Embedded Files
Family Newsletter
December 2025
Schoolwide Expectations:
Schoolwide Expectations:
R: Respect Others
O: Own Your Actions
A: Act Safely
R: Rise to Challenges
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Important Links:
Stamford School Important Dates and Events
2025-2026 School Year Calendar
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Dear Stamford Families,
As we enter the month of December, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful learning and growth we have seen so far this year. The fall was filled with energy, curiosity, and strong academic momentum, and I am incredibly proud of our students and staff. Thank you for the support you provide at home, as your partnership truly makes a difference.
December can be an exciting and busy time for children, and research shows that students thrive when routines and expectations remain consistent. At school, we will continue to focus on structured learning time, strong classroom routines, and rigorous instruction. These practices help students stay grounded, focused, and able to engage deeply with their learning. We appreciate your help in reinforcing regular bedtimes, consistent attendance, and predictable after-school routines, especially during this festive season.
This month also brings several important events and opportunities for our students:
Winter Concert: December 9 at 6 pm: We are excited to welcome families to our Winter Concert. Students have been practicing with enthusiasm, and we cannot wait to showcase their hard work and musical talents. The concert begins at 6:00 pm, with doors opening at 5:40 pm. Please ensure children arrive by 5:45 pm.
Winter Concert: December 9 at 6 pm: We are excited to welcome families to our Winter Concert. Students have been practicing with enthusiasm, and we cannot wait to showcase their hard work and musical talents. The concert begins at 6:00 pm, with doors opening at 5:40 pm. Please ensure children arrive by 5:45 pm.
McCann Opportunities for Grades 7 & 8: Our eighth graders recently participated in the Exploratory Program at McCann, and both seventh and eighth graders will be touring McCann on December 2. I believe strongly in student voice, and after a seventh grader advocated to be included on the tour, I reached out to McCann, and they happily agreed.
McCann Opportunities for Grades 7 & 8: Our eighth graders recently participated in the Exploratory Program at McCann, and both seventh and eighth graders will be touring McCann on December 2. I believe strongly in student voice, and after a seventh grader advocated to be included on the tour, I reached out to McCann, and they happily agreed.
Attendance Matters: Strong attendance remains one of the most important predictors of academic success. Decades of research, including studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Attendance Works, show that students who miss more than 10% of the school year, just two days per month, are significantly more likely to struggle with reading by third grade, fall behind in middle school, and experience challenges in high school completion. With this in mind, I met with students in grades 7 and 8 to review their attendance data, emphasizing that even a few absences can affect learning, confidence, and long-term opportunities. I have also sent letters to families whose children have accumulated five or more absences so far this year. Thank you for supporting your child in being at school every day they are healthy and able. Consistent attendance truly makes a tremendous difference in academic growth and overall success.
Attendance Matters: Strong attendance remains one of the most important predictors of academic success. Decades of research, including studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Attendance Works, show that students who miss more than 10% of the school year, just two days per month, are significantly more likely to struggle with reading by third grade, fall behind in middle school, and experience challenges in high school completion. With this in mind, I met with students in grades 7 and 8 to review their attendance data, emphasizing that even a few absences can affect learning, confidence, and long-term opportunities. I have also sent letters to families whose children have accumulated five or more absences so far this year. Thank you for supporting your child in being at school every day they are healthy and able. Consistent attendance truly makes a tremendous difference in academic growth and overall success.
Snow Days & Weather-Related Delays: As we move into winter, I want to share a reminder about how school decisions regarding weather are made. Our superintendent works closely with local road crews and the bus company to assess road conditions and determine whether a delay or cancellation is necessary. The safety of our students, staff, and families is always the top priority. Whenever possible, decisions are made the night before; however, when that is not feasible, the superintendent will notify me by 5:30 a.m. I will then send out an announcement to families via phone call, email, and text. Please note that if there is a delay, Pre-K is canceled for the day. Thank you for your understanding and for checking messages promptly on winter mornings.
Dressing for Colder Weather: As we move into colder weather, please also ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately for outdoor conditions. Students will continue to have recess and physical education outside whenever the temperature (including wind chill) is above 10 degrees. Warm coats, hats, gloves or mittens, and sturdy footwear help students stay comfortable and fully participate in outdoor learning and play. If your child needs winter gear, please reach out. Our goal is to make sure every student is warm, safe, and ready to enjoy these outdoor opportunities.
As we move through December, I am grateful for the kindness, resilience, and sense of community that define our school. Stamford is truly a special place, and your children bring joy and purpose to our work each day.
Wishing your family a warm, healthy, and joyful holiday season.
With gratitude,
Julie
🏫 Our Mission: At Stamford School, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students are challenged, celebrated, and inspired. Our mission is to help every student grow not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, preparing them to be thoughtful, capable, and kind members of their communities.
December Events:
PTG Meeting: December 4, 5:30 pm in the school library. All guardians are members of PTG, and we’d love to see you there!
Winter Concert: December 9 at 6 pm
Half-day for Students: December 10; Pre-
K will be dismissed at 11, and grades K-8 at 11:30.Staff vs. Student Castle Ball Game: December 10
Spirit Week: December 15-19th
Half-day for Students and Staff: December 23
Winter Break: December 24th-January 2; School re-opens Monday, January 5th.
A Parent’s Guide to Vaping, a downloadable resource to help families understand the risks and warning signs.
📘Homework: Each K–8 classroom will send home weekly homework. If you do not see homework, please reach out to your child’s teacher—assignments can be scanned and sent home if needed.
Homework serves two purposes:
Strengthening academic skills.
Keeping families connected to what students are learning.
Homework should never cause stress. It should take no more than 30 minutes a night and will always reinforce skills already taught in class. I encourage you to sit with your child while they complete homework, as it offers wonderful insight into their learning and creates a great opportunity for bonding.
Supporting Your Child’s Reading at Home: Reading at home is one of the most powerful ways families can support a child’s academic growth. Research consistently shows that students who read regularly outside of school develop stronger vocabulary, deeper comprehension, and greater confidence as learners. When families make reading a part of everyday life, children begin to see it not just as schoolwork, but as something enjoyable and meaningful.
Here are a few simple ways to support reading at home:
Read every day. Even 10–15 minutes makes a big difference. Let your child read to you, or take turns reading pages or paragraphs aloud.
Talk about books. Ask questions like, “What’s happening in the story?” or “Why do you think the character made that choice?” These conversations build comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Model reading. Let your child see you reading—whether it’s a book, magazine, recipe, or article. Children learn from what adults value.
Visit the library. Give your child the chance to explore and choose books that interest them. Choice motivates reading!
Create a reading routine. Designate a consistent time and cozy space for reading—before bed, after dinner, or during quiet time.
Celebrate effort and progress. Praise curiosity and persistence, not just finishing a book. Confidence grows from encouragement.
The skills built through reading, including attention, imagination, empathy, vocabulary, and comprehension, lay the foundation for success in every subject. When families and schools work together to foster a love of reading, children gain not just stronger literacy skills but a lifelong passion for learning.
Why it matters: Children who grow up surrounded by books are more likely to succeed academically and develop stronger reading habits. Book Blast helps break down barriers by making sure every student, regardless of background, has books of their own. At the same time, it empowers teachers by giving them additional resources to enrich instruction and inspire readers every day.
PTG (Parent Teacher Group): At Stamford School, we believe that strong school–family partnerships are the key to student success. When families and schools work together, children feel more supported, engaged, and motivated to do their best. Parent involvement not only strengthens our school community but also shows children that their education is a top priority.
One of the best ways to be involved is by joining our PTG. PTG provides families with opportunities to:
Connect with teachers and other parents.
Help plan events and activities that enrich our school community.
Share ideas and feedback that support student learning and well-being.
Model the importance of community involvement for our children.
We welcome all families to attend PTG meetings. We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM in the library. Children are always welcome too!
Staying Connected: Teacher email addresses are included with this newsletter (please scroll to the bottom). Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher directly at any time.
Earn Cash for Schools with Box Tops: Together, We Can Make a Big Difference! For over 25 years, Box Tops for Education has provided families with an easy way to earn money for schools with products they already buy. Today, you can find hundreds of participating products throughout the store, and all you need is the Box Tops app.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures:
For the safety and efficiency of our drop-off and pick-up process, please remain in your vehicle at arrival and dismissal times, regardless of your child's grade level. Students riding the school bus are dismissed first, and carline dismissal begins once the bus departs.
Key Reminders:
School doors do not open until 8:00 AM. For safety reasons, please do not drop off your child and drive away unless you see a staff member outside. Staff on morning duty include Ms. Legrand, Ms. Jalinskas, or me.
Stay in your car to keep the carline moving and prevent congestion.
Allow staff members on duty to assist students in safely entering and exiting vehicles.
A few additional reminders about the carline:
Please pull forward when dropping off your child.
Do not park or get out of your vehicle in the carline, as this causes delays.
At times, cars may need to wait on the road. While we understand this can be inconvenient, no vehicles should go around another car unless directed by a staff member.
Our top priority is student safety, and we appreciate your full cooperation to help keep drop-off safe and efficient for everyone. Thank you for your support and understanding.
CORE Values: Windham Southwest Supervisory Union Mission and Vision Statement: Windham Southwest Supervisory Union creates pathways for our students to become powerful communicators, critical thinkers, and collaborators who use empathy and take responsibility for relationships, lifelong learning, and adaptability in our changing world. Stamford School prepares students with the essential competencies identified by our Portrait of Student Success Design Team. Our core values guide us as we ensure our students’ success.
The Stamford School prioritizes the following competencies:
ADAPTABILITY: Demonstrate agility, creativity, and flexibility in thoughts and actions to negotiate a range of different views, roles, and situations
COMMUNICATION: Articulate thoughts and ideas, listen and respond effectively, decipher meaning, and build on others’ ideas for a range of purposes and audiences
COLLABORATION: Build collective commitment and action to achieve group goals by leveraging strengths, defining roles, sharing feedback, seeking diverse perspectives, and debating respectfully
CRITICAL THINKING: Analyze and evaluate meaning, significance, and impacts using evidence and inference while considering multiple perspectives
EMPATHY: Listen to, engage with, and care for the feelings, emotions, and experiences of others by practicing awareness, consideration, validation, respect, and sensitivity
RESPONSIBILITY: Act honestly, demonstrate care, honor commitments, seek help, repair harm, resolve conflicts, and consider consequences for risks while contributing to the community and the greater good.
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