Coolidge Chronicle
January 14, 2024
A Message from Mrs. Ostrander
Dear Coolidge Community,
On January 10th the Shrewsbury Elementary Principals presented the new 2023-2024 School Improvement Plan to the Shrewsbury School Committee. Our aim in creating this common district plan is to provide clarity on our mission to achieve high literacy outcomes for all students while maintaining transparency with measurable milestones. We want to keep you, our parent community, informed about the progress we are making over time, and I am thrilled to share the details of the new Elementary School Improvement Plan.
The gist of our elementary shared goals is to enhance literacy outcomes for elementary school students by providing additional support to those falling below the benchmark, as identified by the STAR baseline assessment, and by June 2024, the objective is to achieve a minimum of 10% reduction in the number of students requiring extra literacy support. We will do this work through establishing tiered literacy supports, engaging in regular data cycles, and progress monitoring students supports closely to adjust or redesign interventions as necessary. Click here to view the Shared Elementary School Improvement Plan.
Additionally, Coolidge has a school-specific goal identified by our Coolidge School Council focused on investigating ways to ensure that all students have equitable access to school-based educational enrichment opportunities. The School Council will be engaging you in this goal by understanding your current perspective on enrichment offerings and gaining more insight regarding what you'd like to see improved as we determine a new enrichment catalog for the coming school year.
As we embark on this journey, I am confident that our collective efforts will lead to a more enriched and successful learning environment for our students. Your ongoing support and collaboration are key components in achieving our goals, and I look forward to the positive impact we will make together.
Warm regards,
Tiffany
COOLIDGE COMMUNITY PHOTOS
Flexible Seating
PTO has supported Coolidge in purchasing flexible seating options for every classroom. Flexible seating provides students with options for how they sit and lets them choose what works for them. The idea is that students can use flexible seating options to help them sit best to learn. Pictured above are students using some of the options available, such as a wobble stool, a cube chair, a bumpy cushion, and a structured bean bag chair.
COOLIDGE CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL MONDAY 1/15!
January Musician of the Month
As we come back from break we will spend the month of January learning about a band from Germany called Meute. Meute is the German word for pack, as in a pack of wolves. But Meute is better known as an eleven-piece techno marching band formed in 2015 by Thomas Burhorn. Using marching band instruments such as snare drums, trumpet, tenor saxophone, marimba and bass drum the band arranges techno, house and deep house works by well-known DJs, that are then enhanced with electronic beats created by marching band instruments. These musicians use only their drums and horns to create the techno sound, no computers are involved. Meute has gained a large following through their impromptu street performances that are followed by millions on YouTube If you care to listen to Meute click this spotify link to access a playlist of some of their most notable tunes. Please note that you will need to create a spotify account to play these songs, it is free with some Ads.
NEW IMPORTANT INFORMATION
REPEATED IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Snack Reminder from Mrs. Sorenson
Dear Parents, I want to let you know that I have been seeing more and more students come to the nurse's office for a snack on a daily basis. The school provides breakfast and lunch free of charge; however, snacks are not provided, and must be sent in from home. Please make sure that you are sending your child into school every day with a healthy snack. If you need any assistance with providing snacks for your child, please contact the school. Thank you so much for your attention to this matter, Sandy
"Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP", SPAC Presentation via Zoom on Thursday February 1, 2024
The Federation for Children with Special Needs will present its online workshop, "Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP," via Zoom on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 6:30-8:30 pm. Topics covered will include: Why the IEP is important, Who is Eligible, and How the IEP is Developed. All caregivers are welcome, and pre-registration is required at the following link:
https://fcsn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqf-6pqzgsGNwblxogRSp36XtnXHYHkbIc
Afterschool Activities Program Registration (ASAP) - Registration Open!
Coolidge will be offering two different after-school classes, taught by Coolidge staff, beginning February 1st. Registration will open on Tuesday January 9th at 7:00AM, through the parent portal. The classes will meet on Thursdays from 3:45-4:45 for six weeks. Since all classes run at the same time, students may only register for one class. The cost for the six-week session is $40, and your registration is not complete until payment is received. Class sizes are limited, and spaces fill quickly.
The classes being offered are:
Ballroom Dance – grades 1-4
Legos, Legos Everywhere! – grades 1-4
Class details and dates can be found on the Coolidge website.
https://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/coolidge/activities
For more information, contact Karen Isaacson, Director of Extended Learning
MCAS Dates for Spring 2024
Below are the MCAS Testing dates for this year in Grades 3 and 4. Please mark your calendars and avoid scheduling appointments or travel on testing days if possible.
DIGITAL LOST & FOUND
Lost & Found
We are taking the Lost and Found digital! Click here to see items that are in our lost & found. Lost & found is located right outside of our cafeteria and can be picked up in person during arrival and dismissal. If you see an item that belongs to your child you can also email nturnblom@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us or your child's classroom teacher to claim the item. Please label your child's items.
JANUARY PTO UPDATE
January PTO Update
Reading and Math Incentive Program: We are almost at the halfway point for tracking. All students who have completed 3 or more charts in reading and math by the end of January will receive a prize. Please, remember to send completed charts to school with your child. All students who complete at least FIVE reading and FIVE math charts by the end of April will receive a medal.
Dine Out Night at Papa Gino’s in Westborough will be on Thursday, January 11th from 4:00-9:00 pm. Flyers have gone home with more information!
COOKIES FOR COOLIDGE Recap - Everyone at Coolidge loved the treats that were provided by so many families. Thank you again to all who participated!
The January PTO meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on 1/16/24 at 6:30. A link will be shared prior to the meeting.
Please email the PTO @ calvincoolidgepto@gmail.com if you have any questions.
IMPORTANT DATES
Reminders: Mark Your Calendars! Important Dates for January & February!
January
15- Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School
23- Grade 4 Winter Concert at 6:30pm
February
6- Early Release for Students, PD Day
19 to 23- February Break, No School
27- PTO Meeting
Calvin Coolidge School
Website: https://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/coolidge
Location: 1 Florence Street, Shrewsbury, MA, USA
Phone: 5088418880
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoolidgeElementarySchool