
JW Killam Principal's Corner
Ms. Leveque's Weekly Newsletter
From the Desk of Ms. Leveque
Week of October 9, 2022
We are fortunate to have an active Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) that provides opportunities for us to come together as a community through many events. They also offer enrichment opportunities to our students in the form of field trips and on-site programs. They truly help keep the Killam spirit alive! We have many events throughout October so check out the information below.
Our PTO is active and excited to plan for the year ahead. As part of the many opportunities open to our school community, we often have parent volunteers joining us. In order to volunteer for school activities (for example: chaperoning field trips, volunteering in school events like Halloween or Field Day, volunteering in the library, classroom helper) you must have a current CORI (Criminal Offender Record Check) on file. CORIs are valid for three years and cannot travel between districts or locations. For instance, if you have been CORI'd for your work, it cannot transfer to Killam. They can, however, travel between schools in the Reading Public Schools; if you have submitted a CORI form at Parker and are approved, we can honor that at Killam. If you are new to the Reading Public Schools or had your last CORI completed three years ago, please come by the office and complete a CORI. The form owner must physically turn in the information, presenting a valid government issued ID. The office is open for CORI checks from 7:30 to 3:30 each day.
Stay well,
Ms. Leveque
Killam Upcoming Dates
Monday, October 10th: No School- Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples Day
Tuesday, October 11th - Friday, October 14th: PTO Sponsored Scholastic Book Fair
Friday, October 14th: PTO Sponsored Marini Farm Family Fun Night, 3-6pm
Saturday, October 22nd: Reading METCO Apple Picking Event, 10:30am (see flyer below)
Friday, October 28th: Town Flu and Vaccine Clinic at Coolidge Middle School 2-6pm. Sign up here.
School Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 8:15-2:45 (8:10-11:30 for half-day kindergarten)
Friday, 8:15-12:45 (8:10-12:45 for half-day kindergarten)
Technology Update
The new passwords cannot be changed. We are using this approach so it supports students learning one password and cuts down with the challenges of needing to consistently reset passwords. All passwords will be reset for Google Classroom and Killam device logins during the week of November 9th.
Reporting an Absence
You can continue to call the school absence line and leave a message 24-hours a day. The number is 781-944-7831, option 1. Now, you can also email an absence to KillamAttendance@Reading.k12.ma.us. Either way, letting us know will help us make sure the Killam community is safely in the building or at home.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. The Reading Public Schools is committed to the success of all students. This is a district priority and for students of color, and different religions and background to feel like they are included in this “all” then they need to see themselves in the Reading Public Schools. What does that look like? Well, it’s what we hear in our announcements, it’s what we hear from the adults working in the building, it’s what we learn in the classroom through lessons and assignments, its emphasizing it to our staff to celebrate and teach these things, it’s what we see on the walls in the halls as we transition from class to class, and it’s what we are having for lunch from off our lunch menu. We want to launch this work by recognizing different cultures and experiences within our community.
Check out this virtual bookshelf that Kim Adamo, our library media specialist, put together that shares stores and videos about the Hispanic culture.
Speech and Language Ideas
Occupational Therapy Activities
PTO Corner
Reading METCO Event
SEPAC News
Killam School Map
Parent PlusPortal Access
As a parent guardian of a child in the Reading Public Schools, you have access to the Parent PlusPortal. The Portal will be used throughout your child’s academic career as it is where you update your child’s emergency contact information, view report cards, and beyond elementary school, see your child’s grades in real time. It also acts as a communication portal between you and your child’s teacher where oftentimes, different academic links, notes, or activities are shared.
If you are a returning parent, your account is still active. If you are new parent guardian and have not received access, please reach out to our school administrative assistant, Jackie Maglio at jaculen.maglio@reading.k12.ma.us. At that point, you will receive a separate email with your PlusPortal login information. The subject line of the email is Important! Killam School PlusPortals login. This is a confidential portal that is linked to your email account. You have 48 hours to activate your Portal account using the temporary password supplied through the email. Once you login, you can update the password and personal information.
School Lunches free 2022-2023
About These Services
Ms. Sarah Leveque, Principal
Email: sarah.leveque@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: http://reading.k12.ma.us/killam/
Location: 333 Charles Street, Reading, MA, USA
Phone: 781-944-7831
Facebook: facebook.com/JWKillamSchool
Twitter: @Killamnews