updated:
10/21/2008
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October 2008 News & Events
Our year has gotten off to a great start with many new
initiatives and programs for our students. The implementation of the
IDEAL (Grades K-3) and LEADS (Gr. 4-5) models of instruction are
underway with co-teachers available in every classroom at least 3 times
per week to reduce teacher/student ratios and provide greater
opportunities for leveled and individualized instruction.
Tools such as the Diagnostic Reading Assessment (DRA2) have given
teachers the ability to identify needs and select appropriate reading
materials that will challenge all students and help each to progress at
his/her own pace. The fact that students remain in the classroom rather
than moving to other classrooms for Gifted & Talented, Academic
Support, or Special Education services keeps everyone involved and
participating in the classroom lessons with appropriate levels of
support. Some Homework Helpers are enclosed with this newsletter.
We are also enjoying our 6 new preschool classes as they move
through the Creative Curriculum, gaining academic and social
skills through active guided exploration and play. They will be
celebrating their first Fall Harvest Festival this week. Our Special
Education students in self-contained classrooms are looking forward to a
variety of learning experiences in the community through field trips and
classroom visits. Teachers participated in a productive day of
professional development opportunities on October 20th to
help them keep abreast of best practices.
School
Violence Awareness & Prevention Week
is
October 20-24. Different
activities are planned at every grade level to underscore our constant
efforts to educate students about this problem and eliminate
unacceptable behavior by demonstrating respect for others and for school
property. Many thanks to Guidance Counselor Kathy Roberts and DARE
Officer McDonald as well as the classroom teachers for their focus on
this issue through a variety of projects and lessons. We appreciate the PTA Assembly program “The Missing
Piece” which will be held on Friday.
Halloween
is Friday, October 31st.
Our annual parade will begin at 1:30 pm, weather permitting.
More information is forthcoming, but as you plan costumes for
your children, please bear in mind that they must be safe to walk in (no
high-heels or full face masks) and must not depict gore or violence. Due
to a number of students with severe food allergies, please avoid sending
in treats that contain nuts.
October
Safety This
month is designated as Fire Prevention Month and Lead
Poisoning Awareness Month. We
practice fire drills at school twice a month so that students will know
where to go and not panic in case of a true emergency.
Our local Fire Department recommends regular family fire drills
so that children will know several ways to exit and where to meet
outside. While you’re
checking your smoke detector batteries, try a home fire drill.
An informational flyer about lead poisoning can be found on the
reverse of this newsletter. Of course, Halloween safety is paramount as
daylight grows shorter and children move through the neighborhoods. A
few reminders about checking candy and “stranger danger” are
appropriate at this time of year.
November
Closings A
reminder that schools will be closed November 4th (Election
Day), 6th & 7th (Teacher Convention), and 11th
(Veteran’s Day).
Linda S. Chadwick
New Monmouth School, Linda
S. Chadwick, Principal
121 New Monmouth Road, Middletown, NJ 07748 Phone:
732-671-5317
Fax: 732-671-3540
Email:
NMSWebmaster