We are so excited to welcome everyone back for another great year at Palmer River Elementary School! We hope you had wonderful summer break. We are looking forward to reacquainting with our students very soon! Please read below to learn some important information as we start the school year.
With the use of our Aspen student information system for many things, we hope that you were able to navigate logging in and determining your child's class placement for the upcoming school year. We've included the superintendent's message below; if you have issues with logging in, please reach out so we can assist.
The best way to feel like a part of our school community is to take an active role. We love volunteers, and our PTSA has planned many family-centered events that are enjoyed by all. Please complete a CORI form (background check) at the office if you are scheduled to volunteer one week prior to the planned school event.
Finally, we are looking for ONE parent/guardian representative to join our School Council. The School Council is comprised of both school and non-school members, and will work to incorporate our district's new Portrait of a Graduate and soon to be developed Strategic Plan into our School Improvement Plan. The commitment is one hour monthly, after school hours. Please email Mrs. Kefor (kkefor@drregional.org) if you would like to participate in this year-long project.
We look forward to a great year! If you should need assistance, please email or call us anytime.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Kristine Kefor, Principal
email: kkefor@drregional.org
Dr. Cheryl Leandro, Assistant Principal
email: cleandro@drregional.org
phone: 508-252-5100
#WeAreDR!
Grades K-4: The school day at Palmer River Elementary School begins at 9:05 AM, and our day ends at 3:20 PM. We begin our drop off procedures promptly at 8:55 AM and dismissal starts at 3:20 PM. Students who arrive after 9:05 AM should be accompanied by an adult to the front office to sign in.
Preschool: This year, the AM Preschool Session runs from 8:45 AM to 11:15 AM and the PM Preschool session runs from 12:30 to 3:00 PM.
Our student information system is accessible by parents/guardians and will be an important tool for families to utilize this year. Class placements were available to families on 8/29 via Aspen, and report cards, special education progress reports, and school forms will be housed in the Aspen portal.
The Aspen Parent Portal is a valuable tool allowing you to view and access your child's:
Teachers: Learn who your child’s teacher will be for the 2023-24 school year.
Attendance: Keep track of your child's attendance records to ensure they are actively engaged in learning.
Communication: Easily communicate with teachers, counselors, and school administrators within the portal.
- Support: The Aspen Parent Portal will empower you to actively support your child's academic journey and foster a stronger partnership between your family and the school community. Open communication and collaboration are vital for the success and well-being of our students.
We are committed to providing the best resources and support to ensure your child's successful and enriching academic year.
Ms. Georgia Eldridge joins us to cover Mrs. Trott's leave of absence in grade one until December break. She is excited to join our district, and graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2022. She majored in Psychology and Elementary Education. Her favorite subject to teach is Science, and in her free time, she enjoys painting and going on walks with her dog, Bella.
Ms. Francesca Facenda joins us as the new Speech Language Pathologist, and takes the place of Ms. Maria Dunn who retired after a long career with the Dighton Rehoboth Regional School District. Francesca is an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist and is licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She joins us with 20 years of experience working in the field of special education, thirteen of those years as a speech and language pathologist. In addition, Francesca holds her Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) Certification through RESNA. She has a passion for AAC and other forms of assistive technology to support students with a variety of communication needs. She is a fabulous addition to our team, and we are lucky to have her join us.
Each week, our school publishes a "weekly update" from the principal's office called "The Weekly Buzz." This weekly communication offers a recap of the weekly school happenings, and updates families on upcoming events. You can find previously published communications on our website by clicking HERE. We recommend you download the DR app and subscribe to PRES posts. If you actively use Facebook or Instagram, you can follow our school by clicking HERE.
Teachers will utilize the following communication tools: Aspen, Rooms with Thrillshare, school email, in-person meetings, and they will also make phone calls to families as needed. Please keep this in mind as the district no longer sanctions third party apps for family communication.
Ensuring the accuracy and currency of your email addresses and cell phone numbers in Aspen is of utmost importance to us. Maintaining this information allows us to communicate with you effectively. If you need assistance with updating this information, please contact our office at 508-252-5100.
Breakfast and lunch will be available and FREE for ALL students who attend public schools in Massachusetts. A-la-carte items (milk, sides, etc.) and eventually snacks will be available for purchase during lunchtime with cash, or with a student's "My School Bucks" account. This app allows families to make deposits to their child's cafeteria account for milk, water, snacks, or a second lunch. Please find a letter from Whitson's Nutrition Services HERE with more details. Students are also welcome to bring their lunch to school. We also recommend that they bring a labeled water bottle each day. Teachers will communicate regarding snacks in the classroom. We have included the monthly menu below, and meal menus are also available through THIS LINK.
Please do not send students to school with medications in their backpack. All medications must be brought by an adult to the school health office and must include doctor's orders. Please click HERE to print the required medication form to store any and all medications in the school health office. If you have questions or need contact the school nurse, her name is Ms. Alyson Bellora (email: abellora@drregional.org)
This year, all parents/guardians will be asked to complete their yearly forms and sign offs through Aspen. This will allow each and every family to track and view forms as they are completed and streamline the process for the school offices. As soon as this new feature is ready, we will email families.
Palmer River Elementary School
The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District
#WeAreDR!
Website: https://pres.drregional.org/
Location: 326 Winthrop Street, Rehoboth, MA 02769
Phone: 508-252-5100/Fax: 508-252-5110
