Dear Intermediate School Families,
As we dive into our second month of school, I am pleased to let you know that GRAIS students have firmly fallen into school routines, are working hard, and are having fun in grades four and five. We know much of this is due to your help. Once again, thank you for your support at home. As always, if you need help with anything relative to your student, please reach out!
Safety Drills:
Having completed the first fire drill of the year during the first week of school with a glowing report from the deputy fire chief of Lakeville, as well as from the firefighters from both towns who responded, it came as no surprise to me that the boys and girls did beautifully with not only the bus evacuation drill this past Wednesday morning, but also with the safety drill that afternoon. Several weeks ago when SRO Bartholomew did our annual A.L.I.C.E. presentation for both grades, the focus on her from all students was the absolute best I have ever seen, so I expected nothing less than what I saw Wednesday. Kudos to the fourth and fifth graders, as well as the GRAIS staff! They were responsible, respectful and safe!
Absenteeism:
I am very pleased to share that data from the state indicates that we had very good improvement in our chronic absenteeism at the intermediate school last year! A child who is absent 10% (18 days) of the school is considered chronically absent. Absenteeism may have significant negative impacts on the progress a student makes not only academically, but also socially. Research shows, having good attendance not only helps children do well in school, but also within the workplace later in their lives. By having your student attend school every day, on time, you are teaching valuable time management skills that will be useful in all aspects of life.
Here are some tips to improve school attendance:
Creating a Successful Morning Routine - click HERE
Daily Schedule Chart to Post at Home - click HERE
Separation anxiety - click HERE
This year we're off to a good start with our average weekly attendance as follows:
Week of 9/4=98%
Week of 9/9=97%
Week of 9/16=97%
Week of 9/23=96%
After the Bell:
The fall session registration form is now available, and we have some really great classes and clubs being offered. For more information, contact Lisa Pacheco at lpacheco@freelake.org or click here: .Registration Form and Flyer.
Campus Programs:
Diane Czapiga remains available to you at dczapiga@freelake.org or at 508.923.2000 x1719. If you have any questions regarding some fun campus program opportunities for your children. Click here to see what’s available now! GRAIS storytelling registration and Basic Babysitting Class for Grades 5 - 8
News from the Nurse’s Suite:
In-school health screenings will begin after our Thanksgiving break. If you will be opting your student out of school health screenings, please send Mrs. Burke a signed and dated letter stating specifically what you are opting out of no later than November 1st.
MDPH School Health Screening Website
If your student has any severe allergies, surgeries, accidents, or if new health issues arise during the school year, please inform the school nurse at jburke@freelake.org or 508.923.3506 x3333. Additionally, should your student sustain a concussion or an injury that requires him/her to miss physical education classes, please send in a note from a physician. A copy will be made for the nurse and the PE teacher. We will also need a note indicating when the child may resume participation in PE class and usual activities. If your child has been ill, he/she should be fever free with no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school without the use of fever reducing medication. We appreciate your use of the call-in line at 508.923.3100 (push #6) as well.
PTO:
Our next meeting is on October 15th at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. We hope you will log in and join us.
The meeting ID: 477 737 8775 and the password is graispto.
Thank you to all who contributed in any way to our Fun Run fundraiser! The students had a lot of fun and earned money that will be used for field trips, assemblies, and other special events for them!
Freetown-Lakeville Basketball Club:
Please see attached here: FLBC.
Sensory Friendly & Inclusive Movies and Events in Massachusetts:
Please follow this link for some wonderful opportunities this fall!.
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC):
The next meeting is this Tuesday, October 1st at 6:30 p.m. in the ARHS library. Director of Student Services, Kelly Steele will provide information on parent rights, review the new IEP, and answer questions from the group..
Square 1 Art Fundraiser:
Your student will be creating a very special, art masterpiece that you may purchase on unique gifts and keepsakes to enjoy for a lifetime. Every order made will help you preserve the special memories of your child's creative growth in a fun and inspiring way! Imagine the excitement and fun of sharing your child's awesome art with family and friends. Be sure to make your order(s) by the due date provided soon by Mrs. Boissonneau. We look forward to an amazing fundraiser with Square 1 Art. Stay tuned for more details about the fundraiser to come to you soon!
STEM Week is Coming:
We are really looking forward to seeing the solutions that the fourth and fifth graders come up with for our STEM challenge during the week of October 21st. This year is going to be especially fun, as our director of curriculum and assessment, Teri Fleming has arranged for some ARHS science students and their teacher Julie Mills to visit to work with some of our students and their teachers. The students will be engaging in the engineering design process in collaborative groups.
Future Dates to Remember:
October 11th - Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
October 14th - No School
October 16th - Fourth Grade Parent/Guardian Meeting for Nature’s Classroom
November 5th - No School for Students
November 11th - No School
November 13th - Picture Retakes
November 18th - Book Fair Week
November 27th - 11:30 a.m. Dismissal
December 2nd - School Resumes
With much respect,
Dr. Sullivan
508.923.3506 x 3150