Meadow Pond Elementary School

February 14, 2020   

 Dear Meadow Pond Families,

 We have all heard the “rumor” that there will be an early spring. Time will tell!  In the meantime, our students have been enjoying outdoor recess and the occasional indoor recess as well. As you know, our students go outside as much as possible so they should come to school dressed appropriately. As a reminder, if the temperature, including the wind chill factor, is above 20 degrees Fahrenheit, our students are outside for recess.     

 SEL and Town Meetings:

Throughout the day, in addition to academics, our students experience Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).  Many of those experiences are planned purposefully by our teachers and our specialists, some experiences occur spontaneously (teachable moments).  Classroom conversations about a variety of situations, including interacting with others and understanding how others might feel, help our students to learn how to be Kind, Respectful, Responsible and Safe both in and out of school.  

 Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5 Town Meetings on January 30^th, focused on celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. and especially his message: “The time is always right to do what is right.”  As part of the assembly, our fifth graders were involved in a skit with several mascots, Max the Moose and Maxine the Moose, Eddie the Eagle, Les the Leopard and Buddy the Bulldog, as we shared the meaning of kindness, empathy and inclusion. Max and Maxine were hesitant to have the Eagle, the Leopard and the Bulldog join them at their table for lunch because they are not Moose. Through thoughtful conversation, they realized some of the things they all have in common – such as playing GaGa and a love of music and dance.  After they had some fun dancing together on the stage, they all sat down at the same table to enjoy their lunch.

 Additionally, our Recycling Matters Club shared that they have been coming in before school to work together collecting items to donate to those less fortunate than themselves. They collect bottles and cans that have refundable deposits and donate that money to local charitable organizations.

Wellness:

This week our PTO sponsored Wellness Night which included several tables with representatives from the Lewisboro Land Trust, the Lewisboro Playground Improvement Project, and Relay for Life.  There was also a Doula, who helps women postpartum, a technology conversation for adults with Christopher Nelson, our Technology Director, and activities for students with Nicholas Grasso, our Library Media Specialist, and conversation and resources for families with Barbara Milone, our School Social Worker, and Lara Monasch, our School Psychologist. Additionally, there were healthy snacks and a Zumba experience for everyone to enjoy.  Thanks to all who participated and especially to Shantala DuGay for working to make this event a success.

 This time of year can be challenging for families as we are in the midst of the cold and flu season. Our custodians are continuously cleaning and disinfecting our classrooms and other areas throughout the building to help to reduce the spread of germs. We remind our students to wash their hands carefully and often, cover their mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing, drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest. We respectfully ask you to join with us and remind them as well.  Additionally, if your child has a fever, they must remain at home.  Please remember that they must be free of fever (without medication) for twenty-four hours before they return to school.   

 Concerts:

Our Band Concert last week received rave reviews.  Our fourth and fifth graders performed beautifully and received a resounding applause. Next week we are looking forward to enjoying our Strings and Chorus Concert on Wednesday evening (see calendar below). Thank you to our instrumental music and chorus teachers, Ms. Amato, Mrs. Kirshenbaum, Ms. Ouellette and Mrs. Richardson. Thank you to our families for your support of these programs.  

 Upcoming Events:

Monday, February 17^th                       Presidents’ Day/School Recess

Tuesday, February 18^th                       Superintendent’s Conference Day (no students)

Wednesday, February 19^th                  Strings and Chorus Concert at MPES  7:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 27^th                     Board of Education Budget overview  7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 29^th                      Board of Education Budget roll out 8:30 a.m.

Friday, March 6^th                                    Pasta Night

                                                                      Parent Portal opens for Progress Reports

 If you have any questions, please contact the main office. 

 Sincerely,

Carolann Castellano                           Dawn Pomeroy                        

Principal                                              Assistant Principal