Newsletter 1

The Tattler Mrs. Megan Bennett, Principal February 2016

Phone: (860)628-3370 Fax: (860)628-3308

website: southingtonschools.org

“Where Children Soar and

Dreams Take Flight”

School Lunch Program Prices

Student Lunch - $2.75 Milk - 60 ¢ Snacks - 75 ¢ REMINDER: BREAKFAST PROGRAM TIME: Begins at 8:20—8:35 a.m. FULL PRICE: $1.75 REDUCED PRICE: $.30 (or if already approved free)

FEBRUARY

10TH Banking Day PTO Meeting 6:30 12th K-2 Dental Program 15th No School Presidents Day 16th No School Professional Development Day 24th Early Release – Professional Development Day 26th Character Counts Breakfast 9:00 **Coming Soon Kindergarten Registration

Information To Save: School Hours

Grades K-5 8:35-3:05

Early Dismissal Grades K-5 8:35-1:10

Lunch and Recess Schedule

Lunch Grades K-1 11:05-11:35 Recess Grades K-1 11:35-12:05

Lunch Grades 2-3 11:45-12:15 Recess Grades 2-3 12:15-12:45

Lunch Grades 4-5 12:30-1:00 Recess Grades 4-5 1:00-1:30

Newsletter 2

Dear Thalberg Families, There are some exciting events coming this month. Many people equate February with Valentine’s Day. Teachers will be contacting parents regarding Valentine’s Day celebrations in the classroom. If your child is planning on sharing Valentine’s Day cards, we ask the following two guidelines be followed:

• A card must be made for all students in the classroom. • There can be NO FOOD/CANDY passed out with Valentine’s cards.

These guidelines consider students’ physical and emotional well-being.

The leap year will give us an extra day in February, but the month will still come and go quickly. You will be hearing a lot of planning occurring regarding Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) coming up in March. I am happy to say the decision was made to move the test up this year so the students are not on “test overload” in May. Science CMTs will occur on March 23rd for fifth grade students. Our students in grades 3-5 will take SBAC during March 23rd- April 8th. Fifth graders will not have SBAC and CMTs on the same day. Details of the SBAC schedule will be provided for each classroom within the upcoming weeks. I want to take the opportunity in this letter to celebrate the staff, students and families. There have been some unusual circumstances this year. A power outage that could have shut down the school didn’t because of the community coming together to keep students safe. Additionally, we have a number of staff members who have been out on medical leaves. Our staff has come together to support one another and find ways to make sure our students do not feel the impact of staffing adjustments. We appreciate all of the support families have given to the school during our time of need. The Thalberg community is proof that coming together allows everyone to succeed. Respectfully, Megan Bennett Principal

Newsletter 3

Mrs. Belanger will be out of the office on medical leave until March 17. During her absence please contact Mrs. Bennett or Joyce Suess with any questions or concerns.

Bus Students Only those children who are eligible bus riders may ride their assigned buses to and from school. Please write a note to your child’s teacher if you decide NOT to have your child ride the bus home at the end of the day. If there isn’t a note from you, the child will board the bus as normal.

STUDENT ABSENCES If your child will be absent please call the nurse’s office to report the reason for their absence. When your child returns to school please send in a written note. Remember students with a contagious disease must notify the nurse and get a doctor’s note to return to school. Introducing:

“Nurse Laurie Bleau” School Nurse Office Number

(860)628-3300

School Lunch Program Your child has brought home a form to determine the eligibility for free or reduced lunch meals. To participate, please complete the form and return it to the school as soon as you can. It must be fully completed for a decision to be made. You may apply at any time during the year. If we can be of assistance, please call us. Our office lends money for a day to students who have forgotten their hot lunch money – we do not lend money for ice cream or snacks. Student Lunch - $2.75 Milk for cold lunch 60¢ Snacks - 75¢

Newsletter 4

Weather Cancellations · Southington Public Schools posts school cancellations on our website. Go to www.southingtonschools.org and it will appear as a pop-up on your screen. · If school is dismissed early due to weather, a phone call and email will be generated through our School Messenger system and sent to you. Email addresses are collected at the beginning of each year with the demo-graphic update form. If you change your email address or phone number, please notify the office. · If afterschool/evening activities are cancelled – an email will be sent out. Please try to have a strategy in place in the event an early dismissal is called.  It  is Yearbook Photos

Be part of the Papazzari!!

Upload your images for consideration in the yearbook!

Go to: https://community.lifetouch.com

‘Sign In’ or ‘Create an Account’ using Access Code: CKWXRH

All photos, whether group pictures or candid, should be from the current 2015-2016 school year and should be those taken at school or during school-related activities.

JUST  A  REMINDER    -­‐  According  to  SOUTHINGTON  BOE  Transportation  policy….    STUDENTS  ARE  TO  BE  5  DAYS  CONSISTANT  AT  ANY  STOP  or  parents  are  responsible  to  provide  transportation  from  the  school  or  that  location  (example:  Day  Care)  on  the  alternate  days.      There  will  be  NO  ACCEPTIONS  to  this  policy  unless  permission  is  given  by  the  CENTRAL  OFFICE.    Be  advised  that  NBT  will  NOT  TAKE  RESPONSIBILITY  for  any  errors  or  missing  children  under  these  circumstances.      The  reason  for  this  POLICY  is  to  keep  NBT  and  the  BOE  from  any  liability  for  a  lost  child  being  put  on  a  wrong  bus  in  error.    

The Southington School system is trying to “Be Green”. The newsletter is posted on the website or if you don’t have computer access a paper copy will be sent home. Please contact the office or your child’s teacher to let us know that you need a paper copy sent home. Below are directions as to how to get the newsletter. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the office. Thank you.

Access to Monthly Newsletters:

Go to Southington Public Schools Main Page (www.southingtonschools.org)

Click on Schools then on Thalberg Click on Newsletter

Then Current Month Newsletter.

Newsletter 5

Planning Celebrations and Activities in Elementary School

Dear Families, As we face a national epidemic of overweight children, life-threatening food allergies and the associated health consequences of these conditions, schools are turning to alternative ways to celebrate. FACT: From 1997 to 2007, the prevalence of reported food allergy increased 18% among children under age 18

years. (CDC 2010) A life threatening allergic reaction can be triggered by minute amounts of an allergen when ingested.

FACT: In 2011-2012, childhood obesity rates were 8.4% of 2 to 5 year-olds, 17.7% of 6 to 11 year-olds and 20.5% of 12 to 19 year-olds. (CDC 2014)

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: Our elementary schools now celebrate food free birthdays by enjoying fun activities or projects. Examples of celebration ideas that parents and guardians may want to provide for their child include: • Bringing in non-food items (age appropriate) for celebrating such as: pencils, erasers, crayons, plant seeds,

bookmarks, stickers, etc.

• Arranging with your child’s teacher a time to come to school as a “Guest Reader” to celebrate the special day or donating a book in your child’s name.

• Donating games for indoor recess or supplies for outdoor recess - jump ropes, balls, etc.

• Engaging students in a special art project (teachers may provide suggestions).

Please consult with your child’s teacher to ensure that any items you wish to provide are safe for that classroom. All parents/guardians must advise their child’s teacher of a celebration request at least one week in advance. OTHER CELEBRATIONS and ACTIVITIES: May involve food with careful planning. To maintain the safety of all of our students, we must adhere to the following: • No unplanned or homemade foods will be allowed into a classroom or be given to students at any time. No

food items will be sent home with students including candy attached to Valentine’s cards or in goodie bags.

• The teacher will base food item choices by reviewing the classroom confidential list of food allergies and dietary restrictions and consulting with those student’s parents/guardians.

• Only planned, store-labeled food items will be allowed (in order to have availability to ingredient lists, if necessary). Fruits, vegetables and other healthy choices are preferred.

• Written notice of the food items (with brand names, if necessary) will be sent to all parents before a planned celebration/activity.

• Written permission for the food items will be obtained by teacher from parents/guardians of students with food allergies/dietary restrictions.

We encourage you to be creative with “alternative to food” ideas for ALL

Newsletter 6

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Nicholas B.

2 3 Marianna C. Emma F.

4 Terra S.

5 Bodgan D.

6 Fabio D.

7 .

8 Christopher B. Dominic G. Elena P. Alexavier W. Makenzie Z.

9 10 Remsha H. Samuel T.

11 Rocklyn C. Vicpraseuth K. Marlee S.

12 Chloe B. Jackson B. Madison B.

13

14 Gianna M.

15 Luke P.

16 Malakai A. Ty R. Zoey W.

17 18 Riley F.

19 Nicholas A.

20

21 Andrew G.

22 Natalie L. Jaiden L. Gezaida L. Ewan S.

23 Sofia M.

24 Calvin L. Caitlynn M. Nicole M.

25 Ryan K.

26 Joseph B. Adam B.

27

28 29 Emma B.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

REMINDER: Students should not bring in cupcakes or food items for birthday celebrations. You are welcome to bring in pencils, erasers and stickers to share with other students. Goody Bags should not have candy or food included. Thank you for your continued support for our students’ health and sensitivity to allergies.

Newsletter 7

Reminder of Recess Weather

Guidelines: Dear Parents,

There is no change to this letter from last year:

We are getting into some colder weather patterns. Students are dressing in a variety of clothing options in order to meet the temperature requirements, however temperatures can vary throughout the day. Students need to be dress appropriately for the weather conditions during the recess period. Parents are welcome to send in a letter to wave our discretion as a school regarding outdoor play clothing choice (i.e. a note saying a sweatshirt or fleece is acceptable in all weather conditions).

The temperature information below is the guideline we use for outdoor recess participation.

Temperatures: 50-60 degrees: Long sleeves or a light jacket are acceptable. Long pants required. 40-50 degrees: Jacket and long pants are needed Below 40 degrees: Winter jacket and long pants are required

It is my hope that sharing our guidelines will help you with your child’s clothing options for the school day. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly.

Respectfully, Megan Bennett Principal mbennett@southingtonschools.org

Newsletter 8

The Tattler 9

2016  EPIC  Newsletter  Write-­‐up      

Since 1990, Camp Invention has taken summer fun and transformed it from ordinary to extraordinary! In partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Southington Public Schools is pleased to offer the nationally-acclaimed Camp Invention program to children entering grades one through six. It’s an exciting, weeklong summer adventure with lessons that explore connections between science, technology, engineering and innovation. Children will work together to seek solutions to real-world problems and sharpen critical 21st century learning skills while rotating through several fascinating modules. The week begins on August 1, 2016 at Strong Elementary School with Dave DeStefano serving as Director of the Epic™ program! Here is how young innovators will be spending their time:

• Brainstorming product ideas and building original prototypes using real tools and components found in everyday devices

• Exploring the lives of giant insects, colorful animals and their environments • Constructing and personalizing a DIY solar-powered cricket with a unique habitat • Discovering the science of slime, demolition, electronic sound, giant squid and coding

All activities give participants the opportunity to be a part of something big while having fun! Local educators will facilitate program modules and enthusiastic high school students will serve as Leadership Interns ensuring that one staff member is in place for every eight children. Register on or before March 21, 2016 to receive $25 OFF the base price of $255. Every registration includes a complimentary Camp Invention t-shirt. Availability is limited, so visit www.campinvention.org or call 800.968.4332 to secure your child’s spot today!

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I ask that parents and our visitors share in our

vision of safety.

Visitors: ALL visitors MUST be buzzed into the building. Please make sure to state your name and purpose of the visit. ALL visitors MUST have a visitors badge while in the building. Staff also wear their badges at all times. It helps to create our safe environment. At Drop Off: No student should be dropped off at the school without supervision. Doors open at 8:20 for student entry. Any drop offs after 8:35, students need to be brought in the front entrance by parent or adult. Parents dropping off should NOT pass vehicles unloading students. This creates safety issues in the parent drop off circle. No backing into the circle. At Pick Up: Students should be picked up at the parent pick up circle. Our office staff is very busy at the end of the day and dismissing one student can impede with dismissing the 435 other students.

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These safety actions make a BIG difference in our school. We thank you for your help!

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION In order to plan the housing of students for Fall 2016, the number of children that will be enrolled as kindergarten students next school year, must be identified as correctly as possible. To be eligible to enter kindergarten a child must be four years and eight months of age as of Fall 2015. Please complete the form below and return it to school as soon as possible. School registration will take place at Thalberg Elementary School on March 4th and March 7th As the time gets closer

more information will follow. You will need to call and make an appointment for the registration

2016- 2017 KINDERGARTEN PRE-REGISTRATION FORM Name of Child __________________________________________________________

Last First Middle Initial Date of Birth _________________________ Present Age ________________

Years - Months Name of Parents ________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ Phone Number __________________ Email Address ___________________________________________________

NEW KINDERGARTEN PARENTS WITH NO CHILDREN PRESENTLY ATTENDING THALBERG SCHOOL. Name of Parent __________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________ Phone Number __________________

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