Silver Spring Elementary School

Runner's News

December 2020 Edition

Dear Silver Spring Families,

I hope you and your family are doing well and are staying safe and healthy, which is our number one priority. Please continue to complete your child's daily wellness check, and do your best to stay healthy.

In addition to safety, we are focused on academics and social emotional learning, and with the first quarter of this school year is behind us, we are looking forward to parent/teacher conferences (December 8th from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. and 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and December 9th during the school day (Students will be engaging in distance learning on December 9th) - Google Meet by appointment) to discuss our students' engagement and progress. You can check your child's work completion by checking your child's Google Classroom (please see section below for additional information). Together, we can continue to work hard to help our students succeed. Thank you for all of your support thus far. We look forward to continued collaboration and partnership.

You will have access to your child's report card on December 3rd on Skyward. Please see the instructions on how to access your child's Report Card in this newsletter.

We also want to thank you for your kindness. and support during our canned goods drive. Thanks to you, our PTC, the Hope & Faith charity, YMCA, and Bridgepointe, over 30 families recieved Thanksgiving bags (that included a turkey or a gift card to purchase a turkey) this holiday season. This was another wonderful example of how our community comes together to help one another in such a heartwarming way.

Another way you can help our school community is by participating in our PTC's fundraisers. One fundraiser that runs throughout the school year is the Scrip gift cards. Please see below for information regarding the app and how you can participate. You will also receive an order form that you can use to order the gift cards. The due date is listed on the order form.

Lastly, the district will send out the East Providence School Department Distance Learning Request Form. Please complete this form, only if you would like your child to engage in distance learning. As stated in the document, if you sign up for your child to engage in distance learning, your child will engage in distance learning until the end of this school year. The East Providence School Department Distance Learning Request Form needs to be completed by Wednesday, January 6th. The data from the completed forms will be used for planning purposes.

Please read this newsletter for additional information that we hope is helpful to you during the month of December.

If you have questions or concerns at any time, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at favila@epschoolsri.com.

Student Drop Off/Pick Up

Due to safety protocols and staff coverage in the morning, students will be welcomed into the building at 9:15 a.m. in all weather. For this reason please make sure to drop your child off as close to 9:15 as possible. With the cold weather upon us, please ensure that your child dresses appropriately for New England weather.

It is essential that the daily wellness screening is completed in Skyward by 8:30 a.m. each day, so that our arrival procedures run smoothly.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dress Appropriately for

School/Classrooms

To adhere to safety protocols in our school, windows may be open during the school day. Even with the heat on, classroom temperatures may be a bit cooler. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that our students and staff dress in layers to ensure that they are comfortable during the school day.

Distance Learning/ Attendance

Who has busy days? We. All. Do. We see our Silver Spring Families trying to adhere to the distance learning schedule and we Thank You. It is crucial that students join their meets on time and participate for the entire time. The meet is where the teachers connect with students. The meets are full of new content, collaboration, and the important conversations among students. Students will struggle completing their assignments if they are not learning the material on the meet.

Distance Learning Expectations

Please visit our FB page to see Silver Spring students modeling their best distance learning setups. If your student would like to show us their distant learning setup , please dojo or email a photo to DFrancescon@epschoolsri.com. Photos will be shared on social media.

Student Attendance Update

Silver Spring currently has 34 students on the chronically absent list. While we are facing more obstacles this year, we can do better. Our students are growing academically and socially every day, and we want to help them build their confidence and resilience. Whether your child is learning in the classroom or in your home, please model a positive never-give-up attitude about school. If you have any health questions please reach out to Nurse Maria.

Claire Fagin stated that, “Knowledge will bring you the opportunity to make a difference.” Through conversations we are learning some students aren’t connecting the importance of working hard in school and future success. Many classrooms have set goals for the year to connect their learning to outcomes.

Student Recognition Program

We are excited to announce that we are working on updating our Student Recognition Program that recognizes students for attendance, achievement and participation. Stay tuned, as more information will be shared in the coming weeks!!

FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING IN PERSON INSTRUCTION

Parents and Guardians will screen their child(ren) at home

and complete the Wellness Check in Skyward by 8:30 a.m. each day.

This will include taking students' temperatures and completing a secure form in Skyward.

Holiday Travel Advisory

As you know, travel is highly discouraged at this time. However, if for any reason you need to travel out of Rhode Island, please check the link below to determine if you and your child are required to test prior to returning to school.

"Travel: If you are coming to Rhode Island from one of the states listed here with a positivity rate of COVID-19 greater than 5%, you are required to quarantine for 14 days after arrival while in Rhode Island. As an exception, you may provide proof of a negative test for COVID-19 that was taken within 72 hours before arriving in Rhode Island. If you receive a test during your quarantine in Rhode Island and get a negative test result, you can stop quarantining. However, you still need to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after arrival, wear a mask in public, and follow physical distancing guidelines. You also must quarantine while waiting for a negative test result.

Quarantining for 14 days is always preferred over relying on a negative test result as quarantining is the best way to limit the possibility of spreading COVID-19."

If you are a returning Rhode Island resident, you can self-schedule an asymptomatic test at a community-based testing location listed below or through portal.ri.gov. Returning residents who schedule an appointment through portal.ri.gov will not be billed for asymptomatic testing.

It might take several days to receive test results. You must quarantine while waiting for a negative test result.

If you receive a test during your quarantine in Rhode Island and get a negative result, you can stop quarantining. However, you still need to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days, wear a mask any time you’re near people who don’t live with you, and follow physical distancing guidelines.

If you return to Rhode Island and begin to experience symptoms of COVID-19, contact your primary care provider or a Respiratory Clinic to schedule a test.

Breakfast & Lunch Menu

For November 30 - December 23, 2020

There will be one (1) FREE breakfast and lunch meal per day.

If your child is going to have a school breakfast and/or lunch, please order your child's breakfast and/or lunch at least one (1) week in advance.

For Students Attending School In Person

Please let your child's teacher know by sending an email/Dojo with the day(s) that your child will have a school breakfast/lunch, and your child's name.

For students engaging in Distance Learning:

If your child is engaging in distance learning, and you have completed the document for your child to get a school breakfast and/or lunch, please pick up the meal at one of the locations/times each day.

Meal Pick-Up Times for Distance Learners:

9:30 - 10:00 a.m. @ Elementary Schools

8:30 - 8:50 a.m. @ MMS

8:00 - 8:30 a.m. @ RMS

8:00 - 8:45 a.m. @ High School

All children in the house 18 and under can receive a free lunch. Meals can be picked up at any site. Lunches will be free until December 2020. Parents should still fill out the free/reduced lunch form.

Thank you!

Free & Reduced Lunch Application

Apply for Free & Reduced Lunch Benefits Online

This year we are accepting online applications only. You can apply from the privacy of your home, or anywhere with an internet connection. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact the East Providence School Department at: 401-383-5382.

Click on this link to start the application process: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application

Kindness Day!

Thank you to all of our students, parents/guardians, and staff for wearing orange on National Kindness Day.

National Kindness Day was another great way to remind all of us that kindness matters.

To continue spreading kindness and anti-bullying, please wear orange Friday, December 18th to help promote kindness !

Please send photos to Mrs. Francescon at dfrancescon@epschoolsri.com. All Kindness photos sent to Mrs. Francescon will be posted on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/silverspringep)

Thank you for being kind all year long!

Health & Wellness

Maria's Newsletter 11_19_20.pdf

Newsletter from the School Nurse

Check out the School Nurse newsletter that includes important health information.

PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME if he or she is not feeling well, call your pediatrician and notify the school nurse of symptoms of illness. THANK YOU!

NURSE MARIA 383-0908 mfazioli@epschoolsri.com

COVID TESTING for K-12 STUDENTS: 1-844-857-1814

What do to if you are sick live link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

The following document is to be completed prior to a student returning to school:

After Illness (English): https://epschoolsri.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/After-Illness-Return-Attestation.pdf

After Illness (Portuguese): https://epschoolsri.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/COV-083_PORTUGUESE_Return-After-Illness-Attestation_9.17.20_fv.pdf

After Illness (Spanish): https://epschoolsri.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/COV-083_SPANISH_Return-After-Illness-Attestation_9.17.20_FV.pdf

DPlummer.pdf

Face Covering is Required

Faculty, staff and students are required to wear face coverings when at school (which includes the bus). The purpose of wearing face coverings is to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO SEND AN EXTRA FACE COVERING WITH YOUR CHILD (IN A PLASTIC BAG) TO SCHOOL EACH DAY, IN CASE YOUR CHILD'S FACE COVERING GETS SOILED DURING THE SCHOOL DAY.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Our PTC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 17th at 6:00 p.m.

The meeting code for our PTC meeting is: Silver Spring PTC Meeting

Monday, November 23rd - Sunday, December 6th

Scholastic Online Book Fair

Thursday, December 3:

Report Cards will be available in Skyward at 3:15 p.m.

Monday, December 7:

Scrip Gift Card Paper Order Form & Payment Due

Tuesday, December 8:

Parent/Teacher Conferences from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. & 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 9:

Parent/Teacher Conferences from 9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 10:

Happy Hanukkah! Hanukkah begins

Monday, December 14:

Distance Learning Day with Google Meets for all Pre-K and Elementary School Students

Thursday, December 17:

Virtual PTC Meeting at 6:00 p.m. ~ Google Meet Code: Silver Spring PTC Meeting

Friday, December 18:

Hanukkah ends

Kindness Day ~ Wear Orange!

Monday, December 21:

First Day of Winter!

Wednesday, December 23:

Spirit Day ~ PJ Day!

Thursday, December 24 - Friday, January 1:

Holiday Recess

Friday, December 25:

Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 26:

Happy Kwanzaa!

Friday, January 1:

Happy New Year!

Monday, January 4:

In Person and Distance Learning returns

Wednesday, January 6:

East Providence School Department Distance Learning Request Form Due

Quarter 1 Report Cards

Report Cards will be available on Skyward Thursday, December 3rd at 3:15 p.m.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled as follows:

Tuesday, December 9th from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. and 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 10th from 9:15 - 3:00 p.m.

All students will engage in distance learning Wednesday, December 10th.

Teachers will reach out to parents/guardians to schedule virtual conferences.

Please contact Mrs. Duarte at 435-7836 or at kduarte@epschoolsri.com, if you need help accessing your child's Report Card.

Professional Development Day

On Monday, December 14th our staff will be participating in professional development all day.

All students will be engaging in distance learning and will have the flexibility to do assignments that are posted on Google Classroom, from home, during the school day.

Teachers will not be available to meet with students on this day.

Distance Learning & Google Classroom Information

Internet Connection Loss During Google Meet

If there is a fire drill, internet connection is lost or for any reason the teacher is off the meet, students should log out immediately and work on an independent task/assignment.

You Tube Videos that help you learn how to check your child's progress and how students complete assignments on Google Classroom. Knowing how to check your child's progress and completed assignments will help to ensure that your student is on completing assignments.

Google Classroom

Our teachers have posted material and resources that keep our lessons organized and you informed. All students (in person and distance learning) use Google Classroom everyday to access these materials and resources.

Please check your child's class Google Classroom to stay current with what your child is learning and if he/she is current with assignments. Reach out to your child's teacher, if you have any questions regarding his/her Google Classroom.

Mrs. Avila and Mrs. Francescon also have Google Classrooms that include school wide information. Their class codes are listed below:

Mrs. Avila ~ Class code: yqexsfo

Mrs. Francescon ~ Class code: lb3bsy3

Thank you for joining all of our Google Classrooms!

Google Meets

It is so important for all of our students to consistently particpate in Google Meets, as they focus on core instruction.

Students who continuously miss a morning and/or afternoon Google Meet is missing core instruction in ELA and/or math, which will lead to learning loss. Please make every effort to ensure that your child follows his/her teacher's schedule and attends all Google Meets with their camera on and microphone off.

Strategies to Assist Students with Distant Learning

Set up a structured learning setting--free of distractions, an organized table or work space, have learning materials nearby (paper, pencil, whiteboard, dry erase markers, chromebook, charger, etc.)

Use of a timer.

A timer can be used to time how long a student has on a specific activity. This can be used in combination with breaks.

Example: 10 minutes of work with a 5 minute break after. Use of a timer for a break as well. I would try to avoid extended time for work without a break built in.

Breaking down tasks into smaller tasks. For example: student can do problems 1-4 and then color for 2 minutes.

Use of a schedule: writing down the schedule for the morning (with any breaks included) and student can check off his work as he goes.

Use of incentive: you could write down an incentive (like student can make a card for mom, color or play with a preferred toy) for student to receive after he completes his morning check list or a certain number of tasks. I would write the incentive at the end of whatever tasks he has to complete first.

Use of first-then language-example: “first we will do 10 minutes of i-iready and then you can play ______ for 5 minutes”

Use of yes-when language-example: “yes, we can do that. Once we get ______ done, then we can _____.”

Use of the phrase good fit-example: if student is struggling to complete work because he is distracted by a YouTube video, you could say, “I’ll know this is a good fit for you because you can put it away when it is time”.

Or if student does not complete his work, you may say something like, “I want this to be a good fit for you. Let’s put this away and work on __________.”

If student is unable to put it away and if it is ok with his parent, then the next step would be to limit access to the activity which is getting in the way of his work completion. If he gets upset, you could say, “you’ll get another chance to use YouTube once we get ______ done first.”

Reference visual routines-some teachers have visual routines in their google classroom, refer to them as needed.

Google Meet Expectations for Students

The following are guidelines for students participating in Google Meets with teachers:

Be prepared, ready to learn. Have a designated work area (not bed) stocked with materials. Sit up straight in a work position. Make sure you get up on time, have breakfast, brush teeth, get dressed, and be ready to learn.
Be prompt. Be on time or early for any Google Meet one-on-one session or lesson. Check your calendar the night before to review tomorrow’s schedule.
Common areas in your home are best. When participating in a Google Meet, it is best if you are in a common area of your home such as your living room, kitchen, or other common area.
Dress appropriately. Be fully clothed, no pajamas.
Mute yourself. When you arrive in the Google Meet, mute yourself. If a teacher asks a question or if you have a question,unmute yourself, but remember to go back on mute. Background noise is louder than you realize and is distracting. To mute yourself, click on the microphone icon on the video display.
Refrain from using the chat feature. Only use the chat feature when the teacher asks you to do so. When you do use the chat feature, only type comments that are relevant and appropriate.
Be respectful. Remember to be respectful at all times. Allow people time to speak, and do not talk over others. Think before speaking, your words should be on-task and kind.
Time to exit. Exit the chat once the meeting is over. Do Not use the meeting code to hang out with friends.
Family Members. Family members, who are on camera, should wear appropriate clothing and follow these guidelines. If you walk by the Chromebook, it will pick up your image. Also realize that your child is trying to listen to a teacher, so hold your conversations in another room if possible.
Background Noise and People. Appropriate language and images must be used when the student’s camera and microphone are on, as everyone in the Meet can hear and see you.

Google Meet Expectations from the East Providence School Department to Parents/Guardians

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we do our best to support the students of East Providence with online instructional opportunities we wanted to take this opportunity to provide families with some reminders.

Students are expected to be online during scheduled classes and on time to class.
Parents/guardians should be mindful about what family activities would potentially be heard/seen during the students’ use of video conferencing. This is a great tool to keep students connected, but please have your students use these tools somewhere near enough to monitor, yet private enough to concentrate on their work.
Please have students dress appropriately when video conferencing and make sure that there are no distracting materials or backgrounds.
Students/parents/guardians, should not take photos, screenshots, or record any video or audio from these class sessions. This is a violation of our EAST PROVIDENCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
The tools we use are vetted by our faculty and administrators for data privacy and safety. We will be adding new tools as needed and are mindful of the important aspect of keeping students and student data safe.
Students should be using a district-issued Chromebook. If you do not have one please contact the school office.
Please have Chromebooks charged and secured somewhere safe during sleeping hours. Go Guardian is installed on all district computers and monitors use on district devices at all times.
If the assigned Chromebook is not working properly (broken keyboard, microphone, etc.) please report it immediately to the school so it can be exchanged for a functioning device.
Parents/guardians should refrain from talking with the teacher during a Google Meet. Appointments may be scheduled for non-academic hours with your child’s teacher.
Lastly, the same rules of conduct and behavior will apply when a student is online as apply in the classroom.

If you have questions or concerns about your student’s use of online tools, please contact your school Principal. If you are experiencing technical issues please contact our IT Team at 401 383-2224 x4323.

We appreciate your support during this challenging time and we are working very hard to keep our students engaged and supported.

Celebrate!

Roadrunner of the Month

Congratulations to our Roadrunners of the Month for the Month of November

Kindergarten: Alishba Ahmed & Adela Rudolph

Grade 1: Sophia Resende & Maanvika Tirupati

Grade 2: Leonardo Rodrigues & Reyansh Kondam

Grade 3: Siena Raposo & Sarvesh Ravinsankar

Grade 4: Kaydence Whalen & Danaiza Montanaro

Grade 5: Zachary Medeiros & Sanaiyah Blackwell

Ms. Jaffa's Class: Jaelah Dugan

Ms. Moore's Class: Jaylah Nuccio

Happy Birthday to Our Amazing School Community Members!

December Birthdays

Adeline Guerreio (12/3)

Anthony Bernier (12/4)

Mason Mancini (12/5)

Anabella Medeiros-Caetano (12/7)

Leeyana Morris (12/7)

Christopher Carlos (12/9)

Reyanah Kondam (12/15)

Nolan Myers (12/18)

Jayden Paulo (12/20)

Colton Monast (12/23)

Penelope Flynn (12/25)

Alexander Butler (AJ) (12/26)

Aevyn Vieira (12/26)

Noah Harrington-Luiz (12/29)

Janylah Smith (12/29)

Jeffery Smith (12/29)

Alishba Ahmed (12/30)

Maya Shorts (12/30)

Mr. Raposo (12/3)

Mrs. Avila (12/3)

Miss Jaffa (12/9)

Ms. Cabral (12/10)

Mrs. Goldreyer (12/27)

Mrs. Oliver (12/28)

Show Your School Spirit

Pajama Day!

Wednesday, December 23rd

Distance Learners should email a photo of him/herself wearing pajamas to Mrs. Francescon at dfrancescon@epschoolsri.com.

Photos shared with Mrs. Francescon will be posted on our social media, such as Facebook.

Gift Ideas!

Use the link below to access our Scholastci Online Book Fair!

https://www.scholastic.com/bf/silverspringschool

You can place your order until June 2021 using this link

Gift Cards for the Holidays

Order Scrip Cards Using the new App or Paper Order Form

SS PTC - Gift Card Flyer 112620.pdf

Order gift cards throughout the year with the new RaiseRight mobile app. Learn how to join the program below.

Silver Spring School-Scrip RaiseRight App Invite 102520-1.pdf

Scrip Gift Cards App

Start your holiday shopping early and help raise money for our school by purchasing gift cards using the RaiseRight app. Sign up by entering the enrollment code: 468E2EBC1L482 and you are ready to start shopping for your gift cards!

Get the app at: https://www.raiseright.com/

You Can Use the Paper Order Form to Place Your Order ~ Due December 7th!

SS Family Order Form Detail 112020.pdf

Educational Holiday Gift Ideas for Children

Online Book Fair

Our Book Fair is online! Support our school and help your child discover new books, favorite characters, complete series, and more! You'll love the fun new option to shop for Book Fair exclusives directly from the interactive booklist and enjoy free shipping on book-only purchases over $25.

It's a new school year... let's instill a new-found love of reading!

Please contact Mrs. Bickford at kbickford@epschoolsri.com, if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!

If you are wondering what educational and fun books, games, and manipulatives will help your child develop academic and social emotional skills, the list below may help you thanks to our staff who contributed to the document below to help you this holiday season. Happy Holidays!

Educational Holiday Gift Ideas for Children

Lasagna Love

A mom started this movement earlier in the year to help families who are struggling due to Covid job loss or just to help families in need. The family can request a lasagna and volunteers make and deliver the lasagna to the family.

People can also visit this website to volunteer to make lasagnas.

This is another way that our school community members can help one another.

Thank you Erica Myers for sharing this information!

Feinstein Jr. Scholar

Golden Ticket

How the Golden Ticket Works

Random drawings every Monday!
Winning numbers are posted on our Feinstein Virtual Club and Facebook page ~ https://www.facebook.com/feinsteinfoundation.org.
Winning numbers are replaced each Monday (*Important to check often — once winning numbers are gone, they're gone)!
Students with a winning ticket number should inform their teacher/school immediately and show them their winning ticket (photo or in-person acceptable).
Their school should contact us as soon as possible with the winning ticket claim! (Winning tickets must be claimed within 7 days of its posting.)

Prizes!

Every winner's school receives a $5,000 grant!
Every winning student receives a $500 grant, which they can give to their school or a non-profit of their choice.
Every winning student also receives a surprise gift from us at The Feinstein Foundation!
The $5,000 school grant will DOUBLE the following drawing for any $5,000 ticket numbers not claimed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where will the winning numbers be posted? Winning numbers will be posted on our Feinstein Virtual Club and Facebook page!
When will winning numbers be posted? Each Monday new winning numbers will be selected and posted.
How long does a student have to claim a winning raffle number?Winning numbers are up for one week and once they're gone, they're gone! Winners have one week to notify us of a winning ticket.
How should we notify The Feinstein Foundation of a winner? Contact us by phone (401) 467-5155 or by email immediately!

In Closing...

Thank you again for your kindness, patience, and partnership. Take care of yourself and stay safe. This is the best gift that you can give youself, your family and friends!

Principal Fatima Avila

Happy Holidays!

Cox Connect2Compete Flyer ENG.pdf

Cox Connect2Compete Flyer SPN.pdf

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