Trenton School Newsletter
"Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence" –Abigail Adams.
Picture of the Week
Chewonki visits TES and shares information about animal adaptations and the mammals of Maine in presentations to our pre-K to 6 students.
Allergy Alerts!
Because of severe food allergies, we ask that people not bring certain foods to these school locations: Finfish (tuna, salmon, haddock, etc.) - SCHOOL WIDE Treenuts (cashews, almonds, pecans, walnuts,etc.) & Peanuts - Ok to bring, but not to be shared in ANY LOCATION
Gr. 6 sharing their research
Writing letters in Pre-K
Snakes in a school
Gr. 5/6 Social Studies Fair
School News
During our short week after break, fifth and sixth-grade students shared their learning in a very well attend social studies fair. Fifth graders explored states and sixth graders shared their research on issues of interest. This past week the Chewonki Foundation was at TES exploring animal adaptations with our pre-K and kindergarten students and mammals of Maine with first through sixth graders. The Chewonki Foundation is a school, camp and environmental education organization based in Wiscasset, Maine, that inspires transformative growth, teaches appreciation and stewardship of the natural world. We were able to bring Chewonki programming to TES through funding from the Downeast Audubon society. We thank them for their support of hands-on science education.
Two highlights from my classroom visits this past week involved second graders reading to kindergarteners, sharing their favorite books. Second graders do a fantastic job as mentor readers for their kindergarten buddies. While in fourth grade Spanish I was pleasantly surprised to see and hear students excitement and interest in learning and repeating phrases in Spanish. Students were exploring expressions of emotions while I was in the classroom.
We are coming up on the end of the semester. Friday, the 18th is the end of the semester and is a 1/2 day for students. Teachers will be working on closing out the grading period and preparing report cards. Report cards will go home on February 1st. Remember, there is no school on Monday, January 21st for the Martin Luther King holiday.
Be well and have a great weekend - Mr. Z.
The Reading Nook!
Graphic Novels
Are graphic novels viable choices for reading? Graphic novels have been described as more sophisticated than comic books, and according to one researcher, Schwartz found that “graphic novels present readers with varied perspectives of culture, history and human life making this genre accessible to a wide audience.” (The Reading Teacher, September/October 2018) Reading graphic novels requires careful consideration of the illustrations as well as the accompanying text and the use of inference (deep thinking is required to “connect the dots”) when progressing from panel to panel. Readers must consider the size of panels, the significance of line and color when bringing meaning to graphic novels. In other words, it takes a lot of brain power to read them, so let’s not discount the power of this genre. The school library has a section dedicated to this increasingly popular choice. Children should be encouraged to explore a wide variety of genres.
Fantastic First Grade
Here are Bella and Russell! They are a pair of older, declawed kitties. They must be adopted together because they have a special bond. (Incidentally, Layla and Jemma are still hoping for their forever family, so please mention them to anyone you feel may be a good fit.)
Fantastic First Graders will visit the SPCA on January 25th to help care for their furry friends. They will also deliver donations during their visit. There is a list of needed supplies posted by the office. Please drop them in the box or send them to the first grade room. Keep those box tops coming, too!
Thanks for your support!
Middle School Pep Band Night at MDIHS
This coming Tuesday, January 15th, is Middle School Pep Band Night at MDIHS. This event gives middle school students a chance to see what it's like to play their instruments while cheering on their basketball team during a game.
Participating students need to be to the MDI High School music room, (entrance closest to the football field), by 5:45PM. There is NO bus for this event, parents need to supply transportation. Students will warm up and set up with the high schoolers, play the opening set before the 7:00 game, play through the 1st and 2nd quarters, and through half time. After half time, students need to be picked up and checked out with their parents back at the music room. This will be around 7:45PM.
I highly encourage all students to participate because it is an exhilarating experience. Students should bring their instruments, but the main goal of this event is just to participate in the experience. There is no need to know the music at all before going and no need to feel like you have to play the entire time, if at all! Students are required to wear earplugs, which we will supply, as it does get very loud. If you have questions or concerns, please email Mrs. de Koning- maryelizabeth.dekoning@mdirss.org.
Winter Clothing Reminder
With colder days upon us, please help your children remember to come to school with appropriate clothing for outside recess. Students go outside at recess and only have inside recess when the temperature and wind chill are below zero. To make sure your child is prepared, they need to have: boots, hats, mittens, coats and snow pants so they can enjoy the great outdoors at recess time.
We appreciate your cooperation.
Parents and Visitors
Please remember to sign in when visiting the school and put on a visitors badge if you are meeting with a teacher. If you are in school to pick-up your child, please wait in the lobby area and allow office staff to call your child down. This minimizes disruptions to the classrooms.
Guidance Quote of the Week!
Allowing children to reflect on their choices rather than judging, placing guilt, blaming or rescuing them gives children access to the internal feedback necessary for them to take responsibility for their actions and make better choices in the future.
Becky A. Bailey, PhD.
Community Events
Camp Beech Cliff
Friday Family Climbing Nights at Camp Beech Cliff resume on Friday, January 11th, 2019!
Looking for something fun for the kids this winter? Well come stay warm in our Gymnasium while the kids spend an hour or two climbing on our 30 foot indoor climbing wall.
Each week, Camp Beech Cliff will provide Belayers so that you can relax and watch your kids reach new heights. The rest of the gym will also be open for running, jumping, and play of all sorts.
Cost: $5 per child
Please note that every participant must complete a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Waivers can be completed in person at CBC when you arrive, or online beforehand by visiting: https://www.campbeechcliff.org/waiver
And while you’re at it, check out some of our other winter programs:
Adult Climbing Night (18+): Mondays from 5:30 – 8:30, $10/person
Pickleball: Mornings – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-11
Evenings – Tuesday and Thursday from 5-7
$5 Per Person/day
Climbing and Pickleball are Pay at the door, and don’t require any pre-registration.
Come Hang Around with us at CBC!
