Templeton Elementary School
October Newsletter
Click here for full color version: Newsletter
Important Dates:
2024-2025 School Calendar
Click HERE
Connect With Us:
Marci Rasmussen - Principal
Caissie Putnam - Assistant Principal
A Word From Mrs. Rasmussen-Principal and Mrs. Putnam- Assistant Principal
Hello TES Families,
Cool crisp mornings have arrived and it is starting to really feel like fall! We can’t believe it is already October, it’s amazing how time flies when you’re having fun! Ensuring that students are supported both academically and emotionally continues to be a priority each and every day.
Academics:
All students (K-4) have taken a developmentally appropriate version of the STAR Renaissance Math and Reading Assessment. STAR Assessments are grade level standards and skill tests. We use these tests to assess students' mastery of specific concepts periodically throughout the year. It is a formative assessment intended to identify a student's skill gaps. This assessment is computer-based and is completed by students independently on a Chromebook or iPad. Students in grades K-3 are also given the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) to assess the acquisition of a set of literacy skills, such as phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. More specific information on how your child performed will be sent home in the next few weeks.
Social/Emotional:
Beginning on September 30th, you should receive an email from “Edumetris” to complete a survey for each of your children that are students in the District. Your input is critical to knowing how your child is managing their emotions both in and out of school. We ask that you please complete the survey for each of your children by October 11h. The teachers will also be completing the survey for each child. This data will be used to determine if there are any students in need of additional support. If your child is identified as needing more support, a member of the counseling team will contact you directly, prior to any support being put in place.
We continue to be extremely grateful for your partnership in learning!
PTO meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings once per month. The next meeting is October 8th at 5:00 in the cafeteria at TES. Here is the zoom link if you can’t attend in person.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nrsd.zoom.us/j/81423145503?pwd=NDtVJnmN4GSCh68AfV1gTThjbRvI40.1
Meeting ID: 814 2314 5503
Passcode: 733382
Setting Students Up For Success
Setting good routines and preparation the night before most definitely sets students up for success each and every morning! Getting students to school on time each and every day is essential to their success in school! All students in grades K-4 that have missed 5 or more unexcused absences will be receiving a letter this week. This is mandatory in the state of Massachusetts.
TES Weekly High Five
Each week we send out an email with 5 important announcements, reminders, etc. We do this in an effort to keep families informed but not overwhelmed. The High Five is sent out to families every Friday via email. It can also be found on our SCHOOL WEBSITE and TES FACEBOOK PAGE.
Lunch Information
CLICK HERE for our October Lunch Menu
Breakfast and lunch continue to be free of charge for ALL students
Keep practicing ID numbers
Tuesday | Wed | Thursday | Friday | |
1 Full Day | 2 Full Day | 3 Full Day | 4 Half Day | |
7 No School | 8 Full Day | 9 Full Day | 10 Full Day | 11 Full Day |
14 No School | 15 Full Day | 16 Full Day | 17 Full Day | 18 Full Day |
21 Full Day | 22 Full Day | 23 Full Day | 24 Full Day | 25 Full Day |
28 Full Day | 29 Full Day | 30 Full Day | 31 Full Day |
Occupational Therapy News!
Winter is coming! That means coats need zipping and buttoning. Here is why it is important that children practice zipping and buttoning their coats:
It works on bimanual skills- one hand stabilizes while the other maneuvers. This requires precision of motor skills.
Works on perceptual motor and visual attention to a task
Improves fine motor skills (the small muscles working with the brain and nervous system to control movements in the hands and fingers
Improves kinesthetic and body awareness and improves coordination
These skills are important for laying the foundation skills to do everyday activities such as tying shoes, using utensils, using scissors, holding writing tools correctly, typing and more.
Young children should practice every day. Although it is faster if an adult does it, it is important for children to practice buttoning and zipping regularly in order to develop their fine motor skills.
Children should start practicing these skills in preschool, and should be able to independently start zippers and buttons at age 5 (providing they have been practicing).
Why Reading at Home is Important:
Boosts Literacy Skills: Reading regularly helps children develop key literacy skills like vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. It builds a strong foundation for learning and academic success.
Improves Language and Communication: When children read or are read to, they’re exposed to new words and ways of expressing themselves. This helps them improve their language and communication skills.
Increases Knowledge and Curiosity: Reading expands a child’s understanding of the world. It introduces them to new topics, cultures, and ideas, fostering curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
Strengthens Focus and Concentration: Engaging with books helps children improve their focus and concentration. Over time, this skill can benefit them in all areas of their life, including school and extracurricular activities.
Supports Emotional Development: Stories can help children explore emotions, develop empathy, and learn how to cope with different situations. Books often offer characters and scenarios that children can relate to, helping them navigate their own feelings.
Builds a Strong Parent-Child Bond: Reading together is a wonderful way for parents and children to bond. It creates opportunities for discussion and quality time, which supports emotional security and trust.
Promotes a Positive Attitude Toward Learning:
When children are encouraged to read at home, they develop a love for learning and reading for pleasure. This positive attitude often translates into better performance in school.
Pumpkin Patch is COMING!!
All students will be walking to the Common for our annual pumpkin picking on Tuesday, October 8th with a rain date of October 9th! Children will need a large, sturdy bag to carry their pumpkin home in. Permission slips will be coming home in early October!
Huge thank you to The Lions Club for sponsoring this event for our students!
Counselor’s Corner
Kayla Torres ktorres@nrsd.org
Rachael Desjardins-Smith rdesjardinssmith@nrsd.org
Setting Behavioral Expectations at Home
Establishing clear behavioral expectations at home is essential for a child's development and success both in and outside of school. Children thrive when they know what is expected of them, and having consistent guidelines can help create a positive home environment. Here are some simple tips for setting effective behavioral expectations:
Be Clear and Specific
Children respond best to clear instructions. Instead of saying, “Be good,” try setting specific expectations like “Please clean up your toys after playing” or “Use kind words when talking to others.”Create a Routine
Consistent daily routines provide structure. When kids know when to do homework, eat meals, and go to bed, it’s easier for them to meet your expectations. Visual schedules or checklists can be helpful, especially for younger children.Model the Behavior You Expect
Children learn by watching adults. Demonstrating behaviors such as patience, kindness, and responsibility teaches your child how to act. If you expect them to speak respectfully, make sure you’re modeling respectful communication as well.Involve Your Child in Setting Rules
Giving children a say in the rules helps them understand the importance of their behavior. Discuss expectations together and explain why certain rules exist. When they feel heard, they are more likely to follow through.Use Positive Reinforcement
When your child meets expectations, acknowledge their effort. Positive reinforcement, such as praise or a small reward, can encourage good behavior. It’s also important to address challenges calmly and with clear communication.
Setting behavioral expectations at home helps children feel secure and confident, knowing they are capable of meeting the expectations set for them. By being consistent, patient, and positive, parents can build a foundation for success in school and beyond.
October 2024
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!
Your Templeton Elementary School team of nurses is looking forward to the year ahead and working with your children and families. You may reach us by phone and/or email on school days from the hours of 8:20-3:15. Our phone number is 978-939-1210; emails are listed below.
Important things to remember:
Flu Season is here
Please review the flu informational sheet attached HERE. Hand Washing is so important! Please help teach your children how to wash their hands and cough into their elbows. Talk to your child’s physician about getting an annual flu shot.
Classroom Parties
Please also follow our school's food guidelines for parties and celebrations.
National Dental Hygiene Month
October is dental hygiene month! Please help your children to brush and floss their teeth twice daily. Students should also be receiving dental cleanings every 6 months.
Free Dental Cleanings are offered twice a year here at school. If you have not yet signed your child up for this free program and are interested in participating, please request a form to fill out and send back to school.
Trick-or-Treating Safety
Kids should be with a trusted adult, use glow sticks or flashlights, should not wear masks, should not eat anything without it being checked by an adult, wear light-colored clothing/costumes, and make sure their costumes are the appropriate length.
Mandated Health Screenings
Nursing will complete state-mandated health screenings for students in October as follows:
Preschool- vision, lice checks
Kindergarten- vision, hearing, lice Checks
First Grade- vision, hearing, BMI, lice Checks
Second Grade - vision, hearing, lice checks
Third Grade - vision, hearing, lice checks
Fourth Grade - vision, BMI, lice checks
Insect Repellent
When going outdoors, especially between dawn and dusk (when mosquito activity is at its highest), be sure to wear insect repellent. It is best to wear long pants and long sleeves. TES staff members CANNOT apply bug spray onto your child. For outdoor field trips, please apply insect repellent before school.
Katherine May, RN, BSN, NCSN (PK-1) Meghan LaFreniere, RN, BSN (2-4)
kmay@nrsd.org mlafreniere2@nrsd.org
Templeton Center Elementary School:
Food Guidelines
We have students in our school with severe food allergies that are potentially life-threatening. In order to ensure the safety of all students and staff, we have established some guidelines for foods that are sent in from home for classroom snacks and celebrations.
ONLY NON-FOOD items, such as pencils, stickers, small trinkets will be allowed for birthday celebrations in the classrooms. This will give ALL students the opportunity to equally participate in the celebration. Please do not send any food items into school for celebrations.
Absolutely NO peanut/nut products are allowed in the classroom areas. Please read labels carefully before sending food into school. (this includes Nutella and similar products)
Individual classrooms may have additional food products that are not allowed depending on the health issues of students in that class.
Students may eat foods containing peanut/nut products in the lunch room ONLY. There are peanut-aware tables in the lunchroom that students with peanut/nut allergies may eat at with peers whose lunches do not contain peanut/nut products.
Students are not allowed to “share” any food/snacks in school, either in the classroom or at lunch. If your child has food allergies it is important to talk to him/her about not sharing any foods in school!!
Students are not allowed to eat food on the bus.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in helping us provide our students with a healthy and safe environment. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at 978-939-1210.
Templeton Elementary School
The students, staff, and families of the Narragansett Regional School District elementary schools will work together as a learning community to provide a safe, positive learning environment that promotes academic, emotional, social, and physical growth so that all members will be responsible and respectful citizens.
