Dear BRS Community,
Welcome to June! This is always a busy and fun time of month! There is a lot of end of year events planned for the coming days and we are so excited to celebrate the learning and joy of the end of another school year! Please know that all guests are expected to check in with the North Office and receive a visitors badge. This will require your license. I ask for your patience as there are many end of year events that are well attended by our parents. Thank you for continuing to support our safety efforts at Beecher!
End of Year Events
Beecher has already been a busy place, filled with family and friends visiting to view end of year presentations and celebrations! In order to not disrupt the classroom environment, we are refraining from calling siblings out of classrooms in order to attend end of year events in other grade levels. Doing this is not only an interruption to the classrooms but also difficult for the North Office staff to manage when they are also welcoming a large number of visitors into the building.
Note from the Nurse: End of year notifications and reminders
As we near the end of the school year and special events are occurring throughout the building, we ask that you be mindful when bringing food in for celebrations. Please continue to follow the food restrictions in place for your child's classroom.
If your child has any medication in the Nurses' Office, state law requires that a parent/guardian or a designated adult pick up this medication before or on the last day of school. Medication not picked up by the last day of school, or being used for a summer program, will be destroyed. If your child is going to participate in the Enrichment Program or the Recreation Program, the medication can remain in school. Please contact the nursing staff to make sure your child's medication and order covers the summer months.
It is necessary to file a new Prescribers Authorization (medication order) form and/ or Action Plan and bring in any medications (even over the counter medication) needed at the beginning of each school year. These orders can be obtained through your doctor's office or through the health section of the BRS website. Thank you.
Have a safe and fun summer,
The nursing staff
Technology Department News
As we near the end of the school year, the Technology Department would like to share some resources that will remain available to your students throughout the summer. Educational programs Lexia, Typing Agent, and Kodable will remain active throughout the summer for student use. Students of all grade levels can also access our school Starfall account for a collection of developmentally appropriate language arts and math activities. If you do not know your students login information - please contact us at parenttechsupport@woodbridgeps.org BEFORE the last day of school, as the north office will not be able to provide individual login information over the summer.
Additionally, we have two resources that we recommended to families for those rainy days! Common Sense Media offers reviews and recommendations for movies, apps, TV, books and more! It is a highly trusted resource and can be a helpful tool in choosing appropriate materials for your student. Code.org is a free platform that allows students to practice their coding skills in a fun and interactive way.
Stay internet safe this summer BRS!
Smart Watches
Recently we have seen an uptick in students using Smart watches to text throughout the school day. Students have also been using other features on the watch that are not permitted. Smart watches are intended to be used only as a watch during the school day. They must not be used for texting or any other purpose. If a student is found using a watch for any other purpose besides time telling then the watch could be taken away and held by the staff member present.
School Kidz Kit: Student Supplies
This year, we will not be offering the School Kidz Kits for purchase ahead of the new school year. We hope to bring this back to our community in the future. All supply lists for the next school year are posted on our district website.
From the Book Nook
Clearing Student Accounts
Our patrons received a slip this week (purple) with all items that were checked out to their account. Any item not being used for classwork should be returned promptly. There are only 8 more days to clear student accounts before summer! If the book is lost or damaged, you can remit payment to the BRS Library in the form of cash or check. Our patrons are welcome any morning from 8:30-9am to drop off their books/payment or receive help regarding their account. All graduating sixth-graders are required to clear their accounts prior to graduation. We look forward to assisting you if you have any concerns or questions. Email the librarians: lcrocco@woodbridgeps.org and kmccollom@woodbridgeps.org
Summer READING Challenge
In their report cards, students will be receiving a list of fellow student, BRS teacher, and librarian recommended books. These are only recommendations and we ask that all readers find the best match for their learning level and family values. Additionally, we are providing a list of Nutmeg nominees for students who wish to participate in voting for the Connecticut Children's Book winner during the upcoming school year. Lastly, all students will receive a Peace Reading Challenge to complete over the summer. All readers are encouraged to participate and return their peace sign in September!
Green Team Tip
Summer challenge: throw a Green party!
A European study found that plastic waste increases by 40% in the summer. This summer, try to plan a plastic-less barbecue or pool party. Choose paper plates and cups rather than plastic. Instead of plasticware, use washable silverware. Instead of bottled waters, try serving washable cups with a pitcher of water. You can always borrow extra party stuff from your local Buy Nothing facebook group. Have a bin for compostable foods. If you don't have a compost bin, just bury your food scraps in your garden or yard. You can always get inspiration on Pinterest! It's a great teaching moment for everyone and you can inspire others to their own GREEN parties.
Happy summer!
