February, 2018

Dear Becket Washington Families,

     It’s amazing that we are approaching our 100^th day of school, but the first graders assure me this is the case as they are keeping an accurate count.  Students are completing their mid-year assessments and jumping into the third quarter with enthusiasm. 

     As you are no doubt aware though, sickness has hit our school and the larger community very hard this year.  Please keep your child at home if he or she is showing symptoms (elevated temp or body aches). They also need to be home for 24 hours after they are fever free. Encourage every family member to wash their hands frequently.  We are doing what we can here to limit exposure, disinfect, and educate children on hand washing and cough hygiene (coughing into your elbow).

     The Justice League, a group of 5^th graders from Kittredge came to BWS this week to talk about how they promote inclusion and acceptance at their school.  They inspired many of our students who are now putting together their own ideas for a similar group.

     Two fifth grade girls have started an “Art Club” that meets weekly at recess time. They recruited Mrs. Clark, our librarian, as the club advisor, and opened it up to interested students in Grades 2-5.  So far, it has been a big success.  If other students are interested in forming clubs, we encourage them to find an adult advisor and submit a proposal to the principal. It would be great to have a different club meet each day.

     Happy February!

                                                    Mary Kay McCloskey

                               Principal

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WRHS BUILDING COMMITTEE

Aaron Robb and Shawn Therrien from the Wahconah Building Committee presented to the PTO this week.  Their vision for a new and improved Wahconah High School is a work in progress, and they will need community support to see this exciting project through.  It is so important to remember that it will directly affect your children for many years to come. For more information, go to http://www.cbrsd.org/m_s_b_a_building_project or https://www.facebook.com/WahconahBuildingProject.

*****************************************************************ACCESS TO INTERNET SURVEY                                   

CBRSD is asking parents to answer a few questions regarding internet access at your home. This information will be used to better serve the educational needs of our community, and assist us in creating equitable educational opportunities for students in grades K-12. Please click the link here, and take a few minutes to complete the survey.

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MCAS SCHEDULE 2018

April and May are MCAS testing months for Grades 3-5.  Please try to avoid scheduling doctor’s appointments, travel, etc. on the days your child will be testing. Here is the schedule:

April 3 and 4     5^th Grade  ELA

April 5 and 6     4^th Grade  ELA

April 10 and 11   3^rd Grade  ELA

May 1 and 2       5^th Grade  Math

May 8 and 9      3^rd Grade Math

May 10 and 11    4^th Grade Math

May 16 and 17   5^th Grade  Science

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5^th GRADE LEGACY PROJECT

Mrs. Robie and her 5^th graders have begun a Legacy Project. As they near the end of their years here, the students wanted to do something to give back to the school.  They are creating a library of QR coded audio books, and we are very grateful.  Students are working with partners to read and record picture books for our younger readers.  This QR library will be shared with pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1^st grade, as well as in the school library. The fifth graders see these books as being listened to and read for many years to come. We’re excited about this valuable resource for our literacy program.

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WINTER BREAK

School will be closed from Monday, February 19^th through Friday, February 23^rd for Winter Break. 

******************************************************************VALENTINE CARDS 

Classroom teachers will set the policy regarding Valentine cards in their classrooms.  As a rule, however, if a student brings in cards, they must bring one for every student in the class.

****************************************************************** LOOKING AHEAD

Friday, March 9^th is a half day due to Teacher Professional Development.

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LOOK AT US!