Meadow Pond Elementary School

January 18, 2019                                              

 Dear Meadow Pond Families,

 Our students returned from the holiday break on January 2^nd and quickly settled back into routines and the work that will help them to advance their learning. We have recently completed January benchmarking which helps to determine how best to support their growth. 

Most recently, many of our students have been wearing their pajamas inside out and have been sleeping with spoons under their pillows, but we have yet to see much snow.However, it certainly looks like we may experience some real January weather this weekend!

 Town Meeting:

Today’s Town Meeting focused on Martin Luther King, Jr., as we shared the meaning of kindness and empathy.  Our Library Media Specialist, Mr. Nick Grasso, read Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, (Jean Marzollo; J. Brian Pinkney). There was a special musical and visual presentation of My Own Two Hands, (Benjamin Harper; Priscilla Luckow) which demonstrated how we can change the world together. Students and staff were dressed in their favorite pajamas as we recognized the success of the Kindness Club’s drive for Pajamas and Books which ends next Friday, January 25^th.  Finally, student ambassadors shared the word Empathy and what it means to us. Their inspiring posters will soon be on display.

 Principal’s Coffee:

Last night at the Board of Education meeting, there was a presentation and some conversation around potential school start time changes.  There are many opportunities around the District for you to hear the proposals and share your thoughts. We would like to specifically invite you to come to the Principal’s Coffee on Monday, February 25^th at 9:30 a.m. at Meadow Pond. Andrew Selesnick will be here too.  We would be happy to share what is happening, what is coming up, and have some conversations about what the different proposals might mean for our elementary students as well as their siblings.

 Compact:

This year our Compact Team has been working on arrangements for well-known authors to visit Meadow Pond and work with our students.  We have Michael Rex, author of Goodnight Goon and Fangbone, for K-2 and we have Lauren Tarshis, author of the I Survived series and editor of Storyworks for Grades 3-5. Details about their visits will be forthcoming.

 Wellness Policy:

As you are already aware, there are aspects of our District Wellness Policy that specifically affect our elementary students.  Additionally, concern for allergies raises our awareness about the ingredients in food our students may be offered. If you are thinking of sending in a snack as a celebration for your child’s birthday at school, please consider healthy, allergy safe options.  A fruit kabob or a small muffin can certainly be a celebratory snack to be enjoyed by all.  Thank you for your kind consideration.

 Parking:

At Meadow Pond we are fortunate to have parking on our grounds for parents and other visitors. we would like to remind you to please park in a designated space. If you are dropping your child off in the morning, please use the drop off loop and do not pull into the area in the front of the building. Especially during arrival and dismissal, it is dangerous for cars to be anywhere near the front entrance. Additionally, please do not drive behind the buses when they are parked in the front of the school.  Your cooperation helps keep all our children safe. Thank you. 

 Upcoming Events:

At this time, we would also like to share some upcoming events with you:

Friday, January 25^th                                     Fifth Grade Spectacular (snow date, Feb. 1)

Monday, February 4^th                         Kindergarten Parent Orientation 7:00 p.m.

(snow date Feb. 11)

Thursday, February 7^th                       Board of Education JJHS 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 12^th                              Family Service Night 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 15^th                         Superintendent’s Conference Day (no students)

Monday, Tuesday Feb. 18^th-19^th       Presidents’ Day/School Recess

Wednesday, February 20^th                  Band and Chorus Concert 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 21^st                      Board of Education Budget overview 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 23^rd                      Board of Education Budget roll out 8:30 a.m.

Monday, February 25^th                       Principal’s Coffee 9:30 a.m. (Andrew Selesnick)

Wednesday, February 27^th                Strings Concert 7:00 p.m.

Friday, March 1^st                                   Pasta Night

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

 Sincerely,

Carolann Castellano                           Dawn Pomeroy                        

Principal                                              Assistant Principal