Welcome Lanesborough Elementary School Open House October 18, 2016

Agenda: Introduction Core Values Curriculum Update School Wide Goals Handbook Highlights Nurse – Guidance News Homework Policy Communication

Principal Wiley Educator for 25 years Starting my 7th year as a School Administrator Experience as a Building Principal and Assistant Principal 19 years as a classroom teacher in grades 2, 3 and 4 New to the Berkshires

Core Values and Beliefs Creating a “Growth Mindset” among our students and faculty Creating engaging learning environments for all students Using Research based Instructional Practices that meet the needs of every child. Providing students with the knowledge and skills to be socially responsible citizens, who can analyze information, think critically, and problem solve. Creating a strong home and school partnership where parent involvement is welcomed.

Curriculum:

Curriculum Update Everyday Math Updated 2016 version Common Core Standards infused in the updated Math Curriculum Framework that was published in August 2017. Assessment – Unit Benchmarks Reading Street ELA Curriculum 2012 Version Grades 1 and 2 added a consumable to improve, spelling, grammar and writing. On-line data assessment to begin Science: Mystery Science – K-6 Hands On – Leading students in the doing of science and engineering NGSS – Support the transition to the Next Generation Science Standards and support the Common Core Learning - Captivate students with short videos and discussion questions.

Curriculum Update Continued: Grade 6 – Discovery Education Tech-book Science Program Standards Based Easy to use tools and resources Track My Progress High Performing students Students who have made significant improvement Students who are in need of intervention. Social Emotional Learning: Second Step Steps to Respect Mindfulness

School Wide Goals Technology Integration 1:1 Chromebook Initiative Grades 3-6 Google Apps Google Classroom Assessment: Using online Benchmark Assessment to monitor student progress – Track My Progress Focus: Next Generation Science Standards K-6 Integration Mystery Science online resource K-6 Discovery Science Education – Grade 6 Increase non-fiction materials to support science topics Project based teaching and learning Focus on Social Emotional Learning Community Building - Monthly Character Traits: Respect – November Anti-Bullying Program – Grades 3-6 Staff Development. Parent Workshop

Handbook Highlights Attendance School starts at 8:35 and ends at 3:10pm Families make every effort not to make appointments or take vacations while school is in session Please remember to call the school if your child will be absent for the day. Tardy Students arriving after 8:35 will need to report to the main office for a late slip.

Health School Nurse: Agnes Witkowski To reach our school nurse, please call the main number and press Ext: 106 Please do not send your child into school if they have had a fever/diarrhea or have been vomiting. A child with any of these symptoms should stay out of school until he or she is symptom free for 24 hours without medication. Please do not send any child to school with cough drops

Guidance Mrs. Viall Counselor’s Role is to to work together in partnership with school staff, families and community supports to promote the ongoing growth of each student’s academic, social and personal goals. The counselor will assist all students in realizing their abilities, interests and goals as they transition through the educational process to become successful members of society and life-long learners.

Homework Policy The purpose of homework is to develop independent study habits, to reinforce classroom instruction, to prepare for upcoming lessons. Types of Homework: Practice to review the days lesson Preparation for an activity or an in class assignment Long term assignments Time Allotments: 10 minutes x’s each grade (1-6) average time per night 10 -60 minutes Reading nightly 15 -30 minutes will strengthen students comprehension and increase their vocabulary development Reading is often integrated into assignments. Nightly read alouds with an adult are recommended for students in Grades K-3. Partner reading at grades 4-6 is highly recommended.

Updated Morning and Afternoon Procedures Students having breakfast may enter the main entrance at 8:20 School Buses will be unloaded at 8:25 each morning. Parent Drop Off is at our side entrance and begins at 8:25. Grade Level Para’s will meet your students and assist them in getting to class on time. Students will be unloaded on the passenger side of the vehicle. If you need to unload your child from the vehicle, please pull ahead of the crosswalk to unload so you do not hold up the drop off line. Tardy: Students entering the building after 8:35 are considered late. They need to check in the main office to pick up a Tardy slip. Please be sure to sign in at the main office when visiting the building. Many of us are new in the main office and it would be very helpful if you brought your ID in when dismissing your child until we get to know you.

School Wide Communication School Website – Updated Monthly Monthly Principal’s Newsletter – Posted on the Lanesborough School Webpage and archived. Weekly Notices and Community News will be sent out each Friday School Messenger for updates and reminders -Email addresses need to be up to date to receive these messages.