Last Day 2018

Posted June 20, 2018

Hello Families,

Just a reminder that Thursday and Friday are half days for Center School. Students are dismissed at 11:30. Report cards will be sent home with your child on Friday. If your child is not in school on Friday, his/her report card can be picked up in the main office.

Thank-you! Countdown to summer....

Donna Hutton, Principal

Summer Reading

Posted June 19, 2018

“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.” Maya Angelou

Hello Center School Families,

We want to share some great resources that will help you continue to encourage and support your child’s reading this summer. First here’s some important facts:

• When children select reading materials themselves and read for enjoyment, they attain the most gains in reading achievement, including better reading comprehension, writing proficiency and vocabulary.
• Children tend to read more when adults in their lives encourage them to read, and also when they see those adults reading often themselves.
• Children that feel that reading is fun tend to read more often, so let’s make reading enjoyable and social to promote success!
• Reading just 4 to 6 books over the summer has the potential to prevent a decline in reading achievement!

Summer Resources:

1. Booklists compiled by Mrs. Vanessa Vigna, our talented and awesome literacy coach: Booklists.docx
2. Wow! Online Book Clubs!! This year for summer reading, some Center teachers are volunteering to host online book clubs! Click here for details: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lrk3CSOVA7fQddaFHGSLbkba_bX6k2GTz8DhUcwoNVo/edit
3. Summer Reading Goal Form (Thanks Ms. Vigna!) for your child to complete: summer reading - goals.docx
4. Each year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) identifies the best of the best in children's books: ALA Notable Books
5. Thank-you for your generous support and encouragement of reading throughout the year, and especially during the Read to Feed endeavor. Here’s a fun CSS with our Read to Feed Reward. Students earned the opportunity to dunk their teachers! Enjoy!

Happy summer reading ! We look forward to sharing our summer reading favorites with our students and to hearing about all their summer adventures through literature!

Warm regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

&

Your Center School Reading Friends

Field Day Menu!

Posted May 31, 2018

Hello Center School Families,

Attached is the school lunch menu for Field Day on June 8th. Your child will place his/her order in the morning on the 8th, same as daily procedures. Please remember that families often enjoy packing lunches and meeting their child on the green for a family picnic. Lunch is from 11:30 to 12:00 for the entire school.

FieldDayCenter2018.pdf

Let's hope for a beautiful sunny day next Friday!

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

Posted May 7, 2018

The Teacher Appreciation Luncheon is quickly approaching on May 14th from 11:30-1:00.

Please consider making your favorite dish or contributing with a monetary donations to this beloved Center School tradition. To help us plan, sign up for your contribution here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e44afa722a1fe3-center

Monetary donations may be dropped off in the office or sent to your child's teacher. Please label: Teacher Luncheon (checks can be made out to Center School PTO) Please contact coordinators with any questions:

Kara Conway- k.conway@comcast.net Kate Haber- katemurphy1@gmail.com

Thank you!

Good evening Center School Friends,

Here’s a lovely bedtime story about being true to your inner self and about accepting others for who they are. Happy reading and sweet dreams!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8RWXNf1ciQ&feature=youtu.be

RED by Ms. Drysdale

May Reminders

5/8-5/11: MCAS Math 3rd, 4th, 5^th Grades

5/14 Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

5/15 MCAS Grade 5 Science

5/16 MCAS Grade 5 Science

5/18 Spirit Day: Comfy Cozy Day

5/18 Kindergarten Orientation for incoming kinder students: No School for our current Kindergarten children

5/28 Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL

Enjoy a wonderful spring week ahead!

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Peacebuilders Night

Posted May 3, 2018

Good afternoon Center Families,

We will have the esplanade doors open this evening for our parents and guardians. Please do not come to the main entrance. Should showers move through the area between 6:00 and 6:20, please enter through the doors on the gymnasium side of the school. We'll hold our welcome in the gym should it rain.

Please remember to follow the rotations with your child's field day team color.

Many thanks and see you later this afternoon.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

PeaceBuilders Open House

Posted May 2, 2018

PeaceBuilders Open House for Parents and Guardians

Thursday, May 3^rd

6:00-7:30

Center School is a PeaceBuilders’ community. We’re in our third year of our commitment to use the principles of the program to create a school community that improves relationships by teaching and encouraging peaceful ways of solving conflicts. PeaceBuilders is not just a program –it’s a way of life.

We cordially invite parents and guardians to Center School’s PeaceBuilders Open House, developed to enhance our families understanding of our social emotional teachings through PeaceBuilders.

PeaceBuilders establishes a foundation for children to learn responsibility and respect. There are six essential peace-building behaviors that are practiced:

Praise People

Give Up Put-Downs

Seek Wise People

Notice Hurts

Right Wrongs

Help Others

These core PeaceBuilding behaviors and actions are modeled daily through the Peace Pledge and have proven wisdom and science behind them. Children are visual, verbal, hands-on learners. The PeaceBuilders Program is full of strategies and activities where children interact with each other and their environment in fun, creative ways as they actively learn the key principles above.

Come join us Thursday to learn more about the important life-long strategies that we integrate into your child’s day, as well as gather resources for home peace-building!

Agenda

6:00-6:15

Social on Esplanade; Light Refreshments courtesy of our PTO; PeaceBuilders Committee Welcome

You will travel by your families’ Field Day Team Color to each presentation.

6:20-6:40

Community Room BLUE

Media Room (next door to Library) GREEN

Library ORANGE

Cafeteria PURPLE

Gym RED

Music Room YELLOW

6:45-7:05

Community Room RED

Media Room (next door to Library) YELLOW

Library BLUE

Cafeteria GREEN

Gym ORANGE

Music Room PURPLE

7:10-7:30

Community Room ORANGE

Media Room (next door to Library) PURPLE

Library RED

Cafeteria YELLOW

Gym BLUE

Music Room GREEN

The PeaceBuilders Open House is possible through a grant awarded to Longmeadow's drug free community coalition, CLOSE Community, with a focus on our social emotional learning curriculum. Many thanks to Superintendent O’Shea, Shelly Warren, and Paul McNeil for their guidance and support.

Please contact me with any questions. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Walk, roll, bike to school!

Posted May 1, 2018

REMINDER: Walk, roll, or bike to Center tomorrow morning!

Join members of the LPD and your Center School Staff-there's a perfect weather day ahead for a community walk!

See everyone on the corner of Hopkins at 8:15!

Bedtime Read Aloud

Posted April 29, 2018

Good evening Center School Reading Friends,

Here’s your bedtime read aloud introduced by our very own Murphy, the newest member of our intervention team. Enjoy learning about Murphy’s work at Center! Happy reading and sweet dreams!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFBLIJ4mKEc&feature=youtu.be

Calendar Reminders

Tuesday, May 1^st:

Helping Hands Grade 1 and 3 Cafeteria at 7:50 am

Wednesday, May 2^nd:

Walk to School Day 8:15 meet at corner of Hopkins Place

Thursday, May 3^rd:

PeaceBuilders Open House 6:00-7:30 Details with agenda found in message sent earlier today

Week of May 7^th:

MCAS Mathematics Grades 3-5

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

PeaceBuilders Open House

Posted April 29, 2018

PeaceBuilders Open House for Parents

Thursday, May 3^rd

6:00-7:30

Center School is a PeaceBuilders’ community. We’re in our third year of our commitment to use the principles of the program to create a school community that improves relationships by teaching and encouraging peaceful ways of solving conflicts. PeaceBuilders is not just a program –it’s a way of life.

We cordially invite parents and guardians to Center School’s PeaceBuilders Open House, developed to enhance our families understanding of our social emotional teachings through PeaceBuilders.

PeaceBuilders establishes a foundation for children to learn responsibility and respect. There are six essential peace-building behaviors that are practiced:

Praise People

Give Up Put-Downs

Seek Wise People

Notice Hurts

Right Wrongs

Help Others

These core PeaceBuilding behaviors and actions are modeled daily through the Peace Pledge and have proven wisdom and science behind them. Children are visual, verbal, hands-on learners. The PeaceBuilders Program is full of strategies and activities where children interact with each other and their environment in fun, creative ways as they actively learn the key principles above.

Come join us Thursday to learn more about the important life-long strategies that we integrate into your child’s day, as well as gather resources for home peace-building!

Agenda

6:00-6:15

Social on Esplanade; Light Refreshments courtesy of our PTO; PeaceBuilders Committee Welcome

You will travel by your families’ Field Day Team Color to each presentation.

6:20-6:40

Community Room BLUE

Media Room (next door to Library) GREEN

Library ORANGE

Cafeteria PURPLE

Gym RED

Music Room YELLOW

6:45-7:05

Community Room RED

Media Room (next door to Library) YELLOW

Library BLUE

Cafeteria GREEN

Gym ORANGE

Music Room PURPLE

7:10-7:30

Community Room ORANGE

Media Room (next door to Library) PURPLE

Library RED

Cafeteria YELLOW

Gym BLUE

Music Room GREEN

The PeaceBuilders Open House is possible through a grant awarded to Longmeadow's drug free community coalition, CLOSE Community, with a focus on our social emotional learning curriculum. Many thanks to Superintendent O’Shea, Shelly Warren, and Paul McNeil for their guidance and support.

Please contact me with any questions. We look forward to seeing you Thursday!

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Any challenges with the format of the above message? Click on this attachment: PeaceBuilders Open House.docx

Read to Feed 2018

Posted April 26, 2018

May is Read to Feed Month!!

The Center School Cardinals will be working together as a community to help alleviate world hunger by supporting Heifer International!

Heifer International is an organization that helps families around the world and in the United States by giving gifts of livestock and training. The animals help families provide nutrition and income from selling products like eggs, yarn, or cheese. The training helps families learn to care for their animals so that they will continue to benefit from the gifts well into the future. https://www.heifer.org/

Step 1: Classes set goals for number of minutes to be read.

Step 2: Students seek out sponsors. Sponsors can offer an amount per minute or hour (which may motivate them to read more) or a flat rate. Sponsors may make their contributions online (a link will be posted on class webpages for easy access in the coming week ahead) or use the envelope provided in the Read to Feed Student Guide.

Step 3: READ, READ, READ for the whole month of May!

Step 4: Students turn in all materials at the end of the month.

Step 5: Classes will tally the number of minutes read and the amount of money raised. Together they will decide which animal(s) and/or supplies they would like to purchase.

Step 6: An all-school assembly will take place to celebrate our accomplishments!

We encourage you to talk with your child about what he/she learned from Miss Liz Woolsey from Heifer International about Heifer’s work at the assembly today. Students received a powerful message about how the organization is working to alleviate world hunger.

Check your child’s folder or backpack tomorrow for the Read to Feed packet.

Let's go PeaceBuilders!!

The more we read, the more we help!

With appreciation,

Your Center School Staff , Partners in making the world a better place!

Reminder!

Posted April 24, 2018

May 2nd: Massachusetts Walk to School Day

Spring Break Bedtime Read Aloud

Posted April 15, 2018

Hello Center School Reading Friends,

You’ve played the game. Now read the legend of how it all began: rock, paper, scissors…brought to you by Mrs. Mulcahy! Happy reading and sweet dreams. Enjoy a fun and restful spring break. Hopefully spring weather is on its way to us soon!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdbtLk-_5qM

Calendar Reminders

Monday, April 23^rd: Showing of Screenagers at Glenbrook Middle School 6:30 pm

Thursday, April 26^th Read to Feed Kick off: More information to families after the break!

Arbor Day celebration: 4^th Grade

May 1^st: Helping Hands Grades 1 and 3

May 3^rd: Open House for Parents 6:15 -7:30 . Looking forward to sharing our PeaceBuilders work with families!!

May 8^th-May 11^th: Math MCAS Grades 3, 4, 5

Take care,

Donna Hutton and Your Center School Family

Bedtime Read Aloud and Calendar Reminders

Posted April 8, 2018

Good evening Center School Families,

Nurse Autumn reads our bedtime story tonight, a story of friendship and kindness. Happy reading and sweet dreams reading friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKbr7dYUXjM&feature=youtu.be

Calendar Reminders

April is Poetry Month: Share a favorite poem with your child! “Poetry surprises and deepens our sense of the ordinary. Poetry tells us that the world is full of wonder, revelation, consolation, and meaning.” Tracy K. Smith, U.S. Poet Laureate

Tuesday April 10^th: 7:50 Helping Hands Grades 2 and 4

8:50-12:25 Grade 2 In House Field Trip Hitchcock Center

Wednesday April 11^th: 9:00-11:00 Grade 3 Walking Field Trip Mrs. Craft and Ms. Nichols

Friday April 13^th: Spirit Day Hat Day

9:00-11:00 Grade 3 Walking Field Trip Ms. Iancu

April 16th-20th: Happy Spring break!!

April 23^rd: Sreenagers 6:30 pm LHS

May 3^rd: PeaceBuilders Open House for Parents: Please save the date!!

Warm regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Special Monday Bedtime Story

Posted April 2, 2018

Hello and Happy Monday Center Friends,

Here's your bedtime story for this evening. Mrs. Cummings' family favorite is an adventure with Olivia. Enjoy!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiVw0XJV7o8&feature=youtu.be

Sincerely,

Your Center Family

MCAS 2018

Posted March 29, 2018

Dear Center School Families,

Tuesday begins the first round of MCAS testing in ELA (English Language Arts) for our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students. The MCAS assessments provide parents and teachers with information about students’ proficiency with specific learning standards in English language arts, math, and science. MCAS is administered each spring and the results are distributed to schools and parents in the fall.

While teachers have practiced specific MCAS questions with their students to familiarize them with the format of the assessment, the most important learning has been accomplished daily through core curriculum instruction! The MCAS is an opportunity for our students to apply their learning and demonstrate their proficiency as growing readers, writers, mathematicians and scientists.

This is the second year for administration of tests known as the "Next Generation MCAS “, which are designed to be computer based and designed to more deeply assess students’ knowledge and ability levels. Students in Grade 4 and 5 will participate in online testing, using Chromebooks, in ELA and Math this year.

Students in grade 3 will continue with paper- based testing in ELA and math. The Department of Education’s goal is for computer based testing for all students by 2019. All tests are untimed and writing is embedded in tests at all grade levels.

Here are ways you can help:

• See that your child arrives to school on time.
• Make sure your child is well rested and eats a substantial breakfast. Don’t forget to pack a healthy snack!
• Encourage your child to persevere, do the best work possible, and to have a positive attitude!
• Talk about the test in a positive way!

The testing schedule is below; start time is as close to 9:00 as possible.

ELA

• 3rd and 5th Grades- April 3rd, 4th
• 4th Grade- April 5th, 6th

Math

• 3rd and 5th Grades- May 8th, 9th
• 4th Grade- May 10th, 11th

Science

• 5^th Grade ONLY- May 15th, 16th

Note that in compliance with MCAS test security requirements, parents /visitors are prohibited from the testing areas on testing dates.

We ask for your help in striking a balance between encouraging students to do their best and minimizing test anxiety. We consider MCAS to be one piece of evidence used to measure student growth and progress, and we recognize your child’s individual strengths, passions, and talents may not be reflected in a test score. By working together, we can make your child’s testing experience positive and successful.

If you would like more information, visit http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/parents/.

I extend my appreciation for your support and cooperation. Please contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Enrichment Course

Posted March 26, 2018

Dear Center School Parents/Guardians,

Lisa Katz and Mary Daboul are returning to offer yoga once again at Center this spring beginning Wednesday, April 4th.

Convenient online registration is available here:

https://apm.activecommunities.com/longmeadow/Activity_Search/8865

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact Stacy Smith at ssmith@longmeadow.k12.ma.us

Lisa and Mary’s Kids Yoga—After School Yoga Fun!: Grades K-5

Please join us for an afternoon yoga class full of playful and imaginative exploration through yoga poses, games and activities, music, and a craft! Each class includes pranayama (breath), movement, relaxation, and meditation. Yoga is a great way to help kids reduce stress, increase listening skills, and enhance focus and body awareness.

In addition, students will gain assistance with balance and coordination and improve breathing and body alignment. Please note that instructors will occasionally use their hands to help students achieve positions. Please bring your own yoga mat. A $10 materials fee is required, payable to the instructor on the first day of the course. Instructors: Mary Daboul and Lisa Katz

Activity: 7705.301

Location: Center School

Dates: Wednesdays 4/4-5/9 (No Class 4/18)

Time: 2:45-4:15pm Fee: $50 per person

Bedtime Read Aloud

Posted March 25, 2018

Happy Sunday Center School Reading Friends!

Here’s your fun read aloud from Mrs. Benson. Wonder if you knew that dragons LOVE tacos? Happy reading and sweet dreams!

Dragons Love Tacos Read Aloud

You may also subscribe to the Center School Bedtime Read Alouds on YouTube and you'll receive an email when we post the new story:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD3NIkSDC1uTG3vznfvlfvg

Have a good week.

Donna Hutton, Principal

Reminders

Monday, March 26^th; 7:00 pm LHS: Parent/Community Presentation: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: Training and Discussion

Please take a moment to respond to the survey regarding options for Center’s make up day:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_uHykcPali_xX7VQmaNva2DWvg4IP2b1U0b7PpIHH3SfW7w/viewform

Friday, March 30^th: No School Good Friday

Tuesday, April 3rd-Wednesday, April 4^th: MCAS ELA 3^rd and 5^th Graders

Thursday , April 5^th-Friday April 6^th : MCAS ELA 4^th Graders

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Week of March 19th

Posted March 18, 2018

Hello Center School Friends,

Ms. Manna shares our bedtime story tonight from a wonderful storyteller, Leo Lionni. Enjoy the classic fable about the search for identity. Happy Reading and sweet dreams friends!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTkI3I7WfYY&feature=youtu.be

Calendar Reminders

March 20^th: PTO Meeting 6:30 pm

March 23^rd: Spirit Day: Wear your Cardinal Red

March 26^th : Jetta Bernier, Executive Director of MassKids, will be coming to Longmeadow High School on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 7 pm. Massachusetts Citizens for Children (MassKids) is the oldest state-based child advocacy organization in the country. We hope that this forum will give parents the basic knowledge, skills and words they need to teach their children about personal sexual safety.

March 30^th : No School- Good Friday

April 3rd and 4th: ELA MCAS (3rd and 5th Grade)

April 5^th and 6^th : ELA MCAS (4th Grade)

April 16^th -20^th : Spring Vacation Week

April 23^rd: Re-screening of Screenagers at Glenbrook Middle School 6:30 p.m.

Congratulations to Mrs. Erin Capotosto and her family! The Capotosto’s welcomed their baby boy, Dylan James into the world on March 16^th.

Happy Spring to all!

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Week of March 12th

Posted March 11, 2018

Good evening Center School Friends,

Mrs. Bombardier reads tonight’s fun bedtime story-a favorite for her family! Hope you enjoy this imaginative story before you’re tucked into bed tonight. Happy reading and sweet dreams…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rONvbDjhKw0

Reminders

Scholastic Book Fair Week: What a great opportunity to come choose some great books and support the PTO at the same time!

Tuesday, March 13^th 6:30: PTO Meeting

Wednesday, March 14^th 7:00: Chorus Festival Symphony Hall

Thursday and Friday: Parent Teacher Conferences: 11:30 Dismissal for Students Please contact special teachers i.e., Art, Music, PE, Technology integration; Library/Media by Monday afternoon if you would like to meet with them during conference times.

Carline and Longfellow Street: Please remember that when you drive down Longfellow Street during drop off or pick up and then turn into the carline, you are cutting in front of families who have been waiting their turn and following the carline procedures. This is very frustrating to families and we respectfully request that all families enter the carline from Longmeadow Street. Thank-you for your help with this request.

We wish you a lovely evening and good week ahead.

Regards,

Your Center Family

Good evening Center School Families,

Students will be dismissed at 11:30 am tomorrow due to the impending snow storm. Please make appropriate arrangements for your child.

Thank-you,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Read aloud and Weekly Messages

Posted March 4, 2018

Hello Center School Friends,

If you loved Hey, That’s My Monster! you will surely enjoy tonight’s read aloud I Need My Monster! Happy reading and sweet dreams!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtAqrvSWHUk&t=1s

On Friday, we held a PeaceBuilders all -school assembly. The goal was to highlight the many achievements of African Americans in our country’s history, weaving in our PeaceBuilders’ practices. Kudos to our 5^th grade teachers and students for their development and organization of the assembly. Each grade level shared important and inspirational messages; and we were especially moved by Ms. Drysdale’s chorus. Please take a moment to watch the CSS coverage of the assembly!

http://centertechnology.blogspot.com/

We have a very full week ahead for our community. Here’s some calendar reminders:

• Tuesday, March 6^th: Helping Hands Kinder and 5^th grade; 7:50 am
• Tuesday, March 6^th: Dr. Hallowell, author of Crazy Busy and Driven to Distraction will speak about factors that contribute to our overscheduled lives and strategies for achieving balance. LHS 7:00 pm
• Wednesday, March 7^th: PTO Meeting 6:30 pm Community Room
• Thursday, March 8^th: Walking School Bus (weather dependent) 8:15 am: Meet at the corner of Hopkins Place
• Thursday and Friday: Students dismissed at 11:30 am. Staff Professional Development

Enjoy a wonderful week!

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Enrichment Classes

Posted Feb. 26, 2018

Dear Center School Families,

We are excited to announce a new opportunity for our K-2 Center students. Our indoor game club beginning Thursday, 3/15 is a great way to relax and have fun after school! Please see a complete course description below and a link to online registration. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email Stacy Smith at ssmith@longmeadow.k12.ma.us. Thank you.

New! Indoor Game Club: Grades K-2

Come and play your favorite childhood games, and learn new ones! Games will include Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Twister, Head Bands, Guess Who, Don’t Break the Ice, Dance off, Musical Chairs, Monopoly, Checkers and more! We will even create our own games that can be shared with family and friends. We will practice the art of turn taking, being gracious winners and losers, and how to talk to our friends. We will have snack, share about our day, and have fun! A $10 materials fee is required, payable to the instructor on the first day of the course. Instructor: Christy Golen

Activity: 7705.072

Dates: Thursdays, 3/15 - 3/29

Fee: $50

Time: 3:00-4:30

https://apm.activecommunities.com/longmeadow/Activity_Search/8760

Magical Muggle Masterminds: Grades 3-5

Are you obsessed with Harry Potter? Do you love everything related to his wizarding world? Is your Potter Passion strong enough to read and write about hogwarts inspired people, places, and things? Come meet your fellow Longmeadow Potterheads to explore and create reading and writing magic. As Professor Dumbledore says, "Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible magic." Let's make Dumbledore proud with our magical musings! Interested students should have read at least one book in the Harry Potter series prior to the start of class. Instructor: Vanessa Vigna

Activity: 7705.076

Dates: Thursdays, 3/15 - 3/29

Fee: $50

Time: 3:00-4:30

https://apm.activecommunities.com/longmeadow/Activity_Search/8763

Hello Center School Friends,

We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow morning! A clever and fun book for you tonight read by Mrs. Higham and Mrs. Tyler! What do you think-Duck? Rabbit? This simple and silly book will help you see that things are not always what they seem; and it's important to consider each person's perspective. Happy reading and sweet dreams!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSNc5rFn6bg&t=1s

Fondly,

Your Center School Family

Calendar Reminders

February 28^th: 2^nd Grade Family Math Night; 5:30-6:30

March 6^th: 7:00 LHS Please join us for a community conversation focusing on the factors that contribute to our overscheduled lives, how we measure true success and happiness, and strategies for achieving family balance. The event features a talk by Dr. Ned Hallowell, a highly recognized international speaker and author of Crazy Busy: Overstretched, Overbooked, and About to Snap! He will help us understand how to "unsnarl our frenzied lives."

March 8^th: Walking School Bus 8:15 am

March 8^th and 9^th: Professional Development: Students Dismissed at 11:30 am

Scholastic Book Fair: Week of March 12: Thank-you PTO!!

March 15^th and 16^th: Parent Teacher Conferences; Students Dismissed at 11:30 am

March 15^th: Evening Conferences

Crazy Busy?

Posted Feb. 17, 2018

You are invited to an evening with Dr. Ned Hallowell, author of Crazy Busy: Overstretched, Overbooked and About to Snap! Please join us for a community conversation focusing on the factors that contribute to our overscheduled lives, how we measure true success and happiness, and strategies for achieving family balance.

Tuesday, March 6, 2018, 7:00pm, LHS Auditorium, Free and Open to the Public. Dr. Hallowell is a child and adult psychiatrist, a NY Times bestselling author, a world-renowned speaker and a leading authority in the field of ADHD. He was a Harvard Medical School faculty member for 21 years. He has authored 20 books on various psychological topics, including ADHD, the power of human connection, the childhood roots of adult happiness, managing worry and excessive busyness.

Flyer: Crazy Busy

For more information: drhallowell.com

Reserve guaranteed seating: Eventbrite

​

February Reminders

Posted Feb. 16, 2018

Good afternoon Center School Families,

Lots of vacation energy and excitement from the students and staff today! I hope you enjoy a safe and relaxing week, filled with extra family time when you can slow things down a bit…

Here’s some reminders for the end of February and beyond:

Winter Break February 19-23, 2018- Schools will be closed for winter break from Monday, 2/19/18 through Friday 2/23/18.

March 9, 2018 will be one of our make- up days. This was previously a scheduled full day of Professional Development for staff. Students will have a half day of school on March 9, and be dismissed at 11:30 am. The make- up of the additional day lost will be determined very soon.

Parent /Teacher Conferences: teachers will be scheduling March conferences after the winter break.

Winter Walking School Bus has been rescheduled to March 8, 2018. Please join the community at 8:15 am on the corner of Greenacre.

Screenagers the documentary was recently viewed by the Longmeadow Community at Longmeadow High School in late January. The response was very positive and we are working to bring the documentary back for one more additional showing. Stay tuned for information on this.

Jetta Bernier, Executive Director of MassKids, will be coming to Longmeadow High School Monday, March 26^th at 7PM. Massachusetts Citizens for Children (MassKids) is the oldest state-based child advocacy organization in the country. We hope that this forum will give parents the basic knowledge, skills and words they need to teach their children about personal sexual safety.

MCAS begins in April. Specific dates can be found on our school calendar: https://sites.google.com/longmeadow.k12.ma.us/new-ctr/calendar

Bedtime read aloud will be sent on Sunday! What a great week to listen to and read some wonderful stories!

I always feel privileged to serve the Center School community. I appreciate your ongoing supportive actions and words to me and to our committed educators.

Best regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Important dates:

• February 19-23 School is closed for Winter Break
• February 26th - Welcome back!
• March 8th- Half Day of School- Professional Development for staff: Dismissal 11:30 am
• March 9th- Half Day of School- Professional Development for staff: Dismissal 11:30 am
• March 15th- Half Day of School- Parent Teacher Conferences
• March 15^th: Evening conferences
• March 16th- Half Day of School- Parent Teacher Conferences
• March 26th- Jetta Bermier- Enough Abuse Speaker
• March 30th- No School- Good Friday
• April: MCAS begins

Valentine's Day Bedtime Story

Posted Feb. 11, 2018

Hello Center School Reading Friends!

What a busy and fun week ahead! Valentine’s Day, the 100^th Day of School, Spirit /Stripe Day on Friday and lots of learning, of course, before you begin your winter break February 20th.

Mrs. Rafferty returns this week to read our bedtime story. Somebody Loves you, Mr. Hatch is a wonderful Valentine’s story and a gentle reminder to remember to take care of one another…how perfect is that simple but essential peace building message that will go a long way to make the world a better place.

Happy Reading and sweet dreams…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KX9vywc9X8

Warmly,

Your Center School Family

Library Message

Posted Feb. 7, 2018

Dear Families,

Please be aware that Storrs Library is CLOSED on Friday for professional development. If your child walks to the library after school, we hope you will make alternate plans for the afternoon.

Thank-you!

Wednesday Weather

Posted Feb. 7, 2018

Good evening Center School Families,

In the event that we have an early dismissal tomorrow, students will be dismissed at 11:30. Please develop your child-care contingency plan in the event of an early dismissal. As Superintendent O'Shea conveyed in his message this evening, decisions will be made in the morning. Thank-you and have a good evening.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Bedtime Read Aloud and Literacy Learning

Posted Feb. 6, 2018

Hello Center School Community,

On this Monday evening, we bring to you another bedtime read loud; a lovely story read by Mrs. Vanessa Vigna that touches on the “creative purpose of boredom”. What fun…enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fClrQQWr1hU&feature=youtu.be

There are many engaging literacy activities our teachers are undertaking throughout Center’s Year of the Reader, including the bedtime read aloud.

Did you know that Center has a book fairy? Yes, the book fairy is out and about leaving books around the school for lucky readers to borrow and then share with a friend. Maybe you’ll hear about your child’s lucky find soon!

What books are the educators and staff at Center reading? Look inside and outside classrooms for lists of books and recommendations. We love to hear what our families are reading too, so please make recommendations to us! Remember that the more we model our love for reading, the more our children will want to read.

Thursday was World Read Aloud Day. Check out the special CSS to see all the special guests who visited classrooms to read. A great big cheer for our community readers and to Mrs. Fritz and Mrs. Vigna for organizing the event.

http://centertechnology.blogspot.com/2018/02/center-school-sightings-episode-11.html

So many literacy activities are integrated into your child’s day… Reading workshop, book swaps and book shares, reading minute challenges, “mock” Caldecott book lists, daily read alouds, purposeful time for independent reading, book clubs…your child is surrounded by powerful literacy learning and incredibly passionate and dedicated teachers.

Our vision this year is to enhance our culture of reading. Our practices and happenings are each closely aligned with the Homework Guiding Principles that emphasize your child’s responsibility-and gift-to read. Our practices and endeavors are grounded in the hope and dream to create a love of reading in each child. There is no greater benefit to your child’s growth as a learner.

Is your child presenting as a reluctant reader? We strongly encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher, Mrs. Fritz, Mrs. Mulcahy, or Mrs. Vigna for ideas and recommendations. We’re here to partner with you so we welcome your questions.

We thank you for your ongoing support of our efforts. As a reminder, here’s the Homework Guiding Principles: Student and Parent Responsibilities as they relate to Reading.

Student Responsibilities are:

• To read at home daily.
• To choose a variety of reading texts that you enjoy throughout the school year.
• To share your reading with classroom community and family as guided by the teacher.
• To read the number of minutes recommended by your teacher, but reading beyond is encouraged and applauded.

Family Responsibilities are:

• To become familiar with the guiding principles.
• To ensure your children have time each day to devote to reading in a comfortable, quiet space.
• To encourage your children to share their reading daily with family members through discussion, book choice, shared reading, or read alouds.
• To model and share your own love of reading with your children.

We hope you LOVE tonight’s story. Looking for a lovely book to gift to your child? Here’s some suggestions:

https://www.brainpickings.org/2017/12/17/best-childrens-books-2017/

Yours in partnership,

Donna Hutton, Principal &

Your Center School Family

Bedtime Read Aloud

Posted Jan. 28, 2018

Hello Center School Reading Friends!

Here's tonight's bedtime read aloud that holds important PeaceBuilders' messages about embracing who you are, accepting others, and not letting the negativity of others steal your joy. Happy reading and sweet dreams...

Next Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday, so we'll send the read aloud your way on Monday evening! And, don't forget you can click on the Center School Bedtime Read Alouds link below the weekly story to revisit all your favorites.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sctRQX3yqLQ&feature=youtu.be

With pride and appreciation for all the times you "stand tall",

Your Center School Family

Bedtime Read Aloud and Weekly Announcements

Posted Jan. 15, 2018

Hello Center School Reading Friends,

We're back tonight with a fun bedtime story from Mrs. Serafino! We hope you're enjoying the bedtime stories each week ; and don't forget to go back and listen to your favorites or check them out in our library.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLGDH7SObJc

Happy reading and sweet dreams!

Warmly,

Your Center Family

Calendar Reminders

Tuesday, January 16^th: Center School Winter Concert at Glenbrook MS POSTPONED

Tuesday, January 23^rd: District Special Program Presentation: “Screenagers” 7:00 pm LHS

January 25^th: School Council Meeting: 3:15 pm

January 26th: Half Day for students dismissal at 11:30 am: Teacher Professional Development Day

January 30^th: Walking School Bus: 8:15 am

DESE Report Card

Posted Jan. 12, 2018

Dear Parent or Guardian:

We are pleased to attach an overview of our school’s “report card”. Report cards answer important questions about a school's overall performance and contain specific information about student enrollment and teacher qualifications, student achievement, accountability, how a school is performing relative to other schools in the district and the state, and the progress made toward narrowing proficiency gaps for different groups of students.

The first page of the report card contains important accountability information:

• Accountability and Assistance Levels: Schools and districts are placed into one of five accountability and assistance levels (1-5), with the highest performing in Level 1 and lowest performing in Level 5. Our school has been given an accountability designation of “no level” because students in our school participated in the 2017 Next-Generation MCAS tests.

The first page of the report card also shows how students in our school are performing on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests. Achievement and progress information is reported for our school and is also compared to the performance of our district and the state.

The second page of the report card provides information about the students and teachers in our school as compared to the district and the state. Also included are other important measures of school performance, such as attendance, suspension rates, and high school performance.

School Improvement Plans geared to improve student achievement at Center School can be found at https://sites.google.com/longmeadow.k12.ma.us/new-ctr/parents

We appreciate your ongoing support of Center School and invite your continued involvement and participation in our learning community.

For more information about what we are doing to improve student achievement, please feel free to contact us at 565-4290.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton

Principal, Center School

To view the schools complete report card, please follow this link:

http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/reportcard/rc.aspx?linkid=37&orgcode=01590010&fycode=2017&orgtypecode=6&

2017 Center Overview.pdf

New Year, New Books

Posted Jan. 11, 2018

Dear Center School Families,

As you know, we’ve declared this year to be “The Year of the Reader.” Every month, we’re suggesting ways in which teachers, students, and families can celebrate reading. Our suggestion for the new year is New Year, New Books. With your generosity, we’d love to stock Center’s library with high-interest, current, popular books.

If you are interested in donating a book, there are two easy ways to purchase books. Our librarian, Mrs. Mulcahy, has selected books at Kiddlywinks, and our reading specialist, Ms. Fritz, and literacy coach, Ms. Vigna, have made an Amazon wishlist.

• Kiddlywinks - 20% discount!
  • At Kiddlywinks, ask for Center School Library’s wishlist.
  • They will gift wrap the book! Your student may unwrap it during library.
• Amazon
  • Click on this link to go directly to our wishlist.

OR

• Type this case-sensitive URL into your web browser: http://a.co/cK7DYXY
• Tip: Filter by “purchased/ unpurchased” like a registry.

Once you’ve received the book, have your student bring it to Center School (wrapped or unwrapped) on your student’s library day. Mrs. Mulcahy will ceremoniously share the donated books during students’ library times. Afterwards, the student will fill out a custom Center School bookplate with the student’s name, date, and who/what you purchased the book in honor of -- in gratitude for a special family member, a teacher, friend, anything! New Year, New Books will stay for the rest of the year--consider donating a book to celebrate your Center student’s birthday or other milestones!

As always, we thank you for your support in making “The Year of the Reader” a success. Happy reading!

In gratitude,

Your fellow Center School Readers

Bedtime Read Aloud and Weekly Announcements

Posted Jan. 7, 2018

Good evening Center School Friends,

Bedtime read alouds are back!! We’re starting the new year with a Caldecott Honor and Reading Rainbow book. The story is a beautiful retelling of Cinderella and is perfect for introducing children to the history, culture, and geography of the African nation of Zimbabwe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8lvi52TufU&t=2s

Snuggle up on this frigid evening and enjoy the timeless tale.

January Happenings

Tuesday: Helping Hands 2^nd grade; Cafeteria at 7:50 am.

Wednesday: 7:00 pm PTO Meeting

Monday, January 15^th: No school Martin Luther King Day Holiday

Tuesday, January 16^th: Center School Winter Concert at Glenbrook MS 7:00 pm

Tuesday, January 23^rd: District Special Program Presentation: “Screenagers” 7:00 pm LHS

January 25^th: School Council Meeting: 3:15 pm

January 30^th: Walking School Bus: 8:15 am

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Facility Updates

Posted Jan. 5, 2018

Good afternoon Center School Families,

It was wonderful to be back today; and I trust you share our happiness to have your children return to their routine. I want to provide a couple facility updates:

• I am pleased to report that we were warm and comfortable throughout the day due, in part, to the supplemental heating system that was described in previous emails. It is possible that your child observed the system’s temporary ductwork in the hallway near the music classroom. The system was approved by the Longmeadow Fire Department and was carefully cordoned off from the students. The music area was the least obtrusive and yet effective location for the equipment. The supplemental heating set up will continue to be used until the boiler is online
• First thing this morning, a leak was discovered in a sprinkler head in a third grade classroom. The class was relocated immediately and a repair team was quickly on scene. The system had to be shut down and the water drained to assess the issue. Once the problem was assessed, the system was turned back on. The water pressure from the system triggered the fire alarm several times, but I had made an announcement to our community that it was not a usual fire drill and we would remain inside. The alarm was shut off as quickly as possible when it sounded. I understand from the repair crew that we averted a major catastrophe in the area-certainly good news!

​​​​​​​ I’m anticipating starting the week anew on Monday. I hope you enjoy a safe and warm weekend. Please do not hesitate to send any questions my way.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Welcome Back!

Posted Jan. 5, 2018

Good morning Center School Community,

We are relieved to welcome our students back this morning. Please help us with arrival by reading the following information:

1. The stairwells in the back of the school leading to the esplanade are cordoned off. They are icy and snowy and presently unsafe for use. PLEASE do not drop your child off at the back of the school.

2. All students must enter through the main front entrance. Kinder and 1st grade students will be escorted to class.

3. No 5th grade safeties on duty this morning. All 5th graders should arrive at the delayed start time.

4. Delayed start arrival time: 10:30 am

5. Thank-you for your patience in the carline today. We anticipate a long line and extra staff will be outside to assist with arrival.

6. Accurate information regarding make up days for this week will come directly from administration. We promise this information in a timely manner.

As always, I welcome any questions or concerns.

Warmly,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Center School Heat

Posted Jan. 1, 2018

Good evening Center School Community,

First, I hope you enjoyed a wonderful winter break and holiday season with family and friends.

This message is to inform you that maintenance is closely monitoring uneven temperatures throughout today and into this evening at Center. Maintenance will continue to monitor the temperatures and provide Superintendent O'Shea an update early tomorrow -Tuesday- morning. Our priority is the students; and in the unlikely event that the problem worsens and Center needs to close tomorrow, you will receive a message no later than 6:00 am.

If you do not receive a call in the morning, Center School will be open. Please be sure you dress your child warmly in layers-sweaters, sweatshirts, fleece, etc. so he/she will be comfortable in the classroom. If any rooms remain cold, we will relocate as needed.

Thank-you for your understanding as we deal with this issue.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Special Edition: Bedtime Read Aloud

Posted Dec. 24, 2017

Greetings Center Reading Friends,

Here's a special edition of our bedtime read alouds. Ms. Anderson reads a classic for you! Enjoy the snowfall, happy reading, and sweet dreams.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mY4W4wea-A&t=8s

https://youtu.be/-mY4W4wea-A

Warmly,

Your Center Family

Winter Break

Posted Dec. 20, 2017

Dear Center School Families,

As the winter break approaches, I want to take this opportunity to wish you a delightful holiday season. I hope all your child’s wishes come true during this magical time. Below I’ve included each link to our 2017 Bedtime Read Alouds - always great to hear a favorite story many times! We’ll be back in 2018 with more stories to enjoy!

We are part of a very special community who care deeply for children; and it is a joy and a gift to be involved in such important work. I’m especially grateful for the countless ways that families are involved at Center. Thank-you for your support and for your partnership!

Your Center School family extends our best wishes for a wonderful new year ahead –a new year filled with joyfulness and blessings....and so much growth and learning!!

Warm regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Red and Lulu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd0Cszk7qK8&t=5s

Mrs. Hutton

Snowman Popup Book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIDae8gIA1o&t=25s

Mrs. Bocchino

The Chanukkuh Guest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIDae8gIA1o&t=25s

Mrs. Bocchino

One https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYUcg4wscQc

Ms. Iancu

We’re All Wonders https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NjrIAHl8cQ

Mrs. McLean

A Turkey for Thanksgiving https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzE2afHmNlc

Mrs. Brydges

If You Give a Mouse an iPhone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHhw2USGEzQ

Mrs. Giuggio

Hey, That’s My Monster! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq8U_9MbzSs

Mrs. Fritz

Bedtime Read Aloud and Weekly Announcements

Posted Dec. 17, 2017

Hello Center School Friends,

During this busy season, I hope you have some quiet time tonight to listen to our bedtime story . I'm excited to be the reader this week, and thrilled that I had the chance to listen to and meet the author, Matt Tavares, talk about writing his story. He graciously allowed me to record some of his presentation and also sends a message to the Center School Cardinals! One of the messages of the story is the importance of being surrounded by love during the holiday season. I think you'll like the lovely story of our two cardinals-Red and Lulu. Happy reading and sweet dreams!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd0Cszk7qK8&feature=youtu.be

Warm regards,

Mrs. Hutton and your Center School Family

Week of December 18th

1. Walking School Bus tomorrow: please note if we have inclement weather, the walk is postponed. Otherwise, we'll see you at Greenacre at 8:15. Bundle up for a brisk walk to Center!!

2. Half day on Friday. Dismissal at 11:30.

3. Our deepest gratitude to Amie Tracy and the entire Center School community for your generous outpouring of care and love to children in need. The baskets were extraordinary and we will bring joy to many little ones!

4. Thank-you for helping your child prepare for outdoor recess! Hats and gloves are much needed when we venture outside, so please make sure your child has both.

SCREENAGERS - 1/23/2018

Posted Dec. 16, 2017

The entire community is invited to the Longmeadow High School Auditorium on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018 at 7:00 pm for an airing of SCREENAGERS, a documentary film depicting how technology and social media impact children's development and family life.

Thank you to the Special Programs Committee for arranging this important event.

Bedtime Read Aloud 5

Posted Dec. 10, 2017

Good evening,

Here's your Sunday bedtime read alouds...two perfect choices this week for a snowy weekend and the coming of Hanukkah. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHDcf2KyGfA

Weekly reminders:

• We love the snowy weather! Students will need to dress warmly and appropriately. PLEASE help the lunch monitors and me by making sure your child has a coat, hat, gloves, and boots. Boots are needed because the playground and blacktop will likely be snowy and wet. Snow pants are needed only if he/she wants to play in the snow. Keeping children inside for recess does not make any one of us happy!
• Remember to send your child's gift for the annual gift baskets for children in need- a beautiful tradition that teaches so much about giving. Thank-you for your generosity.
• Signed report card envelopes to teachers tomorrow. Thanks for completing the survey if your child received the pilot standards- based report card.
• Spirit day Friday: Slipper Day.

Warm regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Bedtime Read Aloud 4

Posted Dec. 3, 2017

Hello Center School Friends,

Our fourth bedtime read aloud story reminds us that it sometimes just takes ONE voice to make everyone count-a perfect message for our PeaceBuilders' community! Happy reading and sweet dreams...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYUcg4wscQc

Warmly,

Your Center School Family

A few reminders for this week and beyond:

• Please check the lost and found for coats, hats, sweaters, lunchboxes-so many items that need to be claimed!
• Tuesday morning is Helping Hands for our third graders. 7:50 AM in the cafeteria.
• Report cards will go home with students Friday, December 8th.
• First Grade Family Literacy Night: Thursday, December 7th at 6:30 PM.
• December 15th Spirit Day: Slipper Day!!

ColorCycle Program - Update!

Posted Nov. 28, 2017

All around Center School students and teachers have been collecting used markers that are ready to be discarded. The markers are sent to a facility where they will be converted into clean fuel. This fuel can be used to power vehicles, heat homes, cook meals and more!

To date, students have collected over 1056 markers!

Please continue to help support our efforts by sending your kids in with any used markers you may have around the house – even non-Crayola brands. Drop-off boxes are located around the school for your child to deposit the markers.

With the help of parents like you across the country, the Crayola ColorCycle program can keep tons of plastic out of landfills each year.

Remember, don’t throw out that used marker—ColorCycle it!

Bedtime Read Aloud 4

Posted Nov. 26, 2017

Hello Center School Friends!

We look forward to four full weeks of learning ahead! Enjoy tonight’s bedtime read aloud with a special guest joining our reading friend!

Happy reading and sweet dreams!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHhw2USGEzQ

Warmly,

Your Center School Family

Center Bedtime Stories Special Edition

Posted Nov. 22, 2017

Greetings Center Friends,

Surprise! A special edition of Center Bedtime Stories on the eve of Thanksgiving. We wish you the joys and blessings of family and friends on Thanksgiving, and of course, the joys of reading!

Sweet dreams...

With gratitude for you,

Your Center School Family

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzE2afHmNlc

Bedtime Read Aloud 2

Posted Nov. 19, 2017

Good evening Center School Friends...

It's Sunday and that means bedtime story time from your Center family! Story clue ...I'm guessing a lot of our friends were at the movies this weekend for the opening of this touching story brought to life!

Happy reading and sweet dreams...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NjrIAHl8cQ

Warm regards,

Your Center School Reading Friends

“If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary-the world really would be a better place…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NjrIAHl8cQ

Cold Weather Dress Reminder

Posted Nov. 14, 2017

Good morning Center Families,

It seems like winter weather is here with colder days and unpredictable weather. Please support us by helping your child adhere to our winter dress as stated in the Family Handbook:

• The students are expected to dress appropriately for cold weather days. We will have outdoor recess unless the temperatures and/or the wind chill factor are such that it is determined to be unsafe or unwise to do so. Generally, 20 degrees or colder is

considered to be the threshold. Students must have coats, hats, gloves, boots [during snowy conditions], and long pants to play outside in cold weather. If it is determined that a student is not dressed appropriately and/or safely for the weather, we will provide indoor recess for the student.

If your child prefers to wear shorts, please have him/her wear long pants over shorts that can be easily slid on for recess. We also suggest that students keep gloves and a hat either in their backpack or their lockers/cubbies to be prepared for changeable conditions. Names on all items will help us return personal items from lost and found to students!!

Please contact me if your family needs assistance for winter weather clothing; and I will help meet your child’s needs with care and discretion.

With appreciation for your ongoing support,

Donna Hutton, Principal

The walking school bus is on this morning-see you at Hopkins or along the path to Center!

Center Bedtime Story: #1

Posted Nov. 12, 2017

Hello Center School Friends,

Here is your first bedtime story. Please remember to expand to full screen AND you can also subscribe to the channel!! We praise Ms. Valerie Fritz, our reading specialist and fellow lover of books for setting up the channel for us !

Happy Reading and sweet dreams my friends…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq8U_9MbzSs

Warmly,

Your Center School Family

After School Enrichment: Battle of the Books!

Posted Nov. 10, 2017

Dear Center School Parents,

I am writing to let you know of an amazing opportunity for Center School students. Center School's own Joy Bocchino and Jamie Quinn are offering Book Wars! This enrichment course is designed to get kids excited about reading. We have a number of students signed up, and ALL students grades 3-5 are welcome. This class starts Thursday, 11/16, so please register now. Below you will find more details, along with a link to online registration. Please don't hesitate to contact me at ssmith@longmeadow.k12.ma.us if you have any questions.

https://apm.activecommunities.com/longmeadow/Activity_Search/8585

New! Book Wars (Battle of the Books): Grades 3-5

Students in the exciting new class will form teams, read books, design uniforms, and compete to see who are the BOOK WAR JEDIS! Each week teams will focus on different aspects of the books and team strategy. The final battle will be held after Winter Vacation, date TBD. The battle will be either or both Family Feud and Relay style (depending on the number of student teams). Students are not required to read all the books. However, the more they read, the more they can help their team! MAY THE READING FORCE BE WITH YOU! A $10 material fee is required, payable to the instructor on the first day of the course. Instructor: Joy Bocchino

Book List:

Applegate, Katherine The One and Only Ivan

Barretta, Gene Lincoln and Kennedy a Pair to Compare

Blume, Judy Freckle Juice

Byars, Betsy Tornado

Fleming, Candace Boxers for Katje

Manes, Stephen Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days

Vernick, Audrey Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All Brother Baseball Team

Warner, Gertrude Boxcar Children

Winter, Jonah You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?!

Activity: 7705.257

Location: Center School

Dates: Thursdays 11/16-12/21 (No Class 11/23)

Time: 2:45-4:15pm Fee: $50 per person

Center Stage Act 2: RTI

Posted Nov. 10, 2017

Center Stage

An informational curriculum corner to help families understand

their child(ren)'s educational experiences at Center.

Center Stage link: https://sites.google.com/longmeadow.k12.ma.us/centerstage/home

Hello Center School Families,

We present Center Stage Act 2, which focuses on our intervention model including the “WIN” block. The Response to Intervention (RTI) model achieves the following:

• A systematic way of identifying student strengths and challenges.
• Reduction in the time students wait to receive necessary instruction and intervention.
• Close monitoring and documentation of student responses to quality instruction in general education classrooms-Tier 1-so we are less likely to “label” students too quickly.
• Teachers, interventionists, and special education staff share responsibilities to ensure that all students can receive additional support using a seamless instructional system.
• The use of best practices in Tier 1 and Tier 2 classroom instruction and supplemental intervention services.
• Team problem solving.
• Differentiation of instruction for all students.

Please click on the Center Stage link for additional information from our teachers and our 5^th grade students regarding our intervention model.

Our goal is to meet the academic and social/emotional needs of your child; and we welcome questions and feedback at any time.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Bedtime Stories from Center School Staff

Posted Nov. 10, 2017

Greetings Families,

Your Center School family is excited to bring to you a new YouTube channel called Bedtime Read Alouds ! Each Sunday evening at 7:00 pm, you will receive an email with a link to our channel. A different teacher will read aloud to your child/ren every week. The read aloud book will then be available in a special section of the library for everyone to enjoy! The video will be stored on the channel and the students can go back and listen to the stories as many times as they wish. We hope our students will look forward to this special way to start school each week! The book and the teacher will be a surprise each week! Don't forget to check your email this upcoming Sunday evening!

This is one of many ways we are growing a love of reading with our students as we celebrate the "year of the reader"; and prioritize the importance of reading at home. Happy reading to all!!

Warm regards,

Donna Hutton and Your Center School Family

PTO NEWS: Directory is Ready!!

Posted Nov. 2, 2017

Good morning Center School Families,

The Center School Directory is complete! Thank-you to Beth Benzaquin for her work to organize the first electronic version of the directory. Congratulations to 5^th graders Eleanor Choiniere, Nona Sheridan, and Vivian Welch. You’ll find their creative directory designs on the link : http://www.centerschoolpto.com/student-directory.html ; Password is Cardinal.

Lots of “shout outs” today…Our PTO and their committees have enjoyed a successful fall! Many thanks to Melissa Cybulski , Suzanne Kleeman and their volunteers for their work on the Fall Book Fair. It’s a joy to see staff, children and families select books that are sure to become family favorites!

The Halloween Hustle was also an overwhelming success. Ann-Marie Tonsing, Katie Sullivan, Katie Wartman, and many volunteers spent many hours organizing all the details needed for a fun and safe 5k run for our community. I think we may have set a new record for participation!

Looking ahead, please mark your calendar for the next PTO meeting on November 15^th at 7:00 pm in the Community Room. As you are aware, many teachers at the elementary level are piloting the new standards based report this year. At the PTO meeting, I will hold a round table discussion about our new report card, which will be fully implemented at the elementary level in 2017-2018. Juliet Keenan, our special education teacher, will join me for the presentation and discussion. Mrs. Keenan has been an integral member of the district report card committee.

Please visit the PTO website and Facebook page often to keep up on happenings at Center School. There’s still time to support our PTO with a family donation. Financial support from families has enabled the PTO to pay for enrichment programs, author visits, technology upgrades, library equipment, playground gear, classroom supplies, teacher requests and training, school beautification, family and community events, and so much more!

http://www.centerschoolpto.com/donate.htm

As always, thank-you for your ongoing dedication and support for our students.

Your partner in education,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Fall Parent Teacher Conferences

Posted Oct. 23, 2017

“One of the most important factors in a child’s success in school is the degree to which his or her parents are actively involved in the child’s education.”

Dear Center School Families,

Teachers are looking forward to positive and informative parent teacher conferences this week. Your child's teacher will share relevant work samples and assessments, as well as discuss beginning insights about your child as a learner.

We consider the October conference to be a goal setting conference. You will learn about academic and social goals for your child, with ways you can assist your child with learning at home. Importantly, teachers will continue to share ways you can assist your child with his/her reading at home as we implement the first year of our Homework Guiding Principles.

Here is an informative link from the Harvard Family Research Project. The tip sheet provides suggestions for a positive conference experience.

http://www.westmichiganaviation.org/system/assets/189/original/Parent-Teacher-ConferenceTipSheet-Parents.pdf

If you have a 4^th or 5^th grade child, you may have questions regarding the 2017 MCAS results. The Department of Education plans to send districts the family reports on or around October 25^th. The district will mail the reports to families on October 31^st, assuming we receive the reports on the 25^th. Please note that schools received the results this week; and teachers are only beginning to delve into and analyze the scores. We will be able to discuss your child’s (and Center’s) performance in the weeks ahead. Here’s an interactive guide about the next-generation MCAS for families that I believe you will find helpful: http://www.doe.mass.edu/odl/e-learning/mcas-parentguide/content/index.html - /?_k=e82zj7

Please remember that students are dismissed at 11:30AM on Thursday and Friday. Kindly be prompt at pick up so teachers may begin conferences in a timely manner.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Other happenings/updates:

• The DPW fenced in our field last week for fall maintenance: reseeding, aerating, dethatching. Fencing should be removed this week.
• Students need to leave school grounds promptly at dismissal. If a student remains on the playground at 2:45, parent supervision is expected.
• Book Fair is this week! Come support our PTO while choosing some great reads for your child! Also, here’s the link to the PTO website if you haven’t joined and/or made a family donation for 2017-2018: http://www.centerschoolpto.com/donate.html
• October 24th : 7:00 pm at Longmeadow High School : John O'Sullivan: Creating a Player First Environment in Youth Sports
• Don’t miss out on the family fun: Halloween Hustle October 28^th!
• LEEF Gala is November 4^th: please support LEEF who generously fund many enrichment opportunities for our students! https://www.goleef.org/
• November 7th: Helping Hands 4th Grade 7:50 am in cafeteria

Spirit Day!

Posted Oct 19, 2017

Friday, October 20th is our first spirit day and the theme is FALL FLANNEL!

Panoramic picture Monday, October 23rd

Posted Oct 18, 2017

Please make sure your child(ren) wears RED for our annual panoramic picture of the whole school. Thank you!

Halloween 2017

Posted Oct. 15, 2017

Hello Center School Families,

Weather permitting, we will hold our annual Halloween Parade on Tuesday, October 31^st at 2:00 pm. The students and staff will parade around the town green. Our parade is open to be viewed by all family members, so please come join the fun!

Here’s a few guidelines for the day:

1. Please use discretion when helping your child choose age and school appropriate costumes.
2. It is best if a simple version of the costume is worn, i.e., not a lot of make up or pieces that would be difficult for your child to put on independently.
3. Costume props that are replicas of weapons (swords, knives, guns, etc.) are not permissible.
4. Costumes must not be too scary. Scary masks and/or gruesome costumes are not permissible.
5. If a mask is worn, please make sure your child can walk independently and safely.
6. You must check with your child’s teacher before any treats are sent with your child to school. Individual teachers will provide additional details of activities for the day.

Halloween is a day when we celebrate "imagination" with our students. Thank - you for helping us ensure a day filled with creativity and fun!

If religious, cultural, or personal beliefs do not allow your child's participation, they are not required to join the costume parade. We will provide a place for non-participants to stay during that time.

Have you signed up for the Halloween Hustle yet? There’s still time to get your walking or running shoes ready and support our PTO at our annual fall event!

http://www.centerschoolpto.com/

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Longmeadow Elementary Schools iWalk to School Day is tomorrow!

Posted Oct. 4 , 2017

Join Center students, families, school leaders, and partners around our community to celebrate the benefits of walking/biking to school on International Walk to School Day.

Students and families, Superintendent O'Shea, Police Chief John Stankiewicz, Town Manager Stephen Crane, and members of your Center School family will meet on the corner of Hopkins and Longmeadow Street at 8:15 am. Let's create the longest "walking school bus" in Ma! And let's have the shortest carline ever!! If you walk a different route to Center , we'll meet you in front of the school with a special acknowledgement for each participant!

Visit http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/ for additional information about the event and for safety ideas for walkers and bikers!

See you in the morning!!

Helping Hands 2017

Posted Sept 29, 2017

Dear Center Families,

In the spirit of teaching our students about the importance of community service, we will begin our fifth yearlong effort to feed those in need of assistance.

Center School Helping Hands is a school –wide effort that provides our students an opportunity to work as grade level teams to make a difference by making sandwiches to help feed the hungry. Helping Hands is a collective endeavor that depends on the generosity of our Peace Builders community; and we anticipate another successful year!

Here’s how it works:

SCHEDULE:

Each grade level will be assigned a month to meet one morning in the cafeteria at 7:50 AM to make sandwiches with their grade level team.The students will go directly to their classrooms at 8:30.

Mark your calendars on the following Tuesdays:

October 3rd-5th grade

November 7th-4th grade

December 5th-3rd grade

January 9th-2nd grade

February 6th-1st grade

March 6th-K & 5^th

April 10th- 4th & 2^nd

May 1st- 3rd & 1^st

June 5th- all grades

WHAT TO BRING:

Each family may voluntarily send in with your child sandwich meat, cheese, and bread to make sandwiches on their designated day. We suggest 1lb. meat; ½ lb. cheese; two loaves of bread, although any donated amount is appreciated. The number of sandwiches delivered each month will depend on donations.

WHO MAY COME:

Siblings are more than welcome to make sandwiches too. For example, our first date (October 3^{rd )} will be with 5^th graders. If you have a 5^th grader and a 2^nd grader, feel free to send the 2^nd grader to help. The more helping hands the better!!

SANDWICH DONATIONS:

Center School parent Amy Nedwed (amynedwed@gmail.com) coordinates this effort. She and I will be present with the students while they make the sandwiches; and Amy Nedwed and Amie Tracy will deliver the sandwiches to the Springfield Rescue Mission, Loaves and Fishes Kitchen in Springfield and the Easthampton Community Center. Kudos to Amy for spearheading the effort once again this year!!

Thank-you for your generous spirit of giving! A reminder notice will be sent each month.

With appreciation,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Please click on link to see the summary from last year. Also, provided is a link for a Helping Hands shirt!

NEW shirt order form-helping hands (1).docx

helping hands summary-2016-17 (1).docx

Welcome Back 2017-2018

Posted Aug 30, 2017

Good evening Center School Families,

Tomorrow we’ll welcome your child with all the promise of a new school year. The enthusiastic spirit of the staff this week is energizing and everyone is excited to start anew…a new beginning each fall is one of the unique gifts in our teaching lives.

We will welcome twenty-one new families to our community this year. I’ll look forward to greeting them again and connecting with returning families. I encourage you to reach out to each other so that we can build relationships and offer support as the need arises.

You will have a fun opportunity to meet new people at the annual Fall Carnival on September 15^th. Another upcoming school event is Open House on September 28^th. This is an evening when parents and guardians will meet in the classrooms with teachers and learn about grade level curriculum and expectations. And please consider joining our PTO…another great way to be involved in your community!

It’s been a productive week for staff. Yesterday, our professional development focus was on the PeaceBuilders curriculum. We had the time and space for “solution building” and to create new activities to enhance the program as we move into our third year as a PeaceBuilders’ community. The practices of PeaceBuilders empower us to embrace a shared vision of who we strive to be as a community. The day was also a strong affirmation of our commitment to teach the whole child. Together, with you as our partners, we form an extraordinary Center School family. We deeply value your support as we work to grow your child into creative, empathetic, intelligent, and engaged learners and citizens.

It is an implausible myth that teachers take the summer off… our staff is comprised of teachers who never leave their teaching world at school. They consistently stretch themselves to find ways to enrich their work. Summer work and planning was ongoing and the thoughtfulness of their work will be evident in your child’s learning. The classrooms also look incredibly warm and welcoming! I am proud to lead such a hard-working, committed, and caring group of educators, always focused on meeting the needs of each child in their care. Know your child is in the very best hands.

On the eve of the new year, I imagine your dreams for your child are boundless and hopeful. We likely share many of your dreams. When our bell tolls in the morning-one of my favorite moments- think of it as a symbol of our promise to provide your child with a wonderful experience this year, a promise to realize our dreams for our students together. There are many extraordinary moments ahead and it will be delightful to share your child’s learning and growth with you.

Rest well this evening and I hope your child has already settled into sleep with joyful anticipation for the year ahead.

See you on the playground at 8:30!

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Supply Lists

Posted July 31, 2017

Here are the Supply Lists for Grades 1 - 5

Summer Reading Information

posted Jun 20, 2017

Many Books, One Community...Building a Better World

Greetings Elementary School Families,

We are excited to share with you the transformation of our traditional summer reading endeavor “One Book, One Community”! We know that the single summer activity that is most strongly and consistently related to summer learning is reading! Research also shows us that the amount of free reading done outside of school enhances vocabulary development, reading comprehension, language skills, and a student’s knowledge of his/her world.

This summer we present to our community: Many Books, One Community! We ask that you join us in supporting and encouraging your child to choose and read many many books this summer, exploring self-selected topics! We also encourage families to join in the endeavor by reading with and reading to their child throughout the summer months.

Our elementary school communities focus is not only on academics but on growing caring and empathetic students. We will share Storrs Library’s summer reading program theme- Building a Better World. The Storrs Library staff is excited to assist your child with reading choices.

We are expecting our students to come to school on the first day bursting with excitement about their summer reads. Students will be prepared to share the one-or perhaps two!- favorite summer books with their new teacher and with their peers. Attached is a list of possible ways your child may share his/her book as well as some possible titles. Students may choose an activity from the list or come up with their own idea!

As you explore with your child the boundless choices of books, we share with you an important point to consider. Being read to or reading in isolation does not by itself automatically lead to strong literacy development and broader learning. The real link seems to lie in the verbal interaction that occurs between adult and child, and child to child before, during and after story reading.

We applaud you in your efforts to support us as we grow our students into lifelong readers who love and cherish the opportunity to get lost in a good story!

Sincerely,

LPS Elementary School Communities

Summer Reading Choices:

Book talks- Give a book talk about your favorite read.

Book Review- Share a book review with your class.

Musical Book Share- Quickly share a book with a partner (2 minutes) and then rotate a few times

Book Commercial- Record a commercial about their favorite book

Make Bookmarks- Create bookmark to go with a book for the next reader who reads it

Make Book Cover- Make a cover that would make other students interested in the book

Book Swap- Bring a favorite book, borrow a favorite book

Genre List- Keep tally list of summer books read in different genres (bar graph, pie chart, line plot)

Read Cliffhangers- Share with class a “cliffhanger” from the book you read without giving it away

Guess My Book- Write 3 clues about book and have students guess what book you are talking about.

Buddy Book- Plan with a friend to read the same book and then discuss.

Pick An Emoji- Pick an emoji to go with the book and explain why in a few sentences

If I Could Be Any Character- Share which character you would be and why- dress up?

Me As a Reader- Make a collage of who you are as a reader

Poster: Create a poster of your favorite summer read.

Any way to share is acceptable!

Happy summer reading!!