January 2019

Posted January 8, 2019

Principal's Message
Happy New Year! We are hitting the ground running in 2019 with our continued commitment to providing students with unique and meaningful enrichment experiences that focus on respecting differences. Thanks to the Robin Hood PTO and the Stoneham Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Community we are excited to bring Mr. Sam Drazin to Robin Hood next Tuesday (1/8). Mr. Drazin will also be visiting South School and Colonial Park next week. As an extension of his work with students, ALL PARENTS are invited to hear Mr. Drazin speak on Tuesday evening (1/8) at Colonial Park School, 6:30-7:30pm

Mr. Drazin is an educator born with Treacher Collins Syndrome—a rare congenital disorder resulting in both facial anomalies and hearing loss. Sam underwent seven surgeries as a child while attending the local public school. He shares his story and facilitates meaningful conversations around what it means to be different. Students may already be somewhat familiar with August Pullman from the movieWonder...who was also afflicted with Treacher Collins Syndrome. At Robin Hood, our teachers have incorporated the books Wonder (Gr4) and We're All Wonders (K-3) by RJ Palacio into their instruction. These stories have sparked conversations and helped students build background knowledge in preparation for Mr. Drazin's visit.

Please take the time next week to ask your students about Mr. Drazin's visit. Hopefully, we will even see you at the parent event on Tuesday night (Colonial Park School, 6:30pm)

Respectfully,
Maura Donoghue

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

January 7 - PTO Meeting 7:00pm *** NEW DATE
January 7 - School Council Meeting, 6:00pm *** NEW DATE
January 8 - School Wide Enrichment Program - Sam Drazin
January 8 - Sam Drazin's Parent Presentation 6:30-7:30om at Colonial Park...for parents from ALL schools
January 18 - Early Release, 12:15 dismissal
January 21 - MLK Jr. Day, No School
January 24 - Kindergarten Enrichment, "Eyes on Owls"
January 25 - Grade 2 Field trip to Stoneham Theatre
January 25 - PTO Sponsored BINGO night
January 29 - Used Book Sale/Swap
February 15 - Kindergarten Registration, 1-3pm @ Stoneham High School
February 18-22 - February Vacation, No School
February 26 - Used Book Sale
March 7 - Kindergarten Registration, 5-6:30pm @ Central Middle School

Morning Traffic

Morning drop off requires drivers to pack their patience and cooperation, even during the most pleasant weather conditions. Winter drop off only amplifies that. PLEASE help us all by adhering to the following Drop Off rules:

1) DRIVERS MUST REMAIN IN THEIR VEHICLES
2) Cutting through the parking lot to get into the traffic circle is prohibited. Please don't try to "beat the system" by trying to sneak into the front of the Drop Off line. This just creates more problems and believe us, everyone else is in a hurry too!
3) For safety reasons, please do not pull around stopped cars to get a spot in the circle
4) In the circle, pull up as far as you can
5) Feel free to smile, wave or laugh at the poor cold and/or wet staff members doing their best to move things along safely and quickly :) It keeps things entertaining!
6) If your child requires extra time and/or assistance, please park in the parking lot and walk over to the entrance at their leisure.

Indoors vs Outdoors?

As we prepare for the cold weather ahead, it may be helpful to know how we decide if recess and morning line-ups will occur indoors or outdoors. In accordance with the “Child Care and Weather Watch” guidelines from the US Department of Health and Human Services, students are kept indoors if the air temperature drops below 30*, we also take wind chill and level of precipitation into consideration. Every effort is made to make the best possible decisions throughout the day. We consult the Weather Channeland the Weather Bug App regularly for the most up to date weather information.
Our goal is to get students outside as often as possible, even if it is just for a few minutes. A change of scenery and fresh air makes an incredible difference in our school day. Please be sure that your child comes prepared to go outside on a daily basis.

When To Keep Your Child
Home From School Due To Illness

Fever- if your child has had a fever, they need to be fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications. A fever is a temperature of 100 degrees or more.

Vomiting/diarrhea- if your child has vomiting and or diarrhea he/she should be kept home until symptoms have resolved for approx. 12 hours and the child is able to hold down both food and liquid.

Red Eyes- When the white part of the eye appears red and produces a yellow or green crusty discharge he/she may have conjunctivitis. If conjunctivitis is diagnosed then your child may return to school after 24 hours of medication.

Sore throat- A sore throat in conjunction with a fever and swollen glands may indicate strep throat. Call your doctor and have your child evaluated. Children are no longer contagious after 24 hours on the antibiotic and may return to school.

Please visit the nurse, Ann Marie Thistle, in the office or call 781-279-3863 if you have any questions or concerns.

Academic Highlights

Kindergarten:
Reading assessments have been completed, and our students are excited to read from their personal book bags containing appropriate leveled books. In math, students will be working on Topic 6 which focuses on addition. We are also counting to 100 by 1s and 10s daily and appreciate your continued practice writing numbers 1-20 at home. On January 24, our students will enjoy an owl presentation entitled "Eyes on Owls." We can't wait!
Grade 1:
In January, students will be introduced to "The Magic e" and long vowel sounds. In math, students will explore missing addends and will continue to work on addition and subtraction fact families. Readers' Workshop is focusing on non-fiction and the features that help us better understand the text. In Writers' Workshop, grade 1 students kicked off the "How to" unit by helping their teacher describe the necessary steps for brushing her teeth! They are excited to write their own "How to" stories this month.
Grade 2:
Grade 2 students have fully incorporated Lexia into their reading program, and students are successfully progressing at their own level to support reading development. In addition, Ms. Cutone's class is continuing to progress through the Lucy Calkins pilot program with an exploration of non-fiction, while Ms. Lazar and Mrs. Buback are fully engaged in a character study unit with their students. All grade 2 students are working on double digit addition and the multiple strategies available to solve these problems.
Grade 3:
In grade 3, we are getting ready to "Start Our Engines!" Students are kicking off a response to reading unit to support and prepare them for the upcoming English/Language Arts MCAS test to be administered in April. Because the MCAS test is taken on the chromebook, we are developing the skill of composing responses on the chromebook as well as building writing stamina. In math, we are beginning an exploration of area of rectangles and irregular shapes.
Grade 4:
In science, grade 4 students are exploring weathering and erosion and the rock cycle. We are reading non-fiction texts during Readers' Workshop and continue to identify main idea and the important details to fully understand the content. This month, we are starting long division, and students are learning the process as well as how to interpret the remainders.

Reading Specialist Website

The Elementary Reading Specialists from Robin Hood, South and Colonial Park have collaborated to create a website for parents. Click on the link below to check it out.
http:// https://sites.google.com/stonehamschools.org/stoneham-reading-teachers/home

Lexia Core 5

The Robin Hood School is piloting Lexia Learning's Core 5 Reading program...a web-based program that supports teachers in providing differentiated literacy instruction for students of all abilities in grades pre-K–5.
Lexia can be used at school and at home. Letters were distributed at Parent/Teacher Conferences with log in instruction. Please note... it is EXTREMELY important that your child works independently while using Core5. All of the work your child does at home is recorded and reported to school. The program is designed to provide scaffolded support and help the teacher create targeted instruction at school.

You can learn more about Lexia and Core 5 by clicking on this link:
https://www.lexialearning.com/products/core5

If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Donoghue at (781)279-3870

The Stoneham Public School's Elementary Student Handbook has been updated. You can access the handbook on the Stoneham Public School's website (www.stonehamschools.org.). Look Under District / General Information...or click on the link below:
http://www.stonehamschools.org/pages/Stoneham_Public_Schools/District_New/District/School_Handbooks

News From The Nurses Office

Mrs. Thistle is conducting the annual BMI Screening Program for students in Grades 1 and 4 this month. Please be on the lookout for a letter from Mrs. Thistle explaining what the screening entails and how to opt out if you choose.

Reminder ... Don't forget your sneakers on PE days.

Before School Supervision

As a friendly reminder, supervision of students begins at 8:15am, Students should not be left unattended prior to that time. For families needing early morning childcare, please consider checking out the Stoneham Public School's Before School Program. Information is available in the Main Office or on the Stoneham Public Schools website at www.stonehamschools.org

Used Book Sale / Swap Dates

The Robin Hood PTO sponsors several Used Book Sales/Swaps throughout the school year. On Book Sale/Swap days, students can bring in one or two gently used books from home to swap for up to two "new to you" books of their choice. Even if they don't have a book they want to swap, students can buy up to two "new to you" books for $0.25 each. It is a great way to encourage a love of books and keep your bookshelf replenished. This year's Used Book Sale / Swap dates are:
January 29
February 26
May 28

January Lunch Menu

Please click on the link below for the January Lunch Menu:
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/debc4c1b10e529782339c6563/files/05a07137-e814-4e34-85bc-a690a2e7c143/January_Lunch.pdf

Session I of the BOKS program concluded in December. We would like to thank our parent volunteers: Corey Mashburn, Matthew McCormick, John Punch and Paul Condon for taking time out of their mornings to help students get moving and have fun! We would also like to thank Meghan Mahoney for serving as both a parent volunteer and BOKS Coordinator. We look forward to launching another session of BOKS soon. Stay tuned for details.

Financial Literacy Workshop

Stoneham Public Schools is hosting a unique workshop series open to any/all Stoneham residents. It is a personal finance series. This workshop series is offered through the National Campaign for Financial Literacy and there is no cost to take the course. There is a $6.00 fee for the course workbook and associated text, "Saving Your Future." The $6.00 fee is payable at the first class.

This 6 part workshop series (click here for details and registration) will run from January 9th through February 13th (6 consecutive Wednesdays), from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. and is open to all members of the public.

Participation is limited to 30 seats. The registration deadline is January 8th, 2019. For questions about this workshop series, please contact instructor Andrea Polcaro: apolcaro76@gmail.com

It's that time of year! Kindergarten Registration is fast approaching. Registration Forms will be available by mid January on the Stoneham Public School's website (www.stonehamschools.org) .

Upon completion, Registration Forms and all accompanying documents should be submitted directly to the Superintendent of Schools Office. We will also hold two Kindergarten Registration sessions for parents who prefer to register in person. Staff from the Superintendent's Office and each elementary school will be on hand during these sessions to help complete the documents and answer any registration questions you have.

Session 1 will be held on Friday, February 15th from 1:00 - 3:00pm, in the Stoneham High School Cafeteria.
Session 2 will be held on Thursday, March 7th from 5:00-6:30pm in the Central Middle School Cafeteria

Robin Hood Kindergarten Orientation and transition events will begin in late April. Information will be mailed to all registered families on or about March 25th.

Cold and Flu Season

Ever wonder how we tackle the spread of germs at Robin Hood? Here is our multi-pronged approach:
The use of hand sanitizer and soap are encouraged daily (and available throughout the school)
Hand Washing lessons occur annually and are reinforced throughout the year
Wipes and cleaning supplies are available in all classrooms and used regularly
When the teachers observe students coughing and/or displaying other signs of sickness the above measures are reinforced and the custodians conduct an additional deep cleaning / sanitation of the affected areas on a daily basis until symptoms subside
When a pattern of 3 or more diagnosed cases of common illnesses are reported in the same classroom, a letter is sent home to families of the students in that class and the custodians deep clean / sanitize the affected areas 3 times a day (before school, during the school day and again after school) until symptoms subside.
Finally, we monitor the spread of illnesses closely and take additional steps involving the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Health in the event of an epidemic.
What can you do at home? Please follow the recommendations of "When to Keep Your Child Home Due To Illness". Also, if you suspect your child is stricken with a communicable illness (flu, strep throat, stomach virus,etc) please consult your pediatrician and communicate any diagnosis's with us.

Robin Hood Elementary School wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the Stoneham Business and Community Educational Foundation (SBCEF) for their help in funding the "Be the Nice Kid" schoolwide enrichment in October. The PTO recently received notice that our application for a grant to help pay for this program was approved by SBCEF. We thank them very much for their support and generosity.

Robin Hood at the Red Sox

This year's Robin Hood at the Red Sox night is Tuesday, April 30th. Please join us for this great family event. Ticket information can be found by clicking on the link below:
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/debc4c1b10e529782339c6563/files/71cdcd43-2d66-4ddb-beb3-3a016a4cc6cf/Red_Sox.pdf

Our annual PTO sponsored Family Bingo Night will be held on Friday, January 25th 6:30-8:00pm in the Robin Hood Gymnasium. Click on the link below for more information:
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/debc4c1b10e529782339c6563/files/15c3dd4a-5059-4129-a9c9-d2fb63d338f6/Bingo_NIght.pdf

MLK Jr. Celebration

Please click on the link below to learn more about the Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of inclusion at the Boys and Girls Club of Stoneham
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/debc4c1b10e529782339c6563/files/41ff6c1e-8cfc-40aa-8d95-65de33afed13/MLK_Celebration.01.pdf

News from the Robin Hood

BINGO Night
Our annual BINGO Night is Friday, January 25th. Please click on the link below for details. https://gallery.mailchimp.com/debc4c1b10e529782339c6563/files/15c3dd4a-5059-4129-a9c9-d2fb63d338f6/Bingo_NIght.pdf

If you are interested in volunteering, please use the link below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0b48afac2fa5f85-bingo2

Robin Hood Family Night at Fenway
On Tuesday, April 30th (7:10 PM) join your Robin Hood friends for a night out at Fenway Park! The Boston Red Sox will be playing the Oakland Athletics. Tickets are $25 each (this includes a $2 donation to the PTO). Orders must be received by January 28th, as that is last date to hold tickets with the Red Sox. Please click on the link below to access the ticket order form.
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/debc4c1b10e529782339c6563/files/71cdcd43-2d66-4ddb-beb3-3a016a4cc6cf/Red_Sox.pdf

Used Book Sale/ Swap
Our next Used Book Sale will take place on January 29th. Students may purchase one book for $0.25 or may bring in one gently used, age appropriate book to swap. This is a great way to encourage our students to read!
Age appropriate (Kindergarten- 4th grade) books are needed! Donations can be dropped off in the “Used Book Box” in the lobby and are greatly appreciated.

PTO Meeting
Due to a scheduling conflict, the date of our next PTO meeting has been changed. The meeting will be held on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 7:00 in the library. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Dr. Seuss Night - Save the Date!
Dr. Seuss Night is on Friday, March 1st. Celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with games, crafts, and birthday cake! Committees are forming to plan the event. If you are interested in helping, please contact robinhoodpto@gmail.com.

Read-a-thon
To celebrate “Read Across America Day” and promote a love of reading, Robin Hood holds an annual Read-a-thon. This year, our Read-a-thon will take place March 4th- 21st. Currently, we are looking for a Chairperson and volunteers. If you are interested in helping, please contact robinhoodpto@gmail.com.

Enrichment Update
Stoneham Public Schools, working with Stoneham Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Community, are excited to announce Sam Drazin will visit Robin Hood on Tuesday, January 8th. He will present to the students during the school day, and later that evening, from 6:30-7:30pm, there will be a parent/guardian presentation from 6:30-7:30pm, held at Colonial Park School.

For 18 years, the Wilson wildlife expert/teacher naturalist team has been presenting the Eyes on Owls program (with live owls!) to Robin Hood kindergarten students. We are excited to have this fascinating program in school again on January 24th.

The second grade will go on a field trip to the North Shore Music Theatre on January 25th.

PTO Volunteers
The Robin Hood PTO is a way for you to support your child’s education. Your participation will help organize classroom and school wide enrichment programs, as well as some family events. Many of our core volunteers will be moving on to the Middle School at the end of this year. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, please email: RobinHoodPTO@gmail.com

Our mailing address is:
70 Oak Street, Stoneham, MA 02180

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