Dear BRS Community,
On Monday many of our community members will be celebrating Diwali. Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important holidays celebrated in India. Recently, a student came to speak to me about ways we can celebrate and honor Diwali here at Beecher. It was a powerful conversation that stayed with me and reminded me how lucky I am to work in such a vibrant community filled with amazing children. If you are interested in learning more about Diwali, National Geographic for Kids has some interesting information here.
Power School Parent Portal
One way that we utilize Power School is to communicate with all families. Demographic information; including phone numbers and emergency contacts, are located in Power School. Thus, updating your parent portal is critical so that we can contact you in the event of an emergency. Please utilize this link in order to complete the process.
Vacation
Board of Education policy states: "Time lost from class because of absences, tardiness and early dismissals disrupts the continuity of the instructional process and is a lost opportunity for all children of valuable instructional time." If you choose to take your child out of school for family vacations or other events, please note that a policy also states: "Advance assignments will not be given to children who will be absent for vacations or trips made during the time when school is in session." Work will be provided to students upon their return.
Morning Drop Off
Doors are locked down south by 8:30 am. If you are dropping your child off after that time, please bring your child up North. They will have to sign in at the North Office.
Extended Day offerings for November
MathCounts:
Grade 6 only.
Students will be coached by Yale undergraduates seeking to help younger students stay engaged with math by providing enrichment programs. A team of Yale students will teach weekly lessons focusing on competition-style math problems and concepts. The group can also participate in competitions such as MathCounts (hence our name!), and our coaches work with students to prepare for those contests as well.
This program is offered through Extended Day on Tuesday afternoons.
Math Olympiad:
Grade 4 and 5 only
Math Olympiad is a deep dive into problem solving for students in grades 4 & 5. Advance math skills are not required, just a desire to find creative ways to solve unusual problems. Only paper, pencil, and brains are used. Calculators and computers are not allowed or needed. If desired, students can join a team to compete with other schools around the country.
This program is offered through Extended Day on Tuesday afternoons.
From the Library Book Nook
Next Author Visit
The Library is hosting Julie Faltko and Ruth Chan, the author and illustrator duo behind Rick the Rock of Room 214, a fun picture book on October 25th. The creative team will be visiting with Grades K-2, MAG 1 & 2, and some Grade 3 virtually. Books are on sale through RJ Julia to pay for the author visit. Your support is appreciated. Forms were sent home or can be printed here.
Books are still available from our last Grade 5 & 6 author visit with James Riley. He is the Connecticut born author of Story Thieves and his new series Once Upon Another Time, which he came to share with our students. Purchase of the newest in the series helps us pay for his author visit. If you are interested in any of his books, please order by printing an order form and submitting it to the library through October 28th.
These signed books make great gifts for holidays and birthdays as well! Students in ANY grade can purchase the books! Books or donations can also be made to the school library. Families who chose to donate a book will have a book plate to commemorate their donation placed in the book. Any questions can be directed to Mrs. Mc in the library (kmccollom@woodbridgeps.org) or your homeroom teacher.
As always, we appreciate your support!
Keynote Speaker for Parents
The Amity Regional School District, in partnership with Bethany, Orange, and Woodbridge School Systems, is inviting you to attend a virtual keynote speaker, Dr. Alicia Farrell on November 3rd at 6:30pm.
The Pressure to be Perfect and Its Unintended Consequences
Alicia Farrell, Ph.D.
We are raising our children in complicated times where performance is valued over character. In such a competitive world, parents, educators and leaders are unwittingly passing on to their children pressure to be perfect. In turn, our children are feeling inadequate, anxious, overwhelmed, stressed, scared and tired. This talk is designed to address how we arrived at this place and what we can do about it. sure well adjusted children with grit and resilience.
To register for the webinar, please click here. You will receive a confirmation email with the link to join the webinar after registering.
Woodbridge Youth Services
Call 203-389-3429 or email npfund@woodbridgect.org or youthone@woodbridgect.org for information or to sign up for programs. Like us on Facebook: Woodbridge, CT Youth Services
Home Alone Class Rescheduled
This two-day class for ages 9-12 will be held Thursdays, Nov. 3 & 10 from 4:00-5:15 pm in the Woodbridge Town Library Meeting Room. Students learn about answering the door and phone, emergencies, calling 911, and healthy snacks. House rules and internet safety topics are discussed. Each child receives an information packet to share with parents. Snacks and water are provided. Advance payment of $15 payable to Woodbridge Youth Services and permission form will reserve your spot. Call to sign up early as space is limited. Sibling discount applies.
Community Sharing
Woodbridge Human Services collects food for families in need. Please be generous when local scouts collect in your neighborhood on October 29th. Their efforts and your donations will benefit Woodbridge families in need. Look for their flier and bag on your mailbox soon.
Mental Health First Aid Trainings Available
BRIDGES of Milford is providing Mental Health First Aid Trainings for Youth and Adults. See attached flyer. To register see website: https://bit.ly/trainings-MHFA