Dear Intermediate School Families,
Please be reminded that we are embarking on a long weekend. Tomorrow there is no school as we observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 's birthday, which was January 15th, 1929.
Jackets, Hats, and Sweatshirts; Oh My:
We want to get the children outside for fresh air as often as possible during recess. We ask that you help them to make good choices when choosing clothing and outerwear for the day. Layers are always a good idea in New England!
Library Classes with Mrs. Grabke:
Students in the fourth and fifth grades are using different programs to practice coding. Coding is a skill that teaches students to follow directions, think logically, use creativity, and solve problems. Fourth graders are learning the basics or creating algorithms using the Hour of Code program. Fifth graders have the choice of animating their name, making a chase game, or creating a story using Scratch.
Art with Mrs. Boissonneau:
Fourth graders have been working with real clay to create pinch pots using a basic hand-building technique. They learn how to use clay tools, slip, and how to join pieces of clay to add details such as handles or lids. Students will be glazing their pinch pots to add decoration and color soon!
Fifth graders looked at the work of Australian contemporary artist Joel Moore, also known as Mulga. He creates all types of art using intricate line work and bold colors. One look at his work and you’ll find a world where tropical gorillas surf, tigers wear sunglasses, and ice cream in the shape of koala bears exist. Students are creating their own Mulga-inspired ice cream cones, letting their imaginations run wild!
Music News from Mr. Duff:
Last week in music, we continued with our musician of the month, Elvis Presley through the book Who Was Elvis Presley? Fifth grade students are starting off the new year by writing their own music in standard notation. We will be working extensively on creating clear music notes and symbols for a musician to sight-read. Our fourth graders have been starting their instrument family unit while we wait for all the recorder order forms to be passed in. Monday will be the last day to pass in the forms.
A Word from Mr. Ireland:
The Nature’s Classroom chaperone notifications were sent home on Friday, the 6th. Thank you to all who volunteered to chaperone, we were able to take eight chaperones this year.
In physical education classes, we are doing our mid-year fitness tests with the hope of beating our previous scores set in September. The students are doing well, and a new record has been set for push ups by Teagan Lynch. She did 72 push ups in a row!
Next week we will be moving onto some big ball volleyball.
Frequently Requested Contacts:
First Student Bus Company
Ken Rezendes - 508.763. 9260
kenneth.rezendes@firstgroup.com
Food Services
Andrea Fay - 508.923.2000 x 1146
afay@freelake.org
Nurse’s Suite
Jennifer Burke - 508.923.3506 X 3333
Message from the PTO:
Our next fundraiser/event is the Color (Fun) Run which is happening in February, and we will be discussing this at the next PTO meeting. We are very excited for this event, as the students last year loved it! The meeting is on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom with a meeting ID of
975 169 9808 and the password graispto.
We will be doing Sweets and Treats Day for the GRAIS staff on February 13th, and we will be sending out a Sign-up Genius in a couple of weeks in hopes of receiving some donations to make this staff appreciation the best yet!
If you have any questions or concerns about any events, volunteering, or meetings; please reach out to Katie Elderkin directly at 508-863-5889.
We are excited to kick off our G.R.A.I.S. Fun Run on 02/07/2023. Our goal is to raise $25,000 for field trips and enrichment programs and to strengthen our school community.
Our school has always relied on fundraising to provide exceptional opportunities to enhance student learning and we need YOUR HELP registering your student(s) and sharing with friends and family.
T-Shirts for the event have been placed and will arrive right before the event!
Mark your calendars for the G.R.A.I.S. Fun Run fundraiser kicking off soon!
Key dates to remember:
● REGISTRATION OPENS - 01/24/2023
Register on MYBOOSTER.COM
● G.R.A.I.S. Fun Run Kick Off - 02/07/2023
● Event Day - 02/16/2023
We are grateful for our George R. Austin Intermediate School family! Thank you for your support this year.
MCAS Dates:
As I had a great response from folks on the inclusion of the MCAS practice links, I will continue to include them in the memo for your convenience.
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-ela/
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-math/
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-science/
2023 Spring MCAS Dates
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 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
Curriculum Night Event - March 23rd
No School - April 7th
Spring Vacation - April 14th - 21st
Early Dismissal at 11:30 - May 5th
Respectfully,
Dr. Sullivan
508.923.3506 x 3150/esullivan@freelake.org