Torringford Tigers
October 2023
A Message from Mrs. Galullo & Mrs. Austin
We hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. As the colorful leaves of autumn begin to change colors, we find ourselves immersed in a season of learning, growth, and community here at Torringford School.
We were pleased to see so many families at our Welcome Back Night in September. Our parent-teacher conferences are just around the corner; scheduled for November 17th, 20th, and 21st. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with your child's teachers, discuss student progress, and set goals for the upcoming months. Your involvement in your child's education is invaluable, and we encourage all families to participate. Please be on the lookout for parent/teacher signups in the coming weeks.
Home and school communication is very important; please contact your child's teacher should you have any questions or concerns. Likewise, teachers will be contacting you directly if they have any concerns.
We truly appreciate your ongoing support and believe that by working together we can create the best possible environment that allows students to achieve success. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. Together, let's make this school year a memorable and enriching experience for our students.
Wishing you a fantastic October filled with joy, learning, and togetherness.
In partnership,
Mrs. Galullo & Mrs. Austin
Principal & Assistant Principal
Friendly Reminders from the Main Office
SCHOOL VISITORS
- All visitors must check in at the school office, provide a valid photo identification, and wear a visitor badge while on campus.
- No visitors, including parents or district personnel, may go to the classrooms or other site locations without first checking in at the office.
DELIVERING ITEMS TO STUDENTS
- Occasionally students may forget their lunch or other important items. To minimize classroom disruptions, please bring these items to the front door and a staff member will happily deliver the items to the classroom.
LOST & FOUND
- Clothing and other items are picked up daily from the playground and the cafeteria and deposited in the bins/rack outside the gymnasium. If your child has lost an article of clothing, please remind them to check the Lost & Found.
- Lost eyeglasses are on display in the main office.
- Please label your child's belongings with their full name!
- All unclaimed items are donated to a charitable organization.
PICKING YOUR CHILD UP EARLY
- The school office is closed for pick up after 3:00pm (1:00pm on early dismissal days). If you are picking your child up early; please do so before 3:00pm.
- Last minute changes can not be made after 2 pm.
- Otherwise, your child will need to be picked up as a parent pick-up in the car/walker line at 3:35pm dismissal (1:35pm on early dismissal days).
Torringford Tigers are RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and SAFE!
At Torringford School we use PAWSOME cards as a proactive, school-wide system that encourages positive behavior and improves social, emotional, and academic outcomes for all students.
During the month of September, there has been a school-wide focus on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors. At Torringford, we have clear behavior expectations for all students in various settings – in the classroom, in the hallways, on the playground, in the cafeteria, on the school bus, and so on. These expectations are communicated clearly to all students.
When students meet these expectations, they are recognized and rewarded. This positive reinforcement can be in the form of verbal praise, PAWSOME awards, special privileges, or other incentives. By emphasizing positive behaviors, we create a school culture where students feel safe, respected, responsible, and ready to learn.
When students know what is expected of them and are acknowledged for their positive behaviors, they are more likely to make good choices. This, in turn, improves the overall school atmosphere, making it a better place for everyone – students, teachers, and parents alike.
You can support this at home by reinforcing the same positive behaviors that are encouraged at school. Praise your child for their good behavior, set clear expectations at home, and establish routines. By maintaining consistency between home and school, we can work together to reinforce positive behavior in your child.
We appreciate your partnership in promoting a positive learning environment for all students. Please be sure to celebrate your student when they share with you a PAWSOME award received at school.
School Attendance
Learning Happens Every Day
Good attendance is a vital part of the educational process and is closely related to successful performance in school. Our goal is for students to have 10 or fewer absent days by the end of the school year. We want to focus on good attendance while still being mindful of your child’s health and safety.
Parents/Guardians, help your child succeed in school by building the habit of Good Attendance. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves.
Here are some tips for building good attendance habits:
- Set a regular bed time and morning routine.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up.
- Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
We love seeing all of our students in school!
Every Day a Student is Absent is a
Lost Opportunity for Learning
Drop In Principals' Virtual Coffee Hour
Click HERE for the Zoom link.
Mark Your Calendar
October 11: PTO Meeting - Torringford Library Media Center @5:30 Click HERE to attend VIRTUALLY
October 16: Lyman Orchard Pie Fundraiser Deadline
October 17: Picture Day
October 19: Early Dismissal (1:35)
October 21: Ruwett Farms PTO Berry Scary Fall Festival (Torringford & Forbes Families ~ 4:00-6:00 pm). RSVP By October 18th.
October 31: Character Day Students dress as a story book character. No masks please.
November 7: No School - Election Day
November 10: Veterans Day Ceremony for Students & Veterans 9:45 am Torringford (this is not open to the public; only prearranged family veterans can attend the school assembly).
November 16th: Early Dismissal 1:35 pm Teacher Professional Learning
November 17, 20, 21: Early Dismissal 1:35 pm (Parent Conferences)
November 22 - 24: Thanksgiving Recess
"Kind" is in KINDergarten
Meet the Kindergarten Team
Miss Mangan
Mrs. Reinert
Mrs. Harris
Ms. Mangine
Mrs. Zapatka
Mrs. French
Mrs. Cruz
Mrs. Pelletier
Look What's Happening in Kindergarten
Our new reading curriculum encourages discussion amongst students. Partners have opportunities to share what they learned from texts with each other. We are engaging in reading activities, such as listening to reading, turn and talks, activities such as "letter hunts", and through our play. Our reading curriculum incorporates writing for a purpose. In our beginning units we are practicing using basic writing strokes to share what we learned about plants and animals needs with drawings.
The Kindergarten team appreciates the attendance we had at "Welcome Back Night" in September. Being engaged in your child's educational experiences has been proven to improve a young child's growth and academic progress.
Meet the First Grade Team
Mrs. Hagymasi
Mrs. Campbell
Mrs. Meyers
Mrs. Nilsson
Ms. Mattiello
Mrs. Yunt
Mrs. Prichard
Look What's Happening in First Grade
In grammar, we've been learning about nouns. Ms. Mattiello's class created a "noun town" with lots of people, places and things!
In math, first graders have been exploring different tools and counting by 2's, 5's and 10's!
Kickin’ It Second Grade Style
We are off to a great start in Second Grade at Torringford.
Meet the 2nd Grade TEAM!
Mrs. Lorentzen
Mrs. Henry
Mrs. Deloy
Miss O’Connor
Miss Schone
Mrs. Poklemba
Mr. Mastro
Mrs. Giampaolo
Getting our Beetles on in Grade 2 Math!
- A circle beetle means I am a boy while an oval beetle means I am a girl.
- The number of lines on my beetle represents the number of people I live with.
- The color of my beetle represents my favorite season.
Ask Mrs. Poklemba’s students some of the different ways we can show our work! We’re not using fingers anymore!
Look What's Happening in Grade 3
A Message from Your Library Media Specialist
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! My name is Mrs. Farella and I am the school library media specialist. Mrs. Reynolds is the library media assistant. Here at Torringford Elementary School your child will be participating in the library program. Our program consists of a variety of lessons and activities to help your child become an independent library user.
Each week your child will be able to check out a book. It will be due back the following week on their library day (listed below). Books can always be returned on days that are not their assigned library day in case of absence or other reasons. If your child forgets their book on library day they may have the option of taking a free book from the discarded book section. This book does not have to be returned.
If a book becomes lost or damaged please contact myself or Mrs. Reynolds at 860-489-2300 ext. 1437. Also, feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
It is going to be a great year!
Sincerely,
Michelle Farella
Library Media Specialist
Torringford Elementary School
Reading Intervention
Math Intervention students having been using iPads to practice math fact fluency on Freckle, and Reading Intervention students are excited to read engaging new decodable reading materials!
PTO Corner
If you are interested in volunteering, joining the PTO, or participating in school committees, please email: torringfordpto@gmail.com.
Your support enriches our students' learning experience and strengthens our school community.
Attend the PTO Meeting on October 11th
Click HERE for more information.
Lyman Orchards Pie Fundraiser
Click HERE for more information.
Torringford Elementary School
Torringford School is a safe and welcoming community where we take care of people and foster positive relationships. Our team spirit supports and acknowledges everyone. Optimists persist to meet challenges with the flexibility and empathy to create healthy, enthusiastic, life-long learners.
Educate. Explore. Inspire.
Email: gaustin@torrington.org
Website: http://torringtontorringford.ss16.sharpschool.com
Location: 800 Charles Street, Torrington, CT, USA
Phone: (860)489-2300
Facebook: facebook.com/TorringfordTigers