November 19, 2014
Dear Members of the
J. Turner Hood School Community,
As the weather is
now getting colder and there is less sunlight, I am pleased to look around and
see all of our programs in full swing. Students are enjoying their
academic programs and our enrichment programs. It is great to be part of such
an active school community.
During this season of giving and thankfulness, I
would like to send a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers at the J. Turner
Hood. From our wonderful Parent’s Association members to Library Volunteers,
Guest Readers, and so many other parents who have contributed – We are truly
grateful for all you have given. Also a special thank you to all our teachers,
administrative
and support staff at the J. Turner Hood for your
continued caring and nurturing of our children.
Last month, speed painter Rob Surette wowed our students
with his "Amazing Hero Art" show. Thanks to our Parent’s Association for
organizing and funding the event. Mr. Surette created all the paintings you see
here - each six feet tall - during his 60-minute show. We had previously had
one of his works on display in our library and thanks to the Parent’s Association
we will now have another that will be hung soon.
Pictures available on our school website-
Recess- The winter season is upon
us. I would like to remind you to send
your children to school dressed appropriately for outside recess. Coats, hats
and gloves are very important. We will always go outside for recess unless it
is dangerously cold. If recess is canceled, please understand that it was
canceled due to rain, snow or health recommendations only. It is our belief
that students need physical activity and fresh air and therefore we send the children outside for recess in the
winter. Previously, J. Turner Hood School students were allowed to bring
in snow pants and boots to play in the
snow. This is a practice that we are discontinuing at this time. All children
will play on the hot top during recess if snow is covering our
playground and fields.
Live Line-Dismissal/Pick-Up-The dismissal time from J. Turner Hood
Elementary school is a very busy time of day.
Busses are arriving to bring children home or bringing them to after
school child care programs. Parents or
child care providers are driving up to the neighborhoods near the school or
walking up to pick up their children and older children are walking home
alone. If you participate in the Placard
Pick-up System to pick up your children in front of J. Turner Hood by car
please be reminded that you are required to “queue up” in a single line down
the driveway, through our parking lot and up to the Handicapped parking spot at
the end of our “loop.” At all times, there must be space for two-way traffic on
Haverhill Street and in the school driveway to allow for vehicles leaving and
to provide emergency vehicle access. You (the parent/guardian) or someone you
give permission to pick up your child must have the placard with the student’s
last name in view on the right-hand side of the windshield as you pull up. A
suggested practice is to have the placard affixed to your passenger side visor
and flip it down while you “que up.”
Children who are being picked up via the placard pick-up system will
remain in the Cafeteria while family names are called. As you pull up with the placard in view, your
child(ren) will be called out using a walkie talkie system from staff out on
the sidewalk to staff in the cafeteria, and placed in your vehicle.
Twitter-
Social media and Twitter in particular, is fast becoming an important tool in
the world of education. Teachers are using it to connect with other
professionals around the world to enhance their learning and break down the
walls of their classrooms. Administrators are using it to enhance their
leadership skills and connect with parents and other members of the school
community. Stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at the Hood School! Follow
the Hood School on Twitter @jthoodelemen.
The
Annual North Reading Turkey Trot is scheduled to go off at 8:00 A.M. sharp on
Thanksgiving Day. The elementary school
challenge is on again this year and the Little School is looking to retain the
title! We have recruited many staff members to join our families! I am
encouraging all of our families to be part of this community event. It is our
goal to unseat the defending elementary school challenge champions and bring
the coveted trophy to our lobby! The elementary school in North Reading that
has the highest percentage of student participation will earn the trophy to
display in their school for the year and the $200.00 prize to be used toward
the purchase of fitness equipment in their school. This event is sponsored by
the NRHS Hornets Hall of Fame; proceeds benefit the student athletes of North
Reading. Come out to work up an appetite. Please contact Joe Davis at
jdavis@north-reading.k12.ma.us if you have any questions. See you Thanksgiving
morning!
Successful
Hood School Students- There are a few things you can do at home to help your
child be a successful student here at school. It is beneficial to set up
routines for your morning prior to leaving the house. Setting up routines can
help you and your child be more relaxed. Eating a good breakfast helps your
child to be energized and ready for the day ahead. After school ask your child
about his/her school day. It lets your child know you care. Talking about
school with your child helps keep you connected. If your child isn’t sharing
what he/she does at school try asking a specific question or two. Be sure to
read all papers that come home or sent via e-mail. Help your child be prepared
by studying a little each day. It is the best way to learn and own new
material. Having a set homework time and place makes homework a little less
stressful. Read everyday. Try reading both to and with your child each day.
Lastly, having a set bedtime and nightly routine helps your child get the rest
he/she needs. Providing your child with relaxation, energy, communication,
preparation and rest create the potion for success! Communication between home
and school is so important for our children. Please share anything important
that is going on at home with your child’s classroom teacher. We can’t be
successful without one another.
Please
be reminded that students may not be dropped off prior to 8:20 AM, as there is
no morning supervision.
