Dear Peirce Families,
It was wonderful to see so many of you at Curriculum Night last Tuesday. The faculty, PTO Presidents, and I were grateful for the opportunity to share information about our vision, curriculum, instruction, school culture, and community events with all of you, and we look forward to partnering with you to make this a successful school year for every child. Major community events during the next month include the Book Fair on October 24th and 25th and the Mystery Dinner on November 3rd. The next formal opportunity for dialogue with teachers is at the end of this month when Parent-Teacher Conferences begin on October 22nd. Please expect a Conference Sign-up notice from your child’s teacher in the coming days.
At our Early Release day on Thursday, the Peirce professional team engaged in our first discussion of the book Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond. Two of our major learning objectives for the year are to develop a learning community that is characterized by instructional practices that are culturally responsive and brain-compatible and to understand the interface between social-emotional, academic, and cultural competence to create a culturally responsive school community. We are interested in learning more about which instructional practices and strategies are most effective in helping all of our students develop a strong sense of school connectedness and build the academic skills necessary for a rigorous and rewarding education. We will continue this work on each of our Early Release days this year.
Absences: If your child will be absent from school for any reason, please call the Student Absence Line at 617-559-9650 before 8:00. Also, please be sure that teachers have accurate information about dismissal routines for your child.
Flu Clinic: The Peirce Elementary School clinic will be on October 5, 2018. Each student to be vaccinated must have a parent/guardian complete two forms which are due October 3, 2018.
1 Consent/Screening form
2 Vaccine administration record/Insurance form.
Forms may be downloaded at www.newtonma.gov/flu. You may electronically complete the form, print, sign and return. Forms are due to the School Nurse by October 3, 2018.
2018 Flu Student Packet – English.pdf
Only the flu shot (no nasal spray) will be offered at school this year. The Vaccine Information Statement about the flu shot, and additional information for families, including tips on preparing kids for a shot, is available at www.newtonma.gov/flu or in the school nurse’s office. There is no cost to receive the vaccine, but insurance information is requested. All students, regardless of insurance status, are invited to receive the vaccine with parent permission.
Students are not required to receive flu vaccine. However the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccine for all people ages 6 months and up. There are many places to get a flu vaccine including at school, your primary health care provider or community clinics. For additional clinic dates for the whole family, visit www.newtonma.gov/flu.
Social Action: The Birthday Wishes Drive will be kicking off on October 8th. More details will be out next week!
Peirce Book Fair: Mark your calendar for the Book Fair on Wednesday October 24 & Thursday October 25. More information in the coming weeks!
Mystery Dinner: Please put Saturday, November 3, on your calendar! We hope you can join us for this annual, community-building event that is always a fun adult night out. Cocktails begin at 6PM — more information and ticket sales to follow. We have started recruiting for dinner hosts. Please let us know if you are interested in opening your home for a dinner for 8 – 12 or have any questions by contacting Tara Fitzgerald ([email protected]), Erica Chamberlain ([email protected]) or Renata Butterfield ([email protected]).
Winter Concert Date: Please mark your calendars for the Fifth Grade Band/Strings/Chorus Winter Concert. The concert will be held on January 29th (snow date: February 6th). There will be 10:00 a.m. (for students and staff only) and 7:00 p.m. (for families) performances.
Spring Concert Dates: Please mark your calendars for the Fourth and Fifth Grade Band/Strings/Chorus Spring Concerts. The Fourth Grade concert will be held on May 22nd. The Fifth Grade concert will be held on May 29th. There will be 10:00 a.m. (for students and staff only) and 7:00 p.m. (for families) performances.
With best wishes,
Mark Chitty