LPS Newsletter - Wednesday, February 27, 2019

For updated information, remember to periodically check the LPS website

Upcoming Dates

Monday, March 4: After School Program, Session 4 begins Monday, March 4- Friday, March 8: High School ELA & Math MCASRetest (students who are testing have already been notified) Friday, March 8: Middle School (Gr. 6-8) After School Social, 2:45-5:00PM

Wednesday, March 13: All school Bake Sale Wednesday, March 13: Family Baking Night, 6:00-8:00 PM

Thursday, March 14: Admissions Open House, 10:00 AM Wednesday, March 20: All school Early Release, 11:00 AM Thursday, March 21: Partners in Education meeting, 8:00-9:00 AM Tuesday, March 26 - Wednesday, March 27: MCAS Grade 10 ELA Tuesday, April 2 - Wednesday, April 3: MCAS Grade 8 ELA Thursday, April 4 - Friday, April 5: MCAS Grade 3-5 ELA Friday, April 5: Post High School Fair, 9:00-12:00 PM (details TBA) Tuesday, April 9 - Wednesday, April 10: MCAS Grade 6-7 ELA

Leadership Blog

Highly effective schools challenge convention, always in pursuitof excellence!; Ted Sharp, Interim Executive Director

Good teaching is not just a matter of being efficient, developingcompetence, mastering technique, and possessing the right level ofknowledge. Good teaching also involves emotional work. It is infusedwith pleasure, passion, creativity, challenge and joy. It is a passionatevocation! Substantive and timely professional development expands thecompetence and the confidence of teachers and, in doing, significantlyenriches the teaching and learning dynamic at work in the school.

Once a school has responded to the questions that are posed whendeveloping its mission, vision, values, and goals, it can help sustain itsinitiative to establish a professional learning community by asking salientquestions such as the following:

Are we acting in accordance with our fundamental mission?

Have we clarified what we want all students to know and be able todo?

What is the most effective response for students who are notsucceeding?

What are the discrepancies between actual conditions in our schooland the school we strive to be?

What are our plans to reduce those discrepancies?

Are the proposals under consideration consistent with our visionand values?

What steps are we taking to advance vision and values in the day-to-day operation of the school?

What results do we seek, and what evidence are we gathering toassess our effectiveness?

Have we established systemic collaboration as the norm in ourschool?

Are there more effective ways to fulfill our mission, vision, andvalues?

At LPS, we are focused and engaged in reasoned dialogue and reflectionto assure that we are who we purport to be as educational institution. Inessence our reason for being is dedicated to providing our students withthe core content knowledge, the essential skills, and the social emotionaldisposition to successfully navigate the challenges and the opportunitiesthat life may present.

Greenhouse happenings

Although we are currently enduring the coldest part of the year, spring isin sight and things in the newly renovated greenhouse are starting topick up!

Did you know we are open for business? The Greenhouse staff andstudents welcome customers Monday through Friday from 8am to 2pm.

Over the past few weeks, students in horticulture have not only beenworking to maintain the current state of the greenhouse, but have alsostarted planting seeds for our garden. Many of these starts will be keptand planted in our garden beds, while others will be for sale. If you’reinterested in keeping a garden at home this year, we will have a varietyof healthy starts available in the coming months. They includevegetables, flowering plants, and herbs.

Our collection of houseplants is continuing to grow. If you’re looking toliven up indoor spaces, we have houseplants of all sizes available forpurchase.

Also thriving in the greenhouse this winter are indoor vegetables. We’vebeen sending various greens (kale, chard, spinach, lettuce) and herbs(dill, basil, thyme) to the cafeteria all winter, and the volume of food wegrow for school lunches will only continue to increase as we headtowards warmer weather!

Feel free to stop by to shop, or to just enjoy our lovely greenhouse!

Please reach out with any questions or requests.

Sincerely,

Bella Chiaravallotti & Val Stone, Horticulture Teachers ichiaravallotti@learningprep.orgvstone@learningprep.org

Senior represents LPS at State House

On February 6th, students of Chapter 766 schools were invited to theMassachusetts State House to speak about their experiences to statelawmakers with the goal of cultivating support for Chapter 766 schools.Representing LPS, was Jake O'Neil, Class of 2019 who did an amazingjob sharing his perspective and wowing state representatives with hisprofessionalism. You can watch Jake's 5 minute speech here. Great job,Jake!

(above) Jake O'Neil with James Major, Executive Director of MassachusettsAssociation of Approved Private Schools (maaps)

CEO/LPS Alumnus visit Seniors

Founder and CEO of Magellan Jets, Joshua Hebert, is an LPS alumnuswho attended LPS in the early 1990's. Joshua came to speak to thisyear's graduating class earlier this week to speak about successful careeradvice, making a good first impression, work ethic and pursuing theirdreams!

Interscholastic Basketball Tournament

We are excited to announce a second interscholastic tournament thisschool year! LPS students are invited to play in a basketball tournamentagainst neighboring Chapter 766 schools. Our gracious host, Willow HillSchool, has also invited Milestones School and Clearway School. LPSplayed against each of these wonderful schools in our recent SoccerJamboree and it was a great success!

Tournament Details

Shortly before dismissal on March 14th, participating students willbe transported to Willow Hill School, at 98 Haynes Rd, Sudbury,MA 01776Several games will be played against each school, between 2:45-4:00 pmThe cost of this event is free to players and spectatorsDue to limited spacing we are capping our roster at 15, so signupswill operate on a first-come-first-serve basis. You will be notified ifyour child is or is not able to participate. In order to assure LPS isrepresented by exemplary students, any student who has recentlyserved an in-house or off-campus suspension will not be able toparticipate.At 4:00 pm we will conclude our event and our students will betransported back to the LPS parking lot. Students should be pickedup by their designated transportation by no later than 4:30 pm.Students will have the option to leave from Willow Hill after theevent at after signing out with a parent/guardian.Permission slips can be found here and are due back NO LATERthan March 8th to Alyson Humphries.

We look forward to your child joining us as a proud representative ofLPS!

For more information, please contact Alyson Humphreys, Director ofAthletics and Activities, at ahumphreys@learningprep.org.

Senior PJ Drive

Marathon March Madness

As you may already know, we are thrilled that for the 5th year in a row,The John Hancock non-profit program has awarded Learning Prep Schooltwo running numbers for the 123rd Boston Marathon this April. Onceagain, Elementary/Middle School Principal, Amy Davis, will be runningon our behalf and in her 14th Boston marathon and her 5th for LPS,raising nearly $60,000 for LPS over the last four years!

While we can't run the race for her, we can honor the commitment tohelp Learning Prep by helping Amy meet her fundraising goal of $15,000!By sponsoring Amy's run in the 2019 Boston Marathon you are alsosupporting the LPS Family & Friends Fund. The F&FF supports the LPSoperating budget that is stretched thin providing small classes,educational counseling, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language,Social Communication, and Thinking Maps™ to aid executive functioning,enrichment opportunities, and college and career readiness opportunitiesthat prepare our seniors for life after LPS. As a non-profit organization,we depend on donors to help us close the gap between our budget andour operating expenses so we can continue to provide dynamic learningexperiences for LPS students.

You may remember that last year, LPS students were able to win specialprivileges and in a grand fundraising-finale, silly string their Principal.This year, we’re bringing the same fun but with some new privileges anda new grande finale! The fundraiser will run March 1-31, so stay tunedfor details to be announced on Friday, March 1!

CLICK HERE to support Amy and the Learning Prep School Family &Friends Fund!

Success at the Financial Literacy Fair

The Transition department hosted another successful Financial LiteracyFair for the LPS juniors and seniors on Friday, February 8. Studentslearned from experts from PwC, Village Bank and Berkshire HathawayHome Services of Boston how to budget for saving, investing, housing,nutrition, clothing, credit and lending, taxes, insurance, education,transportation and luxury items.

Family Baking Night

Please join us in a fun-filled night of baking on Wednesday, March13from 6:00-8:00 PM! Families will be instructed on how to make fruittarts and will be able to enjoy your creations. Please inform me ofallergies prior to the event. Please email lcunniff@learningprep.org toreserve your spot. I look forward to a fun evening!

Sincerely,

Lindsay Cunniff, Food Service Director/ Instructor

Welcome to the newest staff members!

LPS is excited to welcome the newest staff members to our greatcommunity!

Katie Conroy, High School Counselor covering for Kaitlin Scorzella

Michael LoPilato, Occupational Therapist covering for Megan Kelly

Welcome to Learning Prep School!

Parent volunteer opportunity

Are you interested in a volunteer opportunity here at LPS? The WellnessCommittee is looking for a parent volunteer to attend 2 meetings thisschool year and work collaboratively with staff and students to provide a

school environment that promotes children’s health and well-being.Meeting dates are as follows:

Tuesday, March 19, 1:40-2:20 PM

Monday, May 20, 8:00-8:35 AM

Please contact Gretchen Petersen, Chief OperatingOfficer atgpetersen@learningprep.org if you are interested. We hope tohear from you!

Summer Program spots still available!

July 8 – July 26, 2019

Elementary/Middle School (Entering grades 3-8)

High School (Entering grades 9-12)

Learning Prep School Summer Program (Extended Year Program referredto as EYP) is a 3-week program beginning Monday, July 8th andending Friday, July 26th. The program will operate Monday throughFriday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. The EYP is designed to maintainprogress and prevent substantial regression through structurededucational and social experiences. The program is modeled after theregular Learning Prep School program but includes activities to helpprovide a “camp-like” feel. The EYP is open to any student who isenrolled at Learning Prep School. Contact DawnHurley atdhurley@learningprep.org for more information.

MCAS information

Spring Computer-Based MCAS testing is upon us and 10th gradestudents will begin taking the ELA portions of the test at the end ofMarch. The EMS student testing is organized so that each grade is testedon the same days. Beginning this school year, all students in grades 3 –8 and those taking the 10th grade ELA and Math will be participating inthe computer-based test unless paper-based testing is specified in theirIEP as an accommodation. The retests and high school science tests arethe only ones that will remain paper-based. As you plan doctor visits,please keep this in mind. If you know ahead of time that your child willbe absent during any testing sessions, please let Gretchen Petersenknow at gpetersen@learningprep.org. It is also important for students toeat a healthy breakfast before coming to school and to bring snacks toeat when they take a break. The schedule is as follows: MarchGrade 10 ELA: March 26 & 27

AprilGrade 8 ELA: April 2 & 3

Grade 3, 4 & 5 ELA: April 4 & 5Grade 6 & 7 ELA: April 9 & 10Grade 8 Math: April 29 & 30

MayGrade 3, 4 & 5 Math: May 1 & 2Grade 6 & 7 Math: May 7 & 8Grade 5 & 8 Science: May 13 & 14Grade 10 Math: May 21 & 22 JuneHS Science (Biology and Engineering): June 4 & 59th Grade Biology Computer-Based Field Test: June 6

The students will be tested 1:1 or in small groups and provided withMCAS accommodations listed in their current, signed IEP.

Students in Grades 6 and above will be reviewing and signing a letter ofpersonal responsibility regarding MCAS testing, per DESE. All testadministrators also review and sign a non-disclosure security contract.We use the DESE suggested form and will send home a copy of thestudent letter.

If you have questions regarding MCAS, please contact GretchenPetersen, Chief Operating Officer at gpetersen@learningprep.org or617-965-0764 ext. 310.

High School Yearbook

Get yours before they run out! Order online or print the order form andreturn with payment to Jon DiBenedetto.

Special Olympics Basketball

This is the 2018-19 Season tournament schedule at this time:

State Qualifiers, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM: Stonehill College (details TBA)

March 9-10, State Winter Games/ Worcester Weekend: Saturday andSunday games, 2+ games per day, Saturday catered banquet for familiesand athletes.

March 10: SOMA Awards to our graduating Athletes and Coaches

For questions about Special Olympics, please contact KatyaFarrellat: katyagard@gmail.com or 617-306-9322

LPS Online School Store

Learning Prep School has a new ONLINE SCHOOL STORE! Through thissecure, 3rd party site, families can purchase shirts, outerwear hats andmore. You can show your LPS school pride by purchasing your spiritwear HERE.

Inclement Weather Policy

We all know New England winters can be unpredictable. In the event ofa delay or closing, please familiarize yourself with our Inclement Weather

Policy

Family Directory

New in the 2018-19 school year, LPS has made a Family Directory tomake it easier for families to connect with one another. The FamilyDirectory will be available by student grade, student last name, and bytown. As indicated in the "Information to Review" in your AnnualRegistration Paperwork, all families are included in the Family Directoryunless otherwise specified. If you would like to be removed from theFamily Directory, please contact Admissions.

To access the LPS Family Directory, login to your Parent PortalaccountHere.

Under the "Optional" checklist items, you will see the Family Directorywith a link that will open a PDF that you can print or download.

As updates are made to the Family Directory, continue to use the samelink on your Parent Portal account as it will always bring you to the mostupdated version.

We hope this resource will be helpful for our LPS community inconnecting with one another. Please let me know if you have anyquestions or concerns.

Absences and changes of transportation

ABSENCE: a reminder to all parents and guardians that absences need tobe called in by 8:30 a.m. If we do not receive a call or email your childwill be considered unexcused until further information is obtained.

TRANSPORTATION: any changes of transportation for students must becommunicated in writing no later than 1 PM that day. Please do not calllast minute to change your child's transportation plans. Pleaseunderstand that your child’s safety is our utmost importance.

Elementary/Middle School: Clara Caruso, ccaruso@learningprep.org,617-965-0764 ext. 411

High School: Dawn Hurley, transportation@learningprep.org, 617-965-0764, ext. 0

LPS Social Media

Our new LPS Social Media Program is up and running! If you have notdone so already, please like us on Facebook, and follow uson Instagramand Twitter! We'd also appreciate your participation,feedback, and contributions regarding LPS social media!

Our social media presence will help us improve our engagement with theextended LPS community and will also support our outreach efforts topotential friends and families. The more people that learn what afantastic School LPS is, the stronger our School will grow.

Facebook Page: Learning Prep School

lnstagram: lpspanthers

Twitter: @learningprep

Spread the word about Learning Prep School

If you know someone who may be interested in Learning Prep for theirchild, please encourage them to attend one of our Open House events:

Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 10:00 AM

Friday, April 12, 2019 at 10:00 AM

Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 10:00 AM

Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 10:00 AM

RSVP's appreciated to:www.learningprep.org/openhouse