New Year!

A new year and the first real snowfall is in the forecast! Apparently, we can expect anywhere between an inch and a foot so who knows what will greet us on Monday. Please remember that we try to get the kids outside every chance we get. Once snow is on the ground, the DPW does a great job of plowing the playground. However, if kids want to play in the snow, we do require snow pants, boots, gloves, etc.. Without these things, students will be limited to the plowed hardtop so they don't spend their afternoons wet and cold. 

I am sad to share with you that Lady, the therapy dog that visits on Thursdays and Fridays, passed away over the break. She passed quickly of natural causes, but it was unexpected. Lady lived a long life and brought tremendous joy to students and staff alike. I am sure you will all join me in offering Beth Foley, our school psychologist, and Lady's handler, condolences for her loss. We all miss Lady tremendously already. Many of the middle schoolers have already begun creating condolence cards. The elementary schoolers have varying levels of knowledge and understanding. If they are talking about Lady though, here is a resource from the Humane Society when talking to children about the loss of a pet. 

Periodically, the folks up at Central Office send out communications and I like to reiterate them here. Recently, Maria Letasz (Director of Student Services) shared out a virtual parent/guardian workshop, "Narcotics: The Drugs, Health Risks, Educational Needs and Emergent Care." I thought it was a good resource for middle school parents especially. You can register and find more information through this link. She also shared the updated website which I thought was a fantastic resource for all parents. 

Electronic Folder

The Week Ahead: 

• Monday (1/8) Day A
• Tuesday (1/9) Day B
• Basketball Game (Mountview)
• National Law Enforcement Day 
• Wednesday (1/10) Day C
• Thursday (1/11) Day D
• TPS Winter Concert at WRHS (6:30)
• Friday (1/12) Day A 
• Basketball Game (At Home vs. Paxton) 

 

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. 

Electronic Folder 

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

 

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

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) 
• Lights in Common at 6:30
• 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

Sneaking into Thanksgiving week!

It was a joyous day at TPS today! We kicked off the day with our TPS Thanksgiving parade. Led by Cruiser, the parade meandered through the halls. 8th grade followed behind Cruiser and passed out notes of gratitude. 3rd grade was right behind them with Balloons over Broadway. And finally, the 6th grade came through with capstone projects around their learning so far this year. The route was lined with students sharing signs of gratitude and parents with big smiles. 

Several other grades completed parade float STEAM projects. Notably, 2nd graders coded robots to run a short route without bumping into things. Also, 5th grade had an opportunity to participate in the Third Annual Balloons Over Broadway experience! Students had the chance to create a parade balloon, write a descriptive writing piece from the point of view of said balloon, and lastly, participate in a cooperative learning STEAM activity. Students were tasked with trying to keep their balloon afloat using various items to weigh it down. Teamwork, communication, and creativity helped students find success! 

After this morning's parade, grades 5-8 participated in the first TPS Turkey Trot, racing through the Meadow trail in pursuit of the elusive 8th-grade turkey (seen here up a tree)! 

A note from Mrs. Finkler: "Last chance, it's not too late. The order deadline is quickly approaching. Act now to support your school and celebrate your child's creativity. Order Here: Online: www.SquarelArt.com/Shop Need to find your child's art online? Use our art search. Together, we can help support the school and create lasting keepsake memories of your child's art to enjoy for years!"

Save the date: The PTA Holiday Shop will run from December 5th through the 8th. Students will have an opportunity (or two!) to shop during their school day. We will have small gift items under $10 available for the students to purchase. 

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I feel like Thanksgiving came really quickly this year! Please remember that we do not have school Wednesday through Friday next week. I hope you all find time to celebrate the week with family and friends. With only two days next week, I will be sure to cover the following week in the "Look Ahead" 

The district office has asked me to let all of you know....we are hiring subs! Public education is severely lacking in this area these days and WRSD is no different. This flyer explains what they are looking for and I am always happy to talk to anyone about the possibility. Especially if you'll agree to sub at TPS! 

A note from the Library: 

"The TPS Library is hoping that our overdue library books will come home!  If your child has overdue books, you have some options to return the book, or if it is very lost, pay the replacement cost or buy us a new copy.  As an alternative, your child can also bring in a non-perishable food item that we will donate to a local food pantry.  Please help us to keep our collection healthy and ready to share with more readers!

If you would also like to purchase a new book for the library from our Amazon Wish List, you can do so here.  We are always adding new titles (and looking for suggestions for new titles!) so check back often!"

Our Lego League team is preparing for their tournament in December and we are all very excited about it! We are also starting to prepare for our Explore program which begins in January. This program is for students in 1st through 5th grades. Learn more about the program through this flyer or the short video below. It is a really exciting and engaging program. 

Chocksett Middle School is inviting any girls interested in playing basketball season to join them by signing up here. 

Electronic Folder

New: Lego Explore, Lights in Common

The Weeks Ahead: 

• Monday (11/20) Day D 
• Tuesday (11/21) Day A 
• TPS Thanksgiving Parade
• Wednesday through Friday: No School - Thanksgiving Break
• Monday (11/27) Day B
• Boys Basketball starts
• Tuesday (11/28) Day C
• Wednesday (11/29) Day D
• Thursday (11/30) Day A
• Monty Tech VIP
• PTA Meeting
• Friday (12/1) Day B

And way ahead: 

•  Week of 12/4 - The PTA Holiday Shop

Long Weekend!

After the ALICE drill, I had some conversations around student safety. This drill, specifically dealt with physical safety, but we are equally concerned about social emotional and all aspects of student safety. I wanted to share some of what we do here. Every year, we ask students to identify a safe adult in the building that they can talk to. Every year, we train staff on being mandated reporters. If we ever suspect a student is unsafe, we are required by law to contact DCF. If we suspect or get reports of bullying, we initiate an investigation and implement a safety plan while investigating. You can learn more about this process on our website. If there is ever a concern about sexual harassment, we follow the Title IX requirements. More information about this can be found here. And please know, if a student ever reports not feeling safe, we take their concerns seriously and work with them. Last year, we incorporated Restorative practices in many situations to support students. Safety is always a top priority at TPS!  

A note from Mrs. Finkler: 

"Hello Family,

Coming home to you soon will be your child's custom catalog for the Square 1 Art fundraiser. Get a head start, and start ordering keepsakes and gifts featuring your child's art online NOW, if you like!

Simply search for your child's art using Art Search, and enter the state, school name, and your student's name. Your student's art and code will appear, and you may order!

Order by:  11/28/2023

Upload additional art if you like, using Art Upload!

If you have questions or need anything at all, contact customer care online .

Thank you for supporting our school!"

Today at lunch, we were lucky to be joined by Sargent Jo Falco. Sgt. Falco served in the army during the Vietnam War and spent lunch talking to our students about Veteran's Day. I have to say, that our students were appropriately respectful and engaged in his talk. Thank you to the PTA for arranging this. And thank you to Sgt. Falco and all of our Veteran's for their service. This weekend and every day, we honor them. 

Electronic Folder

The Week Ahead: 

• Monday (11/13) Day C
• PTA Mini Grants close
• School Council
• Tuesday (11/14) Day D
• MS Basketball sign ups close
• Wednesday (11/15) Day A
• Thursday (11/16) Day B
• SEPAC
• Friday (11/17) Day C

Happy Friday!

This morning we completed our first ALICE (violent intruder) drill of the school year. The safety of this building and everyone in it is a primary concern. We must do these to allow students and staff to develop muscle memory and practice making important decisions in the moment. Everyone did an amazing job! Rooms that evacuated did so quickly and quietly. Rooms that went into lockdown did an amazing job as well. We are so appreciative of the Princeton Police and Fire Departments and their support. The students and staff did a great job in the drill. I continue to schedule these with the hope that we never need to use them for real.    

Middle School Families: We have enough interest that it seems we will be able to have a boys' basketball team once again. Sign-ups are online and will remain up until midnight on Tuesday, 11/14. The team will practice daily from 3:00-5:00 with tryouts/practices beginning when we return from Thanksgiving (11/27). Payment is not required until the team is made. Any girls interested in playing basketball this year can sign up to join Chocksett in Sterling here once it is posted. Last year, we had a few girls join the team there and they won the district championship! 

"We still need volunteers in the TPS Library! Our slots with the greatest need are any day of the week between 10:30 and 12:40, and we can often accommodate parents who want (or don't want) to help out in their child's class. Contact Jessie (jessie.trowbridge@gmail.com) to learn more about getting started!"

Last call for PTA Poinsettias! 

REMINDER: Veteran's Day Photo Collage, deadline extended

With Veteran's Day coming up soon, we would like to celebrate all of the veteran service members that have connections to the TPS community. If you have a photo that you would like included in the photo collage, we are extending the deadline to MONDAY!

We are changing the format this year and WILL return copies (only if you specify), or you can email a digital copy to us and we will print it for you! Email tpsprincetonpta@gmail.com. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to show your Veteran’s Day pride at TPS!

School Dismissal Manager Reminders! 

• Please remember that we have a 1:00 cutoff for changes to dismissal. 
• If your child has been in Cross Country, remember to cancel the exception. 

Electronic Folder 

November Letter Day Calendar, Toys for Tots, 911 updates

The week ahead: 

• Sunday (11/5) 
• End of Daylight Savings Time
• Monday (11/6) Day C
• Tuesday (11/7) Day D
• Election Day
• Wednesday (11/8) Day A
• 8th grade Band Trip
• Thursday (11/9) Day B
• Friday (11/10) 
• No School - Veteran's Day Observance