November 5th
A reminder that there is no school November 5th in order to ensure voting can take place at FES without concern for student or staff safety. Thank you to Town Clerk Cheryl Estrella and her team for their work in making sure things run smoothly and to everyone involved in setting up the gym at FES.
Diwali
Diwali is the most important festival of the year in India — and for Hindus in particular. It is celebrated across faiths by more than a billion people in the world’s most populous nation and the diaspora. Over five days, people take part in festive gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts and prayer. Diwali is derived from the word “Deepavali,” which means “a row of lights.” Celebrants light rows of traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The festival brings with it a number of unique traditions, which also vary by the region. What all celebrations have in common are the lights, fireworks, feasting, new clothes and praying.
Transportation
First Student Drivers Needed!
Are you or someone you know looking for part time work? Become a bus driver WE NEED YOU! Great pay and full training provided! Starting pay is $33.27 per hour. Please contact Ken at 508-763-9260 or go to workfirst.com for more information.
If your student/s are not taking the bus and the bus stops in front of your residence please contact the bus company Kenneth.rezendes@firstgroup.com so bus drivers do not stop, which in turn saves time in getting students to their destination.
On October 23 the Regional director Robbie Goggin of First Student Transportation and our Transportation Director Ken Rezendes presented to the School Committee, a detailed route and system analysis of our current transportation structure which you can see here https://5il.co/300xa.
We are committed to changing the current structure, as some students are arriving late and multiple students are being picked up from AES and FES long after the expected departure. This has created a burden on staff, students and families and is a priority for us to address., The solution is not a simple one as the square mileage of our beautiful towns is vast and the three tier system( 1-HS/MS, 2-GRAIS and 3-AES/FES) of bussing is no longer the most effective option.
Certainly a shortage of drivers, which is a statewide problem, contributes to the issue. However, the analysis showed us a number of potential areas where we can potentially cut down on many of the delays. We will be discussing these over the next few months and presenting a plan to the School Committee and the community.
Diwali
Diwali is the most important festival of the year in India — and for Hindus in particular. It is celebrated across faiths by more than a billion people in the world’s most populous nation and around the world(the diaspora). Over five days, people take part in festive gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts and prayer. Diwali is derived from the word “Deepavali,” which means “a row of lights.” Celebrants light rows of traditional clay oil lamps outside their homes to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The festival brings with it a number of unique traditions, which also vary by the region. What these celebrations have in common are the lights, fireworks, feasting, new clothes and praying.
We wish anyone who is celebrating, a very Happy Diwali!
Athletics
Winter athletic signups began Friday November 1. Although Mr. Cabucio has not determined the time of practices for Gymnastics and Swim, both of which will be off campus this winter, please be sure to sign up. Thank you to Mr. Cabucio for all you have done to get the winter season ready and as soon as more information is available about practice times he will send it out.
We will be offering at ARHS
Girls and Boys Indoor Track
Girls and Boys Hockey
Girls and Boys Swimming
Girls and Boys Basketball
Gymnastics
At FLMS we offer
Girls and Boys Basketball
Girls Tryouts: Thursday 11/14 and Friday 11/15 2:00-4:00
Boys Tryouts Monday 11/18 and Tuesday 11/19 2:00-4:00
First Practice 11/21 for those who make the team
Students need to have updated and active physicals to try out. Students will not be allowed to try out without one. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Holmes (kholmes@freelake.org) or Mr. Hooley (jhooley@freelake.org).
Save the Date!
Nov 4- Title 1 Family Night @GRAIS
Nov 4- SEPAC @ARHS library
Nov 5 -NO SCHOOL- Election Day- Professional Development for Staff
Nov11- NO SCHOOL -Veterans Day
Nov 14- FES- BOOK FAIR and Cup stacking night
Nov 14- ARHS National Honor Society Induction
Nov 27- Half Day
Nov 28 & 29- No School Thanksgiving Break
A message from Mr. Strauss
It is hard to believe that October is in our rear view mirror and that November has arrived. Yet anyone who has walked into Lowes or Home Depot for example, has seen since mid-October, holiday decorations. Although the festivity of the holidays brings so much joy and excitement to our children (and hopefully in some ways to us), it seems as if we are wishing time away to get to the next event, milestone or journey. Sometimes it would be nice if we could just enjoy the beauty of each fall day with loved ones, be grateful for those in our lives who support us and be thankful for our health and the health of those we care about. After all, we know far too well, only today is a guarantee.
This message, should you choose to read it, was sent by a parent recently and despite its brevity, is very powerful. The author is unknown.
So many of our faculty and staff at FLRSD are not only dedicated to the success of every student each day, but are helping to guide the understanding that to reach one’s dreams, “what is done today matters”. It is that habit of mind which will propel our students to having many of the tools required to reach their potential and beyond.
Whether one is a Secretary, Principal, Faculty member, Assistant Principal, Paraprofessional, Food Service, Maintenance team member or custodian, School Psychologist, OT/PT provider, IT person, Librarian, Team Chair, Nurse, Counselor, Coach, Advisor, Scheduler, Volunteer, Before or Aft Care staff member, they each are helping our students in their academic and social development and also in understanding that we should all “make the chili” whenever we can rather than waiting for tomorrow. I hope you will thank them with me for all they give each day!
Have a fantastic week
Be well, and most of all be … present.
Alan
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