1/20/2025 - NO SCHOOL for All (MLK, Jr. Holiday observed)

1/30/2025 - Preschool Info Night (6PM/Gymnasium)

1/30/2025 - Kindergarten Info Night (7PM/Gymnasium)

2/7/2025 - Global School Play Day (info below)

2/7/2025 - Early Release Day (preschool dismisses at 11:15; K-3 dismiss at 11:45)

We are thrilled to announce that on February 7th, during our next Early Release (ER) day, we will participate in Global School Play Day! This special day is dedicated to celebrating the power of play and its vital role in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and joy in learning.

To make this day memorable and engaging, students are invited to bring one item from home to share during playtime.

Examples include:

• Legos or blocks

• Dress-up items or materials for dramatic play

• Puppets

• Stuffed animals

• Board or card games

• Puzzles

• Creative writing or arts supplies

Please note:

• No electronic devices or toy weapons are allowed.

• The focus will be on child-led, imaginative play.

On this day, teachers will act as facilitators and fellow players, helping students engage, collaborate, and enjoy the freedom of play-based exploration. Depending on classroom needs, play will either take place throughout the day or as a portion of the day’s schedule.

We’re excited to work together as a school community to highlight the importance of play and give our students a fun and enriching experience! Thank you for your support in making this initiative a success.

If you would like your child to opt out of Global School Play Day, please email Kelly Garbarino (kgarbarino@newburyport.k12.ma.us).

As we settle into the new year, we’ve noticed an increasing number of tardies. We wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about the importance of students arriving on time to school and the impact that late arrivals can have on their learning experience.

Students in grades K-3 are considered late if they arrive after 8:20 am, and preschool students are considered late if they arrive after 8:30 am. Students who arrive after these times must report to the main office with a parent to sign in.

We understand that getting children to school on time can sometimes be challenging, but it’s important for their development and education. When students arrive late, they miss out on the morning meeting, which is a key time for building community with teachers and classmates, previewing the day’s schedule, and transitioning into learning. Late arrivals can also disrupt the flow of instruction for other students, making it harder for everyone to stay engaged. Missing just 15 minutes twice a week adds up to 2.5 full school days missed each year.

We truly value having your children at school, and we know how much effort it takes to ensure they arrive each day. If you ever need support or have concerns about your child’s arrival time, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!

• Priority Registration – January 27 – January 31 (school days only) between 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• New Registration – February 1-28 school days only from 10:00AM - 2:00PM at the Bresnahan School Main Office (Door #1).

• Registration boxes will be place outside door #1 for application drop off.

• Or may be scanned and emailed to lmorasse@newburyport.k12.ma.us or pantczak@newburyport.k12.ma.us

• Or may be mailed to the school - 333 High Street - Newburyport, MA 01950

• Or may be faxed (978) 517-5883

• Please note the offices will be closed from February 17 - 21 for school vacation week.

Existing FTB PreKindergarten Families going into Kindergarten for 2025-2026, the following are the forms needed for registration (Existing Students ONLY). These items will be located on our website HERE

1. NBPT Enrollment Form

2. Parent Questionnaire for Kindergarten

3. Preschool/Daycare Visitations Form

With the colder weather upon us, we’ve noticed fewer walkers and more riders during arrival and dismissal. To help keep our rider line running smoothly and safely, we’d like to share a few helpful reminders:

• Morning Drop-Off:
  Students can be dropped off anywhere along the sidewalk between 8:05 and 8:20 AM. Our staff will be there to assist and escort them to Door #4. Dropping off earlier along the sidewalk (before reaching Door #4) helps keep the line moving quickly in the mornings.

• Independence in the Rider Line:
  If your child isn’t yet able to unbuckle, open the door, or enter/exit the car on their own, we encourage you to consider being a “walker” instead of a “rider.” This keeps the line efficient for everyone.

• Afternoon Pick-Up:
  Teachers finish their duty at 3:00 PM. If you arrive after 3:00, please park and come to Door #1 to pick up your child. Staff will not be on the sidewalk after 3:00 PM.

• Safety First:
  Please use the designated crosswalks to model safe habits for all children, and remember to avoid cell phone use while in the rider line to ensure everyone’s safety.

Thank you for helping us make arrival and dismissal smooth and safe for everyone. We appreciate your cooperation and support!

2nd Graders wrapped up their studies of the continents and mapping with creating maps of the world!

Please be aware that if your child has missed 5 or more days of school you will be receiving a letter regarding the attendance policy. The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has made attendance one of its statewide priorities and requires us to be in communication with families about this. As a school it is our responsibility to know that children are safe and accounted for during the school day. Please know that we understand there are times where children are sick and/or extenuating circumstances occur; we are here to support you as you support your child to be as present as possible.

Our Bresnahan school family is looking forward to welcoming visitors and volunteers into the building.

This is a friendly reminder ALL visitors and volunteers must provide a current, driver's license before gaining access into the building. There will be no exceptions to this district expectation as the safety and security of our school family is our #1 priority. Thank you in advance for doing your part to keep us safe.

CORI Process

• All volunteers must have an up-to-date CORI on file with the Newburyport Elementary Schools.
• Bring the completed CORI form along with your driver's license to the Administrative Assistant at our school office.
• Please note CORI's are only valid for three years; after that you must reapply.

Fingerprinting

In keeping with Newburyport's continued focus on safety, volunteers/parents are required to be fingerprinted in two instances:

1. If you are going on a day or overnight field trip and will have direct and unmonitored contact with children;
2. If you are a lunchroom volunteer and will be bringing children out to the playground. Parents who volunteer in the classroom DO NOT need to be fingerprinted, if there will always be another adult present.

Massachusetts has contracted with MorphoTrust for fingerprinting. To book an appointment, visit the Massachusetts IdentoGO Website.

Please be aware there is a $35 fee for fingerprinting. Fingerprinting does not expire.

Forms and Information

• CORI Form
• Fingerprinting Info

Important Dates:

Jan 2: Jan 31: Holiday Raffle Calendar winner announcements!

Feb 12th: Kindergarten 100 Days Celebration at the Bres!

Feb 12th: PTO Monthly Meeting 6:30 PM @ The Poynt Restaurant

PTO Holiday Raffle Calendar: Winner Announcements

It’s winner time!!

Each day from January 2 to January 31, 2025, we will draw one lucky winner for that day's prize. Winners will be contacted by email and announced on the PTO's private Facebook group. Those who purchased 3 or more tickets, will be included in a special Grand Prize drawing for a day of exploring and eating in Boston’s North End. Thank you for supporting the PTO and good luck!

https://givebutter.com/ptocalendar

CandyGrams

Our annual CandyGram fundraiser is coming soon!

Ongoing Fundraiser: PTO EcoBins

Did you know that the EcoBins (large yellow donation bins) at the Bresnahan and Nock generate funds for the PTO? There are two bins at the Bres, three at Molin/Nock. The bins take all textiles including stained/torn items, pillows, stuffed animals, shoes, so please drop off your unwanted items.

Do You Want to Get Involved?

We are currently seeking to fill PTO Board positions:

• Vice President

• Molin Teacher Representative

• Communications Co-Chair (Social Media)

Email us at newburyportpto@gmail.com to join the PTO Board or ask questions.

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