Volume 26, Issue 9 Thursday, February 16, 2017
Important Dates
February 20 – 24: Winter Recess
March 10: MCBA Books in Action Party at SRS
NOTES FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Greetings,
We are knee-deep in budget season here. The Superintendent, Business Manager, Finance Committee, School Committee, and I have been discussing next year’s budget since October. It is always a challenge to prepare for the following year when we are only half way through the current year. We try to plan the best we can, but there are always hiccups along the way. This year, we are facing a large increase for Wendell’s assessment due to the ever-increasing enrollment and special education costs. We’d like to welcome everyone to join the conversation and attend our Budget Hearing on Thursday, April 6 as well as the local Town Meetings later in the spring.
We have had six snow days thus far. Our last day of school will be on Thursday, June 22. Graduation will be held on Thursday for family members who like to plan in advance!
We have been busy preparing for the MCAS 2.0 testing in April and May. Christine Morin has been making sure our technology can support the Grade 4 students who will be taking the test online. Students in Grades 3-6 will be taking the ELA and Math components, and Grade 5 will take the Science and Technology test in addition to ELA and Math.
Grade 3 has been studying weather as part of their science curriculum. Every morning, Grade 3 students share a video weather report describing the daily temperatures and weather conditions, and whether we will have indoor or outdoor recess. We are hoping to install a weather radio for the students to use to collect their data. Please contact the Grade 3 Teacher, Ms. Smith, at [email protected] to sign up to receive the daily videos!
Fondly, Kelley Sullivan
Save the Date
Run4KidsMA
Saturday, April 15
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
T.E.A.M. SRS Update
Thank you to Jon Faneuf, who won the Supermarket Sweep drawing! He graciously chose to forgo his shopping spree in order to donate all the proceeds to TEAM SRS.
TEAM SRS will sponsor Neon Bowling again this year at the French King Entertainment Center on Sunday, March 19 from 3:00-5:00 PM. Space is limited, so please fill out the attached form to reserve your spot by Friday, March 10!!! We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting on Thursday, March 9 at 6:30 PM!
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
These announcements and events are not school-sponsored.
New Salem Public Library
The New Salem Tween and Teen Program continues to meet at the Library on Wednesdays from 1:30-5:30 PM. Upcoming programs include: Pizza-Making for Teens and a guitar-playing demo. Join us for fun, snacks and activities.
Sunday, February 12 from 1:00-3:00 PM: Introduction to 3D Printing. This program is free and designed for technology lovers from ages 7-14. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop. To register call Diana Smith at 978-544-6334. There is a limit of 17 participants. "This program is supported in part by a grant from the New Salem Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency."
Wednesday, February 15 at 3:00 PM: The Teen and Tween Program will feature a Valentine’s Day Party and Pretzel Bake-Off, with Lisa DeWitt as Master Chef, in the basement of the New Salem Congregational Church. Ice cream will be served.
Wednesday, February 22: The Teen and Tween Program will be closed due to school vacation.
Wednesday, February 22 at 7:00 PM: The New Salem Public Library Book Discussion Group will be discussing "The Invention of Wings," by Sue Monk Kidd. Books, including audiobooks, are available at the front desk.
Sunday February 26 at 2:00 PM: Aromatherapy 101 with Kim Larkin. A presentation on the history and health benefits of essential oils and healing botanicals. The talk explores the findings of ancient cultures, and how plants and their essences were at the forefront of natural healing remedies. The hands-on portion of the program will allow patrons to make healthy bath salts, a dream pillow, and more. Join us for an afternoon of education, creativity, and relaxation. This program is free and open to all. "This program is supported in part by a grant from the New Salem Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency."
Wednesday, March 1, 2017: The Teen and Tween Program will be closed. Please use the break to think about what kind of programming you would like to see leading up to summer break.
Piano Lessons
Piano Lessons with Daphne Bye offered in Montague Center for ages 5 to adult. Daphne’s lessons are fun, motivating, and include comprehensive learning, with the needs of the individual student in mind. Daphne offers opportunities for group classes with quarterly informal performance opportunities. Call 413-834-0597 or email [email protected].
The New Salem/Wendell School District assures that all programs, activities and employment opportunities are offered without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, economic status, homelessness, sexual orientation and physical or mental disability.