837 LONGMEADOW STREET | LONGMEADOW | MASSACHUSETTS | 01106 | P 413-565-4290 F 413-238-6126

Center Elementary School’s vision for education is foremost focused on fostering a child-centered environment where our students are responsible and respectful members of their learning community. Students develop a strong sense of self and a desire to contribute to their community in a positive manner. Our vision for academic learning is to nurture highly motivated and independent students who approach learning with enthusiasm, critical thinking, creativity, and perseverance. Inherent in our vision is the guiding principle that all students can learn at high levels; and will reach their full potential through the collaborative efforts of their teachers, families, and school leaders.

"All students, regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or homelessness, have equal access to the general education program and the full range of any occupational or vocational programs offered by the district."

Week of November 11th

Hello Center School Families,

At our Open House in September, teachers shared information regarding expectations for your child’s learning for the school year. Teachers touched on grade level standards or learning goals that drive teaching and learning. Educational standards are the learning goals for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. They are expectations. A curriculum is the detailed plan used to teach students the learning goals embodied in standards. Standards are statements. Curriculum includes many resources: activities, lessons, units, assessments, and can include all the texts used in a particular content area. Standards define what is to be learned by the end of a school year. Curriculum is the detailed plan for day to day teaching. You can think about the difference as Standards are the end. Curriculum is the means. Here is a link to DESE and the family page that provides useful information to help understand expectations for your child’s learning: http://www.doe.mass.edu/highstandards/

Here’s a snapshot of our curriculum...certainly not an exhaustive list of the many resources teachers use as a means to help our students meet grade level standards and reach beyond! More info to come about Art, Music, PE, Health, Technology Integration, and Library Media teaching and learning.

• Science: Foss Science: students learn science by doing science. Each grade level completes a minimum of three “modules” each year, engaged in meaningful active learning. https://www.deltaeducation.com/foss/next-generation
• Literacy: Facilitating a workshop instructional model, teachers follow the Units of Study in both reading and writing. Students develop their proficiencies as readers and writers by exploring varied genres with authentic engaging texts.

http://www.unitsofstudy.com/introduction

• Mathematics: Through Math Expressions students learn through an inquiry-based curriculum focused on: Conceptual understanding; Procedural fluency i.e., know mathematical facts, compute and do the math; and Capacity i.e., solve a wide range of problems in various contexts by reasoning, thinking, and applying the mathematics they have learned. https://www.hmhco.com/programs/math-expressions
• Social Studies: This year, teachers have access to Discovery Ed, https://www.discoveryeducation.com/solutions/social-studies-techbook/ an online resource and grade levels across the district will pilot a Pearson text as we work to clearly articulate the curriculum to meet the newer standards in History and Social Science.

Additional Happenings and Reminders

• Wednesday is World Kindness Day: Who doesn’t love Mr. Rogers? Wear your favorite cardigan to school and spread some extra kindness!! World kindess day.jpg
• November 14^th and 15^th: Family /Teacher Conferences: Dismissal at 11:30 am. Please be prompt at dismissal so our teachers have time to eat lunch.
• November 27^th: Dismissal at 11:30 am
• Thank-you to our active duty family members who visited classrooms for Veteran’s Day: very special event for students and of course for their children!
• Please make sure your child dresses warmly for outdoor recess. Students who like to wear shorts year -round should have warm pants available for outdoors.
• Please check Lost and found when you’re here for conferences!
• Please visit Teachers' websites for updates and happenings in the classrooms!

Warmly,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Health Office Notice

Posted November 7, 2019

Dear Center School Families,

Cold and flu season is upon us and the schools are already seeing an increase in many contagious illnesses. We would like to take this opportunity to remind families of some important steps that can be taken to limit the spread of illness within our schools. As always, our staff will work with the students to limit the spread of germs within the school by encouraging the following:

• Frequent and diligent hand washing
• Avoiding touching of eyes, nose, and mouth
• Covering coughs and sneezes with the inside of the elbow
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

Students exhibiting any signs of illness will be referred to the health office for evaluation. Teachers and custodial staff will implement more stringent cleaning protocols for touchable surfaces.

We additionally ask families to help us limit the spread of illness by adhering to the following guidelines:

Children with one (or more) of the following symptoms MUST stay home until symptom-free for 24 hours:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever greater than 100.4 (without fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol or Motrin)
• If prescribed antibiotics, children must have a full 24-hour dosage before returning to school.

As a precaution, please consider keeping your child home for:

• Excessive stuffy nose or nasal drainage
• Excessive or persistent cough
• Lethargy or general malaise
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea

Thank you for partnering with us to create the healthiest possible environment for our students. Please reach out to your School Nurse with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

November 6, 2019

Hello Center School Families,

With the start of November, teachers are preparing for conferences next week. As you know, we hold conferences twice annually. We consider conferences to be a valuable time to more “formally” touch base with families to discuss students’ academic and social emotional learning as well as discuss growth areas. Importantly, teachers will want to hear your insights, answer questions, and continue to grow partnerships to work together to help your child be the best student possible.

The elementary report card is “standards –based” and will be distributed in January and June. At the conference, your child’s teacher will discuss progress referencing the standards. Families receive (or will begin to receive, depending on grade level) assessment results with cover sheets that indicate your child’s progress towards meeting particular standards or “learning targets”.

One critical strength of standards-based reporting is communication! Here are additional benefits:

• Students are offered multiple opportunities and ways through which to demonstrate proficiency
• Families are aware of exactly what their child knows, is able to do, and next steps for progress
• Parents know in which curriculum areas their child needs more support or extension
• Parents are empowered to increase their child's confidence and help their student set goals

While January seems far off, we hope you will visit the Elementary Standards –Based Report Card Site in the coming weeks to help continue to build your knowledge before cards are distributed.

Elementary Standards-Based Report Cards

Here’s some helpful ideas to prepare for your conference:

• Talk with your child about school. What does he/she feel are strengths and growth areas? Is there any special topic your child wishes you to talk about with the teacher?
• Time is precious: prepare notes with topics you want to discuss and questions you may have about your child’s learning and progress.
• Please be on time. The schedules are tight and teachers want every minute possible with you.
• Respectfully discussing any differences and celebrating successes will help teachers partner with you to find the most effective ways to work with your child. Teachers value and appreciate your insights.
• Do you want to know ways to support learning at home? Teachers will offer suggestions!
• Please thank our teachers for their work. I know they will thank you for your ongoing support and advocacy for your child.
• Provide feedback to your child after the conference. Always emphasize the positives and discuss the action plan for growth areas.

I hope you enjoy lots of extra family time during the upcoming extended weekend. I also hope you take time to continue to talk with your child about Veteran’s Day and find a meaningful way to honor the individuals who have bravely served our country- past and present- including members of our own Center community!

A Few Reminders:

• Operation Gratitude: Please consider donating extra Halloween candy to our troops by Friday. Students may bring extra bags of candy to school for the collection. Many thanks to the Watson family for organizing the endeavor! https://www.operationgratitude.com/express-your-thanks/halloween-candy/
• With the forecast calling for the possibility of snow on Friday (!!), here is a brief reminder of the practices, and policies of the Longmeadow Public Schools to govern the closing or delay of school on days when the weather makes traveling for students dangerous. If the schedule is to be altered, we will attempt to make announcements on the television, the Longmeadow Public Schools website and over the School Messenger email and telephone service as early as possible on days of questionable weather. Our judgment in those circumstances will be based on the best information available at that time about road conditions throughout the area. The following situations may occur:

1. A one-hour delayed opening to allow for snow removal during relatively light storms.

2. A two-hour delayed opening to allow for snow removal and traffic clearance during more severe storms. Please stay tuned for school messages following a delayed opening announcement in case of worsening conditions warranting school closing.

3. School closing due to storms severe enough that safe paths to school cannot generally be maintained.

4. Early Dismissal is done only in the event of an unanticipated emergency. On the rare occasion when an emergency dismissal is necessary, announcements will be made on television and made using the School Messenger email and telephone service. Utmost caution will be exercised by school staff in the event of an early dismissal. Please know that in these instances school staff will remain at school until safe travel is provided for all students. Please be sure your family has contingency plans for children sent home due to an early dismissal.

• With winter weather here already, we have colder days and unpredictable weather. Please support us by helping your child adhere to our winter dress. 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.
• November 11^th - Veteran’s Day- No School
• November 14^th and 15^th - Parent and Teacher Conferences- ½ Day 11:30 a.m. Dismissal
• November 27^th - ½ Day 11:30 a.m. Dismissal
• November 28^th and 29^th - No School- Thanksgiving Recess

Kind regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Two Days Left!

Posted November 6, 2019

Good Afternoon,

The window of opportunity to view a video version of the "Challenge Success" talk that was delivered to parents and staff on October 15 is quickly closing. The LPS community has until November 8th to view either the high school presentation linked here or the K-8 presentation linked here. The videos are thought provoking and have been well-received.

The next meeting of the Special Education Alliance of Longmeadow (SEAL) is Tuesday, November 12th at 7:00 p.m. in LPS central office conference room A-31 located at 535 Bliss Road. SEAL is a parent advisory council that offers information, support, and networking opportunities to parents. On Tuesday, there will be a presentation from special education supervisors at Williams, Glenbrook and LHS. Please attend to learn more about special education programming and upcoming SEAL outreach activities. For the full meeting agenda and to learn more about future meeting dates and events please visit www.sealma.org.

Let's hope we dodge the snow on Friday. If we don't and you need information on our inclement weather protocols, please review the attached letter below.

Have a great evening!

Sincerely,

Marty O'Shea

Superintendent

Inclement Weather Protocols

Halloween Parade

Posted October 31, 2019

Hello and Happy Halloween!

I know it might be problematic for many families, but we will wait until 1:45 to make a decision about whether the students will parade outside in their costumes at 2:00. Please consider this message the school notice-if you see there is no rain: we'll walk down the esplanade turn left and head towards Longfellow, travel down Longfellow to the playground, walk towards the cafeteria, walk past the cafeteria, travel down the driveway, walk past the front of the gymnasium, and back to the esplanade to enter the building. The green is much too wet and muddy to consider. If the rain continues-NO parade...

Lots of fun and creative activities happening-just saw owl pellet dissection in 2nd grade!

Have a wonderful day!

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Week of October 28th

Happy Monday Center School Families,

The 16^th annual Halloween Hustle was a tremendous success...the weather was absolutely perfect and many runners ran their personal best time!! So many “shout outs” owed for the success of the day! Katie Wartman chaired the event with her team of helpers sharing the work: Bianca Damiano Gonzalez and Megan Downey served as co-leadership chairs, helping with all aspects of the day; Jen Skelley Duval and Beth Benzaquin did the graphics, design, and illustration; Katie Sullivan helped with race timing logistics and Lindsay Maloni Kuntz was responsible for the decorating. Well done to all! https://www.facebook.com/LongmeadowCenterPTO/

Halloween Parade: The weather looks uncertain for our annual parade at 2:00 on Halloween day. Should the day bring rain, classroom celebrations will be held, but the parade will be cancelled. We will not decide until immediately before 2:00.

I want to introduce you to one of our lunch monitors who began her work with us at the end of last year. Jenny came to us through a new connection with Riverside Industries Inc. RSI is a Partner of Western Mass Employment Collaborative (WMEC). Jenny inspires us each day with her hard work and her love for our students, many of whom she has developed a special connection. Please take the time to read her story! https://www.wmecworks.net/success-stories.php

Calendar Reminders

November 5th - Helping Hands Grade 4; 7:45 a.m. in the cafeteria

November 11th - Veteran’s Day - No School

Parent/Teacher Conferences November 14^th and 15^th -Students dismissed at 11:30 a.m.

Have a wonderful week!

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Teacher Learning

Posted Oct. 28, 2019

Teacher growth is closely related to pupil growth. Probably nothing within a school has more impact on students in terms of skills development, self-confidence, or classroom behavior than the personal & professional growth of their teachers. Roland Barth

Dear Center School Families,

Learning is a never- ending process, not only for our students but for our educators. Research indicates that for professional development to be effective and impactful it has to be directly connected to daily work with students, related to content areas, organized around real challenges of practice, continuous and ongoing, and able to provide teachers with access to resources and expertise.

Enhancing teaching practice is a complex and ongoing endeavor that can’t be achieved by going off to a workshop! Teachers continually work with others on ways to enrich their teaching, which positively impacts your child’s growth and learning. In our district, professional development takes place in varied ways.I want to share with you some ways that teachers grow their teaching craft.

Coaching: Several years ago, LPS invested in literacy coaches at the elementary level. Simplified, coaches help teachers take important instructional concepts they learn and apply them. A gifted coach, such as our own Vanessa Vigna, provides differentiated collaboration and support to teachers. It is well worth your time to visit Ms. Vigna’s blog: A Sea of Literacy Talk, rich with resources for anyone who wishes to enrich the literacy world of a child. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the innovative nature of a coach’s work and see how embedded the work is in our school culture. https://msvigna.com/

PeaceBuilders/CASEL Committee: Representatives across our staff will create a comprehensive crosswalk between CASEL competencies and PeaceBuilders. Collaboration is a powerful form of professional development where we learn from and with our colleagues, working on a similar goal and delving deeper into varied topics. This work will be impactful to our social emotional learning (SEL) work as well as your understanding of the social competencies.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Pilot Evaluation Tool Program: A Center team was accepted into a pilot program where we will have an opportunity to use an evaluation tool to take a closer look at the effectiveness of the reader’s and writer’s workshop instructional model. We’ll join 20 selected schools/districts across the state, working under DESE’s How do We Know Initiative: Using, Building, and Sharing Evidence to Improve Student Outcomes. Opportunities to reflect on our practices fosters tremendous growth for all involved.

Foundations of Inclusive Practice: Our Special education team and I will attend an institute that will build our knowledge and approaches for implementing inclusive practice. At the conclusion of our time- intensive work in the institute, we will have a professional development presentation/course to share with our colleagues. The two driving goals for us are to look for ways to improve instruction and support for students with disabilities and to provide educators with powerful professional development on effective strategies.

Our new math specialist, Patricia Woodward, will continue her training in AVMR https://www.mathrecovery.org/ The district will send the elementary math specialists to the AVMR National Conference in November as well. We’re anticipating positive results with the implementation of math recovery as an intervention to increase students’ mathematical understanding and achievement.

Teachers have an opportunity to take Professional Growth Courses after school. The course offerings change throughout the year and are aligned with school and district learning and teaching goals. Additionally, teachers spend three Mondays a month after school working on collaborative endeavors within their teams and/or involved with Principal led training/sharing.

District Professional Development Days: The topics and offerings on these days are also aligned to our teaching and learning goals. On the October day, teachers chose from a menu of workshop topics offered by their colleagues. In the afternoon, Center educators had an interactive presentation with Jennifer Bogin, behavior specialist, focused on strategies for educators when working with children with challenging behavioral needs.

In a few short weeks we will hold parent teacher conferences. I will communicate soon regarding the goals of conferences. We expect to see all our families for this important meeting, so please be sure you have scheduled your time with your child’s teacher.

Your child’s growth and learning depend on our capacity to provide learning opportunities for our educators. It’s an area that we continue to work together to make meaningful and to grow, continually focused on the “real challenges of practice”. While I have tried to capture some of the learning opportunities in our school and beyond, this is not an exhaustive list. Many teachers also delve into learning in other ways through college courses, professional readings, and study groups. A teacher's work stretches far beyond the school day...

That said, know that we learn more in our day- to- day work with students than perhaps any other endeavor! Thank-you for your ongoing trust and support for our work. And thank-you for the privilege of working with your child.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Longfellow Drive Construction

Posted Oct. 24, 2019

Dear Center School Families,

I was informed today by DPW Director Mario Mazza that Gomes Construction will be starting the sidewalk replacement work on Longfellow Drive tomorrow. Mr. Mazza expects the replacement to last about a week. DPW/Police will be installing "No Parking" signs on Longfellow this afternoon.

• There will be (more) limited parking for staff during this period. PLEASE do not park in the back parking lot in the morning when you drop off your child. We appreciate all families dropping off in the carline.
• The replacement will be impactful to all students who walk to school via Longfellow. Know that extra safety precautions need to be taken by families and students.
• Kindergarten families who usually park on Colton and pick up students in the back of the school are encouraged to pick up in the carline.
• The carline may be longer than usual so many thanks for extra patience.

Thank-you for your understanding and help during the construction period.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Challenge Success Video - Must See TV!

Posted October 21, 2019

Good Morning,

If you missed last Tuesday's Challenge Success presentation, you can watch a very similar recorded version for free by using this link. Click on "rent" and then use the promo code "longmeadow" in order to watch it for free through November 8th. Please note that users will need to create a free Vimeo account prior to viewing.

Sincerely,

Marty O'Shea

Superintendent of Schools

Week of October 7th

Dear Center School Families,

Here’s some happenings and reminders for the week ahead in our school community:

• Helping Hands kicks off Tuesday morning with our 5^th graders. Here’s the details for the endeavor. HelpingHands 2019-20 (1).docx Many thanks to all who contributed to the food drive for the Longmeadow Food Pantry. We collected just short of 300 pounds to begin to restock the pantry for the months ahead! Well done!
• Lost and Found: Unhappily the lost and found is incredibly full at the start of the year. Please encourage your child to check the area outside the cafeteria for lost clothing items and lunch containers. It’s helpful if you mark your child’s name on items and we can return them to homerooms. Items that remain for a month will be donated.
• Reminder about drop off and pick up: Longfellow Street is not a place to pick up or drop off students. We’re seeing students crossing on Longfellow where there’s no crosswalk. This is a significant safety risk for students. Thank-you for working with us to keep our children safe.
• Allergies and nut-free classrooms: 10 of our classrooms are “nut free” classrooms. You received a letter from Nurse Rodrigues at the start of the year if your child needs to refrain from having a snack with nut products or other allergens that will pose a serious health risk to students in his/her classroom. We deeply appreciate you helping us provide a safe environment for all children by reading the label on your child’s snack choice.
• MCAS Parent Reports: Families of students who took the test last year will receive the reports that were mailed on Friday. http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/parents/ Please reach out with questions.
• Challenge Success: October 15^{th .} ChallengeSuccess 10-15-2019.pdf
• October 9^th: No School Yom Kippur
• October 14^th and 15^th : No School: Columbus Day and Professional Development Day respectively
• October 26: Halloween Hustle
• October 31^st: 2:00 p.m. Center’s Halloween Costume Parade on the Green.
• LEEF GALA: https://one.bidpal.net/2019leefgala/ticketing

Longmeadow Public Schools adheres to the CASEL framework https://casel.org/what-is-sel/to guide us in fostering the social emotional competencies of our students. We have formed a committee of educators at Center whom are working to articulate to our families the alignment of our PeaceBuilders program with the CASEL framework. The committee is excited for the work and anticipate sharing valuable resources by midyear. In the meantime, please be sure to take the time to read the monthly newsletters sent home regarding PeaceBuilders practices and visit the CASEL website to deepen your understandings of the competencies.

[endif]--

Teachers and interventionists have completed most screenings for the start of the school year. At Open House, teachers explained the WIN block and our RTI model. Here’s a great resource created by our staff and students to enhance your understanding: https://sites.google.com/longmeadow.k12.ma.us/centerstage/home

Conferences are November 14^th and 15^th and know our teachers are available and responsive at any time to answer questions and/or share insights with you about your child’s learning.

Thank-you for taking the time to read this message and for your ongoing partnership and support!

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

SEAL Meeting 10-8-2019

Posted October 4, 2019

The Special Education Alliance of Longmeadow (SEAL) is a Parent Advisory Council that offers information, support, and networking opportunities to parents. Please join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, October 8th at 7:00 PM in Room A-31 Pupil Services, 535 Bliss Road, Longmeadow. There will be a presentation from our preschool and elementary school special education supervisors from Blueberry, Wolf Swamp and Center School and learn about special education programs offered at the schools. Following the presentation, there will be discussion about upcoming SEAL outreach activities. For the full meeting agenda, and to learn more about future meeting dates and events, visit www.sealma.org.

Helping Hands 2019-2020

Posted October 4, 2019

Dear Center School Families,

In the spirit of teaching our students about the importance of community service, we will begin our seventh 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:

1. SCHEDULE:

Each grade level will be assigned a month to meet one morning in the cafeteria at 7:45 AM to make sandwiches with their grade level team.The students will go directly to their classrooms at 8:25.

Mark your calendars on the following Tuesdays:

October 8th-5th grade

November 5th-4th grade

December 10th-3rd grade

January 7th-2nd grade

February 4th-1st grade

March 3rd-K & 5^th

April 7th- 4th & 2^nd

May 5th- 3rd & 1^st

June 2nd- all grades

2. 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.

3. WHO MAY COME:

Siblings are more than welcome to make sandwiches too. For example, our first date (October 8^th) 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. Parents are welcome to stay as well, the more helping hands the better!!

4. SANDWICH DONATIONS:

Center School parent Cecilia Rosalin Gadelhak (ccrosalin@gmail.com) will be coordinating this effort. She and I will be present with the students while they make the sandwiches; and Cecilia and Amie Tracy will deliver the sandwiches to the Springfield Rescue Mission, Loaves and Fishes Kitchen in Springfield and the Easthampton Community Center.

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

With appreciation,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Challenge Success

Posted October 3, 2019

Longmeadow Public Schools

Special Programs Series

Challenge Success – The Well-Balanced Student

The Longmeadow Public Schools is pleased to announce the Special Programs Committee (SPC) will host a community engagement program featuring Challenge Success on Tuesday, October 15th at 7:00 pm in the Longmeadow High School Auditorium. In a presentation titled, The Well-Balanced Student, Challenge Success will help community attendees learn research- based strategies for raising healthier youth by reducing academic stress and increasing child(ren)’s resilience, creativity, and well-being.

Challenge Success, a research-based organization working out of Stanford University, partners with communities who aspire to redefine success and create "more balanced and academically fulfilling" lives for their children. Additional information about Challenge Success can be found at www.challengesucces.org.

Also, during the afternoon of October 15th, LPS Middle and High School educators will engage in scheduled professional development with Challenge Success on practices that improve student well-being and engagement with learning.

There is no admission-fee for the evening event.

Challenge Success.pdf

ChallengeSuccess 10-15-2019.pdf

Please join us!!

Two Seats on Center's School Council are Open!

Posted October 1, 2019

Members Needed!

Please contact the PTO https://www.centerschoolpto.com/about-the-pto.html or Principal Hutton if you are interested in serving on the School Council. Meetings held once a month for one hour. Council determines days and times to meet to accommodate members' schedules.

A school council is a representative, school building-based committee composed of the principal, parents, teachers, community members and, at the secondary level, students, required to be established by each school pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 59C.

Responsibilities of a School Council:

School councils are to assist principals in:

• adopting educational goals for the school that are consistent with local educational policies and statewide student performance standards;
• identifying the educational needs of students attending the school;
• reviewing the annual school building budget;
• formulating a school improvement plan.

Thank-you for considering!!

Open House Change

Posted September 26, 2019

Good morning Center School Families,

Because of the likely chance of showers late this afternoon, we’ll set up our PTO social in the cafeteria. For veteran families who have been to prior Open House evenings, this means the format changes and there will not be a “formal” welcome.

We hope you still stop by the cafeteria for a doughnut and cider treat before the first presentation at 6:30 or sometime during the evening as you travel around the school. Also, the music room and reading center are in this area and you’ll have a chance to visit and say hello! There will also be information from the PTO for the Halloween Hustle and LEEF Gala information-two community happenings you don’t want to miss!

Entrances: esplanade doors on both sides; main entrance; cafeteria doors in the back of the school.

6:10-7:45 Cider doughnuts and cider hosted by PTO in the cafeteria

6:30-7:00 1st Classroom Presentation

7:00-7:10 Travel time and opportunity to say hello to different teachers across the school.

7:15-7:45 2nd Classroom Presentation

Thank-you and see you this evening! Gentle reminder, the evening is for adults only!

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Week of September 23^rd

Hello Center School Families,

Fall Carnival: We had a perfect afternoon for the Fall Carnival!! We may have set a record for the number of families who enjoyed the event. A very big bundle of gratitude to Jen Alvord and countless volunteers, including the Key Club from LHS, for planning, for generously sharing time, helping hands, and fun spirits with our community. Most especially, we thank our 5^th graders who are center stage at the carnival each year. Once again, their leadership and smarts were on full display and they awed us with their talents. We look forward to the Halloween Hustle on October 26^th, which is the next PTO endeavor.

Biking and Walking to Center: There’s something incredibly special about watching arrival in the morning; and it always makes me smile to step back and observe. Our parents and students on bikes and so many walkers enjoying a healthy beginning to the day is one of the many benefits of neighborhood schools. That said, it’s been brought to my attention that families have concerns about safety along sidewalks both in the morning and at dismissal. I have reached out to our safety officer Carl Mazzaferro for assistance. In the coming days, he will be visible along busy paths to remind everyone of courteous and safe etiquette:

• All bikers, students on roller blades, and scooter riders need helmets!
• Tuck and tie shoe laces and pant legs.
• Importantly: RIDE RIGHT and please -no more than two abreast so students and families don’t get run off the sidewalk!
• Talk with your child about smart and appropriate speed.
• Cross at crosswalks and be cautious when passing driveways.
• When passing walkers, please give a polite shout out “On your left” or ring your bike bell.
• Remind your child to stay off our neighbors’ lawns. This is an issue of concern when students ride four or five bikes side by side.
• We have consistently reminded students to travel the sidewalk in front of the school and to never cut down the driveway near the gymnasium. There is a blind spot here that is a strong safety concern. We’re asking parents and guardians to follow this request as well.

Homework: Teachers will discuss the importance of the Homework Guiding Principles at Open House this week. Here’s a link to the document with helpful grade level resources: https://sites.google.com/longmeadow.k12.ma.us/homework/home You will receive many reminders throughout the year conveying that yes, our students from kinder through 5^th grade have homework; and we ask you to partner with us to make sure your child is fulfilling his/her responsibility to read and practice math as assigned by your child’s teacher. Stop in to see our literacy coach Vanessa Vigna or reading specialist Valerie Fritz for some helpful guidance on Thursday evening.

Open House: Attached is the detailed message I sent over the weekend. Just a reminder to visit teachers other than your child’s classroom teacher between the two classroom presentations. All our teachers will not be available after 7:45. 2019 Open House Details.docx

Finally, many members of our community knew Lisa Gore from her time at Center School working in the preschool as a para professional. She died suddenly last week and there will be a celebration of her life tomorrow with services at the First Church of Christ. It feels like an appropriate time to thank all our para professionals for the important work they do for our students. They provide invaluable support to children and, like Lisa, touch many many lives. We remember Lisa with gratitude and fond memories of her gifted way with the little ones in the preschool.

As always, thank-you for your partnership and for your ongoing support of all our efforts.

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Open House 2019

Posted September 21, 2019

Greetings Center School Families,

We’re looking forward to welcoming parents and guardians to our Open House on Thursday, September 26th. Center’s Open House format provides an opportunity for you to meet your child’s teachers, understand the goals and expectations for your child’s year, learn more about your child’s grade level curriculum and classroom environment, walk the hallways your child walks each day, and meet other families in your school community!

Open House Schedule: Note that there are two presentations at different times in each classroom to accommodate families with more than one child at Center.

6:10-6:25 Welcome and social on esplanade hosted by PTO with cider and doughnuts. If there is a chance of showers, we’ll set up refreshments in the café, so please stop in for a treat!

6:30-7:00 1st Classroom Presentation

7:00-7:10 Travel time and opportunity to say hello to different teachers across the school.

7:15-7:45 2nd Classroom Presentation

Important details:

• Open House is for parents and guardians only. We’ll have other opportunities for family events that include our students.
• Parent /Teacher Conferences are November 14^th and 15th. Gentle reminder to kindly refrain from asking teachers about your child’s individual progress at Open House.
• Please visit other teachers in your child’s school world:
  • PE teachers Ms. Gauthier and Mrs. Capotosto in the gymnasium;
  • Music teacher Ms. Drysdale- Morrisey in the music room adjacent to the café;
  • Library/media specialist Mrs. Mulcahy in the library;
  • Art teacher Mrs. Goldman in the art room located in the 5^th grade hallway;
  • Technology Integration Specialist Mrs. Giuggio and dog assisted interventionist, Murphy, around the corner from the main office;
  • Literacy Coach Vanessa Vigna across from the library;
  • Our resource team, including our special education teachers and interventionists, will be in their classrooms to say hello https://sites.google.com/longmeadow.k12.ma.us/new-ctr/faculty-staff/support-programs.
• The main entrance and the side esplanade doors will be unlocked for your convenience.

Please reach out to your child’s teacher or to me with any questions. We'll see you Thursday evening... Happy Fall and I hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend and week ahead !

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Please join your school community today!

2019 Fall Carnival

Posted Friday September 20, 2019

The weather looks perfect!

4:30-6:30

on the Town Green

Bring the whole family for games created and run by our very own fifth graders! Bravo to our 5th grade school leaders!!!

Celebrate the start of the new school year and experience Center School Spirit at its best.

Bounce House, hamburgs, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, bake sale, face painting, and a ticket store where prizes can be purchased with raffle tickets!!

See you at 4:30!!

https://www.centerschoolpto.com/carnival-942288-396479.html

Walking School Bus Postponed

Posted September 12, 2019

Good morning Center School Families!

Due to the rainy weather this morning, we are postponing our Walking School Bus. We'll plan the walk to school on another day to be announced.

Today is a good day to wear a raincoat and bring an umbrella to school if you will be waiting in the carline at the end of the day! Thank-you for practicing patience if you'll be dropping off and/or picking up in the carline on inclement weather days.

Have a good day.

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Oops...this flyer was not attached to yesterday's message so here it is: Save the Date.pdf

Week of September 9th

Posted September 12, 2019

Hello Center Families,

Please join us to walk, ride, or roll to school on the first Walking School Bus tomorrow morning at 8:10 a.m. We’ll meet at the corner of Hopkins and Longmeadow Streets. The beginning of the year is always a bit overwhelming with so much information coming your way. I find it’s a good time to mark my calendar with important dates. Please see the attached Save the Date Flyer with the many interesting LPS Special Programs Committee events.

Here’s some more happenings that we know you will enjoy:

• September 20^th: Fall Carnival 4:30-6:30 on the green. Click here for details: https://www.centerschoolpto.com/carnival-942288-396479.html
• September 20^th: Cardinal Spirit Day: Crazy Socks Day
• September 26^th: Open House. 6:15 to 7:45
• October 26^th: Halloween Hustle: More detailed info coming at Open House!!
• November 2^nd: LEEF Gala: https://www.goleef.org/gala2019/ Please consider supporting LEEF at their major fund raiser of the year. LEEF funds amazing grants that enrich our students’ learning across the district. One funded project that each elementary school will enjoy is our “sensory paths”. You can travel the path at Open House when you cross our connector! The path provides an opportunity for some very intentional movement breaks for our students...and it’s so much fun! I’ll share more information about movement in our classrooms soon. Sensory Path

As we approach the end of our first full week, I want to share that your children have been delightful! They make us smile each day and it’s been a very good beginning. If you sense that your child might be having any issues with transitions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our teachers for support or to our adjustment counselor, Carol Connery. cconnery@longmeadow.k12.ma.us We can work together on developing strategies that will ease any lingering worries your child might experience...this is a standing suggestion for any time during your child’s journey with us.

Warm regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

A Few Reminders...

Posted September 5, 2019

Hello Center School Families,

• Tomorrow is our first all -school peace rally. Ms. Drysdale Morrisey will lead the students with songs and we'll introduce all our new students. Students and staff are encouraged to wear cardinal red to show our Center School spirit.
• Don't forget about Food Truck Friday sponsored by Close Community: tomorrow from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Here's the details: Food Truck Friday.pdf
• Mark your calendars for our first Walking School Bus on September 12th! We'll meet at the corner of Hopkins at 8:10 to walk, bike, or roll to school with community members. Here's the link to Safe Routes to School that provides more details about this community happening: http://guide.saferoutesinfo.org/walking_school_bus/. Please remind your bikers and walkers to follow all safety rules to and from school. Also, students need to be off their pedals and walk their bikes in front of the school.
• Fall Carnival September 20th!! Please visit the PTO site to order your passes. Our 5th graders are busily planning their games for our annual family night. 5th graders: don't forget to order your class tee shirts! All the information you need can be found here: https://www.centerschoolpto.com/carnival-942288-396479.html

Thank-you for your ongoing support! Enjoy the beautiful weather days ahead!

Kind regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Center School Message

Posted September 3, 2019

Good morning Center School Families,

What a beautiful day to start our week! We had our first fire drill this morning and the students did a wonderful job! 424 students and all our staff exited the building quietly and safely in less than two minutes!! The LFD was impressed.

Our arrival this morning went smoothly as well. Moving our first graders to the Longfellow side of the school for arrival helped tremendously as did having our new 5th grade safety volunteers to assist everyone.

We'll continue to monitor our procedures and work to make things run as safely and smoothly as possible for our community.

Have a wonderful week and know more messages about our beginnings will be coming your way...

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Center School PTO

Posted September 2, 2019

Welcome Back from the Center School PTO!

Whether you are new to Longmeadow, new to Center School or a returning family, we wish you a warm welcome! The Center School PTO consists of volunteers who together work diligently to develop fun events and continue cherished traditions.

There's always lots going on, and we want to make sure you don't miss a thing. We’ve included some important information below to begin the school year.

Back to School Welcome Package

Please take a few minutes to complete the Back to School Welcome Package. The information you provide will help us communicate with you to keep you up-to-date on happenings around the school, and help you communicate with others in the Center School community.

Center School Directory

The Center School PTO publishes an electronic copy of the student directory every year. By providing your information in the Back to School Welcome Package, we'll be able to include your and your child(ren)'s contact information for others in the Center School community. The directory is only available to Center School families, and is password protected for confidentiality.

Weekly News

The PTO distributes a weekly e-newsletter (Monday mornings) which highlights upcoming events, announcements, volunteer opportunities, and keeps everyone updated on where your family contributions are spent. You can find the archive of this year’s e-newsletters on our Center School PTO website!

Upcoming Events

We look forward to hosting some fun events, beginning with the Fall Carnival (hosted by our 5th graders!) Friday, September 20th from 4:30 p.m.-6:30p.m. Stay tuned to our Events Calendar on our Center School PTO Website.

Fundraising and Family Contributions

We are super excited to start the new school year! Each year our PTO depends on fundraising and family contributions in order to provide your student with the enriching school experience that we have all come to expect. We can only meet these expectations with your help.

The PTO funds many cherished Center School traditions like the Fall Carnival, Halloween Hustle, Field Day, 5th grade Memory Books, and the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, just to name a few (take a look at PTO Dollars at Work for more). Financial support from our Center School families allows the PTO to also pay for enrichment programs, author visits, provide technology upgrades, library equipment, playground gear, classroom supplies, teacher requests, school beautification, and family/community events.

Please consider making a contribution to help us continue supporting our Center School community. Thank - you!

​We’re all looking forward to a wonderful school year!

Melissa Butcher and Debbie Farley, Co-Presidents

Lindsey Maloni-Kuntz, Vice President

Cecilia Gadelhak, Secretary

​Keri Fazio, Treasurer

centerschoolptoweb@gmail.com

First Day 2019

Posted August 28, 2019

Dear Center School Families,

There was a touch of fall in the air this week perfectly timed to the start of the year. We’ve had a full week and a full day today making final plans for the first days ahead. I wish our families could peek into a teacher’s world …there’s extraordinarily thoughtful work that goes into the details of teaching and certainly into beginnings...and important beginnings it will be when your child-and your family-settle back into the familiar rhythm and routine of the school year.

I loved taking my final walk around the school at the end of our day seeing the “newness” of the classrooms, each unique to the teacher yet so inviting and warm…Now we just need your children with their energy and their spirits and all their hopes and dreams to share with us for the year ahead.

I read a story to our staff on our first day together each year. My choice this year was The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson. The story is beautifully poetic and the message is one that holds our hopes and dreams and encouragement for each student in our care.

There will be times when the world feels like a place that you’re standing all the way outside of...

and all that stands beside you is your own brave self — steady as steel and ready

even though you don't yet know

what you're ready for.

There will be times when you walk into a room

and no one there is quite like you until the day you begin

to share your stories.

Our hopes and dreams are that Center will be a place that “opens itself up a little wider” to make space for each child to grow in many unique and engaging ways. Guiding and teaching children as they learn and grow is the deep joy and honor of our work. We look forward to sharing this amazing journey with you.

The bell will toll tomorrow morning to welcome you at 8:25 a.m.! Please look for bright fluorescent signs with teachers’ names where students will line up. There will be lots of staff to help you. Our 1st and 5^th graders will line up near the small playscape and you’ll find all other signs on the blacktop near the basketball courts. How exciting that we have 43 new students across all grade levels joining our community of PeaceBuilders! I know you’ll find ways to reach out and welcome families and students and quickly make them feel that they have a great big space in our school family.

I’m guessing that your child’s excitement is bundled with some nervousness tonight...I’ve heard from both new and veteran teachers that they share these emotions!! We’ll have a wonderful day tomorrow...assure your child that’s our promise!

Hope you can enjoy a peaceful evening and a restful night’s sleep...hard as it may be!

Yours in partnership,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Beginnings

Posted Aug. 23, 2019

Dear Center School Families,

This message is the first of communications to be sent before next Thursday to help you navigate the start of the school year. Please read the arrival and dismissal details carefully to help ensure the safety of our students.

First, we encourage you to review bicycle and walking safety with your child. Please remind your child to be considerate of walkers when riding their bikes to and from school.

We know students thrive with predictable routines. It’s helpful if you develop and discuss the family “pick up” plan with your child i.e., where to meet at the end of the day, pick up on the carline, etc. It’s also extremely important for you to remind your child to stick with the family plan; the plan should never be changed by the student without family knowledge or permission! Each teacher will have her individual communication system in place with families so she/he knows where each student is going at dismissal. We suggest you place emergency contact information in a visible place on your child’s backpack. There are some great tags available that attach to backpacks.

First Day for 1^st -5^th grades Thursday, August 29th: We’ll see everyone on the playground at 8:25 AM. The bell will toll to signal the start of our new year!! Teachers will be on the playground; look for signs labeled with the teacher’s name. There will be lots of staff to assist you!

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures after Day One:

Arrival: 8:25 a.m. We do not have supervision before 8:25, so while we love our enthusiastic early bird cardinals, please time arrival as close to 8:25 as possible.

Grades 1, 2, 3, 4: Enter through the main doors

Grades K, 5: Enter through esplanade doors –gymnasium side.

Our new 5^th grade safeties will walk kinder and first grade students to their classrooms.

All bikers park bikes on the bike racks on the playground. Please do not park bikes near the entrance gate. For our new families, know that locks are not needed.

Bikers walk the Longfellow sidewalk to the front of the school and enter through appropriate entrances. Students should never travel to the back stairwell to enter the building in the morning. We do not have supervision in this area and we're appreciative of families who do not drop off/pick-up in an area that is not our designated drop off/pick-up.

Students should not travel along the driveway on the side of the gymnasium. This area poses a serious safety issue as cars enter here for the parking lot behind the school; there’s blind spots and the sidewalk does not wrap around the driveway.

Dismissal: 2:45 p.m.

Grades 2, 4: Exit main entrance

Grade 1 & 3: exit Longfellow Street doors.

Grade K, 5: esplanade doors gymnasium side.

Teachers will escort their classes to the carline and to the playground.

Kinder families: If you meet your child on the esplanade, please stand near the railings away from doorways. We appreciate when you do not block the exit doors and/or the walkway to the esplanade as teachers have many students to walk in lines to appropriate spots.

Carline families: Please note that cars traveling Longfellow Drive to Longmeadow Street will see a “One Way” sign-right turn only between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Vehicles exiting out of Green Meadow Drive, Morningside Drive, and Crestview Circle are permitted to travel in both directions.

Students who attend after school programs will be walked to their meeting spots. Teachers will know who is going to which program on the first day.

LUNCH Fresh Picks Cafe https://longmeadow.nutrislice.com/menus-eula will continue as our lunch provider, and offer a wide selection of choices each day that include items such as Market Fresh Salads & Yogurt Parfaits, the Signature Café Entrée of the day and a Downtown Deli Sandwich option. Menus can be viewed by downloading the Nutrislice app. We post the menu to our website when it’s received. The cost of lunch is $2.75. You may set-up an online account using a Credit/Debit card to make deposits into your child’s account. Instructions for setting up your online account are available in print from your Food Service Director and posted on the Fresh Picks Cafe website. If you prefer, you may send a check with your child made payable to the Longmeadow School’s Lunch Program. Please make sure to include the child’s name in the memo line. We encourage parents to either utilize the online payment method or to send in a check. Cash can also be accepted.

SNACKS All students eat snack daily. Several of our classrooms are nut and other allergens free. As a precaution, it may be best to pack a nut-free snack the first day of school until you find out if your child’s classroom is nut and/or other allergens free. If your child is in a nut-free classroom, you will receive a letter the first week of school from Nurse Autumn. Also, all children can bring anything for their lunch that will be eaten in the cafeteria. We do have a peanut free table for any child requiring this space.

As always, I welcome your feedback and any questions. Enjoy a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

• Today- Class Assignments in the PowerSchool Parent Portal at 3:00
• August 29- First Day of School, Grades 1-5
• August 30- First Day of School Kindergarten
• September 2- Labor Day No School
• September 26- Center Open House: 6:15-7:45
• September 30- Rosh Hashanah- No School
• October 9- Yom Kippur- No School
• October 14- Columbus Day- No School
• October 15- Professional Development Day- No School
• November 11- Veteran’s Day- No School
• November 14 and 15- Parent and Teacher Conferences- ½ Day 11:30 a.m. Dismissal
• November 27- ½ Day 11:30 a.m. Dismissal
• November 28 and 29- No School- Thanksgiving Recess
• December 23-January 1, 2020 School Closed for Holiday Break
• January 2- School Resumes

Summer Greetings Fifth Grade Families!

Posted Aug. 20, 2019

Dear 5^th Grade Families,

With August upon us, your 5^th grader might be starting to think about the new school year ahead. Fifth grade is a year of tremendous growth, responsibility, and leadership. Your child will have the opportunity to take on Center’s traditional leadership roles including safeties and kindergarten buddies. The Fall Carnival is focused on the creativity and resourcefulness of our 5^th graders who create the games for the community to enjoy. Please mark your calendar for September 20^th for the Carnival, especially if your child is involved in fall sports. We usually have 100% participation from our 5^th graders in this fun community event!! More detailed information will be coming your way soon.

Here’s some additional information for you as we gear up for new beginnings:

• On August 23, 2019 class placements will be posted and live on the PowerSchool Parent Portal for all returning students.
• Team 5 teachers are: Ms. Emily Green; Mrs. Jamie Quinn; Ms. Skylar Wright
• If this is your first year at Center School, please join me on August 21^st at 9:00 for a tour of the school. We’ll meet in the main office.
• August 29^th: First Day of School!! Please join us on the playground in the back of the school at 8:25 where our students will be greeted by teachers and staff.
• After the first day, your child will enter the building through the esplanade doors on the gymnasium side of the school.
• 5^th Grade Supply List:

3 spiral notebooks

1 pair of adult scissors

1 accordion folder with 5 sections

1 sturdy folder with 2 pockets

Lined index cards (4 x 6)

Packs of lined paper, college ruled

Packs of Post-its

• September 26^th – Center School Open House 6:15-7:45 p.m.

Finally, here’s a helpful article created for teachers, but with great insights about 5^th grade children. Knowing 5th graders.pdf

Please reach out to me with any questions. Email is the best way to reach me before my administrative assistants return in mid August. Team 5 and I anticipate a wonderful year of growth and learning! Enjoy the remaining weeks of summer!

Warm regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Week of June 3rd

Hello Center School Families,

Field Day was awesome!! The students had so much fun showing great sportsmanship and teamwork and we had perfect weather! I trust you heard about all the events and the incredible cardio drumming-terrific interactive assembly! Thank-you to Kristen Gauthier and Erin Capotosto for thoughtful and comprehensive planning. Each year they surpass the success of the year before, which takes incredible effort. We also had 70 parent volunteers!!! Our gratitude to everyone for making the day a wonderful memory for our students. Center School Sightings

It seems this is the time of year to extend lots of appreciation to many special members in our community. Tomorrow morning, Amy Nedwed will hold the final Helping Hands of the 2018-19 school year and it will be her final endeavor as the coordinator. For seven years Amy has passionately and lovingly organized monthly sandwich making with our students and families for communities in need. There’s no "thank- you" that seems big enough for her efforts and all she has taught our students about helping others and all that she has given to our neighbors. Please join us in the morning in the cafeteria and/or have your child attend-all grades are welcome!

Math Olympiads celebrates another successful year tomorrow afternoon. Congrats to all our mathematicians for their accomplishments. Colleen Cummings leads the team with the help of Jessica Reed. One of the main goals of the after- school program is to stimulate enthusiasm and a love for mathematics. Perhaps your child will be a future Olympiad member!

The Spring Concert is Thursday at Glenbrook Middle School at 7:00. Please join us and prepare to be impressed by our talented artists! Ms. Drysdale, Mrs. Lauser, and Mrs. Shrenker have helped grow the talents of our young musicians and singers. Hope to see many families on Thursday! There will be a bake sale at the concert to benefit Center School- thanks for support.

The last day of school is June 18^th. The bell will toll at 11:30 when students will be dismissed for summer fun. Please remind your child to check lost and found for items and return library books this week. Please check your child’s lunch account and balance the accounts. Report cards will be distributed on the last day of school. We will not distribute cards before the 18^th. Class lists will be posted in August. Final reminder to make sure you have access to the parent portal on Power School where you will go to check your child’s assignment. So many end-of-year reminders-thank-you for your support to help with these “housekeeping” tasks.

Enjoy a wonderful week! Please reach out to us with any questions.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Week of May 27^th

Hello Center Families,

What a perfect Memorial Day weekend to begin the summer season! We’re hoping the good weather will stretch to Friday for Field Day 2019!

Field Day Reminders

-Students are asked to wear their field day color shirt and sneakers.

-Feel free to join your child for a family picnic on the town green from 11:30 – 12:00. If delivering food that day, please arrive promptly at 11:30 to ensure your child has enough time to eat.

-Please send along a water bottle with your child’s name on it. Water coolers will be available to refill their water bottle, but we will not be providing cups.

- Parent volunteers who are taking on team leader responsibilities are asked to pick up a packet of information from the gymnasium between 8:30-9:00 Friday morning.

Please direct Field Day questions to Ms. Gauthier or Erin Capotosto : kgauthier@longmeadow.k12.ma.us

Please remember that Field Day lunch is a picnic on the green and we strongly encourage families and students to pack a lunch from home so they can enjoy a full 30- minute break with family and friends without traveling to the cafeteria. The cafeteria has two sandwich options: sun butter and jelly or a cold cut (turkey) sandwich should your child choose to buy. A final count will be taken tomorrow so please help your child with the family decision.

Power School Reminder: Please make sure you know your PowerSchool Student Portal Access Number and ID. As a reminder, parents of students who will rise to grades 1^st through 5th will need this information to access classroom assignments for the 2019-2020 school year. If you do not know your access number and ID, please contact the Center School office (via phone) no later than June 7th, 2019. If you do not have your access number and ID and do not check to ensure you have access to the portal, we will not be able to assist you with this information until school resumes. Classroom assignments are posted in August.

END of YEAR DRIVES: We have three collections for the end of the school year. Two collections are an opportunity to do some late spring housekeeping!

Animal Food and Supply Drive: Please help Girls on the Run collect food and supplies for Murphy’s furry friends at The TJ O’Connor Animal Shelter : Collection Dates: Wednesday 5/29 and Wednesday 6/5 during the carline drop off. Girls on the Run.docx

Reading Ambassadors: Collecting gently used books to be donated to our neighboring city schools. Bring in your books any day this week and next week!

Peacebuilders Help Their Community! Center School Peacebuilders will be collecting gently used and clean shoes. Donations will go to the Springfield Rescue Mission. Bring in your donated shoes during the week of May 28 – June 7. All sizes, all types welcome! Please be sure pairs are attached by using rubber bands or ties. peace feet .docx

5^th Grade Memories: Mrs. Giuggio shared some fun memories with our 5^th graders to help them see how much they’ve grown and how much they’ve learned! Enjoy the CSS that feature our graduating 5th graders through their elementary years!! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o9IQjosSeVaROtiX3YLMqX0PPwpwDBzzJDk521vo3eg/edit?ts=5ce6cedf

The final weeks ahead are incredibly busy! We hope you and your child enjoy end-of-year traditions and celebrations. Please reach put with any questions and I look forward to seeing you in the days ahead.

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Thursday, May 16th

Good afternoon Center School Families,

What an incredible luncheon treat today!! I send my gratitude on behalf of the Center School staff for making us feel so appreciated. The food was delicious with so many different choices that were thoroughly enjoyed. To Kate Haber and Kara Conway and their team for their thoughtful and creative planning and to all our families who prepared food-kudos to you! So very special…

Fun Reminder: Saturday is the Long Meddowe Days 2019 Parade. Let’s have a spirited Center School representation! We gather at St. Mary’s at 8:45 am with a parade start of 9:30 am. Our Cardinal will lead the group! Thank-you to Amanda Erricolo and Julia Mitchell for organizing.

Enjoy a wonderful weekend!

Kind regards,

Donna Hutton

Peace Feet

Posted May 13, 2019

Please consider donating gently used shoes for our community outreach to the Springfield Rescue Mission! Details below!

Week of May 12^th

Hello Center School Families,

Happy Mother’s Day to all the special women in our community! Hoping your day is a very special celebration with family and friends. Here’s some happenings for the week and beyond.

Our 5^th graders will complete the MCAS testing with Science/Technology on Tuesday and Wednesday. Students who were absent last week will be administered make-ups throughout the week.

We welcome our incoming kindergarten children on Friday. This is always a fun and heart-warming day for our teachers and staff. The current kinder children will enjoy a day off.

Saturday is the Long Meddowe Days 2019 Parade. Let’s have a spirited Center School representation! We gather at St. Mary’s at 8:45 am with a parade start of 9:30 am. Of course the Cardinal will lead the group! Thank-you to Amanda Erricolo and Julia Mitchell for organizing.

Please take a moment to view this video from our Green Club. They share information about the importance of recycling. Way to go Green Club and our gratitude for working to take care of our environment! Center School Green Club

Center’s Student Reading Ambassadors will hold a Book Drive beginning now! Please consider donating a gently used book that will be distributed to neighboring schools and organizations. reading ambassadors - book drive 2019.pdf

Square One Art Online orders (only) extended until May 14th Don’t miss your last chance to order your child’s artwork and support Center School through this great program. Long-lasting gifts for your home, family, and friends. Order online: https://www.square1art.com Use your child’s online access code (located blue Square One catalog sent home). Misplaced your catalog? Call Square One at (888) 332-3294 or email Megan Pierson at megantpierson@gmail.com

Mrs. Jenny Serafino, 2^nd grade teacher, was honored at the Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching banquet on Thursday evening. Congratulations to Mrs. Serafino for the well-deserved award! We’ll honor all our educators at the appreciation luncheon on Thursday sponsored by the PTO. Thank-you in advance to Kate Haber and Kara Conway and their committee for what is a labor of love for them and a deeply appreciated treat for the staff.

From Superintendent O’Shea: Join Our Community Conversation: LPS parents and staff are invited to the next installment of our Community Conversation series focused on equity and diversity in LPS. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about practices, programs and initiatives currently underway that promote cultural inclusivity and responsiveness. Additionally, attendees will be invited to provide feedback to me and other administrators to help us understand how we can leverage the "dynamics of difference" to improve the learning and experience for all students. The Community Conversation on equity and diversity in LPS will be held on Wednesday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. in Central Office conference room A-15. Each session will last no longer than 90 minutes. Attendance will be limited to the first 25 parents or staff who register at http://lpsconversation-equitydiversity.eventbrite.com/?s=94409005. Students from our High School Peer Leadership class will join the morning session to discuss their experiences and how they work to promote understanding and respect and create a more inclusive school community. Please register to participate in this important "Community Conversation."

Additional Calendar Reminders

5/23 For Grade 5 Families with students heading to our Middle Schools: Parent Step- Up Night

5/24 Step-Up Day 5^th Graders

5/27 Memorial Day: No school

5/31 Field Day: Please make sure your child’s teacher knows the lunch plans for the picnic on the Green.

As always, please reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Square One Art

Online orders extended through this Thursday May 16th!

Girls on the Run Announcement!

Posted May 13, 2019

Square One Art

Posted May 1, 2019

Your Child's Art - Square One - Coming this week!

Orders will be accepted through Friday, May 10!

Check out your child’s backpack this week for a special piece of art! Students worked hard on these pieces, thanks to the support of art teachers Mrs. Goldman and Mrs. Salz. Families can custom order the art piece onto mugs, display tiles, bags, trivets, aprons and more. This bi-annual Center school PTO fundraiser supports important Center School programs and supplies. The artwork through this program is cherished by Center school families.

Check out the Center student art show of Square One products on display now in the Center School lobby!

Many thanks for your support of the PTO and our students!!

Week of April 29th

Good evening Center School Families,

Here’s some important information and calendar reminders for you so thank-you for taking the time to read my message.

• Please make sure you know your PowerSchool Student Portal Access Number and ID. As a reminder, parents of students who will rise to grades 1^st through 5th will need this information to access classroom assignments for the 2019-2020 school year. If you do not know your access number and ID, please contact the Center School office (via phone) no later than June 7th, 2019. If you do not have your access number and ID and do not check to ensure you have access to the portal, we will not be able to help you with this information until school resumes. Classroom assignments are posted in August.
• Field Day is Friday, May 31^st with a rain date of June 3^rd. On Friday, teachers will take a tentative lunch count for the day. For our new families, lunch is a picnic on the green and we strongly encourage families and students to pack a lunch from home so they can enjoy a full 30- minute break with family and friends without traveling to the cafeteria. The cafeteria will have two sandwich options: sun butter and jelly or a cold cut (turkey) sandwich should your child choose to buy. Thank-you for helping your child with the decision.
• Center School Spring Book Fair is this week!! Tuesday, April 30th through Thursday, May 2nd in the Community Room

Hours:

Tues: 8:45am-3:15pm

Wed: 8:45am-3:15pm

Thurs: 8:45am-3:15pm & 6pm-8pm

• Please join us for the rescheduled Spring Walking School Bus on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 8:15 am at the corner of Hopkins.
• Arbor Day is celebrated annually by our 4^th graders. This year we had the honor of celebrating with many dignitaries: David Marinelli, Longmeadow Tree Warden; Senator Eric Lesser; Representative Brian Ashe; Town Manager Stephen Crane; Armand Wray and representatives from his Boy Scout troop; Bari Jarvis, Director of Longmeadow Parks and Recreation. We have a beautiful new tree planted in the back of the school and will soon have a fruitless sweetgum and a fruitless Kentucky coffeetree planted on our school grounds. Mr. Marinelli gave a wonderful presentation to the 4^th grade about the importance of trees and also shared with us a Tree City Flag that you’ll soon see flying!Each 4^th grader received a white cedar sapling to plant too-another annual tradition! It was a very special and important message from our VIPs and we are appreciative of their efforts and the efforts of Team 4.
• You will soon receive a Parent Input Form for class placements, which take place mid-May. We value your insights regarding your child’s needs for classroom placement and we ask that you return the forms promptly so teachers may thoughtfully consider your feedback. The forms will be sent in a separate message.
• We kindly request the following: please do not park in the back of the school for pick up and do not drop your child off in the back of the school in the morning. There is a no parking sign posted from the LPD. Please refrain from cutting into the carline from Longfellow Street. And finally, please remind your child to travel from the bike racks down Longfellow and then to Longmeadow Street-traveling in the back of the school is a serious safety issue. With the beautiful weather ahead, we ask that you also remind your child about safety rules biking and walking and we will do the same on our end. Sidewalk courtesy is an important reminder!

Enjoy your Sunday and please reach out with any questions.

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Calendar Reminders

5/7 MCAS Math Grades 3 and 5

5/7 Helping Hands Grades 1 & 3

5-8 MCAS Math Grades 3 and 5

5/9 MCAS Math Grade 4

5/9 PTO Meeting on the Playground 2:45-3:45

5/10 MCAS Math Grade 4

5/14 MCAS STE Grade 5

5/15 MCAS STE Grade 5

5/15: Community Conversation on Equity and Diversity in LPS: 10:00 am and again at 7:00 pm at LHS

5/16 Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

5/17 Kindergarten Orientation for incoming kinder students: No school for our current kindergarten children

Walking School Bus Postponed

April 25, 2019

Good morning Center School Families,

• The Walking School Bus scheduled for tomorrow is postponed until Thursday, May 2nd. Safety Officer Carl V. Mazzaferro has some really cool bike reflectors to hand out to students, so see you next week for a community walk/bike ride to school!
• The Scholastic Book Fair books arrived early this morning!!! Look forward to seeing many of you next week shopping for some great reads!
• It's field trip season. Please make sure your CORI is updated so you will be able to volunteer for upcoming trips and end-of-year happenings.
• Center School at the Hartford Yard Goats! Come see a great game with all your Center School friends. SATURDAY, MAY 11TH 2019 GAME TIME: 6:05 pm | GATES OPEN: 4:30 pm. There will be post-game fireworks! Parking is an additional fee day of the game. Ticket Order Deadline is tomorrow: April 26, 2019 (there is a limited # of Tickets Available, so don't delay) Order forms have been distributed by backpack, or use this form to return to school.

Thank-you and enjoy this beautiful spring day!

Donna Hutton, Principal

Community Conversation

Posted April 23, 2019

Dear Longmeadow Community,

One of the primary commitments LPS makes to the community is that our students and staff have the knowledge and skills to work effectively to support, engage and include the diverse cultural backgrounds of students and their families. Indeed, developing all staff's capacity to be culturally responsive and competent was a central focus of the District's in-service, professional day on March 15. We understand that our work in this area is never complete, however.

To deepen our commitment to becoming a more culturally proficient learning community and to understand how we can improve in this area, LPS parents are invited to the next installment of our Community Conversation series focused on equity and diversity in LPS. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about practices, programs and initiatives currently underway that promote cultural inclusivity and responsiveness. Additionally, attendees will be invited to provide feedback to me and other administrators to help us understand how we can leverage the "dynamics of difference"* to improve the learning and experience for all students.

The Community Conversation on equity and diversity in LPS will be held on Wednesday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. in Central Office conference room A-15. Each session will last no longer than 90 minutes. Attendance will be limited to the first 25 parents who register at http://lpsconversation-equitydiversity.eventbrite.com/?s=94409005

I hope you will consider participating in this "Community Conversation."

Sincerely,

Marty O'Shea

Superintendent of Schools

Week of April 22nd

Hello Center School Families,

I hope you’re enjoying a wonderful spring break! We have many happenings in the coming months, so I hope students return rejuvenated and ready for the final months of our school year.

We ended our week before break with a fun spirit day planned by our student Reading Ambassadors. Students and staff dressed as a favorite book character and many brought in a book for a classroom book swap so students had a new book to read over break. Many thanks to our Ambassadors who continue to plan activities for the remainder of the year, so stay tuned!

Our PTO met last week and will begin to transition to a new executive board for the new school year. Please visit the PTO website to keep updated as well as see the many opportunities to volunteer for upcoming events. Center School PTO Site

The spring Scholastic Book Fair is coming April 30^th to May 3rd! We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the PTO who allotted over $3000 of the fall book fair profit to our library. Mrs. Mulcahy ordered many new books to update the collection. The PTO also generously gifted each teacher with a $50 book credit to shop for books at the fair. We hope you will support the PTO and our community by browsing for some great new reads for your child or for gift giving.

Friday, April 26^th is Longmeadow Walk to School Day. We hope to have a very short carline on Friday and each day when the weather is perfect for a walk or bike ride to school. We will meet near the corner of Hopkins at 8:10 and walk together to Center. Just a carline reminder: PLEASE refrain from cutting into the carline from Longfellow Drive. Many families have contacted me asking that I remind the community that the choice to cut in after families have waited in line can be frustrating. Thank-you for following the drop off and pick up procedures.

Your School Council will be analyzing the climate survey during the next two monthly meetings. We had 68% of our families respond! Thank-you for your constructive feedback and for all the insights provided with your responses. We’ll provide feedback to you before the end of the school year.

PeaceBuilders: We focus on helping students find ways to help others in their lives. This is the last of the six principles we focus on as a PeaceBuilders site. Teaching children responsibility through the practice of helping others is a life-long lesson that prepares them for adulthood. Thoughtful acts of kindness large and small will be explored. This important principle aligns with three of the CASEL core competencies: social awareness, responsible decision making, and relationship skills. Remember that Longmeadow Public Schools use the CASEL core competencies to frame our social emotional learning.

CASEL Core Competencies

Thank-you for taking the time to read this message and for reading all the messages that are sent your way. Enjoy the final days of your vacation. Please reach out with any questions.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Calendar Reminders

5/7 MCAS Math Gr 3 and 5

5/7 Helping Hands Grades 1 & 3

5-8 MCAS Math Gr 3 and 5

5/9 MCAS Math Grade 4

5/9 PTO Meeting on the Playground 2:45-3:45

5/10 MCAS Math Grade 4

5/14 MCAS STE Gr 5

5/15 MCAS STE GR 5

5/16 Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

SEAL Meeting meeting 4/9/2019

Posted April 8, 2019

The Special Education Alliance of Longmeadow (SEAL) is a Parent Advisory Council that offers information, support, and networking opportunities to parents.

Please join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, April 9th at 7:00 PM in Room A-31 Pupil Services, 535 Bliss Road, Longmeadow. We are having a presentation from Thomas Mazza (Assistant Superintendent for Finance) and Jean Fontaine (Director of Pupil Services) to review the budget for special education before town approval. For the full meeting agenda, and to learn more about future meeting dates and events, visit www.sealma.org.

Longmeadow Walk to School Day

Posted April 8, 2019

Just a reminder the second “Longmeadow Walk to School” day will take place on April 26, 2019 (Abor Day)!

Week of April 1st

Hello Center School Families,

Just sending a few reminders your way for the first week of April.

• MCAS ELA testing is this week. Please refer to my letter from last week for details.
• Final request to families to complete the School Council Climate Survey if you have not had the opportunity to share your insights. We’re at 55% and hope to hear from many more families!
• Our student Reading Ambassadors are busy finding ways to foster and celebrate reading in our community. Here’s their spirit day flyer for April 14, 2019! Looking forward to seeing all our favorite book characters visiting with us right before the spring break! Well- done reading friends!! Dress as Favorite Character
• Helping Hands: Tuesday 2^nd and 4^th Grade Friends: 7:50 am in the cafeteria
• Hoops for Hearts continues! Did you know Center School was named a 2017-2018 National Award Winner by the American Heart Association for our success in the program?!! Kudos to Ms. Gauthier and Mrs. Capotosto and to all our Cardinals participating this year!!
• The spring Book Fair will be at the end of the month.
• Tuesday is Autism Awareness Day. We’ll wear blue to raise awareness for autism and our resource team will share resources with teachers to share with our students.

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead and if you’re an NCAA fan, hope your bracket is going strong!

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

MCAS 2019

Posted March 28, 2019

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, Mathematics, and Science/Technology. 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 third year for administration of tests known as the "Next Generation MCAS”, which are designed to be computer -based and to more deeply assess students’ knowledge and ability levels. Students in Grade 3, 4 and 5 will participate in online testing, using Chromebooks, in ELA, Math and Science this year. 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:

ELA

• 3rd and 5th Grades- April 4th, 5th
• 4th Grade- April 2nd, 3rd

Math

• 3rd and 5th Grades- May 7th, 8th
• 4th Grade- May 9th, 10th

Science

• 5^th Grade ONLY- May 14th, 15th

Note that in compliance with DESE/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

Please Note: In compliance with DESE test security requirements, students are not allowed to have smart watches, cell phones, or other electronic devices during testing. If your child wears a smart watch, he/she may want to keep it at home. Teachers will collect any watches that are worn to school and return at the end of the school day. All cell phones are kept in back packs in the student’s locker turned off, which is the expectation each day. Thank-you for your assistance with this security requirement.

Week of March 25th

Hello Center School Families,

Here’s a few happenings and reminders for the coming week and beyond.

With a goal to enhance the communication between the health office and families, Nurse Autumn Rodrigues has created a system for sending home electronic visit logs. She will send home the new logs this week to determine the efficacy of the new communication. Nurse Autumn welcomes your feedback! mailto:arodrigues@longmeadow.k12.ma.us

We had approximately 52% of our families respond to the School Council Climate Survey as of Monday. Please share your insights with us this week!

The PTO will hold a meeting Thursday at 7:00 in the Community Room. Please join us!

The Hoops for Heart annual event includes basketball activities in PE class as well as an optional fundraising portion for our 1^st through 5^th grade students. We are thrilled to be supporting the American Heart Association to help teach our students and families how to take care of their hearts through the program. Funds raised go directly to the mission, funding extensive research efforts, heart education and programs to help us all live healthier lives. Your child can reach out to family and friends. The safe online tool makes it easy for your child to set up a web page and send emails to support their fundraising efforts and to share life-saving information. We hope you are as excited as we are to support our students in this important experience! If you have any questions, please contact the PE Department at kgauthier@longmeadow.k12.ma.us or ecapotosto@longmeadow.k12.ma.us

All donations due by April 12th.

Friday is Spirit Day-wear your hat all day in school!

Yes, we’re looking ahead to Field Day 2019! Field Day is May 31st. The tee shirt order forms will be sent home this week and are due by Wednesday, April 10th. If you have any questions about Field Day or about your child's team color assignment, please contact the PE Dept.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jamie Hensch as the School Committee liaison for Center School.

Did you have the pleasure of meeting our Literacy Coach, Vanessa Vigna at conferences? She shared some fabulous resources with families!! Here’s the link to her site : Ms. Vigna

We hope you found your parent teacher conference resourceful and productive as we move towards the last third of our school year. We consider the conferences and our partnerships with you to be critical to your child’s academic achievement and social growth. We thank you for your efforts and for your ongoing support and advocacy for your child.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

April MCAS

4/2/19 and 4/3/19 - Grade 4 ELA

4/4/19 and 4/5/19 - Grades 3 and 5 ELA

4/2/19 Helping Hands

Green Club Announcement

Posted March 22, 2019

Please help our Green Club with recycling! Our school will earn points for the amount of weight in recycled products we collect. Please click on the link for details and thank-you for helping our environment! Toothpaste recycle

With appreciation,

Center School Student Green Club

Quick Reminders

Posted March 21, 2019

Good morning Center School Families,

• Today and tomorrow are half days for conferences. Dismissal is promptly at 11:30 am.
• Our special teachers love company on conference days! Please stop in to art, music, library, PE, and technology integration! And don't forget the resource team!
• Please check the lost and found while you're at conferences. It's located outside the cafeteria.
• PTO Bake Sale today and tomorrow to benefit the 3rd grade field trip.
• I'll be in my office or around the school during conferences. Let me know if you'd like to stop by to talk.

Hope your conferences are productive and informative.

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Week of March 18th

Hello Center School Families,

Teachers look forward to meeting with you for conferences this week. The March conferences focus on your child’s academic progress and progress in areas that demonstrate school success and citizenship. Teachers will share varied data and work samples that will help you celebrate progress, understand growth areas, and show ways to work at home to foster ongoing progress for the remainder of the school year. Teachers respect and appreciate your partnership and will anticipate families sharing their perceptions and ideas about their child’s school year as well.

The Center School Council developed a school climate survey. You will receive the link to the survey tomorrow. The council is anticipating analyzing your feedback, which is used to develop our goals for school improvement areas. Your insights are important to us! We’re hoping that you might find the time to complete the survey while waiting for your conference this week! Results will be shared with the community before the end of the school year with actionable steps to move us forward. Thank-you in advance for your time and voice!

MCAS is approaching. Please see the dates below and know we are not permitted to have families in the building during the time that our students are testing. Families who have students taking the test will receive additional information next week.

Throughout March, we are focused on the PeaceBuilder practice of helping children “right wrongs”. This practice aligns with several of the CASEL social competencies including relationship skills and responsible decision-making. We work with children to help them understand how to evaluate the consequence of their choices and actions while considering the well-being of others and themselves.

We’re looking forward to the spring season and all the energy and hope the season brings to our community. Have a wonderful week ahead and please reach out at any time with any questions or feedback.

Yours in partnership,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Calendar Reminders

Pizza with a Purpose!!

Don't cook on Monday, March 18th...Instead support our Fantastic Fifth graders by ordering out, or dining in at delicious Luigi's Restaurant in Longmeadow. 15% of the total sales from 4-9PM on 3/18 will help offset the 5^th grade field trip to Boston.

(Luigi's: https://springfield.takeoutwaiter.com/r/141/restaurants/delivery/Pizza/Luigis-longmeadow)

March 21^st and March 22^nd: Half -day for Parent /Teacher conferences; Please note the 11:30 am dismissal time.

Bake Sale at the conferences to benefit our 3^rd graders!! 100% of the proceeds will be given to the Third Grade Team to offset the cost of their upcoming field trip to Sturbridge Village.

March 28^th: 7:00-8:00 PM: PTO meeting in the Community Room

March 29^th: Spirit Day: Hat Day

March 29^th: Grade 2 Field Trip to Springfield Science Museum

April 2^nd: Helping Hands 7:45-8:25

April 2^nd and April 3^rd: Grade 4 ELA MCAS

April 4^th and April 5^th: Grades 3 and 5 ELA MCAS

Coming soon Spring Book Fair! 4/30- 5/3

Food Drive and Valentines

Posted Feb. 13, 2019

Good morning Center School Families,

Some families could not open my attachment yesterday. Here are some of the items needed by the Longmeadow Food Pantry:

Cereal, oatmeal, condiments, healthy snacks, baking mixes, fruit cups, tuna, peanut butter, crackers, jelly

Please consider a special Valentine from your child to be delivered with the food items. The Valentines will be delivered to "Meals on Wheels" clients. Many thanks to Erin Koebler, Outreach Coordinator for the Longmeadow Council on Aging for assisting our students with their project.

Thanks for spreading Center School love and generosity tomorrow! All items can be dropped off on the carline with Valentine's cards.

Drive safely this morning and we'll see you soon.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Valentine's Day Food Drive

Posted Feb. 12, 2019

Good morning Center School Families,

Three of our 5th grade students are hoping to help stock the Longmeadow Food Pantry on Valentine's Day with your help. Please see their flyer with items that are needed. You may drop items off on the carline. Many thanks for spreading more love beyond Center on Thursday! Food Drive Thank-you to Ava Bussolari, Harper Ringbloom, and Siena Shields for their outreach!!

I hope you enjoy the snowy afternoon ahead.

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Walking School Bus Postponed

Posted Feb. 6, 2019

Good afternoon Center School Families,

The walking school bus is postponed from tomorrow morning to Friday, February 15th. We'll meet at the corner of Hopkins at 8:10 am. Have a good evening!

Thank-you!

Donna Hutton, Principal

Week of February 4th

Posted Feb. 4, 2019

Dear Center School Families,

• I want to share some news regarding the work happening with Social Studies this year. In June of 2108, the Department of Education adopted the new and long- awaited History and Social Studies Curriculum Framework, building on the 2003 and 1997 frameworks. Throughout this school year, the Social Studies committee will unpack the new standards and review the guiding principles, which now include a stronger emphasis on civics at all grade levels. Teachers will review the present resources being used and begin to explore additional resources that will meet the new standards. Here’s a link to the new curriculum frameworks: http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html 4^th

4^th grade teacher Arlene McLean serves as the district coordinator so we’re fortunate to have her expertise in the building! You can plan on hearing more about your child’s new learning in this curriculum area as the committee work progresses.

• Please join us this Thursday for our Winter Walking School Bus. We’ll meet on the corner of Hopkins, weather permitting, at 8:10. If you typically drop your child off in carline, feel free to either park your car and join us or drop your child off on the corner of Hopkins. From there, the children can walk to Center with their classmates, school staff, and members of the Longmeadow Police Department.
• Please support your child’s learning by making sure he/she prioritizes reading each day. Mrs. Mulcahy selects wonderful books to read to your child and is an invaluable resource to help your child choose great reads in our library! Your child’s teacher will offer suggestions as well.
• PeaceBuilders focus: “Helping Children Notice Hurts”. Family Letter was sent on Friday.
• The carline continues to be moving much faster. Many thanks for pulling forward and for using family name cards at pick up. These small things are making a huge difference.
• Please make sure your child wears boots for recess. The playground is wet and snowy and we want children to be able to run and play across the entire area.

Have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

February 5^th Helping Hands Grade 1 : 7:50 am in the cafeteria

February 7^th Walking School Bus 8:10 am weather permitting

Seal Meeting: The Special Education Alliance of Longmeadow (SEAL) is a Parent Advisory Council that offers information, support, and networking opportunities to parents. Please join them for the next meeting on Tuesday, February 12th at 7:00 PM in Room A-31 Pupil Services, 535 Bliss Road, Longmeadow. The Federation for Children with Special Needs will be giving a presentation entitled "Understanding Basic Rights in Special Education (IEP and 504 Plans)". For the full meeting agenda, and to learn more about future meeting dates and events, visit www.sealma.org

February 18^th -February 22^nd Winter Vacation

Thursday Arrival/Dismissal

Posted Jan. 31, 2019

Good morning Center Families,

All students will enter through the front entrance this morning-no esplanade please. We will have indoor recess. If your child has any board games or puzzles to share with friends, we welcome any additions to the classroom choices. Dismissal usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Please continue to make sure your child has warm outdoor wear on these frigid days, especially while they wait for pick up. Thank-you for your flexibility yesterday when after school events were cancelled. Please remember that before school clubs-Green Club, Reading Ambassadors- will not be held when there is a delay.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Week of January 28th

Posted Jan. 27. 2019

Hello Center School Families,

Friday your child brought home the first semester standards- based report card. You found pertinent information regarding the report card in your child’s report card envelope. We hope that this information will allow you to best understand how your child is measured. We continue to welcome your insights and questions regarding the report card; and you may share directly with me or with your child’s teacher. We value your input and all feedback will be shared with the report card committee.

Monday, January 28^th is a half day for students. Dismissal is at 11:30 am with no lunch served. Jetta Bernier, the Executive Director for Massachusetts Citizens for Children (MassKids), will present to all staff members on the topic of child sexual abuse awareness. Please be sure your child is picked up promptly at 11:30 so our professional development can begin in a timely manner.

Arrival time is proving to be problematic on cold and wintry days. While I’ve requested and appreciate that students not be dropped off before 8:25, we’re finding it difficult to begin at our 8:35 start time with ongoing drop off in the carline past 8:35. To expedite the drop off, we will extend the carline to the crosswalk for the remainder of the winter. This will only help if cars pull forward and do not stop and leave a space when dropping off children. Additionally, if we are short safeties, please encourage your child to open the door and hop out. We’ll make sure all children get into the building safely. Thanks for your patience waiting in the line and send me any brainstorms for additional improvements!!

The School Council is developing a climate survey which will be sent to all families at the end of March or beginning of April.

Our kinder through 2^nd grade students have enjoyed and benefited (or will soon enjoy) a program from Shriners’ Hospital - “My Pals”- that helps children understand and respect children who are differently abled. Families have inquired about a similar presentation for our older students. We’ll explore what’s available because the Shriners program is only for our younger students.

Please remember that students will be outside for recess in the coming days and recess is close to 30 minutes. Appropriate cold weather dress is needed including hats, gloves, warm coats, and long pants.

PeaceBuilders will focus on the practice of “Helping Children Notice Hurts” in February. You will receive your parent letter on Friday. This practice aligns with and crosses into several of CASEL competencies (CASEL Social Competencies) including : relationship skills, responsible decision making, and social awareness. Remember that CASEL core SEL competencies and the CASEL framework guide our social emotional work with our students.

Thank-you for your ongoing support and I wish you a wonderful week ahead.

Sincerely,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Calendar Reminders

February 1^st Super Bowl Spirit Day: wear your favorite Super Bowl Team’s apparel or apparel of team you wish made it to the championship!

February 5^th Helping Hands Grade 2

February 7^th Walking School Bus 8:15 am weather permitting

February 18^th -February 22^nd Winter Vacation

Girls on the Run Spring 2019

Posted Jan. 7, 2019

Today's Sing-a-Long

Posted Dec. 21, 2018

Hello Center Families,

Here's the link to our CSS where you can watch today's assembly: https://centertechnology.blogspot.com/

Warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely,

Your Center School Family

Operation Gratitude

Posted Nov. 5, 2018

Please consider donating your extra

Halloween candy to the "Operation Gratitude" endeavor.

The sweet treats collected is for Veterans, First Responders and Deployed Troops. Candy may be brought to school tomorrow!

More information : https://www.operationgratitude.com/express-your-thanks/halloween-candy/

Thank-you for your generosity!!

Three Invitations

Posted Nov. 5, 2018

Good Evening,

Longmeadow parent/guardians are cordially invited to the next meeting of the Special Education Alliance of Longmeadow (SEAL) on Tuesday, November 6^th at 7:00 PM in Room A-31 of the LPS Pupil Services office, located in the LPS Central Offices at 535 Bliss Road, Longmeadow. SEAL is a Parent Advisory Council that offers information, support, and networking opportunities to parents. The Vice Principals/Special Education Supervisors at Williams Middle School, Glenbrook Middle School, and Longmeadow High School will share information about the special education programs offered at each of those schools. For the full meeting agenda, and to learn more about future meeting dates and events, visit www.sealma.org.

The LHS Class of 2019 is partnering with Luigi’s restaurant at 809 Maple road, Longmeadow, to fundraise on Tuesday, November 6th.

From 5-9 PM, 15% of any purchase (dine in, take out, or delivery) will go to the LHS senior class play. Please consider participating in this important student-led fundraiser.

This year’s first Special Programs Presentation is Tuesday, November 13th at 7:00 pm in Glenbrook Auditorium. Rick Wormeli, a nationally known education consultant, will talk to parents about how to authentically nurture their child's learning and academic engagement.

Have a great evening!

Marty O'Shea

Superintendent of Schools

LEEF Gala Ticket Sales

Posted Oct. 19, 2018

Good Afternoon,

The Longmeadow Educational Excellence Foundation's (LEEF) annual fundraising gala is in 15 days on Saturday, November 3, at 6:30 pm at Twin Hills Country Club!

Please visit the 2018 LEEF iGala page to purchase your tickets and support this wonderful foundation whose mission is to enrich and enhance the quality of education in Longmeadow Public Schools. Since its inception LEEF has provided LPS teachers with over $1.3 million in grants that have spurred innovation and fostered creativity at the classroom level. I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Marty O'Shea

Superintendent of Schools

2018 Japan Culture Night

Posted Oct. 19, 2018

Center Families,

Please Save the Date!

Friday, November 2nd, 2018

Japan Culture Night at LHS

Fun activities for the whole family while you learn about Japanese culture!

Click on the link for details!!

Japan Culture Night.pdf

Hope to see many of you at the high school for a great community evening!

Week of October 15th: Reminders

Posted Oct. 14, 2018

Hello Center School Families,

So many happenings in October …here’s a few reminders for the days ahead.

Coming soon: Reading Ambassadors before school club for 3^rd-5^th graders. More information coming your way from Ms. Fritz and Mrs. Vigna. Thank-you to our PTO for generously funding the endeavor!

Homework: Yes, your child-in ALL grades- has homework each evening! We thank you for your partnership facilitating this important time at home. Reminder that we have the Homework Guiding Principles website, filled with helpful resources. What is your child reading at home this week? How many ways can you find to bring real life math lessons into family life? Find ideas here: Homework Website

Superintendent Coffee Hour Conversations: Addressing Childhood Stress and Anxiety. On Thursday, October 25th join Superintendent Marty O’Shea and LPS educators for a dialogue that considers how families and schools can partner to address childhood stress and anxiety while maintaining a commitment to academic excellence. Reservations are encouraged. Morning session 9:00 a.m. in Room A 15 at 535 Bliss Road Eventbrite Register: https://bit.ly/2x6ztaP Evening session 6:30 p.m. in BTC at 535 Bliss Road Eventbrite Register: https://bit.ly/2Mn6c16

Spirit Day, October 26^th: Wear your crazy socks to school!

PeaceBuilders: Teachers send home monthly Family Letters that will enhance your understanding of the peacebuilders way of life at Center. October, we are focused on teaching children ways to give and receive meaningful praise. The letter will offer ways families can help us reinforce this meaningful practice.

Halloween Reminders

Teachers will send families information about grade level activities. Please remember that Halloween is a day for imagination and creativity. Please refrain from frightening costumes and masks. Parade October 31^st at 2:00 weather permitting on the Green.

Safety Officer Carl Mazzaferro will speak to students on October 31^st during lunch about Halloween safety tips.

From Nurse Autumn Rodrigues: Reminders from LPS Wellness Policy:

• No candy is allowed to be consumed at school.
• Nothing home-baked OR home-made in any classroom
• Anything brought into the classroom for consumption must have a clear label, be in original packaging, and list all ingredients.
• Be mindful of your classroom allergens. If your classroom is nut free, nothing can contain nuts OR be processed in a facility that also processes nuts. That applies for all allergens. Please review your teacher’s website if you are unsure about the allergens in your classroom.
• All food items brought into classrooms to be shared must be cleared by the nurse.
• Please consider non-food items as treats for all celebrations. Many classrooms have already eliminated food items for celebrations. Some ideas include pencils, stickers, glow sticks, party games, small crafts, etc.

Thank you and please email Nurse Rodrigues with any questions.

LHS Spooktacular: For the third year, the LHS Key Club will host a safe and fun Halloween experience for children 12 and under in Longmeadow. This event will take place at LHS on October 27th. Note that this year they are charging $5 per trick-or-treater (all proceeds to be donated to Camp Sunshine). The Flyer : Halloween flyer 2018 copy.pdf

Halloween Hustle: Saturday, October 27^th: Not too late to register! Hustle Registration

Please take a minute to complete the K-8 Handbook Form if you have not already done so: LPS k-8 Handbook Acknowledgement Form

Arrival time at school is 8:25. Instructional time begins at 8:35. Bikers and walkers should not be on school grounds prior to 8:25 when supervision begins to assist student' safe entrance into the school buildings. We appreciate families working to time arrival as close to 8:25 as possible.

Enjoy the beautiful fall day ahead. Please contact me with any questions.

Warm regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Open House Saturday

Posted Oct. 12, 2018

Longmeadow Fire Chief John Dearborn invites all residents to join us at Longmeadow Public Safety Day at the fire and police stations on Williams Street, from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 13, 2018. This years fire safety theme is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware – fire can happen anywhere.” This event will provide an opportunity to get to know the firefighters and police officers protecting you and your community. Join Longmeadow firefighters for an auto extrication demonstration, information on fire safety, tours of the fire trucks, spraying a real fire hose.

Join Longmeadow police officers for a K9 unit demonstration, tours of police cars and much more.

This event is perfect for the whole family! Hope to see you on Saturday October 13^th.

See attached flyer!

2018 Flyer.docx

Special Programs for LHS Parents

Posted Sept. 20, 2018

Good Afternoon,

Mark your calendars! The Longmeadow Public Schools' Special Programs Committee is pleased to

announce the schedule for this year's speaker series! Annually, the Special Programs Committee

invites distinguished speakers or panelists to Longmeadow to discuss how we can support the healthy

growth and development of young people! We hope you can attend!

Sincerely,

Marty O'Shea

Superintendent

LHS Spooktacular

Posted Sept. 18, 2018

Fall Carnival 2018

Posted Sept. 17, 2018

Please join us!!

Annual Center School Fall Carnival

Thursday, September 20th

On the Town Green

4:30-6:30

Food! Popcorn! Cotton Candy! Bounce Houses!

Games! Prizes! Face Painting!

Bring the whole family to play games created and run by our Fifth Graders!

Support your school, have fun with friends and neighbors and experience Center School Spirit !!

Tickets for games, food and prizes can be purchased on the Carnival page of our PTO website:

https://www.centerschoolpto.com/carnival.html

The prepay option ends Wednesday Sept. 19th!!!!

Pre-pay attendees use the express check-in lanes -we highly encourage you to buy in advance to avoid long lines!

Only cash and checks will be accepted at the Carnival.

Children 4 and under play and bounce for free.

*Our fifth graders do not need to purchase game passes.

WE NEED SOME GRILL HELP!

You can sign up for a quick shift on the bbq, as well as other areas (we need it!) here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b44adab2aabff2-fall

August Greetings

Posted August 2, 2018

August greetings Center School Families!

Here’s some importing information as we inch closer to the start of the 2018-2019 school year:

• Class supply lists are posted. Yes, each grade level has the same supplies for students. Please contact me directly if your family needs financial assistance with supplies.

2018-19 Supply Lists

• Student’s teacher assignment is available in the Parent Portal of Power School on August 23^rd. New families to Center who will not yet have access to the portal will be contacted directly by the school via email and/or phone call. (see attached letter from June)
• New Family visit to Center School: Friday August 24^th at 9:00 am. Meet in the office for a welcome and a tour of the school.
• First day of school for 1^st through 5^th grade: August 30^th. Kindergarteners and their families are invited to visit classrooms from 10:00 to 11:15 on the 30^th. First full day for kindergarten is August 31^st.
• Is your child looking for some fun reading for August?? Here’s the link to our online book clubs-it’s not too late to join!

Center School Online Book Clubs

• Looking for some listening fun on your rides to August vacation destinations? Revisit some of your favorite bedtime stories from 2017-2018!

Center School Bedtime Stories

• We’ll welcome many new families to our community as well as new staff members in August. I'll send a separate message before school begins with an introduction to our new staff.

We’re busy preparing for a wonderful year ahead for your child. I welcome any questions as we move closer to our first day and certainly beyond.

Regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

POWERSCHOOL STUDENT & PARENT PORTAL.docx

June 22, 2018

Dear Center School Families,

Happy last day! I hope your summer is filled with extra family time, fun adventures and certainly many unscheduled days that slow life down just a bit…

As I told the children at our school –wide assembly this morning, success is greatly measured by relationships and the ways we show kindness and caring towards others.

With that message in mind, I extend a few end-of-year “thank-you’s” to members of our community.

To our PTO executive board for their planning and time- intensive work on many endeavors: Karen Desrosiers, Lisa Foster, Erin Lau, Lyndsey Nuzzo, Keri Fazio, and Beth Benzaquin. I invite you to visit their Facebook and website pages to see just a sampling of the many enrichment opportunities they provide for our students.

To you, our families, for supporting our work with your children this year. We cannot say “well done” at the end of a school year without your partnership. Please remember to keep your child reading and doing some fun math during the summer months. You’ll find lots of resources on our teachers’ websites! Visit Storr’s Library too to join the summer reading fun.

Please remember that the office staff is not available throughout most of the summer. The best way to reach me is via email. Visit our Center School website in August for important dates and happenings for the 2018-2019 school year.

There’s been a few changes to our classroom teacher assignments for next year:

Kinder: Mrs. Brydges Mrs. Palazzi Mrs. Hinkamper

1^st : Mrs. Silva Mrs. Kadis Mrs. Salvatore

2^nd: Ms. Anderson Mrs. Serafino Ms. Geoffrion Mrs. Gildersleeve

3^rd: Mrs. Craft Ms. Iancu Mrs. Bombardier

4^th: Mrs. McColgan Mrs. McLean Mrs. Glading

5^th: Mrs. Quinn (3 teachers to be announced)

August 24^th: 9:00 AM Principal’s Tour with New Families

August 30^th - First Day of School for Grades 1-12: Kinder Visit 10:00 AM

August 31^st - First Day of School for Kindergarten

Our bell will toll at 11:30, signaling the end of the school year. We look forward to welcoming you back on August 30^th. Safe journeys this summer.

With appreciation,

Donna Hutton, Principal

Weekly Calendar Reminders

Posted June 3, 2018

Tuesday: Helping Hands: Students from all grades welcomed for the last endeavor of the year! 7:50 am in the cafeteria.

Wednesday: PTO Meeting in the Community Room at 7:00: The last PTO meeting of the school year! The school committee candidates will be joining us so you can learn more about them before the vote.

The PTO is also looking for parent leaders who are interested in serving in various roles (big or small!) within the PTO next year -you, yes, YOU are the perfect person to join this dynamic group! There's also an open seat on the School Council for the 2018-19 school year.

Thursday: Please return all Read to Feed donations. Thank-you to the PTO for funding the dunk tank-lots of fun ahead for our students for their phenomenal reading efforts!!

Friday: Field Day!! Hope to see families throughout the day and during the picnic lunch on the green at 11:30.

End of year collections:

Center Cares 3rd Annual School Supplies Drive : You can donate lightly used markers, crayons, colored pencils, highlighters, glue sticks and much more! There will be cardboard boxes in all grades starting June 15th.

Helping Hands: Gently used Book Drive. You may bring slightly used books to Helping Hands on Tuesday morning or volunteers will be in front of the school on Field Day morning collecting the books. Books are donated to local schools in need.

Enjoy this lovely day!

Donna Hutton, Principal

Placement 2018-2019

May 7, 2018

Dear Center School Families,

May is the month when we begin to look ahead to the upcoming year at Center School. The school calendar, staffing, space usage, and even schedules for the 208-2019 school year are planned. Detailed and thoughtful planning in many areas help provide the structure for strong beginnings.

One significant and carefully planned task is the formation of classes. We recognize that students and parents look forward to class placement with anticipation. My goal with this communication is to help you understand or revisit the process used at Center School to place students.

How many classes are planned at this time for each grade level in 2018-2019?

Kinder: 3 classes

1^st: 3 classes 4^th: 3 classes

2^nd: 4 classes 5^th: 4 classes

3^rd: 3 classes

What is considered when forming classes?

Consideration of the following:

• Ratio of girls to boys;
• A balance of achievement levels;
• Behavior factors regarding students;
• Compatibility of students with each other;
• Recommendations of past and present teachers, support staff, principal;
• Social and emotional needs of students;
• Learning styles of students;
• Data from RTI team meetings. (Response to Intervention)

Who will form the class lists for next year?

The person who knows your child best as a learner is usually the classroom teacher. Teachers consult with resource team members. Special subject area teachers provide feedback too. I review class rosters with the teachers with ongoing review throughout the summer; changes are sometimes made based on recommendations and placement of new students.

When will I know my child’s classroom assignment for next year?

The assignment is not named on the report card in June. Assignments will be shared with families in August. You will receive information via School Messenger regarding the specific date that lists will be available in the parent portal of PowerSchool.

What if I prefer that my child have a specific teacher?

We respectfully ask that you trust the school team to determine the best placement for your child. We will not honor requests for specific teachers. We also request that you not place your child’s current teacher in an awkward or unprofessional position by asking her to comment on teachers in the next grade. We also suggest that you not form opinions regarding a teacher based on what you have heard. Each classroom is as unique as each child; and an experience that parents may have had with their child in a class may be totally different from what your child may experience in the very same classroom.

Very Important question: Do parents have input in the process?

YES. Your input began at the start of the year with your relationship with your child’s teacher. You provide insights and expertise about your child at conferences and through ongoing communications with your child’s teacher. You are invited to provide additional input by completing the Family Input Form attached. We also sent a hard copy of the form home with your child. (Please note that parent input forms are optional.) Family Input Form for Class Placement Process.docx

The classroom placement meetings are a time-intensive endeavor. Center School teachers and support staff strive to create learning environments that will support the diverse needs of our students. A “balanced” group of learners helps us achieve our goal of optimal growth and development for each child- both socially and academically.

I welcome any questions regarding the placement process. Thank -you for your support and for the trust you place in us to meet your child's needs.

Kind regards,

Donna Hutton, Principal

FYI MCAS Schedule :

Tuesday, May 8 ~ Math Testing for Grades 3 & 5

Wednesday, May 9 ~ Math Testing for Grades 3 & 5

Thursday, May 10 ~ Math Testing for Grade 4

Friday, May 11 ~ Math Testing for Grade 4

Tuesday, May 15 ~ Science Testing for Grade 5

Wednesday, May 16 ~ Science Testing for Grade 5