Coolidge Chronicle
March 24, 2024
A Message from Mrs. Ostrander
Coolidge Families,
As we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for all our students inside our school, we also want to emphasize the importance of a safe and inclusive environment outside our school walls at recess! Ensuring that every child feels safe and comfortable during recess is a collective effort. We request your assistance in reinforcing the following key components of a successful, safe recess with your child(ren) at home:
- Kind Supportive Language: Using kind words and redirection between peers supports positive relationship skill building. Please remind your child not to use unexpected language even when their thermometers are rising. Student conversation should be focused on topics and words they would feel comfortable sharing with parents, grandparents, and staff.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Talk with your child about using their words to solve problems. Using our bodies to push, shove, or hit, when there is a conflict between classmates can lead to a more significant issue at recess. Please speak to your child about signs that would signal he/she should consider choosing a new game or peer to play with.
- Adult Support: Remind your child several adults supervise recess and are there to support students to have fun. If your child encounters a problem at recess, they can and should seek adult support. Consider having a candid conversation with your child about which adult they will specifically speak to at recess. Is it their classroom teacher? The paraprofessional on duty? Make a plan in advance to help the child request help.
Below are the Coolidge Recess Expectations, designed to help our students have fun with their friends and get some energy out safely and inclusively! Additionally, I have included a picture of our 'Recess Zones' new this school year. These zones are part of our proactive approach to managing recess and ensuring a positive experience for all students. Suppose a child is having continued challenges at recess following expectations. In that case, he/she may lose recess privileges in accessing all recess zones or may be asked to play in a particular recess zone closer to their classroom teacher so he/she can practice expectations safely. If your child has limitations implemented at recess, the classroom teacher or I will reach out to you to talk about this as soon as possible. If you have any questions about recess expectations, please don't hesitate to contact your child's classroom teacher.
Thank you for your continued partnership in creating a safe and enjoyable school environment for all our students.
Sincerely,
Tiffany Ostrander
Principal
COOLIDGE COMMUNITY PHOTOS
Wallace Class preparing for chain reaction experiment!
Ms. Wallace's class discusses whether the size of a domino matters when thinking about the exchange of stored energy to tip a chain of dominoes. Making predictions is important as we test our understanding of force and motion.
GOTR- Girls On The Run
This week, we started our Girls on the Run Program from 3 and 4th grade girls. Our students had a blast training and participating in team-building activities!
More GOTR
Thanks to Mrs. Barron, our GOTR Leader, and other collaborators, including Mrs. Daly, Ms. Grillo, Ms. Orne, and Ms. Anderson, for a successful kickoff!
COOLIDGE CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
Holi
The annual Hindu celebration, Holi, also known as the festival of colors, is celebrated on the last full moon in the lunar month of Phalguna. The annual tradition marks the end of winter and honors the triumph of good over evil. Tomorrow, Monday, 3/15, is Holi for our students and families who celebrate. To all that celebrate, may you have a joyful Holi!
Good Friday & Easter
Good Friday is a religious holiday usually observed by Christians. It is also called Holy Friday, Black Friday, or Great Friday. It is observed to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, his death, and his rising from the dead. On Friday, March 29, some individuals will recognize Good Friday. On Sunday, March 31st, Christians will celebrate Easter. Easter is the holiest day of the year for Christians. It celebrates their belief in the resurrection, or the rising from the dead, of Jesus Christ. For those who celebrate, we hope this day brings you much peace and joy.
March Musician of the Month - Ludwig van Beethoven
March is Music In Our Schools Month and was created over 40 years ago to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children. Therefore during the Month of March we try to highlight a musician who has a focus on Orchestral music. This month we will be focusing on the composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Beethoven was born in December of 1770 in Bonn Germany. At the age of 11 he began his career as a performer, acting as assistant organists in a nobleman's court and not long after he began to compose music. Beethoven became known for his skillful piano playing and became very famous following a large public concert in Vienna. In the late 1790’s Beethoven began to lose his hearing. Despite this hearing loss he continued to perform piano and compose. By 1819 Beethoven was completely deaf and no longer performing, rather he focused his energy on composing. If you care to listen to some of Beethoven's greatest works 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
MCAS Dates for Spring 2024 - Grade 4 Testing THIS WEEK!
Here are a few reminders that we’ve discussed with the students:
1. ARRIVE TO SCHOOL ON TIME!
This is key for those students who do not take the bus. MCAS
testing is scheduled to begin at 9:20. It is important that
we have some time to talk with the students prior to the beginning
of the given day’s assessment.
2. Get a good night’s sleep!
3. Eat a filling, healthy breakfast.
4. Bring TWO SNACKS and a WATER BOTTLE to school!
* First snack will be eaten prior to testing and the second snack
needs to be able to be eaten quickly (3 to 5 minutes) in the middle of the assessment.
5. Wear comfortable, appropriate layered clothing.
6. Any ELECTRONIC devices such as smart watches / cell phones,
etc. should either be kept at home or will be kept on the teacher’s
desk.
7. Remember to use all the strategies that they have learned and
practiced.
No Toys at School, Please!
While we understand that children often enjoy bringing their favorite toys to school for comfort or entertainment, we would like to ask you to cooperate in making sure that toys are kept at home. Toys may distract students from learning, be misplaced or stolen, and sometimes may present a safety concern to others. The only exception for your child bringing a toy to school would be if he/she is the 'star of the day' or 'student of the week' in which they have an opportunity to share a personal item from home. Thanks for your support with ensuring all toys stay home and do not travel to school.
REPEATED IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Spring Forward - Do Your Children Get Enough Sleep?
This past weekend, we turned our clocks ahead one hour as part of daylight savings. Winter months can feel endless when it’s dark before many arrive home from their day. Added daylight can boost our sense of energy, and days can quickly fill with increased activity. Whether it is light or dark outside, children require ample sleep. Being well-rested contributes to growing and learning. Click below for recommended sleep hours for children from the CDC.
Invention Challenge: Toys for Pets (Non-SPS Sponsored)
Calling on all students in grades 2-8 to put on their inventor’s hat and stretch their imagination to design a new pet toy for a cat or dog for the Invention Challenge: Toys for Pets! The winning entry not only stands to win a grand prize of $5000 but also holds the potential to be manufactured, contributing to STEM education. To enter, simply submit a name for your pet toy, along with up to two images showcasing your design and a brief written summary explaining its concept in 200 words or less.
Entries Due: March 19, 2024 | 8:59 PM PT
K-6 during April Vacation Program
Shrewsbury Public Schools is pleased to be offering enrichment classes for students in grades K-6 during April vacation. These classes are open to the community.
Registration will open Thursday, March 14th, at 7:00AM
Program information
Dates: Tuesday, April 16th - Friday, April 19th
Location: Beal School
Morning Class: 8:30-11:30 - $100week
Afternoon Class: 12:00-3:00 - $100/week
Early Drop-Off: 7:00-8:15 - $40week
Extended Hours: 3:00-6:00 - $85/week
Each class runs Tuesday-Friday, so students may select one class for the morning session and/or one class for the afternoon session. Students who wish to enroll in both AM and PM classes can bring a lunch from home and will be supervised in the cafeteria from 11:30-12:00.
Preview the catalog here.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
Students who meet the financial guidelines for the free and reduced lunch program can use the code APRVAC50 at checkout to receive a 50% discount off their total fees. Please note, even though all SPS students currently receive free lunch, this discount is only for families who meet the federal income guidelines for free and reduced meals. If you meet the criteria, you are eligible for financial assistance with other school programs. Learn more and apply here. All discounts will be verified with Food Services, and if you do not qualify, you will be billed the full cost of the class. Students who do not attend Shrewsbury Public Schools are not eligible for this discount, regardless of income status.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Karen Isaacson, Director of Extended Learning, 508-841-8727
Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year
Do you have a child entering kindergarten next year? Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. We invite you to register your incoming kindergartener now in preparation for next fall. Information can be found on the Shrewsbury Public Schools website under Student Registration or click the picture above.
SUMMER ENRICHMENT
Registration for the Summer Enrichment program will open Tuesday, February 13th at 7:00AM.
You can learn more about the program and preview the catalog here.
https://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/extendedlearning/summer-programs
Location: Sherwood Middle School
For students who will be entering grades 1-8 in fall of 2024
Dates: June 24-27, July 8-11, July 15-18 and July 22-25
Half-day and Full-day options are available, with dozens of classes to choose from each week.
Each half-day class costs $100 per week. Students who meet the financial guidelines for the free and reduced lunch program can use the code SUMMER50 at checkout to receive a 50% discount off their total fees.
SUMMER ROBOTICS
Registration for the Summer Robotics Program will open Tuesday, February 13th at 7:00AM.
You can learn more about the program here.
https://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/extendedlearning/summer-robotics
Location: Shrewsbury High
For students who will be entering grades 4-8 in the fall of 2024
Dates: July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26 and July 29-Aug 2
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-3:30
Cost: $310 per week.
Students who meet the financial guidelines for the free and reduced lunch program can use the code SUMMER50 at checkout to receive a 50% discount off their total fees.
DIGITAL LOST & FOUND
Lost & Found - PLEASE CHECK!
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.
March PTO UPDATES
IMPORTANT DATES
Reminders: Mark Your Calendars - Important Dates for March!
March
25- Grade 4 ELA MCAS, Session 1
27- Grade 4 ELA MCAS, Session 2
April
1- T2 Report Card Available
1- Grade 3 ELA MCAS, Session 1
3- Grade 3 ELA MCAS, Session 2
Calvin Coolidge School
Website: https://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/coolidge
Location: 1 Florence Street, Shrewsbury, MA, USA
Phone: 5088418880
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoolidgeElementarySchool