Weekly Update

Note from the Principal

As we enter into our 10th day of school and our first full week in session, I am so pleased to see students settling into their school day. From arrival and dismissal routines to classroom expectations, our students are doing a wonderful job demonstrating what it means to be a Tiger!

As a new member of the Swallow Union family, it took no time at all to recognize the amazing talent of our educators. Swallow Union has a tremendously dedicated and caring group of educators who are willing and able to support our students and one another.

During Open House, I had the pleasure of meeting so many of our parents - it is one of my favorite events of the school year. A new start, children excited to show their parents what their day is like - their classroom, classmates, and what they are working on. This is truly a special evening for parents to meet their child(rens) teachers, reconnect with teachers from previous years and connect with other parents. We had a wonderful turnout - a testament to the strength of our community and families in partnership with teachers and their school. I am truly excited for all that is ahead this school year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Jarvis

District Core Value Work

As a district, we are working to update and make our Core Values more relevant in the work we engage in as faculty, with our students and within our school communities. The District Core Values are ABCD=E which stands for Acceptance, Belonging, Community, Diversity means equitable outcomes for all students.

From the District Core values, each school has worked to carry these into their own school community at age appropriate levels. Swallow Union's Core Values are Perseverance, Acceptance, Wise Choices and Safety (P.A.W.S.) and this is where our focus has begun with teaching learning and behavioral expectations in different parts of their school day. SU's Core Value work previously began a few years ago with using the acronym TIGER (Try out best, Include others, Give a helping hand, Encourage each other, Respect people and property and stay safe) and later evolved into PAWS. Where we are headed this year is to narrow down our focus on what defines each value, strengthen our understanding, and improve our application of our values through modeling, teaching and acknowledging our students when they are exemplified. More to come, stay tuned!

Recess Expectations for Safe and Fair Play

In Physical Education Classes the past two weeks, Mrs. Pelletier, PE Teacher and K-12 PE/Health Coordinator, has been teaching our students what the rules and expectations are for safe play during recess. From how to use the equipment and play structures safely, what the play boundaries are outside, teaching the rules of GaGa ball so everyone has fun and students are working on how to verbally resolve a conflict during play. I have no doubt that all of students will be utilizing what they have learned out on the playground as a result.

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First Six Weeks of School - Hopes and Dreams

As part of Responsive Classroom, the first weeks of school helps students get excited about learning and make a personal connection to what they will learn in school. Inviting our students to name learning goals (hopes and dreams) right away shows them that school is a safe place, that they’re important members of the classroom, and that they can look forward to an engaging, challenging, and fun year of learning. Establishing this classroom tone is one of the most important things we do at the beginning of the year.


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Kindergarten Hopes and Dreams

Mrs. Vargeletis' students have thought about their hopes and dreams this school year and through their illustrations are able to show what they are. To name a few: "To learn everything", "Learn how to count to 1,000", "Learn to read a book" and "To make friends in Kindergarten".

Second Grade Hopes and Dreams

Mrs. Rozzi's students illustrate their hopes and dreams with pictures and writing. Whether it is becoming a better reader or making new friends, these second graders are ready for this year!

Third Grade Hopes and Dreams

The hopes and dreams of Mrs. Desmond's students are displayed outside her classroom. To become a zookeeper, a Pixar artist, and video game artist to name a few!

🗓 Important Dates

  • September 16th - 1/2 day Early Release - dismissal at 12:15 pm
  • September 23rd - 1/2 day Early Release - dismissal at 12:15 pm
  • September 30th - Back to School Picnic hosted by our PTO 4:30 to 7:30 pm @ SU Playground

💡 Reminders

Swallow Union School Council- Seeking Members

As we embark on a new school year, I am seeking to build a new School Council comprised of at least 1 parent and 1 teacher to act as an advisory to the Principal in assisting with the identification of the educational needs of our students at Swallow Union and formulating the goals within the School Improvement Plan. Please let me know if you would be interested in joining - our goal will be to meet at least 5 times throughout this school year.

Resources for our Families

SEPAC Website

This week I had the pleasure of meeting with Kristyn MacInnis, Co-Chair of SEPAC to connect on the upcoming events they provide to our families. The mission of SEPAC is to support families in the community who wish to learn more about special education programs, issues, policies, regulations and resources. Please take a moment to explore their website - it provides a wealth of resources and information not only about their organization but also upcoming events.

Groton-Dunstable SEPAC Website

Their next event is on Monday, September 19th- Overcoming Hurdles to Inclusion with Lisa Drennan, 7-9pm - see their website for more information!

K-8 Mathematics Website for Families

Did you know that GDRSD's very own Karen Gartland, K-8 Mathematics Supervisor, has developed a website full of math resources for our families to access? From math videos, Eureka curriculum by grade, resources and practice sites, she has you covered! Here is a message from Mrs. Gartland and we hope you check this amazing site out to support your child(rens) mathematical minds!

Dear Parents,

We hope that you will find this website to be helpful to you in guiding you and your child through his/her mathematics journey for students in grades K-8. If you have any questions regarding the information on this website, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Karen G. Gartland, M.Ed.

K-8 Mathematics Supervisor

kgartland@gdrsd.org

@KarenGGartland (Twitter)

K-8 Mathematics Website for Families