LAW Principal's Corner

We hope this message finds you well and enjoying the autumn season. October is here, and we have some important updates and exciting news to share with you!

First and foremost, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you who attended our recent Open House. Your presence and active participation mean the world to us, and we're thrilled to have you as part of our school community.

Pick Up Mirror Ticket Reminder: A friendly reminder to keep your Mirror Ticket on your car's mirror throughout the entire pick-up line. This helps ensure a smooth and efficient dismissal process, keeping everyone safe and organized. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!

Homework Responsibilities: As we dive into October, it's an excellent time to reflect on homework responsibilities from a parent's perspective. Encourage your child to take ownership of their homework assignments, but also be there to provide guidance and support when needed. A consistent homework routine and designated study space at home can make a significant difference in your child's academic success.

Benchmark Testing Results: We are excited to share that we have completed our first Benchmark testing in grades K-5. This valuable information will guide us in providing targeted instruction to support each student's individual learning needs. We are committed to helping every child reach their full potential, and these results will play a crucial role in tailoring our approach to their academic growth.

Important Update Change: Trivia Night Cancellation: Unfortunately, we must announce that our PTO Trivia Night scheduled for October 20th has been canceled.

Thank You, Volunteers! A big shout-out to the parents who have generously volunteered to run after-school clubs. Your dedication is invaluable, and your efforts enhance the educational experience for our students. There will be many more opportunities to volunteer throughout the year, so if you haven't had a chance to get involved yet, please consider doing so. Staying connected with the school not only benefits your child but also strengthens our entire school community.

Exciting Month Ahead: We have an exciting month ahead, packed with enriching activities and events for our students. Please take the time to read through this month's newsletter to stay updated on all the happenings here at the Lura A. White Elementary School.

We look forward to an amazing October together and can't wait to see all the wonderful things our students will accomplish. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school.

Warm regards,

Beth Lewis, Principal

Ryan Donaher, Asst. Principal

Oct. 2-16 - MCM Bread and Cookie Dough Fundraiser

Oct. 1, 8 and 9 - Fall Family Pictures Sponsored by the PTO not on school premises

Oct. 3- School Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. HS

Oct. 6 - School Wide Assembly - "Bye, Bye, Bullying Presentation"

Oct. 9 - No School -Columbus Day/Indigenous People's Day

Oct. 10 - ASPTO Meeting 7:00 p.m. via Zoom or in person @ MS Library

Oct. 11 - Early Release Day 1:45 p.m. Dismissal

Oct. 13 - School Picture Day

Oct. 16-20 - STEM Week

Oct. 18 - PTO Restaurant Night @ Panera in Leominster 4-8 p.m.

Oct. 18 - School Committee Meeting @ 6:30 p.m. MS

Oct. 20 - School Spirit Day - Panther Pride Day - Wear School Colors

Oct 20 - Trivia Night is Cancelled - please cross off the calendar that was sent home

Oct. 24 - First Panther Leadership Meeting (members only Gr. 4/5) 3:25-4:15

Oct. 25 - 90 minute release 1:45 p.m. dismissal

Oct. 23-27 Pumpkin Decorating Week (see below for details)

Oct. 30 - Pick up pumpkins or pumpkins will go home if not picked up

Oct. 31 - Storybook Character Day

After School Clubs Schedules

FLL: Oct. 3,10,17, 24 until 5:30

Fitness: Oct.16, 23, 30 until 4:00

Ukulele: Oct.17, 24, 31 until 4:15

Chess: Oct. 18, 25 starts 7:35 a.m.

Comic Book: Oct.19, 26 until 4:15

Hip Hop: Oct.19, 26 until 4:00

Sci and Sensory: Oct.19, 26 until 4:15

Lego: Oct. 20, 27 until 4:15

Baseball: Oct. 20, 27 until 4:15

During the week of Oct. 23-27 bring in a decorated pumpkin to fill up our LAW "Pumpkin Patch"! Students' pumpkins will be on display in the lobby throughout the week for our students to enjoy.

A few rules about pumpkin decorating:

• Please do not bring in carved or cut out pumpkins-decorate outside of pumpkin only.
• Use any kind of gourd.
• Be creative and have fun!

If you would like to drop the pumpkins off during after school hours I am usually here on most days until 5:30 p.m.

Your child will be able to take their pumpkin home on Oct. 30th.

One of the topics we discussed at the Open House parent meeting was the importance of good school attendance. I would like to clarify the process we follow at LAW to help improve attendance situations that may arise.

At LAW:

• We monitor attendance numbers daily.
• Families will receive notices from our office if your child is chronically absent.
• Chronic absenteeism is defined as 10% of the days school has been in session. (Currently school has been in session for approximately 20 days. If your child has missed 2 or 3 days already they are considered chronically absent)
• Parents may be asked to meet with the principal in order to work out a plan if your child's attendance reaches a level of high concern.
• Outside agencies may be involved if attendance issues cannot be resolved between the school administration and the family.

Of course we know your child will get sick and they need to stay home. Please follow the district guidelines for reasons to keep your child home.

Most importantly missing school can be detrimental to your child's academic success. Please remember we are here to assist you should you have difficulties getting your child to attend school.

Massachusetts STEM Week 2022 takes place from October 16 -20, and is organized by the Executive Office of Education and the STEM Advisory Council. It is a statewide effort to boost the interest, awareness and ability for all learners to envision themselves in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and employment opportunities, and compliment the formal instruction happening in the Commonwealth beyond STEM week.

Students will participate in STEM related activities throughout the week!

We will make sure to put plenty of photos of all the wonderful STEM activities in the next November Newsletter!

Catherine Chasse, School Adjustment Counselor Gr. 3-5

Haley Flaherty-Dawson, School Adjustment Counselor Gr. K-2

Please click on the link for our School Adjustment Counselors' Monthly Newsletter:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DTu4ccAggkn8i2UmRZK28dvtw50pPUB4/view?usp=sharing

Snack Pack Program Information:

The cost of food seems especially high right now. Families who need a little extra help are invited to sign their students up for the LAW Weekend Snack Pack Program. The form can be found here, or email if you prefer that we send home a paper copy.

Volunteer Opportunity: If you would like to come in every Thursday at the end of the school day and pack and deliver the Snack Packs to homeroom teachers this is the opportunity for you! Email Beth Lewis @ elewis@asrsd.org if you are interested. (We have split the workload between two volunteers in the past and they came in on alternating weeks).

Happy Fall,

Haley Flaherty-Dawson SAC

hflaherydawson@asrsd.org (978) 772-8600 x 1116

Catherine Chasse SAC

cchasse@asrsd.org (978) 772-8600 x1104

PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports)

Happy Fall! It has been such a great month getting to meet and know your student(s), and it has been wonderful to meet many of you. From caretaker drop-off, Open House, hallway interactions when you are in the building, I have enjoyed seeing the level of caretaker involvement here at LAW.

This month, students have been briefed on all school expectations as they pertain to the school, classrooms, recess, bathrooms, and the bus. Students have been working hard to be great community members and have been earning green and gold PAWS to use at the School Store.

In the month ahead, we will continue to educate and reinforce these expectations at our Friday Schoolwide Weekly Meetings. At home, please have a conversation with your student(s) about all school expectations including what it means to be a safe passenger on the school bus--this would be very helpful.

Behavior Expectations Matrix:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J4h1Ad9hnNajigJwXZi6UZNT7qxrdyXU7MTt9i5sCV0/edit?usp=sharing

As always, I am here to help and support--please do not hesitate to reach out. I am looking forward to the month ahead and the fall-like weather. For now, I hope that you all have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable October ahead.

All my very best,

Dr. Donaher

Be You & Be Well

The Panther Leadership Team is an opportunity for our Grade 4 and 5 students to take on a leadership role in our school. Student leadership is such an important part of our school community. It allows our older students to feel a sense of ownership and pride in their school. It also gives them a voice in decision making and the opportunity to participate in various student-led school events.

We will be sending out an application to grade 4 and 5 students. We will accept the first 40 applicants who properly fulfill the application process. Former PLT members (now gr. 5 students) need only fill out the application and do not need to complete the essay. ,

There will be criteria that students will have to abide by in order to maintain their leadership status once they are on the leadership team (this will be highlighted in the application process).

Meetings will be held after school on the last Tuesday of the month. Once we complete our first meeting at the end of October, we will be able to pull together the calendar for the remainder of the year. Please look for the application form in your child's folder in the next few weeks. First meeting will be held on October 24th from 3:25-4:15 p.m.

Electronic Version of PLT Application:

https://dochub.com/m/shared-document/elisabethlewis/Noek8bMwxDvkPgbwl7d2qm/plt-application-gr-4-and-5-3-docx?dt=wbp1NyeShkD2oreJi-w6

Classroom Celebrations

At LAW we participate in non-food celebrations for most events. Our school does not support bringing in food-related items for classroom celebrations, with occasional exceptions. Some students have food allergies and we want everyone to feel included in the celebration.

Please keep the following suggestions in mind when offering to contribute to a special occasion or birthday celebration in your child’s classroom:

· A craft activity

· Reading with your child’s class

· A book donation in your child’s name for the classroom library

· Colorful pencils or markers

· Stickers

This year on Oct. 31st students in grades 1-5 can dress up like their favorite storybook character. Classrooms might choose to select a book or book series and all students in that classroom will dress like a character from the same book. Or teachers may just decide to allow their students to pick their own favorite storybook character to portray. Please look for this information in your child's classroom monthly or weekly communication before purchasing or pulling together a costume for your child .

Kindergarten students will be following their own special celebration. Please look for the Kindergarten Newsletter for further details.

Please no weapon-like accessories or scary masks.

Make sure the costume your child wears is comfortable, respectable and able to be worn during recess . Students will wear their costumes to school and be expected to wear it throughout the day.

LAW Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mission Statement

At the Lura A. White Elementary School we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual, embrace diverse backgrounds and respect differing points of view to build a strong inclusive community. As we learn together, we draw on the differences in we are.