Happy New Year Intermediate School Families,
The boys and girls did a nice job of settling back into the routines of school last week. I met with each grade level on the third, and we celebrated the aspects of our core values–respect, responsibility, and safety–that are being demonstrated well and reviewed areas on which we will continue to work. In addition to being sure they have fully charged chromebooks every morning, being prepared for and focused on their lessons, and completing their homework assignments thoughtfully, thoroughly, and on time; the boys and girls are committed to being good citizens of the school by using kind words and actions, helping to keep the building clean, and walking—not running as they travel within the school.
Winter Warm-ups Day:
Who’d have thought any theme day would garner more participation than Pajama Day? Well, our Holiday Hustle (Sweats) Day absolutely did! We liked it so much that we are bringing it back with a new name. On January 13th, the day before the long weekend, we will be having a Winter Warm-ups Day. Send the boys and girls into school in their comfiest sweats again.
Thank you for all your help in making our spirit week prior to the holiday break fun, by the way. The outfits, hats, and hairstyles were some of the best we have ever seen. Red and black buffalo plaid pjs for the WIN!
A Message for the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC):
We, like the PTO, are a group of parents helping one another learn and grow regarding our children's needs. Please do not think that this parent group is strictly for parents of students with special education needs. Is your child struggling academically, emotionally, or behaviorally? Do you have a child that has a diagnosis and is eligible for an IEP or 504 plan? Do you have questions about resources or how to help your child progress? If you are looking for support, then let's talk about it! Please join your FreeLake SEPAC Tuesday, January 10th at 6:30 p.m. in the Apponequet library for a mid year check in. Bring your questions, and let's support each other. We are joined in our monthly meetings by the Director of Student Services, Ms. Ashley Bouley, who can also assist with any questions or concerns you may have. If you are interested in coming or have any questions about SEPAC, please feel free to email us at sepac@freelake.org . We hope to see you soon!
Additionally, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will be visiting the district in March 2023 to assess our special education programming. In preparation for this, the DESE is holding a parent orientation on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 @ 6:30. We will be streaming this presentation during our monthly SEPAC meeting in the library at ARHS. Please contact Ashley Bouley if you have any questions abouley@freelake.org .
Message from the PTO:
Our next meeting is January 17th at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom with a meeting ID of
975 169 9808 and the password graispto.
If you wish to help with our color run in February, or for any future in-school events or field trips, remember all volunteers need to have an active CORI form, which is good for three years and fingerprints in the system. If you have any questions or concerns about any events, volunteering, or meetings; please reach out to Katie Elderkin directly at 508-863-5889.
MCAS Dates:
The windows for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System testing dates were released earlier this school year, and we have settled on the dates below for tests at the intermediate school. Students will use their district-issued devices for the assessments, so will be very comfortable with the technology. I am providing the following links, taken directly from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, if you would like a look at the types of questions asked by the state or if you’d like to practice with your student.
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-ela/
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-math/
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-science/
April 10 & 11–Grade Five ELA
April 12 & 13–Grade Four ELA
May 08 & 09–Grade Five Math
May 10 & 11–Grade Four Math
May 15 & 16–Grade Five Science
Dates to Remember:
January 13th - Winter Warm-ups Day
January 16th - No School
January 17th - Virtual PTO Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
January 19th - Title I Families’ Event 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
February 16th - Indoor Color Run
Winter Vacation - February 20th - 24th
Early Dismissal at 11:30 - March 3rd
Grades 4 and 5 Curriculum Night Event - March 23rd
No School - April 7th
Spring Vacation - April 14th - 21st
Early Dismissal at 11:30 - May 5th
With respect,
Dr. Sullivan
508.923.3506 x 3150/esullivan@freelake.org