Friday, December 15, 2023

4 Days Left!

I wanted to take a moment to recognize our Lego League team who competed last weekend. After months of preparation and practice, they brought their presentation and their robot to WPI to compete. I am so proud of them and all the missions they completed, the perseverance they showed, and the adjustments they made throughout the day. Leading up to the competition, I was able to sit and see the presentation that went along with their work. I was blown away! They created a website, a video with a green screen, and a model. Everyone had a part and they worked seamlessly together. That is part of why it was not a huge surprise to me that they won the judges' award last weekend and were invited to participate in States this coming weekend. You can check out their trophy on our trophy shelf in the lobby. Best of luck to them! 

If you do swing by to check out the trophy, you'll also have an opportunity to check the lost and found. This is the last call before we make donations with what is remaining. There are some really nice sweatshirts/jackets, a bin full of water bottles, and plenty of hats and mittens. Come on by and encourage your student(s) to do the same. 
The Student Council has decided to make next week a Spirit Week! I'm happy I won't feel like I need to wear a tie all week. Remember that Spirit Days are optional and meant to be in good fun. They also made a concerted effort to keep it inclusive. On Monday, kids can wear their ugliest sweaters (although some insist they are beautiful). On Tuesday, we will celebrate Summer in December and dust off our beach wear (please encourage students to wear long pants under shorts, etc so they are still warm during recess). Wednesday is a student favorite, Pajama Day. We'll round out the week with a Holiday Character Day on Thursday. 

The Week Ahead: 

  • Monday (12/18) Day A
    • Ugly Sweater Day
  • Tuesday (12/19) Day B
    • Summer in December Day
    • Grade 6 Field Trip
  • Wednesday (12/20)  Day C
    • Pajama Day
  • Thursday (12/21) Day D
    • Holiday Character Day
    • Monty Tech VIP
  • Friday - Monday (12/22-1/1) 
    • No School for Winter Break



 

Friday, December 8, 2023

The countdown to break begins!

The Holiday Shop was a huge success! It was great to see so many kids with smiling faces and all walked out with something. It's nice to have kids shopping and thinking of others. The PTA did a great job stocking the shelves and decorating. We had so many crafty donations from people in the community, too. We also couldn't have done it without the numerous volunteers helping kids shop and managing the register. 

The PTA is also excited to announce that we once again be participating in the Worcester Bravehearts reading program. Even though it is typically billed as a K-5 program, Middle School students are encouraged to participate. We are expecting some guests from the Braveheart to visit next week to help kick off the program for kids. You can learn more about the program and submit logged books here

We are looking for YOU! Have you ever thought about working with children? Were you a teacher at one point and would like to slowly reenter the classroom? We are currently hiring two paraprofessional positions (I jinxed us a few weeks ago when I announced we were fully staffed). The job isn't glamorous and the pay isn't stellar, however, the benefits come in children's smiles and gratitude from parents and teaching staff alike. You get the opportunity to work with a stellar team. I actually began my career as a paraprofessional and it was one of my favorite jobs of all time!

You may have noticed a trailer full of water in the parking lot this week. It was nothing to be concerned about so I figured I'd wait until now to fill everyone in. The well pump failed Monday evening. This is separate from the work done over the summer. The trailer filled our water tanks in the snack shack so there was no impact on our water supply. This water was tested just as our wells are regularly tested. The town worked pretty quickly to get a company in and replace the well and I am so appreciative of their quick action. We should be all set for Monday. 

If your student has been coming home without everything they left the house with, I have an idea where these missing items can be found. The lost and found is loaded! We haven't even gotten into the lost snowgear season yet. Besides clothing, there is a basket full of water bottles. Over the upcoming winter break, we will be clearing space in lost and found by donating what is currently there. I'd encourage you to swing by the lobby or ask your student to do so before the break. 

Students worked on a project entitled "I See You " in the grade 7 advisory. Students filled out a survey and a random classmate made them a collage based on their answers. Today was the big reveal and students loved their collages.



A note from Nurse Karina: 

With cold and flu season fully upon us, please review this list noting when to keep your
child at home. If ever in doubt about sending your child to school who is feeling unwell, please reach out to the school nurse at (978)464-5507 or karina_abbascia@wrsd.net for guidance. We aim for a healthy environment to increase learning and academic success here at TPS!
Physical Examinations: Massachusetts regulation 105 CMR 200.000 requires each student attending public school to have a physical when entering grades 4 & 7. If you haven’t done so already, please provide your school nurse with a record of your child’s most recent physical exam. Your school nurse can give you more information about what documentation your child may need to meet this requirement. Thank you for your cooperation!

A reminder that the electronic folder below is a great way to keep up with what is happening at TPS and in the community. The link brings you to a Google folder with flyers and other information. I try to keep it up to date and take down things after the fact. I also try to keep a note with a direct link when I add a new flyer. 

The electronic folder

The Week Ahead: 

  • Saturday (12/9) 
    • Lego League competition at WPI
  • Monday (12/11) Day D
  • Tuesday (12/12) Day A
  • Wednesday (12/13) Day B
  • Thursday (12/14) Day C
    • Monty Tech VIP
  • Friday (12/15) Day D
    • Worcester Bravehearts mascot during lunch 
    • MS Dance

Friday, December 1, 2023

Here comes December!

And just like that, it is December! The student council has asked me to share with folks that they are beginning a collection for old legos. They are encouraging kids to dig through their old play bins and pull together those discarded legos for someone who would truly appreciate them through the Lego Replay Program who promotes sharing and sustainability. It seems like a good time to remind you that we also have a Toys for Tots box in the main lobby.  

Mrs. Finkler has asked me to share that our SquareOneArt order deadline has been extended! The NEW order deadline for TPS is Monday, December 4th. However, please keep in mind that today, 12/1 is the last day for Holiday Delivery items. 



Next week, the PTA reopens the Holiday Shop! It is such a fun tradition here at TPS. If you remember, last year was such a hit, the store ran out and needed to resupply several times. This year it is stocked in anticipation of our shoppers.  Regardless of what holidays you celebrate, there are universal lessons for students. It's great to see them shop for others and focus on what someone else would like. It is also great math and money skills for some of our younger students.  
 
The schedule is below: 
  • Tuesday: Hacket, Gibbons, Kristoff, Kurzanski, Chapalonis, St. Pierre, Zielinski
  • Wednesday: 8th grade, Jensen-Fellows, Dolat
  • Thursday: 7th grade, Hacket, Zielinski
  • Friday: Kristoff, Gibbons, McClure, Roczniak, Keough, Andre, Santello, Jensen-Fellows, Dolat

A share from Spanish class today: In Spanish class, we are practicing the verb "to go" by learning a story about a young student who leaves class and does not have an appropriate pass. When asked repeatedly "Where are you going" by the principal, we discover that she has been missing for an HOUR. The principal then asks the student a series of questions to determine what she was doing instead. Today in Ms. Loughlin's Perú class, students asked if they could be Ms. Loughlin and spontaneously act out the story. Ms. Loughlin was delighted to spectate while they were AMAZING teachers and actors. Great job, Perú!


Electronic Folder

New: December Letter Day Calendar,  Lego Drive

The week ahead: 

  • Friday (12/1) 
  • Monday (12/4) Day A
  • Tuesday (12/5) Day B 
    • Holiday Shop
  • Wednesday (12/6) Day C 
    • Holiday Shop
  • Thursday (12/7) Day D 
    • Holiday Shop
    • Monty Tech VIPs
  • Friday (12/8) Day A 
    • Holiday Shop


It's Almost Time!

😎Can you believe it's almost the first day of school? Man, this summer has flown by.  I sure hope that you have found the time to relax...