Torringford Tigers

Dear Torringford Community,

"I know that love is ultimately the only answer to humankind's problems." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

February is a month filled with Torringford love, friendship, and positive Tiger energy, and therefore, we would like to wish our entire community a Happy Valentine’s Day! We feel honored to be your principals and are proud of our students, families, and staff. In fact, we are convinced that Torringford School has the greatest students in the world! We love so much about our school. We love our kind Tiger hearts. We love our work ethic. We love that we have an amazing teaching and support staff. We love that we have learned to say thank you, please, and I am sorry. We love that at Torringford sorry means not only an apology, but a commitment to make a better choice. We love that our students understand “Never Give Up!” and the value of having a “Growth Mindset!” How is that for Valentine love?

This past Tuesday marked our 100th Day of School! We hope you are excited about the progress your student has made so far this year. The Torringford staff are focused and committed to providing all students with a rigorous instructional program. Students are continuing to receive challenging learning opportunities on a daily basis. We appreciate your efforts in getting your student to school healthy, on time, and ready to learn!

As we continue to navigate this school year, we look forward to working hand in hand with you to provide the best possible educational experience for your child. Spring Conferences will be held March 26th, 27th, and 28th. This is an important time for parents and teachers to connect.

In partnership,

Kelly Galullo and Georgia Austin

It only takes a minute to recognize a staff member who has made a difference for you or your family. Simply complete THIS form and your comments will be shared with that staff member.

*If you would like to recognize a special person and you need assistance, please call Georgia Austin at 860-489-2300, ext. 1402.

Join Mrs. Galullo and Mrs. Austin for a Drop In Principals' Coffee Hour on Wednesday, February 14th between 9:30 am - 10:30 am. All families are welcome and encouraged to drop in VIRTUALLY. Stop by and share your ideas or ask general questions. Specific student concerns can be addressed by calling or emailing.

Click HERE for the Zoom link.

During the month of January, 329 PAWsome cards were awarded to PAW-some Torringford Tigers. Congratulations to all students recognized for following our school-wide expectations.

• Ri'zamya Johnson, a third grade student in Mrs. Markelon's class, will read with a friend in the library with Mrs. Farella.
  
• Anita Arizaga, a third grade student in Mrs. Milano's class, will enjoy a fancy lunch hosted by Mrs. Austin.
• Skylar Bitting, a second grader in Ms. O'Connor's class, will play physical education games with Ms. McMurdy and Mrs. Young.
• Nicholas Giampaolo, a second grader in Mrs. Henry's class, will create a special art project with Mrs. Fayer.
• Bryce Baylock, a third grade student in Mrs. Markelon's class, will make music with Mrs. Ritter.

Students will continue to be awarded PAWsome cards throughout the year. When your student brings home a PAWsome award, please be sure to celebrate your student's accomplishment.

Torringford Tigers are

RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and SAFE!

• February 14: Valentine's Day
  

• February 15: 1:30 Dismissal - Teacher Professional Learning Community

• February 19: President's Day - NO School

• February 20: Professional Development - NO School

• March 4 - 8: Read Across America Spirit Week

FRIDAY, MARCH 1: DRESS LIKE A SUPERHERO (no masks, please)
MONDAY, MARCH 4: TWINING DAY (match clothing with a friend)

TUESDAY, MARCH 5: DRESS YOUR BEST TO IMPRESS (spring pictures)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6: DRESS LIKE A ROCKSTAR
THURSDAY, MARCH 7: WEAR ANIMAL PRINT
FRIDAY, MARCH 8: PAJAMA DAY

Kindergarteners have been loving playing in the snow at recess. We are lucky to have Miss Viv outside. She is a fabulous photographer.

We finished up our measurement unit where we were learning how to measure with various objects and how to compare longer, shorter, and the same. We are now exploring 2D shapes and learning their names and attributes as well as sorting shapes by various attributes.

We spent a week exploring the Mo Willem's book Knuffle Bunny. Stories have a beginning, middle, and end. We are learning to retell stories and include important details. We are also practicing creating mental images when we hear a story.

Can you believe we have been in school for more than 100 days? Kindergarten students had fun celebrating the 100th day and doing activities centered around the number 100.

Crossing midline activities strengthen the body and brain by encouraging coordination and developing muscle strength.

Lunch with the Teacher

100 Days Smarter in First Grade

Students in Mrs. Poklemba’s class worked with their partners to answer questions during a reading unit on the U.S. government.

Students in Mrs. Poklemba’s class present a Reader’s Theater on the origin of the Star Spangled Banner to their classmates.

Students in Mrs. Henry’s class are working on measurement in math. We are learning how to measure with various measuring tools including rulers, yard sticks, and measuring tape.

...

Students in Mrs. Henry’s class are demonstrating and identifying acts of KINDNESS. Each time an act of kindness is spotted we add a link to our KINDNESS chain. It is growing more and more each day. Student have learned ways to show KINDNESS including having empathy, including others, not tattling, using courtesy words, and playing safely.

Currently, all 3rd grade students are learning about Advancements in Technology in our new Benchmark program. In this unit, students are learning about innovations such as call waiting, video chat, and push button dialing. Students are reading about inventors such as Dr. Shirley Jackson and Thomas Alva Edison. Did you know that Dr. Jackson was the first African American woman to earn a doctoral degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology? Dr. Jackson’s accomplishments were many, including inventing both call waiting & caller ID in the late 20th century. Dr. Jackson received the National Medal of Science from President Barack Obama in 2016 & inspires us all to recognize the curiosity & innovative minds that we all possess.

After reading about Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone, Mrs. Hollenbeck brought in several items from home for her students to look at, including two different types of rotary phones and an “original” iPhone from 2006. Included in her collection was a Motorola Star-Tach flip phone from 2000 & an old Zenith AM radio from the 1960s. She also brought in a tape, floppy disks, a flash drive, and an old Atari game cartridge. Her students were amazed at the items & how much things have changed since they were around.

Think back to when you were 8 or 9 years old. What items did you have growing up that are now “out-dated” by today’s standards? What did your grandparents have that you can remember using? Isn’t it amazing how quickly our technology changes? As we continue to learn about these innovators & inventions, we hope to share what we’ve learned with you!

Ben’s Bells is a nonprofit kindness education program that

inspires young people to show kindness in their everyday lives.

The Third Grade Student Council would like to

invite all students to create a drawing that

shows Torringford what kindness looks like to you!

Your poster can be no larger than 6” x 6”.

Return the posters to Ms. Wennberg by February 23,2024

We will vote on a school winner on March 1, 2024.

The winning drawing will be sent to Ben’s Bells for the chance to be featured on a mosaic stepping stone or used in other merchandise designs.

5: Eat 5 Fruits and/or Vegetables a Day

2: Choose 2 Healthy Screen Time Habits

1: Participate in 1 Hour or More of Physical Activity

0: Drink 0 Soda or Sugary Beverages; Drink Water

Torringford Elementary will participate in the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge February 21st, 22nd, and 23rd during Physical Education class.

We hope ALL Torringford Tigers will participate. Register online and complete Finn's Mission.

It's not too late to register your student:

• Click to HERE to Register
• Complete Finn's Mission: Watch a 2-minute video to know Hands-Only CPR, spot the signs of a stroke and more!
• Share with friends and family through social media, text, and/or email.

Sunday, March 3, 2024

8:00 am until 8:00 pm

Torrington High School

Performances will be broadcasted live from the telethon on Cable 5. Don't miss the Torringford Dance Team performance!

Torringford School is a safe and welcoming community where we take care of people and foster positive relationships. Our team spirit supports and acknowledges everyone. Optimists persist to meet challenges with the flexibility and empathy to create healthy, enthusiastic, life-long learners.

Educate. Explore. Inspire.

Website: http://torringtontorringford.ss16.sharpschool.com/
Location: 800 Charles Street, Torrington, CT, USA
Phone: 860-489-2300
Facebook: facebook.com/TorringfordTigers