September 2009 Newsletter

PRINCIPAL JOHNDROW’S MESSAGE

Where did the summer go! One might think that a school has less going on in the summer but that is not true. All summer long teachers have been in working on professional development in the areas of math, science, and reading. In addition, most of the grade level teachers and special education teachers spent professional development time with Kelly Doubleday-Bush learning about participating in data teams. Time was also spent on assembling class binders in which data on every student will be monitored and if needed will allow for immediate intervention. Refer to additional information in Dr. Longo’s article.

No school can shine like ours without the dedicated and hard work of our custodians. Floors shine, desks and lockers are all washed down, and new white boards mounted. That is only the tip of the iceberg as to their list.

I do admit though that what I miss the most during the summer are the voices of the students. I am looking forward to welcoming our students back, seeing how they have grown, listening to their tales of summer and providing all of our kids with the best education.

WELCOME NEW STAFF

Gina Burnham joins the Ashford School Staff replacing Mrs. Schaffer as a fifth grade teacher. Hillary Borges will be teaching 6^th grade (science in the afternoons) for Mrs. Knotts who is on maternity leave. Renee Therrien will teach kindergarten for Mrs. Dingler also on maternity leave. We have a new Reading Teacher/Reading Coach, Dee Trumbull, to teach reading in the middle school and to work with students in grades 4 and 5. Dianna Belliveau is our new special education teacher and Rebecca Driscoll completes our staff as Speech Pathologist. We continue to replace and expand our staff with the most qualified and interesting professionals

REFLECTIONS OF A FIFTH GRADE TEACHER

Teaching is eclectic. That’s a three-word sentence with a long explanation. What other profession asks me to also serve as a secretary, bookkeeper, nurse, guide, cheerleader, motivator, photographer, tech guru, psychologist, mediator, guardian, and so much more. Yet at the Ashford School I don’t have a single colleague who would choose to do anything else other than teach. This is our chosen profession. This is my chosen career.

After more than 30 years of teaching, I’ve finally come to the realization that I’m a veteran teacher. Wow! Four years in sixth grade, five years in seventh and eighth grade, twenty-two years in fifth grade, and they keep renewing my contract for another year. So I keep coming back and doing what I love doing; helping my students through the uncertainty of new topics to the light of understanding, to the moment of “aha”. Don’t get me wrong. It doesn’t always work out so neatly. But I never stop working toward that goal. And, although I typically shy away from giving advice, I’m now inclined to give it as more colleagues, parents, and others ask for it.

So what would I tell parents whose elementary school-aged children are now on vacation and looking forward to, or anticipating, or dreading the new school year? I would say what I have said for many years. You are your child’s first teacher and your preparation work at home goes a long way toward the long-range success of that child.

Involvement with your child on a daily basis is extremely important. Spend “quality” time with him or her. Play games that include an educational component, let your child be physically active whenever possible, and read with and to your child on a regular basis. Spend time discussing what you read by asking more than just literal questions. Try higher order thinking skills. ‘Why do you think that character made the choice they did?’ ‘Do you know someone who is like that or who would do the same thing?’ ‘What would you have done?’ The most important aspect of your involvement with your child is the regularity. It’s expected and it’s part of your family ritual. So what’s part of your family ritual with your children?

Finally, let’s talk about the anxiety of the first day of school. Kids are people too. They need the reassurance that going into the unknown isn’t as bad as they might make it out to be. I’m about to start my thirty-second first day of school, and I still get anxious and excited about that day. Why would I expect kids to be calm and confident on day one? Why not talk to them about it? Find out what their biggest fears are and reassure them that they will survive and be successful if only they show up and give it their best efforts. The first thing I do on day one is learn about my students as they learn about me. After all, they will be my family for the next ten months and I want all my students to have a sense of community, belonging, and respect. Shouldn’t we know a little more about each other and be glad to be where we are before we embark on that educational journey

MATH NEWS

Math packets were mailed home this summer for grades five through eight. Students received three sheets of math problems to complete by the first Friday of the school year - August 28, 2009. The packet was made up of a variety of problems representing the different math strands covered during the school year. In addition, the problems in the packet were designed to help maintain and practice existing math skills.

Students were encouraged to complete a few problems each day in order to finish the sheets by the beginning of school. The skills practice will continue though out the school year. The completed problems will count as an assignment for each student.

The math packets were the result of work done by math committee members representing grades five through eight. Next summer, the hope is to extend the packets to all grades.

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Projector Mounts: Thanks to a generous donation by the PTO we are finally able to mount the projectors in the ceilings of the 8 classrooms that have Smartboards. This new setup is a huge benefit for ease of technology use and safety in the classroom. When you come to Parent's Night this fall look up in Rooms 23, 25, 27, 29, 29A, 31, 33 and 36 to see the new apparatus. We are also getting 2 new smartboards to continue expanding this valuable technology tool.

K12Alerts: We have contracted with a company to provide a better emergency announcement system. You will be able to register email addresses, as well as telephone numbers to receive emergency notices via both email and phone call. Watch for additional information on this and be sure to sign up.

New Lunch System coming: Ashford is getting a lunchroom computer system that will include online payment options. This cannot be installed until October but be on the lookout for additional information.

EETT Science Grant: Our participation in this grant is coming to a close. As part of the final completion we are sharing the technology lessons with other school districts via the web. Check out the website still under construction at http://sites.google.com/site/ashfordtechlessons/ to see the remarkable work completed by the Ashford School Staff and funded by the "Enhancing Education Through Technology" grant.

PTO

Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 7 p.m.

Information on Flu Clinic will be presented.

May-June 2009 Newsletter

PRINCIPAL JOHNDROW’S MESSAGE

This is our final newsletter for the 2008-2009 school year. The response to this endeavor has been very positive. Comments range from how nice to see a notice at all (this from a 6th grade parent) to congratulations for sending only one to my family. Everyone likes the information presented. In general I have received a thumbs up.

ACADEMICS/CURRICULUM

May and June are incredibly busy months. Teachers are accessing students to make sure that maximum learning and meeting grade level curriculum demands have been met. Students are completing their last projects, papers, and lab reports. As the days get warmer and the evenings get longer, I remind everyone that schoolwork still needs to remain a priority. All students need to leave in June feeling successful and accomplished. While these feelings can go on a short break over the summer months these positive feelings will surface in late August when thoughts once again turn to school.

7TH GRADES TO RELEASE SALMON INTO THE COLCHESTER SALMON RIVER

On May 14, all seventh graders will travel to the Salmon River. The students will complete a river study that includes flow rate, pH, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. At this time Mr. Rossi's students will release salmon that they have been raising since January of this year.

PRESCHOOL STUDENT TEACHER

Jennifer Gagne, a graduate of Ashford School, has returned to Ashford School to complete her student teaching in Mrs. Lusa’s preschool class. Jen is graduating this spring with her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Quinebaug Valley Community College. Miss Gagne worked two mornings a week in the classroom during the fall term and has been working 5 mornings a week for the spring semester. She has been invaluable to classroom activities and she will really be missed when she leaves. Jen plans to continue to take courses to work towards her Bachelor’s degree.
Good Luck Jen!

EVENTS

Blackhawk Helicopter Landing at Ashford School

Bob Mullady from the CT National Guard is bringing a VH60 Blackhawk helicopter to Ashford School on Monday, May 18. Our students and staff will be given the rare opportunity of witnessing a fly over and landing. After shutting down students will participate in an up close walk-around.

UNITED TECHNOLOGIES MATCHING GRANT

Our appreciation goes to Esther Jagodzinski and John Pease for arranging for Ashford School to receive a UTC matching request grant providing additional funding for our Enrichment Program.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Our spring concert will take place Thursday, May 21st at 7:00 p.m., We are very proud that so many Ashford students are involved in our performing groups and that so many families come out to support the music program In order to make our concerts a pleasurable experience and out of respect for our student performers and for the safety of the audience, we have developed a set of guidelines that we ask everyone in attendance to adhere to.

Concert Guidelines
• Children must be seated with their parents at all times.
• Aisle ways and door ways must be kept clear at all times.
• The lobby must be kept clear during the performance.
• If you must enter or exit the gym, wait until the conclusion of a song.


CLUBS, ACTIVITIES

Ashford Hydrogen Fuel Cell Team Wins Second Place in Regional Competition

The Ashford Science Bowl Team competed in the annual regional competition this past Saturday and walked away with TWO awards! This competition is held each year at the University of CT when schools from across the Northeast play a science quiz style game and build/race cars powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. This year there were 11 schools competing, traveling from as far away as Boston.

During the day, Ashford's three-part team split up to compete in different areas. Two teams competed in the quiz game to test their knowledge of various science topics, while one went to the racing area where a "build and race" contest took place. Students were given a set of materials, two hours and a test track and instructed to build a car that would win the race.

At the end of the day, the fuel cell team walked away with the second place award, only beaten when the Two Rivers Magnet School inched ahead of them at the end of the race. The quiz teams made it to the sixth round of competition, winning recognition for good sportsmanship.

CONGRATULATIONS TEAM!

8th GRADE END OF YEAR EVENTS

May 1: Class trip to Rhode Island
May 4: Visit to E.O. Smith
May 22: Field trip to UConn
May 27: Six Flags for qualifying students

June 3: SWINGS with grades 1 & 2
June 4: Tri Town Dance Activity, EOS
June 12: Graduation Dance
June 15: Class picnic at Holiday Hill
June 18: Class Night
June 19: Exit Assembly

SPORTS

2009 Ashford Baseball and Softball Schedule

Apr 29 Columbia Boys (Away) Girls (Away)
May 4 Stafford Boys (Away) Girls (Away)
May 7 Columbia Boys (Home) Girls (Home)
May 8 Willington Boys (Away) Girls (Away
May 11 Willington Boys (Home) Girls (Home)
May 14 Stafford Boys (Home) Girls (Home)
May 15 Mansfield Boys (Home) Girls (Home)
May 18 Mansfield Boys (Away) Girls (Away)

Baseball Coaches: Mr. Busse , Mr. Blume
Softball Coaches: Mrs. Borysevicz, Mrs. Hayward

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Online Math Resources to Explore with Your Child:
By Marji Roy
Have you visited the numerous Everyday Math links located on the Ashford School Website? There are a slew of excellent online math games and exploration sites that align with the Ashford School Everyday Math series all organized for easy access. You can direct your Kindergarten through grade 5 student to these links and help them practice their math skills with targeted activities. Just click on the "For Students" link in the left navigation menu from the Ashford School Home Page at www.ashfordct.org, then click on the Everyday Math Links. The Links are arranged by grade level and then by Unit. If your child needs additional support with a math concept you may find working together with him/her on these activities can help reinforce school lessons. (Note: Follow the same route "ForStudents" to "Everyday Math Links" when the new website launches soon!)


MEDIA CENTER

How Do You Build a Library Collection?
By Vincent Bologna, Ashford School’s Library Consultant

This is the time of year we usually embark on an important project that often gets overlooked. This is the time when we begin getting ready to order books for the beginning of next school year. The first stage in that process is assessing the current state of the collection to see what books should be “weeded’ from the collection. How do we decide which books should be weeded? One criterion is books that are beyond repair. Another criteria is the age of the book and whether or not the information it contains might be outdated and therefore incorrect.
Once we have looked through the books in the collection we decide which subject areas need updated material. We also look at the circulation statistics from the year to see which areas of the collection receive the most use and therefore could use some additional titles so books are available when students need them for reports and projects.
The money that is budgeted for library books is spent on non-fiction titles. Money for pictures books, fiction and young adult fiction comes the funds the PTO annually donates to the Media Center.
Books

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE
Since May is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM), we wanted to remind you about the dangers of noise abuse and how to protect your hearing-and the hearing of your children. Loud volumes associated with portable listening systems such as bipods and CD players, rock concerts, indoor sports events, and video arcades are prevalent throughout our society. Over 10 million Americans have hearing loss because of excess noise exposure. A Zogby International poll indicated that Americans listen to personal audio technology too loudly for too long, and the CDC reported that over 5 million youths exhibit some degree of hearing loss due to exposure to noise at hazardous levels. With the increasing popularity of personal audio technology, millions of adults and children across the United States are at greater risk of noise-induced hearing loss than ever before. It is important to teach your children to know when loud is too loud. Remind your children that it is too loud if:
• you must raise your voice to be heard.
• You have difficulty understanding someone who is an arm's length away;
• You have pain, ringing, or buzzing in your ears after exposure to loud sounds; or
• Speech sounds muffled or dull after noise exposure.
Below are some quick and easy guidelines you can follow to help protect your family's hearing:
• Be very cautious in allowing your preschooler to use any personal listening device with headsets or any form of earbuds. Before buying any sound-making toy for an infant or toddler, hold it up to your ear. If the sound causes your ear to feel uncomfortable (ringing, buzzing, or muffled speech), either immediately or after a short exposure, then the sound is too loud and the toy should not be purchased.
Follow the same rule for toys already in the home and either remove the batteries or discard the toy.
• If you and your children attend rock concerts, do lawn work for extra spending money or to help around the house, or attend indoor professional sports events, please get into the habit of using ear plugs (cotton balls will not protect you). Inexpensive ear plugs that you buy at the pharmacy can reduce the sound by approximately 15-30 decibels and can bring the noise level within a safe hearing range without affecting the ability to enjoy an event.
• When planning a large party where there may be a DJ or live band, tell the performers to limit their sound output to 85 decibels.
• Have the children turn down the volume on their Wii, Nintendo DS, and Guitar Hero games.
• If your children are learning to play the drums, electric guitar, or practice target shooting, have custom earplugs made for them to use when they are practicing or performing.
• If you have school-aged children who like to listen to music using a iPod, Discman, or a CD player, use the parental controls, if available, to set the volume at a low level.


HEALTH AND SAFETY

School is coming to a close and summer is upon us! Please remember to pick up your child’s medication on the last day of school. Mrs. Flynn, School Nurse will be available the following few days during normal school hours if you cannot come on the last day of school. It is State law to dispose of any medications that are left on the premises. By law a student cannot transport medication. So, to save you money, please come in to pick up your child’s medication.
Enclosed in this Newsletter is the Medication Authorization form to be completed by both the parent and the physician and to be brought in by an adult at the start of the next school year, if medication will be needed. Doctor’s offices also carry this form.

Any questions please give me a call. Thank you, and have a happy, healthy summer. Mrs. Flynn.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 2009-2010
A child is eligible to enter kindergarten if he/she turns five on or before December 31, and is a resident of Ashford. Call Michelle Bibeault at 429-6419 to have registration information mailed to you. All registration information must be completed before your child may attend kindergarten classes this fall.

PTO

Margie Chatey is looking for a couple of people to work with her on the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee is responsible for finding people to fill open PTO Officer positions. Please call Margie at 487-0492 if you're interested.

The Father-Daughter Dance
Spring arrived at Ashford School the evening of March 28th as young Ashford girls and their fathers attended the 3rd Annual PTO sponsored Father-Daughter Dance. As girls donned colorful spring dresses and carnations, and cameras flashed, everyone enjoyed refreshments and danced to the music of DJ Wow. Thanks to April Basch, Tracey Campbell and Vickie Weidig for planning this wonderfully popular event.

ASHFORD YOUTH, FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Summer Programs _First Camp
Ashford Youth Services will hold First Camp for students entering and exiting first grade from June 29 the through July 2 nd. The camp will meet at Ashford School in the cafeteria from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM; the cost for the camp is $30.
Third Camp
Ashford Youth Services will hold Third Camp for students entering and exiting third grade from July 6 th through July 10 th. The camp will meet at Ashford School in the cafeteria from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM; the cost for the camp is $35.
First and Third camp include games, crafts, outside activities, snack and more! Look for registration forms to go home with your children or call school for more information.
Camp CONNRI _Ashford Youth Services is the contact for those wishing to send their child to Camp CONNRI this summer. Camp CONNRI is the Salvation Army camp located on Route 74 in Ashford. Children age seven to fifteen can attend this weeklong sleep over camp for only $35.00. There are three camp sessions this year, the first meets July 18 Th to July 23 rd and is for children ages seven to twelve. The second session meets August 3 rd to August 8 Th and is also for seven to twelve year olds. The third session of camp meets August 10 Th to August 15 Th and is for twelve to fifteen year olds. If you have questions about Camp CONNRI or would like to request an application please call Ashford Youth Services at 429-6419. Camp application must be returned to school before the end of the school year so don't delay in requesting an application!

April 2009 Newsletter

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

We made it through March with the CMT testing and now welcome getting back into a routine. Mrs. Cunningham, CMT Coordinator, trained staff, and processed, labeled, and distributed over 1700 test booklets. In addition she coordinated the make up of over 120 tests and repackages everything to return to the state for scoring.

April brings warmer weather and the opportunity to experience wonderful field trips. “Instructional travel away from school grounds is recognized by the Board of Education as a significant part of the educational program of a school. All of our field trips are directly related to the curriculum and are a means of enhancing student learning.” On occasion a play will be performed in this area that relates directly to our curriculum. When this happens every effort is made to take advantage of it. Both our 1st and 8th graders enjoyed two wonderful theater experiences in March. Our 8th graders attended To Kill a Mockingbird, at the Hartford Stage. Mrs. Lindsay Language Arts students study this novel in their classes. First grade, thanks to money made available by the PTO, enjoyed Seussical at University of Hartford. We all know Dr Seuss books are enjoyed throughout the grades.

Here is a sampling of Field Trips for April. Grade 2 – Children’s Museum in West Harford, Grade 3 - This Land is Your Land at the Hyde Cultural Center in Pomfret, and the Wickware Planetarium at Eastern Connecticut State University, Grade 5 - Connecticut Opera presentation of The Magic Flute at Mansfield Middle School.

ACADEMICS/CURRICULUM

World Language
In the 5th and 6th grades student meet for Spanish one class a week. In the 5th grade we learn our colors, numbers, dates, and basic conversation. Also we learn quite a few songs! In 6th grade those topics are reviewed and we learn to tell time, classroom objects, and basic grammar including use of adjectives and verbs. In the 7th and 8th grades Spanish meets three times a week. We have vocabulary units on weather, clothing, sports, foods, media, as well as culture units on Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Texas, Chile, Argentina and Peru. At the end of 8th grade Spanish student who have a B or better may elect to take Spanish 2A at E.O. Smith.
Students going into 8th grade who meet certain criteria have the option of taking Latin, German, or French class during the first period of E. Smith High School schedule.

CLUBS, ACTIVITIES
Multiply Your Options
Ten of our 8th grade young women were selected to attend “Multiply Your Options”. This event is held at UConn on April 9 and is supported by the Engineering Department. The students will explore employment opportunities in the fields of math, science, and technology.

SPORTS:
Baseball and Softball
Baseball and softball season has arrived. During April there will be try-outs followed by several days of practice. Ashford School’s baseball team will be coached by Chris Busse and the softball team by Polly Borysevicz.
The first game is an away game against Columbia on April 29. Check the Ashford School website for game dates.

EVENTS:
Science Fair
Congratulations to the following students who were recognized at Ashford School’s Science Night. Eighth graders Ethan Lippert, “ The Effects of Temperature on Battery Lights”, Paul F., “Calescent Catalyst”, Nicole W., “The Solution to Global Warming…” and seventh grader Jacob A., “Coefficient of Restitution”. The students scored well in the very competitive atmosphere of the state competition.

Small Ensemble Night Concert
The Ashford Music Department will present its 3rd annual Small Ensemble Night Concert on Thursday, April 16th at 7p.m. in the school cafeteria. Student musicians will perform in a variety of small instrumental and vocal groups. Donations may be made and will be accepted for the benefit of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Refreshments will be served. Please come out and support our student musicians, as well as a worthy cause.

Invention Convention
Students in grades 1-8 are invited to create a unique invention to be displayed at the Ashford Invention Convention on April 15. Inventions will be judged during the afternoon, and families may view the inventions that evening from 6:30-7:30.

An invention is something that solves a problem or makes life easier in some way. Winners of the Ashford Invention Convention will join hundreds of student inventors from across the state at the Connecticut Invention Convention in Gampel Pavilion on May 2.

Students in grades 1-5 were introduced to inventing after February break during their enrichment period. Grades 4 and 5 will have several lessons on inventing; including what makes a good invention, a take-apart lab, and brainstorming ideas for inventions. Invention websites are listed on Mrs. Moran’s website, accessible under classroom links on the school’s website.

Students are encouraged to develop an idea that is meaningful to them and with minimal cost or using recycled materials. Ideas will be judged on originality, process, effectiveness, practicality, and need.

Information and forms for the Ashford Invention Convention are available at the school’s website or from Mrs. Moran, cmoran@ashfordct.org. For details of the CT Invention Convention go to www.ctinventionconvention.org.School’s

TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Fascinating School Happenings on the Ashford School Website:
Marji Roy, Ashford Technology Coordinator, has been working for the past few months preparing to update the Ashford School website. (We are planning to implement the new site during April vacation when access during school isn't needed.) Before the main part can be operational many teachers needed to either move or update their websites. These are already operational and connected to our current website.

If you haven't been checking out class websites you might want to take a little virtual field trip today into some of the interesting things going on at Ashford School. Take a look at Mrs. Moran's site at http://www.enrichmentashford.blogspot.com/. She has great photos and explanations of some of the enrichment activities you might have heard your children talking about. Mrs. Perkins has been expanding the Grade 8 Science site with each unit and she has just uploaded a slide show of student bridge designs at http://sites.google.com/site/ashfordctgr8sci/Home/physics-overview/bridge-building. Mr. Rossi's site is always changing and worth a regular visit. Go to http://ashfordg7science.wikispaces.com/introduction and spend some time exploring.

This newsletter will be online and you can find the above links there for easy click through. Just go to the Ashford School website at www.ashfordct.org and click on the new link for the Principal's Newsletter.

Internet Safety:

Mansfield Middle School is sponsoring an Internet Safety presentation on Tuesday, April 14, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. It will be held at the MMS Auditorium, 205 Spring Hill Road in Mansfield. They extended the invitation to all the Region 19 schools including Ashford. There
is no charge for the presentation. It covers the topics of Child Predators and Cyber Bullies and offers awareness regarding Internet threats as well as strategies for parents and educators to help protect children who use the Internet. Supervisory Special Agent, Thomas Lawler of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is presenting it.

For additional information visit Mansfield’s Internet Safety Resource page http://mansfiled.org/schools/vinton/internetsafety

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Books
Author Jan Brett’s book Comet’s Nine Lines is an enchanting book about friendships. Did you know that the smaller picture on the side of the larger picture on each page also tells a story? After you read the book to you child have them make up a story to go with these pictures. Older siblings might enjoy doing this also.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

Is it common cold or allergies?
If your child has a temperature of 100 or over and coughing and sneezing, it may be a cold. Students may return to school when their temperature is normal and symptoms subside. If your child has itchy watery eyes, runny nose and general discomfort it may be allergies. Ask you doctor about seasonal allergy medications if needed
CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillation) training.
Over 20 staff members have been recertified.

POLICIES/ PROCEDURES:

This year, the Board of Education passed a new policy on Student Possession and Use of Electronic Communication Devices. The new policy has proved to be a welcome addition to keeping current with technology especially where the safety of our children is concerned. My gratitude goes to all of the parents who have reinforced the appropriate use of the devices.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR 2009-2010 :
A child is eligible to enter kindergarten if he/she turns five on or before December 31, and is a resident of Ashford. Call Michelle Bibeault at 439-6419 to have registration information mailed to you. All registration information must be completed before your child may attend kindergarten classes this fall.

PRESCHOOL SCREENING:
The Board of Education, through the Ashford Preschool Program, is offering a free screening for three and four year old children. Refer to flyer in newsletter.

WHAT TOPICS ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?
What questions do you have about the school that you would like explored? Email comments and questions to Mrs. Saegaert at jsaegaert@ashfordct.org. She will collect and pass them to Mrs. Johndrow.

ASHFORD YOUTH, FAMILY AND SOCIAL SERVICES:
Breakfast Club
Each morning at school, staff and parents volunteer to provide a breakfast of cereal, milk, juice and baked goods. Breakfast is offered to all students who may not have time to eat before the bus comes in the morning, for families who are struggling to keep food in the house during these hard economic times, or just for students who need a bite to eat before class. We are currently looking for parents who are willing to bake bread or muffins for the breakfast program or who could volunteer to help with the program on a Wednesday or Thursday morning. If you are interested in helping with the breakfast program please contact Melissa McDonough at 429-6419.

Iparent Network
Iparent network is a broad based community coalition of parents, professionals and other community members from Ashford, Mansfield, and Willington. The mission of the group is to equip parents with the tools to be prevention experts so our youth develop in healthy and safe ways. Our long term goals is to reduce high risk behaviors such as underage drinking in our tri-town area by creating ways for parents to feel more connected to one another. The group is in the process of creating a networking website that will be designed for parents to connect with one another for support and information. If you are interested in joining this group they meet at the Mansfield town office building on the third Thursday of each month at 9:00 AM or for more information call Ashford Youth Services at 429-6419.

March 2009 Newsletter

Principal's Message:

Welcome to Ashford School’s first newsletter. Not only will you find information that is pertinent to your child but also you will gain a better sense of all that goes on in school. We begin March with Connecticut Mastery Testing.

Connecticut Mastery Testing (CMT)

When educators, parents, and students now think of the month of March the first thing that comes to mind is March is the month when the State of Connecticut requires that all 3rd through 8th grade students be tested. This year students will be administered one test per day starting on Monday, March 2. Testing will end on Monday, March 16 providing “Old Man Winter” does not pay a visit. Included in this newsletter is the CMT schedule for all grades. All students in grades 3-8 take tests covering reading, writing, and mathematics. Grades 5 and 8 are also required to take science. Every year schools are asked to take supplemental tests. These are pilot tests giving information for future CMT’s. Note on the schedule that grades 3, 5, 7, and 8 will each do a supplemental test. Grades 4 and 6 are not assigned any. Talk to you child about how important the tests are as a means of seeing how much more they know this year over last year. Be positive, supportive, and encourage your child to do their very best. As usual, a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast and a high five on the way out helps.

Please Everyone Needs to Be on Time!

I cannot emphasize how hard it is on a student who comes in late and has to sit in the library during the testing and then 2 weeks later have to be taken out of class to make the test up. Everyone needs to be on time! Once testing begins students may not enter the classrooms.

Academics and Curriculum:

Writing is a requirement in every grade and in every subject. Teachers in all classrooms including teachers of art, music, physical education, world language, math, and science all require students to write throughout the year. Samples of student writing are submitted to me at different times during the year. After reading, I write comments and offer encouragement. It is one way in which we teach the value and importance of writing. Often the samples give a sense of what students think about a topic.

Sixth graders once again studied the Phantom of the Opera. This is a cross-curriculum project, where students study the time period in social studies and language arts, the masks and posters in art, the music of the period in music, and the dance and manners of the time in physical education. The Masquerade Ball held on Wednesday, February 11, was the culminating activity. Mrs. Hardisty chose as one of her writing assignments for the year a persuasive piece on “whether dance should be eliminated from PE.” Here are a few quotes taken from the writing samples. “It is fun to learn and would broaden the next year 6th graders. It makes you more mature.” “It is a good way not to be shy anymore. Studies show that most people who participate in dancing are more confident.” “Most boys are not dancing with girls because their friend might make fun of them if they do and if every boy gets to dance then no one will be made fun of.” “Dancing isn’t as important as learning school subjects and sports.” “I think it broadens a child’s horizon. It gives them a chance to try something new.”

Professional Development Day:

There is no school for students on Monday, March 23, as teachers participate in a Professional Development Day focusing on CMT achievement.

Awards and Recognitions:

• Superintendent/Student Recognition Award
In November, Andrea R. and Ryan D. were awarded the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents’ (CAPSS) Superintendent/Student Recognition Award for leadership service to the school, academic prowess, and service leadership to others in the community. Andrea and Ryan were presented the award by the Interim Superintendent, Len Lanza. Congratulations to both students.

• Tenth Annual Celebration of the Arts
On Monday, February 2, Patrick D. and Caitlin C. were recognized for outstanding citizenship, cooperative skills, and artistic ability in the performing and visual arts. Patrick and Caitlin along with their families, Ms. Dotson, Mrs. Dockendorff, and Mrs. Johndrow participated in the festival that was held at the Aqua Turf.

Clubs, Activities:

Mathcounts:
Ashford School MATHCOUNTS Team, coached by 8th grade math teacher Mrs. Backhaus,
traveled to the Coast Guard Academy in New London on Saturday, February 7 to compete in the 2009 MATHCOUNTS Competition. Team members Brent B., Kristina C., Paul F. and Zeke K. and individual competitors Emily G. and Ethan L. spent all day focused on solving math problems both individually and as a team. Special recognition goes to Paul F. who ranked 10th overall among a very competitive group. Congratulations to all for a job well done.

Sports:
Baseball and softball tryouts will begin the last week in March.

Events:
Read Across America / Dr. Seuss Day
This day is celebrated nationally on March 2, and is a lot of fun. On the wall leading up the ramp to the Primary Wing you will see student drawings of their favorite Dr. Seuss story book characters. Certificates and bookmarks will be available in some classes. In addition, students in the upper grades will be reading to some of our younger grades. Opportunities like this are what make Pre-K through 8 schools special.

Invention Convention:
Carol Moran, Ashford School’s Enrichment Teacher, works with students throughout the entire school. Ellis Island and bringing younger students into the Science Fair are some of the activities she is involved in. In March, Mrs. Moran will once again encourage students to “be creative” and to invent something. An invention is something that solves a problem or makes life easier in some way. Ashford School’s Invention Convention will be held on Wednesday, April 15, in the cafeteria. Winners of the Ashford Invention Convention will join hundreds of student inventors from across the state at the Connecticut Invention Convention in Gampel Pavilion on May 2. Like many of you at past Invention Conventions I also wonder, “Why didn’t someone think of that before? “ Open viewing will be from 6:30 -7:30 on the 15th.

Technology News:

Tech Survey: In the fall a technology survey was sent home with report cards requesting information to help us in creating the new Ashford School Technology Plan Here are some of the findings. 186 surveys came back representing a return of 58%. 95.69% of our families have working computers at home and of those 86% are connected to high speed Internet. 51% would prefer to receive communications from school via online, 43% prefer paper and 6% had no response. During this transition time we see a need for us to use both online and paper. We are working hard on a new school website soon to be launched with a more informative front page and putting into place a better up-to date online calendar. I encourage you to log into www.ashfordct.org to view the new look.

Google Sites Training: Our teachers spend a lot of time outside the school day learning new technology which translates into increased student learning. A group of teachers have been attending after school workshops presented by Marji Roy, Ashford School’s Computer Consultant. Teachers are learning to create their own websites and learning Google sites all with goal of sharing class activities with families.

February Institute: A group of teachers chose to spend part of their February vacation at school working on creating new technology lesson plans that combine technology with other curricular areas. Funding for this project came from the Enhancing Education Through Technology grant that was awarded to Ashford School for the purpose of creating “assured experiences in technology”. Marji Roy, Rick Rossi, Annie Perkins and Kelly Knotts were responsible for the crafting of this grant and all participated in the February Institute. Chris Busse, Michelle Bibeault and Carol Moran joined them.

Library Media Center:

The Media Center has a collection of periodicals (magazines) available for student and faculty use. These periodicals supplement course studies and provide articles that provide more timely information for students doing reports or class projects. Oftentimes reading a magazine provides the opportunity to learn something on one’s own. Periodicals are only available for use in the media center but articles are photocopied for student or faculty use. Listed below are periodicals in the lirbray.

Current Events;

• Newsweek, Sports Illustrate For Kids
• Geography/Social Studies:
• National Geographic, National Geographic
• For Kids, American History, Cobblestone,
• Kids Discover

Science:

• Ranger Rick
• Current Science
• Odyssey: Adventures in Science,

Reading/Writing:

• Cricket: The Realm of the
• Imagination
• Highlights

Professional Periodicals

• NSTA (National Science Teachers Association) Reports
• Instructor
• Cable in the Classroom
• Science and Children
• Booklist

Recommendations:

Books
Parents who enjoy science activities with their children I suggest the book Bite-Sized Science: Activities for Children in 15 Minutes or Less. This book offers parents many opportunities to share science lessons with their preschool child. (Grades K-3).

Health and Safety:

Did you know that Mrs. Flynn, our school nurse, processed over 800 student visits in January?
We serve 30-40 breakfasts each morning during the Before School Breakfast Club.

Policies and Procedures:

At school we recognize the importance of keeping physically active: but we must also remain safe. Everyday we plan to go outside unless the temperature is less then 20 degree. The wind chill is always factored into this determination.

Kindergarten Registration for the School Year: 2009-2010

A child is eligible to enter kindergarten if he/she turns five on or before December 31, and is a resident of Ashford. Call Michelle Bibeault at 439-6419 to have registration information mailed to you. All registration information must be completed before your child may attend kindergarten classes this fall.

Ashford Youth and Family and Social Services:
Heating Assistance:
It is not too late to apply for help for heating assistance for any type of heating source. If you think you may qualify call Ashford Social Services at 487-4417.
Stay and Play:
This is an after school activity for 1st through 4th graders. Each grade level gets to stay after school three Wednesdays in a row where they participate in fun cooperative games in the school ---Fourth grade stay and play is completed for this year.
Third Graders – Feb. 25, March 4, 11
Second Graders - March 18, 25, Ap.1
First Graders - April 8, 15, 29
Look for flyers and permission slips in your child’s backpack.

Mom’s Club:
New offering: A weekly group for stay at home parents. (Dads are invited too).This new
group will meet each Thursday from 9:30 to 11:00 in the lower level meeting room of
the town office building. Children will have weekly activities and parents will have a chance to socialize.

Meetings:
Board of Education: March 5th and 19th, 7 p.m., school library.
PTO: March 2 , 7 p.m. school library
Topic: SMART BOARDS