Shaping Futures June 2016 Together

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Families,

Welcome to the last few weeks of a fantastic school year! We are busy planning a variety of exciting activities and field trips so please read this newsletter and check the school website frequently for information.

One of the exciting experiences for our students was the recent Drama Club showcase. This was made possible by the efforts and dedication of Catherine Botting and Stephanie Bulan. Thank you for providing an opportunity for our students to demonstrate and grow their theatrical talents.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our numerous volunteers who have assisted staff and students throughout this school year. I have included a list of our official volunteers and apologize if I have inadvertently missed an individual. All of your efforts are appreciated and contribute to our sense of school community. There will be a reception for volunteers on Friday, June 10 before and during Field Day. We hope to see you all here!

Our PTO has provided many opportunities for our students to experience cultural and educational events. I would like to thank Amy Murphy, Sarah Boyd and Carrie Armitage for the time and enthusiasm they offer as officers of the PTO. If you are interested in getting involved in or have ideas for the PTO, please email [email protected].

Thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Mead and many volunteers, we once again have a garden. This year is will have tomatoes and butterfly friendly vegetation. We are looking for families to help maintain it over the summer. If you would be willing to take responsibility for watering and weeding the garden for one week in the summer, please let me know.

Many teachers have nearly finished administering the end-of- year assessments. All students participate in language arts and mathematics assessments. Results help measure individual growth and assist next year’s teachers with planning and preparation. Most teachers will be sending home information generated from the NWEA MAP assessment with report cards on the last day of school. If you are interested in discussing this or any

other aspect of your child’s individualized assessment information, please contact the homeroom teacher as soon as possible.

The Awards Assembly, Field Day and Reading Rocks Assembly are all scheduled for Friday, June 10. The PTO is going to facilitate the purchasing of pizza for all students on Field Day. Students will have to pay for the pizza and money will be collected in advance. Please provide your child with his/her own snacks and water bottles for Field Day. Remember to check in the May Newsletter for which team, white or blue, your child was assigned to. You can find the newsletter online at http://www.eastfordct.org/files/72828/may%202016%20newsletter.pdf

Children assigned to the white team, should wear a white t-shirt to school that day. Blue team members should wear blue t-shirts. Following is a schedule of events for Field Day:

Field Day Events Friday, June 10, rain or shine

8:30-9:00- Volunteer Reception in the lobby outside gymnasium; coffee and goodies will be available for parents throughout the day.

9:00- Awards Assembly

10:00- Field Events begin

Midday- Pizza lunch

2:00- Joe Holiday’s Reading Rocks Assembly; all are invited to join!

The last day of Homework Club will be Thursday, June 9. The Before and After School Program will continue through June 16.

On June 16, we will schedule a period for students in grades preschool through six to “move up.” This is a half-hour time block when students will visit their fall classrooms and meet next year’s teachers.

There will be no official packets of work for students to complete this summer. The teachers will encourage students to read and keep track of what they read over the summer. See Mrs. Lowney’s article for summer activities and websites to support children with their summer reading. To practice skills related to the math and language arts curriculum, the EES staff is encouraging students to utilize some online programs. We will remind parents and students about password-based programs before the last day.

I will contact you about paying for next year’s milk during the summer. Please keep in mind that if you qualify for the free milk program, the information included is confidential and I encourage those of you who qualify to apply.

The last day of school for this school year will be Thursday, June 16. Dismissal on June 16 will be at 1:15. The eighth grade graduation will be held on Wednesday, June 15 at 7:00pm. School will resume for students on Wednesday, August 31, 2016. The school calendar is available on the school’s website at: http://www.eastfordct.org/files/filesystem/2016- 2017%20EES%20School%20Calendar.pdf .

This has been a fantastic year at Eastford Elementary School. I continue to enjoy the opportunity to work in a community that is dedicated to supporting students’ educational experiences. If you have any questions or concerns about the school, please do not hesitate to contact me over the summer. I hope all Eastford families enjoy a safe and relaxing summer!

Volunteers 2015-2016

Abbamonte Patty Bilica Sheila Arbour Donielle Bilica Michael Archambault Amy Blais Kristin Armitage Carolyn Botting Catie Asikainen Samantha Boyd Sarah Asikainen Carl Budd Kirstin Ayer Thomas Budd Jonathan Ayer Amy Budd Rachel Bailey Cori Budd Lincoln Barlow Jennifer Bulan Stephanie Barlow Joshua Burgess Paige Barlow Ruth Cassell Jennie Beausoleil Heather Chaput William Beausoleil Michael Chiles Rebecca Becker Theresa Chiles Nathan Belden Kathy Day-Lewis Lisa Bertram Joy DePercio Catherine Bibeault Robin Desaulnier Pamela Bibeault William Dowling Joahn Driscoll Amy

Dubina Stephany Mullin Jacob Ellsworth Ashlyn Mullin James Farutin Marcy Murphy Amy Fletcher Kaleigh Murphy Michelle Gaudreau Erin Murphy Christopher Gilbert Victoria Neely Marvin Gillett Jenny Neely Theresa Green Sarah Norman Jennifer Haynes Kristin Pittman Christopher Healey Kathleen Pittman Jennifer Hull William Pittman Margaret Johndrow Angela Quirk Samantha Johnson Eric Reynolds Angel Katkaveck Valerie Rothwell Shannon Kellerman Lisa Savage Elwyn Kilburn Lisa Sears Cindy Johndrow Angela Singleton Tyler Kernan Lynnai Smith Alicia Kilburn Lisa Sorensen Misty Korner Kathryn Sorensen Misty Kozey Sharon Souvigney Neil Labbe Lucinda Souvigney Bonnie Larson Nils St. Surin Marie Larson Kimberly Sullivan Melissa Lyon Esther Szemreylo Stephanie MacWilliams Martha Szemreylo Jason MacWilliams Lucy Tedford Keri Matthewson Lynn Teed David Matthias Jessica Thompson Amie Minor Sarah Welch Vicki Moore Christopher Welch Vicki Moran Michael Williams Becky

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 4 of 39

PTO News

Happy June from the PTO!

Save your Box Tops over the summer! The next Box Tops collection date will be September 29. If you have any Box Tops that expire on June 30, 2016, please send them in ASAP so we can get credit for them! Thanks!

The PTO will be sponsoring the Bike to School event on the morning of June 10. Please see the flyer in this newsletter for more information.

We will be revealing the winners of the Sign Contest on the morning of Field Day (June 10). Again, we want to thank all who participated in the contest this year. Look out for a flyer coming home about a pizza lunch the PTO is sponsoring for Field Day.

We will be setting up a table at Experience Eastford on July 16. Stop by and say hi!

Have a safe and relaxing summer from the PTO!

***Our next meeting will be Tuesday, September 13 at 6:30 PM.***

Greetings from the Music Room

Students in grades Pk-6 spent much of May preparing for their concerts, which both went extremely well! The students’ hard work paid off in the form of two fabulous performances. Thank you, parents, for your support of your students in their musical endeavors.

The band and Tuesday morning chorus, however, still have more performances before the end of the year. The first will be at the much-anticipated High Note Music Festival on Thursday, June 2nd at Lake Compounce. At this festival each group will perform two songs in front of judges for a rating. The band will also be performing at 8th grade graduation on Wednesday, June 15th.

For third grade students, who recently finished their recorder unit, it is time to start thinking about band instruments for next year. Watch for a note being sent

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 5 of 39 home soon about instrument options and how to get the required materials so we can start right away in the fall!

7th grade students have been studying the Baroque Era of music history. We learned about the three musical textures monophony, homophony, and polyphony through listening to Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from the Messiah. After listening to the imagery expressed through the music in Vivaldi’s “Spring” from “The Four Seasons,” we created our own program music, based on famous paintings, through the website “Noteflight.”

8th grade has finally made it to modern times in our study of the history of American popular music. For our final project of the year, students are working on PowerPoint presentations about a modern genre of popular music. The genres that students will present on are: rock, pop, hip-hop, country, R&B, dub-step, and movie music.

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 6 of 39 Art Roomers – Ms. Muller and Designing Minds Enrichment

PreK had an art session just like one in a Kindergarten class to get them ready to “fly up” next fall. Children looked at the sculpture of Deborah Butterfield who sculpts bronze horses that appear to be made out of driftwood and found objects. After “finding” wooden clothespins and tongue depressors, children made self-standing horse sculptures, too!

Kindergarteners have been preparing to be called “First Graders” all year and the growth of their skills and attention supports their move up a grade level next fall. They have explored the roots of human culture through cave art and fossil remains, and have become junior botanists in making tree sculptures that are clear models of specific species such as birches, maples and oaks. Exploring different folds in a variety of papers yielded the making of paper bag houses and origami dogs! K-kiddos will contribute a checkerboard lizard in their choice of colors to the school-wide Tessellation Wall (see under grade 6 for more information).

First graders built accurate dinosaur skeletons of their choice out of recycled corn puffs as an Earth Day activity. This project represents how research is embedded in the making of art. Then our “firsts” used a printing method to produce a matrix of horizontal and vertical lines (making closed squares and rectangles as a result) that they filled in with contrasting colors of oil pastel---a huge hit. “My hand never gets tired using these,” said one youngster who happily invested a very long time on completing one of the most complex class works yet.

Second Graders Following the reading and discussion about Janell Canon’s book Verdi, students used a coiled method of hand clay building to replicate an authentic gesture or movement of an Amazon python snake. After the snakes were fired students painted them realistically (with choices of color to depict various snake growth stages) and place them in a personalized paper 3-D diorama representing a jungle habitat. Second graders will use red and black to make their Tessellating Lizards.

Third Graders were eager artists upon hearing how Leonardo da Vinci was one of the first artists to show depth in a flat painting by observing color changes to the atmosphere. Over distance, air gathers thickness and lends a bluish tint to things far away. By using layers of thin tracing paper to represent a layer of “air” students built up a scene with torn paper and a single sheet of torn blue paper to make an illusion of picture depth.

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 7 of 39

Third graders also made cut-paper projects using diamond and square-folded designs which could be layered and rotated to maximize the see-through qualities of color contrast and shape-changing. Third graders are responsible for making turquoise and black lizards!

Fourth Graders have used the math behind the art of tessellating to create a set of infinitely interlocking tiles in some very interesting shapes! They’ll be using their intense fourth grade skills to produce orange and turquoise lizards for the Tessellating Wall.

Fifth Graders are working hard at completing the Kaleidoscopes that were planned out in September with the promise that they would be the last big project of the school year. The class’s colors for the Tessellating lizard event are blue and orange.

Sixth Graders were the ones to start it. When the math-related art of M.C. Escher grew out of a pencil drawing unit (drawing bone specimens in No. 6 pencil to achieve blending and form like artist Georgia O’Keeffee) students really took on the challenge of high-level observation of grey-scale tonal detail motivated by some

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 8 of 39 of Escher’s most well-known prints (see Anna’s eye with an embedded human skull!). It was Escher’s lizard art that was truly inspirational---it sponsored such a high level of design competence from the students that there came the idea that their work could inspire others. They used turquoise and maroon to create their set of very unique lizards, which prove that even with a fairly big limitation (just two colors) and shape (lizard) a wide array of solutions can be created.

Seventh Grade students have returned their Hobbit-tat natural building materials to the school’s nature trail. In proper outdoors etiquette, we left no trace that materials were either borrowed or returned.

On to making MasterPizzas in collaboration with Mrs. Lessard who guided the biographical writing the students produced about their artist of choice; they also portrayed a representative artwork as a pizza slice from that artist’s career. Then tetrahedral kite-making followed by an advanced color blending unit using printing process colors of cyan, magenta and yellow instead of blue, red and yellow. The final project will be a “car pictures” unit that utilizes high levels of problem solving, measuring, line and shape observation plus color choosing and blending.

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 9 of 39 In Enrichment groups, enthusiasm is high despite all the PROBLEMS we encounter! That’s an exaggeration but the statement that has its truth in how problem solving is a kind of higher-order of play, and we play with numbers, strategies, shapes, energies, words and logic games, discovering and sometimes de- coding how things work and how best to use what we know to learn all facets of a concept, including how to predict an outcome for success. These mindsets can be applied to almost any content area. Below are a few examples of activities…

Our first graders have built a gravity run to experience a complex cause-and- effect project that allowed improvising and re-improvising to gain better speed and distance traveled for their marbles through the application of engineering and design principles. The young students have examined a gear train and compared its function to a gear-shaped connecting wheel toy; both have teeth but function by the different ways that their teeth mesh. They were able to track the flow of power as it looped through a line of several interconnected gears, each turning in a direction determined by the previous gear’s revolution. The connecting toy circles with gear-like teeth fit together by “slotting” but they can be assembled in a myriad of ways to build a stable structure.

Our second and third graders have been facing tasks of discrimination, like seeing individual components as well as the “big picture” when viewing tricky geometric designs, or when they tackle solving a Magic Square whose rows of 16 number boxes must add up to 34, but there are only four boxes with given numbers, and students must solve for rows running vertically, horizontally and diagonally.

Our fourth and fifth grade ELA-focus group members have used the incredible illustrations Chris Van Allsburgh’s book, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick to prompt short stories (500-1,000 words) because, as the author states, the actual stories that the illustrations depict have been lost. Our young writers are stepping in to make up for those lost stories with ones of their own that plausibly match the illustrations.

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 10 of 39 Fourth and Fifth graders in the STEM-based enrichment group enjoyed a collaborative activity based on true detective methods about gathering and rating assumptions while creating a bank of plausible evidence to make a case against a suspected criminal. They also used a challenging hands-on kit to make several polyhedrons that were then balanced and counter balanced into a GEOMOBILE. We’ll research a few methods of using geometric shapes (like hexagons) to craft tessellations, then investigate the presence of electric circuitry that empowers simple machines.

The PTO sponsored Balam Soto, a technical expert and performance artist from Honduras, who led students in grades 5-8 in the construction of LED bracelets that made the gym look like it was filled with multi-colored fireflies when the overhead lights were shut down.

It’s been an inventive, innovative, imaginative, inspiring and impactful school year. The “i’s” have it!!!! Have a great summer!

Math News – Mr. Socquet

Grade 7 Math

As the school year comes to a close, seventh graders find themselves working with volume and surface area of 3-dimensional shapes. They are dealing with not only single 3D shapes, but also composite figures.

Before students leave for the summer, they will delve into the world of probability and statistics. They will investigate both the probability of single events and complementary events.

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 11 of 39 Grade 8 Math

Students in grade 8 are anxiously approaching the end of their last year here at EES. They have recently completed the state wide testing program and are looking forward to their days as high school students. Before they leave, however, we will spend some time working in the area of probability and statistics. They will work with measures of central tendency and explore the concept of standard deviation.

***final note - GOOD LUCK to the EES Class of 2016 !!!!! You were a pleasure to work with.

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 12 of 39 Grade 4 – Mrs. McCombe

As we begin to wind down this school year, I want to thank all of the grade four parents and family members for supporting the staff at EES and helping to make your child’s educational experience successful. Students will receive their final grade four report card on the last day of school along with their most recent NWEA progress reports and updates from additional school supports that they may have received. If you have any questions or concerns after reviewing these, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will continue to check my email regularly over the summer months.

Before the last day of school, however, we will continue to work and learn in all of our subject areas! Students are working on a research project in class that involves studying different regions of the United States including the geography and landforms, economy, unique interest to tourists, and historical significance of each region. They will be sharing their research in a newsletter form that we hope to share publically before June 16! Homework will not be assigned as regularly for these last few weeks, but students should continue reading daily and practicing skills that are individual areas of weakness to maintain their progress now and throughout the summer.

There are many events for students coming up, so please check the school calendar for the most up to date information. We will be traveling to Sturbridge Village on June 8. These permission slips are due by June 3. Bike to School Day and Field day are on June 10. Parent volunteers are welcome for all of these events! There will also be a school wide spirit week the week of June 6-10 and an event called “Penny Wars” will be raising money for our school Student Council. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me, and thanks again for all of your support over the school year!

Language Arts – Mrs. Lessard

Grade Eight Students in grade eight are currently reading The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Miller wrote The Crucible in 1952, 260 years after the Salem witch trials. Given this information, students spent some time researching why Miller chose to write a play about an event in history that occurred so long ago. Through their research, students discovered that The Crucible was Miller’s way of voicing his dissatisfaction with McCarthyism and anti-communist propaganda in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. Once students recognized the correlation between the persecution of people during Salem witch trials and the “modern day witch hunt” that occurred under Senator Joseph McCarthy, I had them question where we see similar situations in our world today. To help facilitate this thinking,

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 13 of 39 students were asked to select one of the following questions to answer once they finish reading the play:

 What effect does fear have on people and on society if allowed to go unchecked?  How do people behave differently in groups than when acting alone?  What determines who is powerful and who is powerless in society?  Is guilt by association ever justified?  When is it acceptable to make people prove their innocence?  When is it okay to witness injustice and say nothing?

Once students selected a question that was of interest to them, they were asked to use evidence from the play and current events to answer the question in a comparison essay.

Grade Seven Students in grade seven recently finished writing informational companion “books.” A month ago, students began reading self-selected young adult novels with the intention of writing an informational companion book to accompany the book they were reading. During the writing process, students wrote about author’s craft and how certain craft moves can impact the books plot and characters, how symbolism and theme can add to the readers understanding of the story, and how to apply proper MLA citations to a literary type essay. Students organized their writing into “chapters” with proper headings to make their “books” a little more user friendly for their audience.

To wrap up the year, students will spend some time exploring the importance of using precise language in writing. During this unit students will learn the difference between connotations and denotations, and have the opportunity to create a Snap Guide, which is an online tool that allows students to create step-by- step directions with visuals.

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 14 of 39

Science News – Mrs. Mead

Thank you to everyone who came out for STEAMM Night last month. It was a huge success full of information, activities, and student work! Enjoy these candid photos.

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 15 of 39

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 16 of 39 .Social Studies News - Mr. Kernan

A look into the past, to see the future...

In seventh grade Social Studies, students have been studying the Elizabethan Era. Students have learned how the British defeated the Spanish Armada. We have also learned about the exploits of the Spanish Inquisition. We have completed our short research papers regarding famous explorers of the day. We will finish the year with Napoleon and the French Revolution and studying the civilizations of the New World. I hope everyone has a wonderful vacation and I look forward to seeing everyone in the fall.

In eighth grade, we have seen our Washington D.C. trip come and go. It was a tremendous trip from what I’ve heard. Sorry I wasn’t able to go this year. I would like to thank the chaperones and students who did attend and make the trip a success. In the classroom, students have received their research papers and for the most part did a very nice job. We will conclude the year wrapping up the 19th century. I want to wish all the eighth graders well as they move onto new endeavors in life. You all will do well.

Good luck!

Social Worker – Mrs. Bergin

On May 11th, students in grades 6-8 enjoyed an afternoon meeting and learning from guests at Career Day. Areas of interest were determined by students and included Art, Auto Tech, Culinary, Law, Government and Politics, Medical, Nursing, Psychology, Police, Speech Pathology, Social Work, Teaching, Technology, and Writing. Students were prepared to ask questions in their exploration of possible study and career areas. Presenters were very impressed by the interest and participation of EES students. Following the presentations and discussions, students provided feedback on what they learned and noted other areas they would like to explore.

If you would like to participate in future Career Days, please send an email or leave a message. Our students are eager to learn about their unlimited possibilities and our community is filled with talent and expertise to share. Over the summer, as you change routines and have time for family fun, try pointing out the various jobs and careers that we cross paths with every day. Students are often surprised to learn that there are countless fields of employment and study. Enjoy your time together!

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 17 of 39

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 18 of 39 Library & Media Center - Mrs. Lowney

April was a very busy month! STEAM night was a very successful culmination of yearlong projects incorporating science, technology, engineering skills, arts and more! Students used QR codes with their research, interactive online posters and various types of technology to display their research.

Book Swap!!! Get ready for summer reading! Donate your gently used books to the library June 1-June 10 There will be a 1-1 donate/swap (Books should be in good condition and age-appropriate)

Calling All Readers!! I am excited to inform you that our 2016 Summer Reading Program is a Wellness, Fitness and Sports Summer!

Summer Reading is back in Eastford this year, and it includes a celebration of sports and achievement with the theme “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 19 of 39 Summer Reading Program Join the fun and sign up at the public library for the summer program with tie ins to the Olympics that are happening in Rio de Janeiro this summer. Children become fluent readers through sustained reading and by seeing others choose reading. Libraries can give you information on family literacy skills and they provide developmentally appropriate programs for a wide range of ages to create fluent readers. Our local public library can help your child maintain and even improve their reading skills over the summer. Bring your kids to the public library to join the fun.

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 20 of 39

The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge

Each summer the Governor challenges students to read and explore the world of books. Attached you will find a reading log that must be returned at the beginning of school next fall. Your child may keep track of his/her summer reading. If you already have books in your home, students can log their reading on the summer list being sent home in this packet or on any other sheet of paper. Your child is strongly encouraged to read a minimum of five books over the summer. Attached is the state’s Summer Reading Journal. I am also providing the link for the student book form and some suggested book titles for your child’s grade. http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2683&q=320322 Your child should record the title of each book and the author’s name. Each student may read any books that are appropriate to his/her reading level. The book counts if it is read aloud to the child. We encourage students to read a variety of literature (fiction, non-fiction, magazines, biographies, etc.) over the summer.

Whether your child reads one book or fifteen books this summer, it is important that the Summer Reading Journals are returned the first week of school. We must report the number of students who participate in this program, as well as the number of books read to the State Department of Education. We are hoping for 100% participation this summer! You will be amazed how many books your child will read by just reading 20-30 minutes a day! We hope that you and your child(ren) will make reading a shared pleasure this summer and reap the added benefits of increasing your child’s reading fluency, stamina, comprehension and confidence.

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 21 of 39 Summer Reading Tips for Parents THIS ARTICLE IS EXCERPTED FROM www.readingrockets.org

Summer shouldn't mean taking a break from learning, especially reading. Studies show that most students experience a loss of reading skills over the summer months, but children who continue to read actually gain skills. Efforts should be made during the summer to help children sustain reading skills, practice reading and read for enjoyment. Parents should remember that children need free time in the summer to relax and enjoy the pleasures of childhood. So summer reading should be fun. Following are a few tips to make reading enjoyable for your children this summer: Read aloud together with your child every day. Make it fun by reading outdoors on the front steps, patio, at the beach or park. Also, let your children read to you. For younger children, point out the relationship between words and sounds. Set a good example! Parents must be willing to model behavior for their children. Keep lots of reading material around the house. Turn off the TV and have each person read his or her book, including mom and dad. Read the same book your child is reading and discuss it. This is the way to develop habits of the mind and build capacity for thought and insight. Let kids choose what they want to read, and don't turn your nose up at popular fiction. It will only discourage the reading habit. Listen to books on tape. Listen to them in the car, or turn off the TV and have the family listen to them together. Take your children to the library regularly. Most libraries sponsor summer reading clubs with easy-to-reach goals for preschool and school-age children. Check the library calendar for special summer reading activities and events. Libraries also provide age appropriate lists for summer reading. Subscribe, in your child's name, to magazines like Sports Illustrated for Kids, Highlights for Children, or National Geographic World. Encourage older children to read the newspaper and current events magazines, to keep up the reading habit over the summer and develop vocabulary. Ask them what they think about what they've read, and listen to what they say. Ease disappointment over summer separation from a favorite school friend by encouraging them to become pen pals. Present both children with postcards or envelopes that are already addressed and stamped. If both children have access to the Internet, email is another option. Make trips a way to encourage reading by reading aloud traffic signs, billboards, notices. Show your children how to read a map, and once you are on the road, let them take turns being the navigator. Encourage children to keep a summer scrapbook. Tape in souvenirs of your family's summer activities picture postcards, ticket stubs, photos. Have your children write the captions, read them, and read them aloud as you look at the book together.

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 22 of 39 Here are some teacher recommended links for your children to use during the summer.

Kindergarten

http://www.turtlediary.com/kindergarten-games.html http://www.starfall.com http://pbskids.org/superwhy/#/storybrookvillage http://www.abcya.com/kindergarten_computers.htm http://pbskids.org/lions/

Grade 1-2 http://www.studyisland.com/web/index/ http://www.starfall.com/ http://www.abcya.com/ http://www.fun4thebrain.com/ http://www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_1st.htm http://readlive.readnaturally.com/eastford-elem http://www.pebblego.com

Kid friendly research website Pair this website with a nonfiction book at the Eastford Public Library

Grade 3 Login at home today! www.lexiacore5.com

Login today! http://www.studyisland.com/web/index/ http://www.ixl.com/

Grades 4-5 http://www.ixl.com/ for both math and ELA http://www.studyisland.com/web/index/

Grades 6-8 http://www.ixl.com/ https://newsela.com/articles/?category=kids

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 23 of 39 BEFORE YOU READ

Ask: What do I already know about this topic and type of text? Predict: What do I think this will be about? Ask: What is my purpose for reading? WHILE YOU READ Visualize what is happening. Make personal connections to the text. Predict will happen next. Wonder and question. Make an inference based on the text and your own knowledge Summarize what has happened AFTER YOU READ Ask: How do I feel about this? Ask: What is important to remember? Ask: What is the BIG idea? WHAT DO I DO IF I JUST DON’T GET IT?

THINK about what I’ve just read. Does it make sense?

SUMMARIZE or RETELL the events and determine the main idea.

WRITE or TALK about the reading.

REREAD. Be sure to use all my reading strategies; predict, infer, connect, visualize, question, determine importance.

READ ON. My problem might be explained later in the text.

USE pictures, maps, charts, diagrams or other GRAPHICS in the text to find clues

Freebies for Reading!!!! Summer reading programs are a great way to encourage your child to read over the summer months. So why not give them a little incentive to really get into that summer reading? Especially if those incentives are some great kid freebies. http://www.chuckecheese.com/activities/rewards-calendars http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer- reading/379003570/

http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/src-2015

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 24 of 39 http://www.bookitprogram.com

http://freebies.about.com/od/familyfreestuff/p/t d-bank-summer-reading.htm When your child completes the TD Bank summer reading program, they'll get $10 free! Kids will need to read 10 books and have a new or existing Young Savers account at a TD Bank to get this deal.

Students are encouraged to log into BiblioNasium. This is a free service for children that connects all the students in their classroom with peer book recommendations. It also provides online reading logs as well! The link is https://www.biblionasium.com/

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 25 of 39 Make sure the book is just right for me. Choosing JUST RIGHT BOOKS

Look at the cover.

Read the title and author.

Read the back cover.

Flip through the book.

Read a page.

Use the “5 Finger” Rule.

Easy Just Right Hard I can read all the words I can read almost all the There are a lot of words I words. can’t read.

I understand what I’m reading. Some words are new. I get stuck. I’m not sure I understand what I’m reading. I can use all my reading I understand what I’m reading. I need to reread to Strategies. understand. It’s not a challenge I can use most reading I want to stop reading. It’s a Strategies. The book is a challenge. good challenge.

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 26 of 39 Health Room News – Mrs. Guillette

It is amazing how fast we come to this place again!

Time for end of the year reminders: Please stop in to pick up your child's unused medication before the end of the year. It often expires when left here. Also think about getting paperwork filled out for next year. A new form is required at the beginning of each year! Please also remember that an authorization is needed for any medicinal preparation, including over the counter items.

Summer is the perfect time to get a physical done. They are required for entry prior to school, during the sixth grade year, and yearly for sports participation. I will be having Dr. Boucher in for sports assessments in the first few weeks of school, and that requires paperwork signed prior to seeing him as well. I have both the state "blue form" and the simpler assessment forms here. Please feel free to drop completed forms here in my mailbox during the summer. I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of you who have donated to my clothing bank! Your generosity and kindness are much appreciated and always put to good use!

As always feel free to stop in, call or email with any questions, comments, or suggestions! Enjoy a safe and healthy summer and above all have fun!

Physical Education – Ms. Tedisky

Spring brings a variety of activities, especially teaching preschool through eighth grade. To prepare the youngest students for Field Day I recently took them out for an introduction of “real” Frisbees and foxtails. Needless to say, I have no doubt some will end up in the woods or over the fence on June 10! Kindergarten and first grade students are using “scoops and balls,” which are milk cartons with the bottom cut out and tennis balls. They are a very effective, yet economical, method to improve throwing and catching skills. First graders are introduced to a modified game of Whiffle ball, while second grade students learn basic rules and improve various skills.

Those in grades three through five play softball, with the older students playing regulation games. On a rotating schedule, the middle school students are introduced to a different sport or activity each spring. This year, it is Track and Field and I’m fortunate that I have so many willing (insisting!) to demonstrate discus, shot put and long jump. Hurdles are the one activity that the students are not familiar with, but it is definitely the favorite! As part of the Presidential Fitness Challenge, third through eighth graders recently completed four fitness assessments. Enclosed in each student’s report

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 27 of 39 card are the results of these tests. Please take note of your child’s/children’s individual results. If these results do not meet the minimum requirement in one or more areas, summer is a great time to exercise as a family! The following websites will provide games and activities to improve all aspects of fitness: kidshealth.org pecentral.org

The majority of students met or exceeded the muscular endurance and flexibility assessments. Special recognition is given to those students who excelled in the muscular strength and cardiovascular assessments. 90 o Push-Ups PACER Joren Ayer (7th Grade) 31 Clayton Singleton (7th Grade) 57 Clayton Singleton (7th Grade) 31 Emily Hull (7th Grade) 20 Anna Kellerman (6th Grade) 52

6th Grade Health The students recently viewed a video titled AIDS Facts for Kids and wrote a reaction to it. Several stated it was a good review of knowledge previously taught in Health class. Others responded that new information was presented. One student stated, “I really liked this video because the narrator said everything straight out the way it is. She didn’t try to make it not as scary, because it is scary to get HIV that leads to AIDS.” Another felt, “Now, I can remember what AIDS and HIV stand for and I know how to prevent it, how it spreads, and how the immune system tries to fight off HIV.” “I personally thought the video was educational and had important information for teens to know. It could save their lives.” So true! An interesting comment was, “I think this was a great topic because now I know how to prevent AIDS from killing me. I think this was my favorite topic of the year.”

FIELD DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!! As of now, only five parents have volunteered to help supervise a Field Day event. A reminder that all staff members will have specific responsibilities that day and are not available. I may have to eliminate a few activities if there is not enough supervision, due to safety considerations. I need to know beforehand, as a volunteer form must be completed. Please email me ([email protected]) if interested!

8th Grade Health As mentioned in a previous newsletter, eighth grade students are required to perform a minimum of three hours of Community Service. In the past, common activities have included picking up roadside trash, helping with the Before/After School Program at E.E.S. and volunteering at the Eastford Public Library. An example of creative service was cleaning Crystal Pond using scuba gear! A few examples of the projects that the present eighth graders participated in were

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 28 of 39 spring cleanup at Camp NAHACO, babysitting at PTO meetings and assisting with the Pollywog basketball program.

The Family Life unit includes a two-week activity of the students being “parents” to raw eggs. Baby carriers were brought in before the deliveries and graded on safety and creativity. Most were quite safe, at least no accidents so far! I was very impressed with the creative projects, such as a carrier designed as a cupcake with the sign, ”You need an egg to make cupcakes.” One had the baby resting in a tiny shoe, while another produced a back carrier shaped like a baby. Some of your grandchildren have interesting names: Smiggy, Requis, Jeriico, Rocky, and Eggar- Allen-Poe. Since there are fraternal twins in our 8th grade, each received two babies. Both carriers had a divider; one student said it was so they wouldn’t roll over on each other. The sibling felt this was a good idea so they wouldn’t fight! A daily journal is the last piece of this assignment. In the past, several babies had play dates and visited relatives. One was hospitalized with a high fever while another displayed photos taken at the one-week birthday party. My favorites were a birth certificate (with “footprints”) and a ransom note of cut-out letters a father had written!

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Save Your Boxtops Over the Summer

The next Box Tops collection date will be September 29th

Help us reach our goal of $1500 for the year!

Become a Box Tops member and get:  Coupons and free samples  Bonus Box Tops offers  More details about your school earnings JOIN FREE TODAY: http://www.boxtops4education.com/about.

If you have any Box Top at home that expire on June 30th please send those in right away or drop them off at the Eastford Post Office. Thank you for your support! ~ The Eastford PTO

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 30 of 39 AUCTION COMMITTEE

Eastford Elementary School's 5th through 8th grade students and the Annual Goods and Services Auction Committee would like to announce our Goods and Services Auction will be held on November 19, 2016.

Annually, the 8th grade takes a 4 day class trip to Washington, DC. This amazing opportunity to explore our nation’s capital comes at no cost to students through fundraising at the Goods and Services Auction only. The cost per student is approximately $700, we strongly believe that no student should be left behind due to the high cost of the trip and together, students, parents, and school staff work diligently to create this successful fundraising event.

The event begins with dinner, followed by a Tea Cup Raffle, live auction and silent auction. 100% of the proceeds go to the middle school and are split among the four classes.

We appreciate any help that parents can provide, there are MANY ways you can help: monetary donations, items to sell at the auction, helping with the dinner, auction set up, clean up, check out, Tea Cup Raffle and of course coming to the auction and buying items. 

We will be in need of baskets to put items into for silent auction, please save baskets over the summer to donate if you can. We appreciate any donation provided and thank you in advance for supporting the educational experience our students gain by traveling to Washington, D.C.

If you have any questions, please contact us at (860) 974-1130 or send emails to [email protected].

Have a great summer and we will resume Auction meetings in September!

Thank you again for your support!

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June 10, 2016 Permission Slip: Please return to homeroom teachers by June 8, 2016 **Please note: This is a bike TO school event only! Because of safety concerns, students will not be escorted back to their starting locations at dismissal. ONLY students who have brought in signed permission will be permitted to ride home from school for dismissal. If it is not possible for a family member to pick up bikes at school, we will store them inside at dismissal until the next day.

8:00 a.m: Students in grades 5-8 will be escorted from Lindon Tree Service. 8:10 a.m: Students in grades 1-4 will be escorted from Pound Road. 8:15 a.m: Students in grades Pre-K and K will be supervised on the playground blacktop course. 8:15 a.m: Any student wishing to walk will be escorted from the Congregational Church parking lot.

Family members are encouraged to participate along with their child! Please fill in names of students participating, their grade and location. Please label locations as follows – L (Lindon), P (Pound Road), CC (Congregational Church), PG (playground blacktop) NAME GRADE LOCATION Example: Susie Smith 2 P

**My child ______has permission to ride their bike home at dismissal without supervision. ______Parent/Guardian Signature Phone number

**All student bikers must wear proper helmets** If you wish to assist in escorting students, please email Carole McCombe at [email protected]

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PTO News

Eastford Elementary School Newsletter June 2016 Page 34 of 39 Dear Eastford School Community,

The PTO is coordinating classroom efforts to have a pizza lunch on field day, Friday, June 10.

This is NOT a fundraiser.

In the past, many classes have had a special field day pizza lunch and we would like to coordinate the efforts so all children will have this opportunity.

We ask that you contribute $2.00 per child. Please put money in an envelope with your child’s name, grade, and “PIZZA MONEY”. Checks should be made out to Eastford PTO and money should be sent in by June 3, 2016.

Thank you! Eastford PTO

Name: ______Grade: ______

Name: ______Grade: ______

Name: ______Grade: ______

Total Enclosed $______

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ON YOUR MARK, GET SET… READ

This summer At The Eastford Public Library Registration begins Monday June 20th For children entering pre-school through grade 5

Grades 6+ be a Junior volunteer this summer and have a book Dedicated in your name!

For more information call the library at 860-974-0125

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