Principal Weekly Update to Families
2-5-23
Message from Dr. Antonelli
I hope everyone had a great weekend! I hope everyone was able to stay safe and warm during the extreme temperatures this weekend. As always if you need any assistance please reach out.
One of last weeks performers had to reschedule for tomorrow. We are welcoming a local beloved storyteller back, Len Cabral. Students have always had a great time at this event.
As a reminder, there is no school on Tuesday. Teachers have a professional development day. There also will be no live meets. Students can work on thier My Path if they choose to.
This is the final week of our Souper Bowl Food Drive. Please donate if you can. All donations go to our schools food pantry. If we reach at least 1000 cans students will get a pep rally.
Just a reminder that the SurveyWorks window is open! To take the survey, visit bit.ly/ridefamily. Every students family that completes the survey will be entered into a raffle. The first class to 100% gets a pizza party! Fill out this google form once complete.
It has been chilly out there. Please make sure students are appropriately dressed for the weather as they may spend time outside. If you are in need of cold weather gear please let us know. It looks like cold and rainy for most of this week.
Please be mindful during drop off and pick up. We have many families, students and staff walking through the parking lot and up the street. Please obey the cross walks including the yellow speed bump and the drive slow signs. Thank you for helping to keep the Norwood community safe!
Dates to remember:
1/26/23 - 2/10/23 - Souper Bowl Can Food Drive
2/6/23 - Storyteller Len Cabral
2/6/22 - PTA Meeting - Board Members Meeting
2/7/23 - Teacher PD Day/No School
2/8/23 - Hearing Screenings
2/10/23 - Sports Team Spirit Day
2/14/23 - Wear Red or Pink for the American Heart Association
2/17/23 - Norwood Pride Day - Wear your Norwood Gear or Blue and White
2/17/23 - Random Act of Kindness Day
2/20/22 - 2/24/22 - President's Day & February Break
3/1/23 - Read-a-thon kicks off
3/6/23 - PTA Meeting
3/6/23 - Lymphedema Awareness Day - Wear light blue
3/11/23 - School Dance at Pilgrim
3/13/23 - Keith Munslow- Musician and Storyteller
3/13/23 - Norwood Math Night
3/14/23 - Teacher PD Day/No School
3/17/23 - Wear Green or Gold Spirit Day
3/24/23 - Norwood Pride Day - Wear your Norwood Gear or Blue and White
3/27/23 - Coffee and Conversation
3/29/23 - Norwood Parent Safety Forum
Souper Bowl Can Food Drive Challenge ends this coming Friday 2/10/23
FEBRUARY FUN DAYS
Friday, February 10th - celebrate the Super Bowl by wearing any favorite sports team gear or team colors.
Tuesday, February 14th - show your LOVE by wearing red or pink and white.
Donations for the American Heart Association will be collected.
Friday, February 17th - show your NORWOOD PRIDE
Wear any Norwood gear, blue or white.
Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17th!
Norwood School has decided to hold a Read-a-thon this year!
Read-a-thons actually get your reader excited about reading and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more.
Our Read-a-thon starts Monday March 6, 2023.
About one week before our Read-a-thon starts we will send home instructions on how to activate your reader's personal page. This is where you will be able to view and record their progress.
We encourage you to activate your reader’s account today by clicking on https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/sQNpUt/1 and following the simple instructions.
We've chosen Read-a-thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills.
We hope EVERYONE participates.
Thanks so much,
Norwood SchoolMARCH MADNESS
Monday, March 6th - Lymphedema Awareness Day - Wear light blue!!
Friday, March 17th - Wear Green or Gold to get some luck!!!
Friday, March 24th - show your NORWOOD PRIDE. Wear any Norwood gear, blue or white.
Friday, March 31st - Wear a basketball jersey, a college shirt, or any sports gear you have.
RIDE SurveyWorks
2023 Norwood Parent Survey Works Request
The Rhode Island Department of Education is currently administering its annual SurveyWorks Family Survey, which is an opportunity for family members to provide feedback about our school community and our children’s opportunities to learn. The survey results are most useful when all families participate, so I am writing to ask you to participate in this survey.
Topics on the survey include:
School Safety
School Climate
Family Engagement
Family Support
Your views on matters like the safety of your child at school, the way students are taught, the condition of the school, and how connected you feel to this school are important. By taking this short survey, you can help our school leadership and school community to make improvements. Responses are anonymous and cannot be linked to any individual; no one can tie your responses back to you.
You can take the short survey online between January 17 and March 31. You may use any electronic device that has access to the internet to complete the survey. Family surveys are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. To take the survey, visit bit.ly/ridefamily. Choose your school from the dropdown list, Norwood School (Warwick). If you don’t have access to the Internet, please contact Norwood Elementary School at 401-734-3525 to access the survey.
Once you have completed the survey please fill out this quick google form. Every student's family that completes the form recognizing survey completion will be entered into a school-wide raffle for three different prizes including book bags, gift certificates and prize baskets. The first class to have 100% completion will receive a pizza party. Your participation and input is truly appreciated!
Recess Youth Leadership Program for 4th and 5th Grade
Girls on the Run Spring Session is Open
February 28th - May 13th
Tuesday and Thursday 3:15 - 4:45
Warwick Special Education Advisory Committee 2/1/23
March is Youth Arts Month
Community Police Patch Design Contest
Starting now and running to March 1st the Warwick Police Department will be hosting a Community Police Patch Design Contest. The winning patch will be reproduced and sold in May which is Brain and Spine Tumor Awareness Month.
How to submit designs:
Email: wpdpatches@warwickri.gov
Mail: 99 Veterans Memorial Dr. Warwick, RI 02886 Attn: Community Police
1)Open to anyone under the age of 18 years old.
2)Community oriented designs with a maximum of 12 colors.
3)Freehand or computer generated designs are acceptable.
4)“Police Department” and “City of Warwick” must be in the same location as the attached image.
5)Winning patch will be reproduced and sold to the public in May, 2023.
6)All proceeds will be donated to the Rhode Island Brain and Spine Tumor Foundation.
7)Designs are due by March 1, 2023
By submitting artwork, you grant the City nonexclusive, royalty-free rights for unlimited reproduction in City print and electronic publications and promotional materials for an unlimited period of time. The City will provide artwork credit if your image is published.
Unique Opportunity for Title 1 School Families!
We would like to invite you to be part of an exciting opportunity at our school. We’re continuing our initiative to increase positive family-school partnerships here at school. During this six week workshop, we will be discussing some key parenting and leadership skills and tools that will help our children be more successful at school and in life. We know how much you care about your child’s success and we believe you will make a great addition to our leadership team. Your ideas and voice are worth sharing with others. These workshops will take place:
There are only 15 openings available in this workshop. Can we save a place for you? If you would like to participate please contact us at sabrina.antonelli@warwickschools.org and cameron.kadek@warwickschools.org
Take a peak at the videos below!
New COVID-19 Reporting Process
Parents/Guardians,
If your student is showing symptoms of Covid please make sure to enter their information on the Warwick Public Schools Website. The link below will take you to the reporting form. This is now for either students who are awaiting test results or have tested positive.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScor_6dBniy_vvjSaCMcONDobNTqrHCxIYlmHclynMRjIToRQ/viewform
Covid symptoms are : a new wet or dry cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, loss of smell or taste, sore throat and/or fatigue.
If your student has any of these symptoms they will need to test for Covid and you will need to fill out the Covid form.
We do know that there are other reasons for these symptoms, but we need to eliminate Covid as the reason for the symptoms for student's safe return to school.
Any absences related to Covid are excused.
Please remember to send the photographs of the dated and initialed tests to the Covid Coordinator and Nurse Rea.
The Covid Coordinator will reach out to you with guidance if needed.
Federal Government Resumes Distribution of Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Breakfast and Lunch Program
As a reminder breakfast service begins at 8:40am. On June 30, 2022 the free breakfast and lunch waiver provided by the state ended. The Meal Benefit Expiration and Grace period has ended. This means that students that were free/reduced previously and have not applied to receive the continued benefits will now be charged for the full meal price. All families, regardless of status, will need to complete the lunch application. We still need 108 families to complete their application. It is important that all families complete the lunch application. This helps with our Title I funding, resources and activities. It can help provide discounts on resources and activities for teachers and students. Information on how to complete your form can be found here. You can also contact the main office or see the district website if you have questions.
Lunch Menu
February Newsletter
Your February Newsletter has been posted!
Title I Book of the Month - February
The Water Princess
Based on supermodel Georgie Badiel’s childhood, a young girl dreams of bringing clean drinking water to her African village. With its wide sky and warm earth, Princess Gie Gie’s kingdom is a beautiful land. But clean drinking water is scarce in her small African village. And try as she might, Gie Gie cannot bring the water closer; she cannot make it run clearer. Every morning, she rises before the sun to make the long journey to the well. Instead of a crown, she wears a heavy pot on her head to collect the water. After the voyage home, after boiling the water to drink and clean with, Gie Gie thinks of the trip that tomorrow will bring. And she dreams. She dreams of a day when her village will have cool, crystal-clear water of its own.
Norwood Title I Information
Norwood School 2022-23 Family Engagement Policy
FY23 Home-School Compact Norwood
If you have not downloaded the Warwick Public School mobile app, I highly recommend doing so. You must set up your push notification settings to receive important messages from your child's school(s). This 30-second video will show you how to do so.
Updates
Girls On The Run
From now until the end of December, every time you shop on Walmart.com or in person, you can round up your change and donate it to GIRLS ON THE RUN RHODE ISLAND?
If you think you'll be making any holiday purchases, getting snacks in bulk, freshening up holiday decoration, etc. at Walmart over the next 3 months, then please sign into or create a Walmart account https://www.walmart.com/nonprofits/e85335ef-5b75-4bc7-b624-26df6566a3ba/profile then select our Girls on the Run Rhode Island charity. This is national (not state specific), so please share with others you think may be interested. All can visit our website to learn how small acts can lead to big impact www.gotrri.org/impact.
Active Wear Drive
Elizabeth McGann | Program Manager
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
elizabeth.mcgann@girlsontherun.org
PO Box 72787 | Providence, RI 02907
www.gotrri.org | 401.203.7024
Feinstein Junior Scholar Cards – and Golden Ticket Program!
Be sure to check your child’s backpack! Feinstein Junior Scholar Cards and Golden Tickets went home. As a Feinstein Junior Scholar, your child receives great benefits including access to fun, educational programs or businesses throughout our area – and great discounts or free passes to special events. Furthermore, the Golden Ticket program provides your child with a chance to win a $500 donation to a charity of their choice, along with a $5,000 donation to our school for items that can enrich the experience of our students! More information can be found linked below. Thank you to our PTA and Mrs. Ruggieri for their ongoing coordination of the Feinstein program at our school.
Norwood School
Warwick Public Schools
Update: Policy JFCM - Electronic Devices In School
Warwick Special Education Advisory Committee Brochure
Warwick is moving forward with implementing the WPS Vision of a Graduate for all students!
A Message From Transportation
When students leave items on buses, we ask that the student or parent to contact First Student directly.
First Student has direct contact with the buses through the radio,
and the student/parent will need to make arrangements to retrieve their forgotten item from First Student.
Please direct all calls regarding forgotten/lost items on buses to:
First Student
401-739-1980 (then press '0' for all desks)
Please note, if it is during arrival or dismissal time, there is a chance the phone will not be answered right away.
Amazon-Wishlists-for-Teachers
Fundraising
Read-a-thon
Norwood School has decided to hold a Read-a-thon this year!
Read-a-thons actually get your reader excited about reading and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more.
Our Read-a-thon starts Monday March 6, 2023.
About one week before our Read-a-thon starts we will send home instructions on how to activate your reader's personal page. This is where you will be able to view and record their progress.
We encourage you to activate your reader’s account today by clicking on https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/sQNpUt/1 and following the simple instructions.
We've chosen Read-a-thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills.
We hope EVERYONE participates.
Thanks so much,
Norwood SchoolPlease Keep Our Ongoing Fundraisers in Mind
Amazon Smile
Norwood Spirit Wear
VOWS - Volunteers of Warwick Schools
From The Rhode Island Department of Education
What is Chronic Absenteeism?
Chronic Absenteeism is a measure of how many students miss a defined number of school days for any reason. Rhode Island defines Chronic Absenteeism as the percentage of students who miss 10% or more school days during the year (or 2 days per month).
Research shows that chronic absenteeism is associated with a number of negative consequences for students, including lower achievement, disengagement from school, course failure, and increased risk of dropping out.
Early Dismissals
Please refrain from requesting an early dismissal for your child after 2:45pm. The dismissal process begins at 3:05pm and it becomes very difficult for us to fill an early dismissal request once the process begins.
Student Absences
Students will be marked absent, no matter the reason, if they are not in school.
If the absence is COVID related it will be entered as an excused absence.
STUDENT ABSENCE CALL-IN PROCEDURE
In accordance with Rhode Island State Law #16-19-10, Notification of Pupil Absence, the Warwick School Department requires that all parents/guardians call their child’s elementary school on the day that he/she will not be in attendance. We would like to receive all calls by 9:15 in the morning. If you are aware of a pending absence, feel free to call at any time prior to the day of the absence. In the event we do not hear from you, an automated call will be sent at 10:00 a.m. to inform you that your child did not arrive at school.
ASPEN Family Portal
It is important that the Aspen Family Portal is updated with correct address and contact information. Students can only be released to emergency contacts listed in the Family Portal so please make sure this is updated. You can find more information about the Family Portal on the district website here. Using the WPS Family Portal (PDF) WPS Family Portal (direct link)
Important Reminders
- Please make sure students are dressed appropriately for the weather. If you need help with this please reach out.
- There are no water fountains at school for health and sanitation reasons. Students are advised to bring in a refillable bottle to use at the water refill station.
- The parking lot for arrival and dismissal hours is a one way loop.
- Please be mindful of the buses, stop signs and the crosswalks.
- Outside toys are not allowed in school including Pokemon cards. We have enough for students to do and games to play!
- Norwood school participates in the BIC® Stationery Free Recycling Program - https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/bic. Thank you grade 4 for organizing this!
Norwood Thought Corner
Norwood School
Cell: 401- 871-4350
Fax: 401-734-3528
Email: sabrina.antonelli@warwickschools.org
Website: https://norwood.warwickschools.org/o/nee/
Location: 266 Norwood Avenue, Warwick, RI, USA
Phone: 401-734-3525
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wpsnorwoodknights
Twitter: @principalant