J. R. Briggs Elementary School

Briggs At Large Newsletter

The Voice of John R. Briggs Elementary School


September 9, 2005 Volume 24, Number 1

 

WELCOME TO THE 2005-2006 SCHOOL YEAR

 

SEPTEMBER DATES:

   7 & 8 Kindergarten classes begin

   8      School Council Meeting, 6:15 pm

   15    PTO Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

   16    PTO–BJ’s Kick-Off, 5 – 7 pm

   21   Open House, 5 – 7 p.m.

   22   Band Rental Night, 5:30 p.m.

OCTOBER DATES

   6   Early Release–Prof. Devel. – 12:00


Student Handbook and Calendar

  Last year’s format was very popular, so we are continuing to offer our Student Handbook in a calendar format.  Please be sure to review the Student Handbook portion, as it includes updated policies and procedures for our school.  You will note that we have distributed one JRB Handbook per family, if you did not receive on, please notify the school office.  (Kindergarten will receive their copy within the next few weeks.) 

Student Registration Form

  The AWRSD has updated the student registration form throughout all schools.  All parents are asked to complete the Student Registration Form that was sent home this week.


OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

This is an informal opportunity for you to visit your child’s classroom and meet their teacher.  Please note…it is not a time to converse about your child’s progress or specific concerns.  Contact your child’s teacher to meet or talk at a mutually convenient time.


Questions and Answers

 

What time and where do I drop my child off for school?

Parents are asked not to drop off their child prior to 8:20 a.m. (unless utilizing Extended Day Program).  Please use the second driveway for access to the school.  (DO NOT drive past a parked bus with it’s lights flashing.)  The upper wing playground has been designated as a parking area for parents before and after school.  A sidewalk is available for students that leads directly into the school.  Please do not stop in the area entering the playground, as that will cause traffic to block the bus ramp.

 

Where do I find Lost and Found?

Every year we collect a LARGE number of lost items.  Without names on coats, bags, lunchboxes, etc., we can not return it to the correct student.  PLEASE label as many items as you can.  We hold lost items in the cafeteria/custodial area for a few months before donating them to a local charity. 

 

What is appropriate footwear for school?

Sandals, clogs, and platform shoes are lovely, but they are not appropriate for school use.  We encourage all students to wear sneakers everyday.  Sneakers are the safest footwear for recess.  If your child does not have appropriate footwear on physical education days, they may not be able to participate in the class activity.  We will not be lending sneakers, except for extreme emergencies.

 

How should I pay for my child’s lunch?

Prepay! Prepay! Prepay!  All students purchasing a lunch from the cafeteria are highly encouraged to pre-pay.  The pre-payment program eliminates the need to send your child with daily money for a hot lunch.  You may call the cafeteria at any time to receive an update on your child’s financial status regarding lunch.  (Please note – prepay does not apply to a la carte items, i.e. milk, cookie)

            $2.00 full meal

            $0.40 reduced lunch

 

If you have other questions please submit your question to the school office.


Dr. Ross Greene

Author of the highly acclaimed book:

The Explosive Child

September 22, 2005

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Fitchburg High Auditorium

$25.00 for parents (per family)

Contact:  Spencer Riley, 978-345-3287


Secure Building

 

The Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District is implementing a “secure building” plan this year.  Each school building will be secured during school hours.  (Ours is being installed soon.) To enter the building during the school hours, ALL must enter through the front lobby door.  A camera and buzzer system will be activated to unlock the door for you.  The front door will be unlocked at the start and end of the school day.  After 3:45 p.m. all visitors must enter our building through the Extended Day entrance (to the right of the bus ramp facing the school).


Meet Mrs. Weiss

Hi there!

My name is Joy Weiss and I'm the new third grade co-teacher.  I've been so excited for this school year because it is the first time that I get to teach in just one grade.  Third grade is a fantastic year and I am really looking forward to both the writing and science, my favorites.  When I'm not teaching I can be found traveling all over the state.  I love rock climbing and kayaking with my friends, taking pictures, and discovering new nature trails.  At home, I spend my free time scrapbooking or curling up with a good book in the sun with my cats, Tasha and TC. 


Request from Mrs. Lawrence our school nurse:

 

Mrs. Lawrence is looking for clothing donations; socks, underwear (only new sizes 4-12 however the popular sizes are 6 & 8), pants, and t-shirts.  Any and all donations gratefully accepted.


From the Cafeteria…

  *Student lunch - $2.00

  *Student milk - $ .40

  *Cookies - $ .50/each

Just a few reminders…

  • If a child does not have lunch money for that day, they will not be allowed to purchase a cookie.  Also, students may not charge for a cookie.
  • Extra portions are available - $ .75 for an entrée. $ .85 for cereal, $ .50 for fries/hash browns.  Parents are encouraged to send extra money with their child, if they think their child well eat an extra portion.  If you do not wish for your child to have extras, please notify Mrs. Hubbard (cafeteria manager).  Extra portions are the same price for all students (regardless of reduced lunch status), we are not subsidized for extra portions.  Extra portions will not be deducted from prepay accounts.
  • The cafeteria encourages parent to prepay for student lunches; money it easily lost.  You may prepay weekly, biweekly, monthly, or for any amount of lunches.  Money not used will be carried forward to the next month.

Please, feel free to contact the school cafeteria with any questions, 978-827-5750.


Band Rental Information

Instrument demonstrations:

Monday, Sept. 12, 2005

1:30 p.m.

Parents Rental Evening: 

Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005

Art Room, 5:30 p.m.


Last updated 09/10/05 by Tiffany Davis

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