Pond Cove Principal's Notes

Hello Families,

There are forty-three school days left this school year and those are going to fly by. We will optimize every minute with your child(ren) as we continue to stay focused on all aspects of their growth and development. If there's anything you have questions about or need support with, please reach out so we can collaborate to meet your child(ren)'s needs.

This month is all about Earth Day and Autism Awareness, and we look forward to learning more about these topics together. We will also celebrate our Administrative Assistants on April 26.

I hope you each enjoy the gorgeous weather we are supposed to get this week and have a wonderful spring break!

Sarah

One of the most important things you can do as a parent or caregiver is to learn the early signs of autism and become familiar with the typical developmental milestones that your child should be reaching.

What are the signs of autism?

The autism diagnosis age and intensity of autism’s early signs vary widely. Some infants show hints in their first months. In others, behaviors become obvious as late as age 2 or 3. Not all children with autism show all the signs. Many children who don’t have autism show a few. That’s why professional evaluation is crucial.

The following may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, ask your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation right away:

By 6 months

• Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions
• Limited or no eye contact

By 9 months

• Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions

By 12 months

• Little or no babbling
• Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
• Little or no response to name

By 16 months

• Very few or no words

By 24 months

• Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)

At any age

• Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
• Avoidance of eye contact
• Persistent preference for solitude
• Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
• Delayed language development
• Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
• Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
• Restricted interests
• Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
• Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors

If you have concerns, get your child screened and contact your healthcare provider. Likewise, if you have any other concerns about your child's development, don't wait. Speak to your doctor now about screening your child for autism.

Source: Learn the Signs of Autism. Autism Speaks, https://www.autismspeaks.org/signs-autism. Accessed 10 Apr. 2023.

Third-grade student, Dylan, was inspired while visiting The Locker Project and has set a goal to collect 700 boxes of Macaroni and Cheese to donate to them. A collection box has been placed outside the main office at Pond Cove for students to bring boxes. We would love to help Dylan meet his goal! If each student donates 2-3 boxes, Dylan will exceed his goal. If you're able to contribute, please have your child bring their box(es) by this Thursday, April 13. Thanks for considering!

It is essential that the main office receive any daily dismissal changes by 11:00 AM each day. Having this information by that time prevents us from having to interrupt classes to make sure children know the plan. It also allows for a smooth dismissal as the administrative assistants are not inundated with phone calls at the end of the day and can focus on helping children exit the building.

Our lost and found has grown exponentially! Attached are pictures of our current collection. If you have a moment, please come by the building after dismissal to claim any items that belong to your child(ren). Leftover items will be removed from Pond Cove if not picked up by Friday, April 28.

Educational Technician, Carrie Tasker, shared the following Haiku

with staff on our Cozy Up and Read day.

Stuffy day hooray

Todays lunch is French toast sticks

Sticky stuffy yuck

Wednesday, April 12

• Incoming kindergarten screening

• No school for current kindergarten students

• Maine Marimba Performance - Pond Cove Gym @ 11:50 AM - 12:50 PM

• Family STEAM Night - 5:30 - 7:30 PM @ Pond Cove Cafeteria

Thursday, April 13

• Incoming kindergarten screening

• No school for current kindergarten students

• Half Day for Students 1st - 4th - Dismissal @ 12:05 PM

Friday, April 14 - Friday, April 21

• Spring Vacation - School Closed

Tuesday, May 16 - Thursday, May 18

Thursday, May 18 and Friday, May 19

Wednesday, April 26

• Administrative Assistant's Day

Friday, May 26

• Student Half Day - Dismissal @ 12:05 PM

• Teacher Professional Development

Friday, June 9

4th Grade Celebration

1:30 - 2:15 PM @ CEHS Auditorium

Friday, June 16

Last day of school for students K-12