specialists work tirelessly to support the staff and students at SRE. The Literacy Team was nominated for this shout-out by the 1st grade team who couldn’t be more thankful for the assistance Mrs. Girard, Mrs. Stebbins, and Mrs. Stanek provided over the first few weeks of school in administering all of the beginning of the year literacy assessments. The results of these assessments will enable all of our teachers to provide the best possible literacy instruction to every child here at SRE!

πŸ• Weekly Lunch Menu

Our Garden Needs you 🌿🌻

The Belchertown Schools Garden located in front of SRE provides an amazing opportunity for the students of SRE and the entire community. The garden is divided into four sections - the Outdoor Classroom, the Vegetable Garden, the Pollinator Garden, and the Hillside Path. Recent additions to the Garden include a Little Free Library and a reading bench near the Outdoor Classroom and the addition of a weather station (to go up this fall), an informational sign, more raised beds to be used for inquiry-based agricultural science, and the development of three new lesson plans.


To learn more about the Belchertown School Gardens, please go to Introduction to the Belchertown Schools Garden, Garden Newsletter, and/or email at btowngarden@gmail.com.


Currently, the Belchertown Schools Garden is looking for families (ideally 3-4 families per grade level) willing to commit to help sustain the garden. If you are interested or would like more information, please email btowngarden@gmail.com.

πŸ—£ In Our Classrooms ✍🏽

Mrs. Whitney's Class

In Mrs. Whitney's first grade class, students explore the fascinating world of caterpillars and butterflies as they learn about their life cycle, which includes the stages of egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult butterfly. They engage in hands-on activities, such as raising caterpillars in the classroom, allowing them to witness metamorphosis firsthand. Students also discuss the physical differences between caterpillars and butterflies, as well as the important role butterflies play in pollination. Through art projects and reading related literature, they deepen their understanding and appreciation for these remarkable creatures and their habitats, fostering both creativity and scientific inquiry.

Mrs. Kemp's Third Grade Classroom

In Mrs. Kemp's third grade class, students learn about weather and climate by exploring the differences between the two concepts. They study various weather conditions, such as rain, snow, wind, and temperature, and learn how to read weather maps and forecasts. Students engage in hands-on experiments, like measuring temperature and rainfall, to understand the factors that affect weather patterns. They also investigate the water cycle and how it influences weather. Additionally, they learn about climate zones around the world and how climate impacts the environment, plants, and animals. Through projects and discussions, students gain a deeper understanding of how weather and climate shape our planet and daily lives.

Mrs. Murphy's First Grade Classroom

Students in Mrs. Murphy's class read the story Scribble Stone. They then created their own stones to pass on to make someone happy. This is one of many social emotional stories we will read throughout the year.

Every week we will spotlight one of our wonderful specials classrooms. Please watch the video Mrs. Majka's class has prepared for you!

IMG 4921

Picture Day is Coming

πŸ—“ Coming Up!

Lock Down Drill

SRE will conduct a lock down drill between the dates of Wednesday, September 25 to Friday, September 27. We will notify families the day and time after it occurs in school.

  • Wed., 10/2 (7:00 pm) - CSSRE PTO Meeting (Virtual)

  • Wed., 10/9 (1:00 pm) - Districtwide Early Dismissal

  • Thurs., 10/10 - SRE Picture Day

  • Mon., 10/14 - No School

  • Wed., 10/30 (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm) - CSSRE Trunk or Treat

πŸ’‘ Opportunities

Trunk or Treat- We are thrilled to Share that our 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat will be taking place Wednesday, October 30th from 5:30-7. Last year we hosted over 900 Eager ghosts and ghouls and we could not have done it without the help of our wonderful community members. We are once again seeking volunteers to host Trunks. If you would like to participate please sign up on the link below. The PTO will happily provide candy for trunks to pass out, please indicate if interested. Set up begins at 5pm and will be located in the back lot of SRE. If you know of anyone interested please pass along our information, or share our google form. As always, thank you for your help in making this year's event the most successful one yet!

Trunk or Treat Sign Up

School Council Member- Swift River Elementary is looking for a Parent or Guardian volunteer to join our council. Please email Mrs. Harrison for more information! mharrison@belchertownnps.org

Girls on the Run has started! However, there's still time to join. Please see the attached flyer to register your child here.

Contact Information

SWIFT RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Principal: Magda Harrison

Assistant Principal: Ivy Peritz-Smith

Main Office: 413-323-0471 or 413-323-0472

Absentee/Tardy Line: 413-323-0455 (Available 24 Hours)

Website: www.belchertownps.org
Location: 57 State Street Belchertown, MA 01007

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