Panda Press
May 5, 2023
Dear Thacher Families:
Next week is our final week of MCAS for the year with our third and fourth grade students completing the math portion of the assessment. Fourth grade families should note that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) voluntary Views of Climate and Learning (VOCAL) survey is administered after the MCAS in the following grades and content areas: Grade 4 Mathematics, Grade 5 & 8 Science, and Grade 10 Mathematics. It is designed to provide schools with information on student perceptions of three dimensions of school climate (engagement, safety, and environment).
If you would like to learn more about this survey as well as the questions that are asked, please click on the following link: Views of Climate and Learning (VOCALS) Survey Project
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Frank W. Rich
Principal
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week is Next Week!
2023-2024 Fee for Service Information
APS will offer bus service on a Fee for Service basis for the 2023-2024 school year. Registration opens on Monday, May 8, 2023, and closes on July 31, 2023. Please review the email sent by the APS Welcome Center on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, or visit the Transportation website for more information: https://www.attleboroschools.com/o/apswc/page/transportation
Join us on May 23, 2023, for a presentation on the Basic Rights in Special Education and Meaningful Parent Participation. This presentation will provide an introduction to parents' rights and responsibilities under current federal and state special education laws, along with tools to help parents participate in their student’s education. Register now: https://tinyurl.com/yfpewvfn
April's Panda Pride Golden Ticket Winners
This Week in Health
Students were introduced to sportsmanship. What it takes to be a good sport vs. a sore loser. Students were partnered up and asked to express some ideas or situations in their life in which they lost some sort of competition. Students then shared how that made them feel, and came up with ideas to show good sportsmanship. Students came up with ideas such as saying “good luck, good game, nice shot,” or even simply just saying nothing and giving a high five. Students were given some scenarios in which they were able to act out and even show off their skills to the class.
Then students were put to the test! This time of year our 4th grade students compete in a class kickball tournament, in which the winning class gets a chance to play against the teachers. Students of all grades have been learning the rules and fundamentals of kickball. While playing kickball, showing good sportsmanship is highly enforced even though the tension is high and students are playing all out! Best of luck to our 4th graders!
Mr. Henry, Health Teacher
Great start to first week with over 60 participants grades K-4
Kid quotes about BOKS:
“I liked the running sprints… I liked the over under game with the ball… I liked the soldier walk stretch… I liked toilet tag… I liked doing planks.” ~ Kindergarten students
“I loved the relay races and yoga the most. I also liked playing with my friends.” ~ Noah B. Grade 1
“I wake up early and get to move around. Then I feel more awake and ready to learn! The thing I like most about BOKS is the activities because they are really fun, especially when we get to move around in different ways.” ~ Auggie C. Grade 2
“The yoga was the best because it was relaxing.” ~ Charlotte R. Grade 3
“I thought BOKS was really entertaining and a good way to start the morning. I also made new friends. The activities were fun and I got way better at my plank. All the teachers are super supportive and the kids. That’s what I like about BOKS.” ~ Lillian B. Grade 4
BOKS KIDS of the WEEK – “FEET performed a FEAT”
Students this week who were FRIENDLY, showed good EFFORT, had a good ATTITUDE and were a TEAM-PLAYER
Kindergarten – Amari Francis
Grade 1 - Isaac Morales
Grade 2 - Oliver MacKinnon
Grade 3 – Hannah Ventola
Grade 4 -Gage Viveiros
BOKS ROCKS STAR of the WEEK – winner of mini Meddy Teddy
Amari Francis – Kindergarten
Lead Trainer – Lisa Kilfoyle
Volunteer Trainers:
Aimee Case
Jacob Chippo
Erin Crouteau
Maia Forrest-Borgal
Aly Frank
Meghan Haviland
Alicia Paine
Julie St. Jean
Mind Matters: Insights from our School Psychologist
Healthy Sleeping Habits for Elementary School Children
Getting a good night's sleep is essential for everyone, but it's especially important for elementary school children. Children in this age group need more sleep than adults to support their growth and development. Here are some tips to help your child develop healthy sleeping habits:
1. Set a Consistent Bedtime
Having a consistent bedtime helps your child's body get into a routine, making it easier for them to fall asleep at night. Set a bedtime that allows for enough sleep, and stick to it every night.
2. Create a Bedtime Routine
Create a relaxing bedtime routine that includes activities like taking a bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music. This routine can help your child wind down and prepare for sleep.
3. Avoid Screen Time Before Bed
The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt your child's sleep cycle, making it harder for them to fall asleep. Avoid screen time for at least an hour before bedtime.
4. Make the Bedroom a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Make sure your child's bedroom is a comfortable and peaceful environment for sleep. This includes keeping the room cool, dark, and quiet.
5. Limit Caffeine Intake
Caffeine can interfere with your child's ability to fall asleep. Avoid giving your child caffeinated drinks like soda or tea, especially in the evening.
By following these tips, you can help your child develop healthy sleeping habits that will support their growth and development. A good night's sleep will help them feel rested, focused, and ready to tackle the challenges of the day.
Title I/ELL Night was a huge success!
Monthly Meeting
Come and join the monthly PTO meeting in the cafeteria. Learn about what events/areas are being supported and find out ways to volunteer at Thacher/ELC.
Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 06:30 PM
Peter Thacher Elementary School, James Street, Attleboro, MA, USA
Other Important Information & Upcoming Dates
Book now: Manet Community Health at the APS Welcome Center
Manet Community Health Center is now offering Insurance Navigation Services and new patient intake and scheduling on-site at the APS Welcome Center! Book now and learn more here: https://www.attleboroschools.com/o/apswc/page/manet-community-health-center
May 8-12: Staff Appreciation Week (see flyers above)
May 8 & 9: Gr. 4 MCAS - Math
May 9: PTO Meeting
May 10: Student Placement Info Sheets Due (optional)
May 10 & 11: Gr. 3 MCAS - Math
May 12: Early Release Day (K-8)
June 2: Last Day of School (Kindergarten only)
June 15: Early Release Day/Last Day of School (Gr. 1 -12)
Thacher Elementary School
Email: frich@attleboroschools.com
Website: http://tes.attleboroschools.com/
Location: 160 James Street, Attleboro, MA, USA
Phone: (508) 226-4162
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thacherelementary