Shutesbury

PUBLICATION INFORMATION – Please submit any submissions for the Community section to:  [email protected] by Wednesdays at 1:00.  Online attachments must be compressed (less than 500KB) and in PDF format.  Hard copies (28) must be submitted by Wednesdays at 1:00.  Call x100 with any questions.

DATES TO REMEMBER     

June 17, 2016

Dear Moose Community,

We have arrived at our final Friday of the school year. As I write, I am smiling as I remember last night's Sixth Grade graduation. What a special, meaningful and hilarious night that was! The sixth graders shared some words about their journey at SES, there was a student rap reflection, a funny parent presentation, some class superlatives and many shared pictures. Students received special certificates of accomplishment for completing elementary school. THANK you to all the teachers and parents that helped to support graduation and make it happen. A GIANT thank you goes to Ms. Hermans and Renee for the hours of work and preparation with the students.

All students in grades Pre-K-5 participated in "Step-Up Day" this past Wednesday. Students spent some time in their next year's classroom meeting the teacher and listening to what they can expect in the coming year. Some students participated in a small activity. Feedback from students around this experience has been great. Many students are very excited to start in a new classroom and learn with another fantastic teacher.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our school survey. The School Council is happy to announce the winner of Gail's pizza raffle......Melissa Campbell! Congratulations Melissa (and Maysah!) and enjoy the delicious pizza! School Council members have already begun to discuss and analyze the information we have received from the survey. It will help shape our School Improvement Plan and will be shared with staff and School Committee as well.

Our student-run drama club will hold its performance of "The Kids of Broadway: A Musical Revue" on Monday, June 20th at 2:00pm. This is a completely student led and directed club and performance. Fourth Graders Arin Andrews and Shae Thomas-Paquin have spent months practicing and working with students in grades 1-4. We are excited to see the culmination of their teamwork and leadership.

Our end of the year assembly will take place on the last day of school, June 21 at 10:30 am. Feel free to join us for some end of the year presentations and a final round of Go Noodle!

The first day of school for the 2016-2017 school year is Wednesday, August 31st! That's 74 days away!

I have been doing lot of thinking and reflecting after the events in Orlando this past week. I came across this quote from Malala Yousafzai that states; "I truly believe that the only way we can create global peace is through not only educating our minds, but our hearts and souls". As I told 6th grade students and families last night, that quote has really resonated with me. It has made me think about the way we "do school" in Shutesbury. As we head into our summer break, please know how very grateful I am for this entire school community who truly values each child for their individuality. We strive to educate the whole child, and provide education and opportunities to enrich and support the growth of our children as students, as friends, as citizens and humans. I find much peace in knowing that we are helping to shape a more peaceful world as we educate and support these children to have the foundation to make a true difference.

In peace and with gratitude,

Jackie

***MOOSE INTERVIEW OF THE WEEK***

David from 6^th Grade!

JCB:  What is your favorite thing about our school?

DS:  The lunches. 

JCB:  What is your favorite lunch?

DS:  I like the cheeseburgers!

JCB:  What would you like to be when you grow up?

DS:  A chef.

JCB:  What do you like to do in your spare time?

DS:  I like archery.

JCB:  What are you looking forward to about going to the middle school?

DS:  I’m looking forward to meeting new people, being in a different school, having a different building.

JCB:  Is there something you’re excited about about graduation?

DS:  I’m just excited about graduating!