OHS Weekly Wag 🐾

In Module 1 of Into Reading "What Makes Us Who We Are," 4th grade students answer the essential question, "How do your experiences shape your identity?"

All the talk of spreading kindness inspired Cadence McKay to create this piece of art work that was shared at our All School Meeting to encourage students to make a difference in the lives of others.

After learning about the parts of an insect, students created their own.

Tuesday, October 1st:

Chorus 7:45-8:40 a.m.

Crafting 3:00-4:00

Wednesday, October 2nd:

Concert Band 7:45-8:40

Bus Safety Drill 9:00

Sportfit 3:00-4:00

PTA Meeting via Zoom 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 3rd:

Concert Band 7:45-8:40

School Council 3:15-4:15

Robotics 3:00-4:00

As I mentioned in the last newsletter, we will be participating in the Feinstein Leadership Program once again this year. The Feinstein Leadership Program is the perfect complement to our Responsive Classroom approach as they share a common goal: to create positive, supportive learning environments. Here's how they can complement each other:

• Responsive Classroom is like the foundation of a house. It creates a safe and nurturing atmosphere where students feel valued and respected.

• Feinstein Leadership is like building a strong roof on that foundation. It teaches students important skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, helping them to grow and succeed.

The Feinstein Leadership School was founded by Alan Shawn Feinstein in 1991 to recognize and encourage youngsters to do good deeds and be kind whenever possible.

We are doing our part by recognizing students during our All School Meetings for doing just that. Some families may even receive a positive call home from Principal Wells for students who go above and beyond at OHS. Congratulations to Graham Sadeck who received a positive call home this week for spreading kindness at OHS!

As we close out the month of September, I would like to call your attention to the importance of school attendance. Chronic absenteeism has profound and far-reaching consequences for students, extending well beyond missed school days. It can hinder the development of critical skills, reduce academic success, and create lasting challenges throughout a student's life.

All Massachusetts schools are accountable for student achievement. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) mandates particular indicators of success for all schools, one of which is chronic absenteeism. “All students are considered “chronically absent” if they miss 10% of the school year.”

Massachusetts attendance laws state:

● The Commonwealth of Massachusetts G.L. c. 76 sect. 1 requires that every child, with certain exceptions, between ages established by the state board of education, must attend a public day school or some other approved school during the time when public schools are in session.

● Under G.L. c. 76, sect. 1, necessary absences by a student may not exceed 7 full-day or 14 half-day sessions in any 6-month period.

● Under G.L. c. 76, sect. 1, a pupil who is not present during at least half a session must be marked and counted as absent on the school register.

Mattapoissett Schools' Attendance Policy can also be found by clicking on the Student Handbook link below.

-Sign up to be a part of the 2024-2025 Mattapoisett PTA! We are open to all teachers, staff, families, and community. Dues to become a member are $10. Click on button below to complete the form (and payment online for $0 processing fees)

-We have several open volunteer positions, become a member to help the PTA continue to support Center and OHS

-Please fill out a CORI form at Center or OHS (annually) to ensure you can volunteer in PTA or classroom events.

October 14 - No School - Columbus Day

October 17 and 18- Early Release @ 11:30 am Parent Conferences - lunches served

November 5 - No School - Professional Development Day

November 6 - PTA @ 7:00 - 8:00 pm via Zoom (link will be emailed to families)

November 11 - No School - Veterans' Day

November 27- Early Release @ 12:20 pm, lunches served

November 28 and 29 - No School - Thanksgiving Recess

December 19- Winter Chorus Concert 1:45 pm and 5:00 pm

April 3 and 4- Grade 6 ELA MCAS

April 8 and 9- Grade 5 ELA MCAS

April 10 and 11- Grade 4 ELA MCAS

May 6 and 7- Grade 5 Math MCAS

May 8 and 9- Grade 6 Math MCAS

May 13 and 14- Grade 4 Math MCAS

May 15 and 16- Grade 5 Science MCAS

Phone: 508-758-6241

Main Office / Principal's Secretary: Mrs. Jennifer Janicki

School Nurse: Mrs. Amy Ripley

School Adjustment Counselor: Mrs. Bethanie Grant

In addition to this newsletter, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OHSmattapoisett

You can also download the ORR Connect App to get the latest updates.

See the Mobile App Info Sheet for details on the information within our app. If you have questions, please email weareor@oldrochester.org.

Search ORRconnect in the app store or use the following links from your mobile device.

From your Apple Mobile Device

From your Android Mobile Device

Finally, most communications to families will be emailed this year, as this is the most efficient and timely method. Please let us know if you would prefer to receive communication regarding your student via first-class mail.

Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.

Think, Learn, Care

Email: stephaniewells@oldrochester.org

Website: https://ohs.oldrochester.org/

Location: 20 Shaw St.

Phone: 508-758-6241

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OHSmattapoisett