Swift River

Greetings,

 We are at the time of year when we reflect on what we are thankful for. For me, this time of year reminds me of how grateful I am for my Swift River family. Every day, I see that our SRS family members truly care for one another, for the students who learn here, and for the family members who our students go home to. Everyone here is dedicated to our students, to our school, and to our community, and for that I give many thanks.               

The next time you visit the building, please be sure to check the Lost & Found hooks near the office for any of your student’s belongings. Already there is a large collection of sweaters, jackets, and outerwear. While we make every effort to find the owners of missing clothing items, often we are unable to do so! Labeling is always a good idea and helps us keep track! Any unclaimed items will be sent to a local charity during the Holiday Recess to make room.

Winter has arrived early this school year! Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately for the cold weather. We ask that all students be sent to school with a warm jacket, hat, and mittens or gloves. On snowy days, please also be sure to send students with snow pants and boots for recess. We will continue to have outdoor recess everyday unless weather conditions are unbearable. Additionally, students will be outside for the 100 Mile Club, and Larry and Eric will be plowing the tack once the snow flies; please make sure your student will be warm and have the proper footwear. If your family needs assistance locating winter footwear and outerwear, please let us know—we are here to help!

Attention Parents and Guardians: Swift River is seeking new volunteer members to join our School Council. The School Council consists of the Principal, one or two additional staff members, parents, and community members, and meets four times per fiscal year. While School Council meetings are open to everyone, we are looking for volunteers who can participate regularly. If you are interested in discussing our school’s educational goals, reviewing our school’s annual budget, and formulating a school improvement plan, please contact us for more information!

Additionally, this year Karyn Briand is stepping down from her role as Science Fair coordinator and we are looking for volunteer involvement to keep this event running. If you are interested in participating in the organization and facilitation of the Swift River Science Fair, please contact the school or Karyn Briand (whose contact information appears below) for more information. We thank Karyn for all of her hard work and for her dedication to our young scientists! Thank you, Karyn, for helping to bring the fun and excitement of science to our students and to our school!

Mark your calendars!!! Mr. Cortina will be hosting our annual Winter Concert on Friday, December 21 at 10:00 AM in the Gym. Students will be dismissed early at 11:30 AM. Please note: Enchanted Forest will be closed! Please inform the office of any changes to your child's regular Friday after school plans. We will enjoy performances from all of our students in Preschool through Grade 6, as well as from the Swift River Chorale! T.E.A.M. SRS will be selling tee shirts, sweatshirts, and Dean’s Beans products. Cups of hot chocolate and hot coffee will also be available for purchase! Grade 5 will have baked goods on offer to help support their trip to Nature’s Classroom next fall. So while you wait for the concert to begin, please sit back, relax, and enjoy some warm treats!

Wishing everyone many blessings and much down time during the Thanksgiving break! As a reminder: there will be no school this Wednesday, November 21!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kelley

Music Notes

The Swift River Music Program is in full swing! The Swift River Band has begun rehearsals on Fridays, and we have a tremendous sound with our biggest group yet!

In accordance with the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework, Grades 3 and 4 have begun their Recorder unit, and we will launch our official start on the Thursday after Thanksgiving break. Students will learn to play their instruments alone and with others and perform a variety of songs. Students will be responsible for bringing in their recorders every Thursday, and they will be rewarded with stickers every time they remember to bring in their materials.

Grades 5 and 6 are underway with our new African Drumming unit, and we are fully immersed in polyrhythmic grooves as we work together with respect and focus!

Coming up soon: The Winter Concert! Mark your calendars for Friday, December 21, at 10:00 AM. We have a wonderful program lined up, what better way to send the students off for break than with music and joy! See you there!

Important Reminder

If you take photos/videos at a school gathering, we ask that you not share photos of children other than your own without the specific permission from the parents/guardians. We ask that you be mindful of the privacy and safety of all of our students!

Enchanted Forest Feature

Enchanted Forest is full on Wednesdays! Moving forward, we will no longer be able to accept drop-in students on Wednesdays. If you have signed up for regular Wednesday participation, your spot will be honored. Otherwise please plan on making alternate arrangements!  

Enchanted Forest is seeking individuals to teach 6-8 week enrichment programs after school! If you are interested in working with a group of children to offer a program or teach a skillset, please contact Jessalyn Zaykoski, the Enchanted Forest Director at [email protected] or call the office.

Science Fair News

Dear Swift River Families,

It comes with heavy regret that I announce that I will not be able to continue to organize and execute the Swift River Science Fair. However, I encourage families to embark on their own journeys of learning and to create their own science experiments at home. Turn playgroups into science sessions, play with food to discover the solubility of various ingredients in your kitchen (with your parent’s permission of course), or try to capture the outside elements in a bottle.

If any parents feel that they would like to volunteer to organize next year’s Science Fair, please contact me at 978-544-8427, and I would be happy to offer insights.

“Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result.” – Oscar Wilde

Happy Learning!

Karyn Briand