Week Ahead

Students got into some seasonal fun as part of our snowman decorating contest. Each homeroom created a unique twist on this classic image and showed their personalities. Entries included a snowman in tropical gear, dressed as a pirate and celebrating special education. We had a panel of judges who took their task very seriously. Ultimately the winners were: Mrs. Freeman's class (1st), Ms. Doyle & Ms. Leclair's classes (2nd), Mrs. Black & Mrs. Natale's classes (3rd), Mrs. Barros's class (Honorable Mention).

Last week we had a wonderful time at the Specialist Showcase. Students and their families had the opportunity to meet the Specialist team and get to try out activities in PE, Art, Music, Technology, Engineering, and 7C's. Families were also treated to a preview of the winter concert thanks to our ensemble performances. A special thank you to the Forestdale Specialists that were our surprise Celebrity Scoopers for the ice cream social.

This Saturday, some of our current and former Oak Ridge students took part in the book launch party at the Sandwich Arts Alliance celebration of the book Where's Sandwich. Linnea Miller, Leah Nelson, Annabel Lee Mollica, and Maggie Stetson (pictured above) are among the 12 members of the Oak Ridge Writer's Club that worked with local author Dean Coe. The book is a beautiful tribute to this special place we call home. It is on sale at the Sandwich Arts Alliance.

Other members of the Oak Ridge Writers Club are: Shannon Duggan, Emma Tierney, Charlotte Hurley, Isabelle Huynh, Elizabeth Buckley, Aubrey Peets, Abigail Walsh, and Oliver Herschler. Thank you to Dean Coe for his guidance and dedication to this project and to the Sandwich Arts Alliance to allow our students this unique opportunity to become published authors.

We need your help. When it comes to morning drop off, please have your child disembark the car as soon as your car is stopped along the sidewalk area. Students should exit on the passenger side of the vehicle to allow for a safe drop off. If you need to get out of the car or assist your child, please park in a visitor spot and escort your child to the sidewalk area. Please do not pass cars in the loop, please wait for the cars in front of you to move. This will allow all students a safe drop off.

DESE defines Chronic Absenteeism as a student who is missing 10% of a school year. This statistic does not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences. Student attendance is necessary for students to improve their knowledge and skills. Multiple researchers have examined the relationships between chronic truancy and the following outcomes:

• early drop-out rates

• subsequent engagement in delinquent activities

• unemployment

• antisocial activities including gang membership, and substance abuse

• teenage pregnancy

• poorly-developed social skills

Even regular tardies or leaving school early has an impact on student success. At Oak Ridge we are making a commitment to end chronic absenteeism.

Although we realize students may be likely to miss a day or two to illness, it is important for students to be in school every day where they are healthy enough to do so. Please make every effort to make sure your child is in school every day. We appreciate your partnership in your child's success.

12/10- Report Cards and Progress Reports sent home via secure email

12/13- Gr.4-6 Ensemble to Council Aging 9:45-11:30

12/19- Gr. 5&6 SMHS Winter Concert Oak Ridge Multipurpose Room

12/21-1/1 - Winter Vacation

1/13/25 - Puberty Night 6-7pm