Woodbridge School District Principal's Message
Dear BRS Community, We recently celebrated World Heart Day and World Smile Day at Beecher. Students were encouraged to make a heart and give a heart to make someone's heart happy. They were also encouraged to do something to make someone smile; a friendly wave, holding the door, saying hello- simple things that make a difference. I saw so many students embracing these days! Waves and smiles filled the hallway and my office door is currently decorated with so many hearts that students made for me. Believing that a simple act of kindness makes a big difference is something that we try to live by and model every day at Beecher Road School!
Notes from the Nurse The annual vision and hearing screening will begin next week for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. Please remind your students to bring their eyeglasses for this state required screening. To decline this screening for your student, send an email to nurses@woodbridgeps.org
Halloween Hoot... Drive Thru edition! BRS PTO invites you all to join us for our Second "Drive Thru" Halloween Hoot on Saturday, Oct 30th (Rain date Oct 31, 2021) from 5:30-7:30 pm in the school parking lots. Enter through the north entrance and enjoy driving through the spooktacular display of Jack-O-lanterns & spooky art projects created by BRS students. Continue your drive towards the south gate and enjoy the Halloween themed displays sponsored by teachers, families, town departments and local businesses. Besides the drive thru, be on the lookout for our online silent auction at 32auctions.com/halloweenhoot2021, that will run from Oct 24-30. Help us keep the kindle of BRS long-time tradition aflame by participating, volunteering, donating and most importantly... Have a spooktacular good time together. Event is free for all with a suggested donation of $20 per car. Visit halloweenhoot.org for details and send your questions at hootcoordinator@gmail.com
Community Read aloud In order to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, all students were provided with a recorded reading of Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Pena. From the Amazon description: "With lyrical, stirring text and stunning, evocative artwork, Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson have crafted a moving ode to family, to dreamers, and to finding hope in the most unexpected places."
Spotlight on: the Art Department! Mrs. Acheson and Ms. Gomes!
Ms. Gomes: Teaching art is my second career. After receiving my BFA from The New School, at Parsons, I started my career in Fashion. I was a designer for formalwear and in later years a technical designer. After specializing in Knitwear, I decided to open a yarn shop in the valley and start a family in CT. Shortly after opening I was blessed with twin boys, Austin and Leonardo, and the adoption of my daughter Melinda. I wanted to spend more time with my children, and decided to sell the business to head back to school for a career change. What can be better than teaching art? I have never regretted trading in the Fashion industry for teaching art! I have always been very passionate about art, and I soon realized how much I enjoyed being a teacher. The combo was a dream for me, it is such a privilege to teach growing minds who are so eager to learn and make art! This is my 12th year teaching art, but my first year teaching elementary school, and in short my philosophy is - It's very important that my students feel safe and comfortable in the art room, that they can freely express themselves and enjoy the process of making art! In short of how I feel about teaching art, a quote from one of my favorite artists, Vincent Van Gogh sums it up, " I am seeking, I am striving, I am in with all my heart".
Ms. Acheson "Teach Art from Art" has always been my passion. Work in the studio is an open-ended affair with conclusions to design conundrums as widely diverse as the fertile imaginations that create them. The uniqueness of each child is respected and each is encouraged to delight in the power of the imagery each creates and to be fearless at the edge of heights while engaged in intuitive flights. The whole enterprise is about the journey. The process not the final product… but I must say the product astounds the viewer! ArtFests (ten of them) , Artsweek (15 of them) , Murals, Open Studio, Sparkle Day, Shades of Red Day, Dot Day and the renown "20 Turkeys Falling Off a Cliff Challenge" are creations that have brought us together. The profusion of young artists who have taught me to laugh, listen and create are an important part of who I am. David, my husband is a sculptor, Sarah and Morgan, my daughters are fabulous teachers of art; Max and Jack are my dear Grandsons; and Hazel, sweet and precious Hazel , our Granddaughter, is three! Maggie, our soft coated Wheaton follows a long list of dogs, kitties, ducks, and the occasional raven that have been our beloved companions. Chocolate covered espresso beans, brownies, Privateer's House Pizza, fried angel food cake with honey drizzled over the top; gummy bears, Swedish fish and dark chocolate caramels find themselves at celebrations and in the car with me on my hour- long commute listening to The Beatles. Quicklinks
Dates to Remember: 10/11 - No School: Indigenous People's Day 10/12 - Early Dismissal: Parent Teacher Conferences 10/14 - Early Dismissal: Parent Teacher Conferences 10/18 - Board of Education Meeting, 7 pm 10/29 - Spirit Day! 10/30 - Halloween Hoot! 5:30-7:30 pm 11/1 - PTO Thanksgiving Food Drive begins! 11/2 - No School: Teacher Workshop Day Our Mission Beecher Road School is a caring, creative community that models and inspires the joy of life-long learning, embraces diversity, and celebrates the unique qualities of each person.
Woodbridge School District, Beecher Road School
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