KNIGHTLY NEWS
Volume 5 - Issue 7 March 16, 2020
SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE
did you know
High School Librarian Wins Award
Congratulations are in order for Laura Harrington on being awarded one of four Super Librarian's of the Year by the Massachusetts School Library Association.
The Super Librarian Award honors excellence in school librarianship. Honorees have built programs that enhance student learning and are exemplars for others. The Super Librarian works on the regional and state level to contribute to improving all school libraries. Additional information is available at https://www.maschoolibraries.org/awards.html.
DESE Releases School and District Report Cards
In response to feedback from parents, educators and other stakeholders, the school and district Report Cards have been redesigned by DESE and also include information on student discipline rates, students’ access to the
arts, educator qualifications, students’ course passing rates, and per-pupil spending.
Please click on this link to view the District and your child's School Report Card.
Save the Date - Race Amity Day
Mark your calendar for Friday, May 29, 2020 . The Race Amity Day festivities will be held at North Andover High School from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Curriculum Corner
Read Across America was first proposed in 1997 by the National Education Association as a way to increase reading for children and young adults and to honor Dr. Seuss, the author of over 60 children's books. March 2 is Dr. Seuss' birthday and is celebrated in elementary schools throughout the country as Dr. Seuss Day.
ABECC, Atkinson and Kittredge students dressed as their favorite book characters and donned "crazy" hats as they welcomed members of the community into their classrooms. The Franklin School staff treated their community readers to coffee and breakfast treats before being greeted by a
a classroom of students appropriately dressed in the attire of what they would like to be when they grow up. Thomson School students created a photo Wall of Fame in which they displayed photos of themselves illustrating the unconventional ways to enjoy reading, including reading to your pet! Thomson teachers created a Google Classroom which allows children to listen to bedtime stories at home read by their teachers. On March 16, Sargent Elementary School will kick off their Read Across America week with an assembly, featuring a dramatic retelling of Miss Brooks Loves Books (And I Don't) by Barbara Bottner, performed by some enterprising staff members! For the rest of the week, students and staff will be reading books about famous Americans, as well as other cultures from around the world.
Atkinson Community Readers
ABECC Crazy Hats
Kittredge Characters
ABECC's Attentive Audience
Franklin Community Readers
Thomson Wall of Fame
Atkinson Crazy Hats
Sargent's New Selections
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND ENDEAVORS
Mindfulness Training
Kittredge Kangaroos are learning how to find their inner peace through guided meditation & imagery mindfulness activities... Namaste Kangaroos
If you haven't discovered the Social-Emotional Learning section of our district's website, you may want to investigate the resources offered there, particularly in light of the stressful climate surrounding the Corona virus. During January, the elementary schools rolled out Mindfulness Workshops for both students and staff.
At Kittredge, guidance counselor Karla Dulin presented lessons focusing on what mindfulness is. Students practiced guided imagery, guided meditation, and guided movement activities. Both students and staff learned that mindfulness is a great tool to practice daily to help manage stress and anxiety, promote positivity, and overall mental health well-being.Teachers were given additional mindfulness activities, links, suggestions that they could continue to incorporate into the school day.
Kindergarten students practiced mindfulness with their Counselor, Kristen Perrotti, learning how to focus on what's happening right now rather than worrying about the future.
DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
Anne Bradstreet Early Childhood Center (ABECC) by Tiffany Goddard, Principal
The ABECC is thrilled to be featured in the March edition of the Knightly News. I feel honored to be part of the ABECC staff, who work tirelessly to ensure that they are providing the best education to all of our kiddos. As the place where most students begin their education, we believe in living and celebrating the RAISE values each day. Social-emotional learning is at the forefront of our work and it’s embedded throughout the school day.
Throughout the year we’ve had many school-wide events to help bring the ABECC community together. The PTO has been an incredible partner in providing the ABECC with whatever is needed -
from coffee to bulletin boards to books - we couldn’t do it without them. We are excited to give a glimpse into the hard work and fun that is happening within our school community throughout the year!
School Assemblies
We’ve had two school assemblies so far this year, with a goal to have at least two more. We’re very fortunate to have the Atkinson School allow us to use their gym so that we could have all students together for the assembly. Students sang our new school song, written by our own music teacher, Mary Jacobs. We also voted and announced the name of our school mascot - Bob the Bulldog. During each assembly, we learn about one school value and show videos and pictures featuring out bulldogs demonstrating that value.
The Pumpernickel Puppet Show
Winter Fun
Dress Like You’re 100
Students were entertained with the 3 Billy Goats Gruff and the Mouse and the Lion. Students enjoyed seeing the stories they’ve read in class come alive with music and voices.
From the Santa Parade to snowstorms, to inside recess activities - we kept very busy during the cold winter months. We started our first winter clothing supply closet so that all students were able to get outside and enjoy the snow.
To celebrate the 100th day of school (which is a big deal in the early childhood world), staff and students dressed up to predict what they will look like when they turn 100. Some of these “old folks” even acted out the part.
What's Happening at Stevens Memorial Library?
SCHOOL COMMITTEE CORNER
by David Torrisi Chair
Tweet of the Month
Congratulations to Isaac, Henry and Owen for your performance with the All State Choir at Symphony Hall today!
March/April, 2020
School Committee
Meeting Dates
566 Main Street
March 12 at 7:00 pm and March 19 at 7:00 pm
April 2 at 7:00 pm and April 16 at 7:00 pm
