Dear Families,
Congratulations to Nan Johnson for being awarded the Northern New England Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Mainstream teacher grant for her service to our ELL students. “Nancy Johnson is dedicated to better understanding the ELLs in her classroom and making them feel welcome and confident in the school. She regularly seeks out translations of school songs, or greetings, and teaches them to the whole class, raising the status of ELs in her room, and celebrating the diversity they bring. As a co-teacher, she goes out of her way to make time for planning with the ELL teacher, and shares relevant grade level data with the ELL teacher on a regular basis. She works hard to differentiate and scaffold learning for the ELLs in their classroom, while maintaining high standards for the cognitive demand of tasks, encouraging academic and language development.”
I also want to congratulate Catherine Lavigne for being recognized as a UVM Outstanding Teacher this past week. “Catherine Lavigne, MS, CCC-SLP, joined Winooski School District in 2012. She is past president of the Vermont Speech-Language & Hearing Association and is a graduate of Trinity College of Vermont and the University of Vermont. Not only is Catherine an excellent mentor to her colleagues in the Winooski School District, she is also looked to for her expertise in the assessment of dual language learners across the state and beyond. Her solid understanding of first and second language acquisition and language disability, make her a coveted resource to many professionals. Catherine is the “go-to” when one needs to understand if the challenge a learner has is language or disability.”
All of our students are so lucky to have Nan and Catherine as part of our amazing staff.
This year, WSD is partnering with the Winooski Memorial Library and the Winooski Family Center for the 3rd Annual Clothing Drive and Giveaway Event. Starting today, October 1, through Monday, November 5, the partners will begin accepting clean, gently used clothing to be given away to Winooski children and families later in November. Donations should be dropped off at the Winooski Memorial Library (32 Malletts Bay Ave.), during Library hours: Tues.-Fri. 10am-6:30pm, Sat. 10am-2pm, Sun. & Mon. Closed.
Specifically, we are looking for school-appropriate clothing and winter gear for ages infant to 18 years old–including winter boots, jackets, hats, mittens and snow pants. Please do not donate accessories, evening wear, lingerie or costumes. We also are not accepting toys, books or household items. We will accept undergarments and socks if they are new and still in original packaging.
Next Wednesday, October 10, 2018, the Winooski School District will celebrate fit and healthy students with a walk-to-school activity for all ages. The Walk To School will start at 7:35 am from the Rite Aid at 321 Main Street. Teachers and school staff will be in the parking lot of the Rite Aid on Main Street at 7:30 am on Wednesday, October 10, to guide your children) in the walk to school. If you typically drop your child off at school, please drop your child off in the Rite Aid parking lot at 7:30 am to join the walk to school. We encourage older students who attend Winooski Middle High School, family members, and community members to walk with us on the way to school.
Reading aloud with your student teaches them the joy of books, and gives them the skills to be successful readers. Reading together helps students build listening skills, vocabulary, and imagination. As you know, JFK received the CLiF grant for this school year. Part of that grant is that our families agree to read with their student at home at least twice a week! There is a Read to Me contract attached to this letter. Please sign it and return it to your student’s teacher before October 15th.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Sara Raabe
JFK Principal
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Upcoming Important Date
Friday, October 5th: VT Foodbank Veggie Van Go
Wednesday, October 10th: International Walk to School Day
Wednesday, October 17th: Early Dismissal at 12:15 Early Release Activities for students who have signed up (No Thrive),
PTO Meeting at 5:30pm
Friday, October 19th: No School
Friday, October 26th: Picture Retake Day
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Read To Me!
Reading aloud with your child teaches them the joy of books and gives them the skills to be successful readers. Reading together helps children build listening skills, vocabulary, and imagination. If your child already reads on his/her own, try sitting down for family reading time in which everyone reads their own books. Reading is a wonderful way to spend time with your child and can be done anytime, anywhere. So, grab a book and get started!
If at least 80% of parents and students agree to read together at least twice a week, CLiF will provide the school with a fun family night, complete with an author visit and ice cream (or treat of school’s choice)!
When reading with your child:
- Don’t worry if you are not a strong reader. Use your own words. Tell the story from pictures or have your child tell the story.
- Let your child help choose the book you will read together.
- For older children, read a chapter a night together before bed.
- Some days you may just feel too tired to read. Try listening to an audiobook together and talk about the story.
- Reading is fun! And, it is never too early or too late to start reading with your child!
Please sign the below contract and send it back in to the school by October 15.
We have read the Read to Me! Contract together and will do our best to share stories at least twice a week throughout the year.
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Child’s Signature Parent/Guardian’s Signature