On October 24, 2023, we will convene our first meeting of Palmer River Elementary's School Council. There are four major areas of responsibility for school councils. School councils assist principals in:
Adopting educational goals for the school that are consistent with local educational policies and statewide student performance standards
Identifying the educational needs of students attending the school
Reviewing the annual school building budget
Formulating a school improvement plan
Thank you to the parents and guardians who offered to participate as a parent representative member. Our PTSA held an election by paper ballot at the last meeting, and our newest school council member is Katy Wilson. Congratulations! The meeting information and agenda is linked below; if you would like to join us, our meetings are open to the public and in person at Palmer River Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Kristine Kefor, Principal & Dr. Cheryl Leandro, Assistant Principal
email: kkefor@drregional.org & cleandro@drregional.org
phone: 508-252-5100
Greetings Palmer River Families and Friends,
Let me once again share with you information about keeping some friends with food allergies safe during the upcoming Halloween celebration.
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for the one in thirteen children living with food allergies, and many others impacted by “food intolerances'' and “other conditions”. Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep, or a poster in your window, signals that in addition to candy, you offer non-food trinkets as treats that are safe for all trick or treaters. We have used a plastic teal pumpkin purchased from a local pharmacy and placed a flashlight in it.
Some ideas for treats are glow sticks, bouncy balls, finger puppets, stickers, coins, spider rings, vampire fangs, pencils, noise makers and much more.
For more information on the Teal Pumpkin Project and a map of homes participating in thai important project - click here Teal Pumpkin Project - FoodAllergy.org
Some Halloween Safety tips to follow for allergy safety:
Stock up on safe treats or inexpensive trinkets/toys to trade for any unsafe candies your child might receive while trick-or-treating. I made a purchase on AMAZON for a box of Halloween themed toys, tattoos, and stickers.
You can use sorting through your child's candy as an opportunity to teach him or her about hidden allergens and reading labels.
Enforce a “no eating while trick-or-treating” rule, so that you have time to review all food labels.
Avoid candy and treats that do not have an ingredient label. This is a challenging one - see below.
Keep in mind that the mini-size, fun-size, or bite-size version of candy may contain different ingredients than their full-size counterparts. Make no assumptions, and read all labels carefully.
Keep the emphasis on the fun, rather than the candy.
Consider starting a tradition by allowing your kids to leave their unsafe candies out for the “Good Witch” to collect and leave behind small gifts and safe treats.
Consider making small and safe “goody bags” for neighbors to give to your child. Deliver the bags in advance and describe your child’s costume to your neighbors. Encourage your child to trick-or-treat at the houses in which you’ve delivered the bags.
Consider skipping trick-or-treating, and have a Halloween party instead, featuring safe and delicious treats. You can skip the treats altogether by replacing them with other fun… Halloween toys, games, or party favors.
Remember that a candy that has been safe for your child in the past may now have different ingredients. Read the label, every time.
From all of us at Palmer River, be safe and have fun this coming Halloween!
Nurse Bellora BSN RN NCSN PRES abellora@drregional.org
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
