January Connection

  Happy New Year!

January is a time to reaffirm our classroom and school wide routines and expectations. These are aligned to our school’s code of conduct: “Be Respectful and Kind, Be Responsible, Be Safe”

Beginning the week of Jan 17, Grades 3-6 and Kindergarten will be taking the NWEA assessments in Reading and Math. Grades 4 & 5 will take the NWEA on 1/15 & 17, and Grades 3 & 6 on 1/21 & 22. Kindergarten will be a the end of the month. These assessments help us to determine areas of strength and growth for individual students as well as grade levels. It also gives us a consistent source of data to follow throughout the students’ time in elementary school.

Our ESOL students will be taking WIDA Access Assessments in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening during the weeks of 1/27 and 2/3. Please make every effort to have your child attend school regularly during this time.

Our PTO is excited to host a Snow "Ball" dance on Jan. 24 from 6-8 pm with a DJ! Please plan to come!

Best of luck and health during the New Year, Mrs. Teresa M. Beaudoin, Principal

Farrington Spotlight on PBIS

The trait of the month  for January  is Safety.  Students are learning how to be physically and emotionally safe.

Physical safety includes things like, walking not running in the halls, keeping hands and feet to self, sitting down on the bus, listening to the bus driver (not changing seats, throwing things), walking on the stairs one by one and letting a trusted adult know if they are not safe.

Emotional safety includes being kind to others, not spreading rumors or gossip, treating others with respect and learning to regulate your emotions.

Lessons on these topics will be taught in all classes by Ms. Shelly, our school counselor.

How Cold Affects Different Skin Types

Clothing:

Wear layered clothing with materials like wool or fleece.

Use gloves, hats, scarves, and insulated footwear to cover extremities.

Skincare:

Apply moisturizers to prevent dryness and cracking.

Use lip balm to protect against chapping.

Avoid Prolonged Exposure:

Limit time outdoors during extreme cold.

Take frequent breaks in warm environments.

Stay Dry:

Moisture from sweat or snow increases the risk of frostbite. Opt for water-resistant clothing.

Monitor Warning Signs:

Regularly check skin for color and sensation changes, especially in extremities.

Children are more vulnerable to cold injuries due to thinner skin and reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Extra care should be taken to keep your student warm and dry.  Understanding the risks and preventive measures associated with cold exposure can help maintain skin health and prevent serious injuries like frostnip, frostbite and hypothermia.  When preparing to have fun during winter recesses, proper preparation and awareness are key to staying safe.  

Stay warm and healthy, Nurse Bobbie

Welcome back and Happy New Year! As we come back to school, we are focusing on Safety this month.

Our Goal is to be safe outside. This looks like:

• Using Playground toys and equipment correctly

• Keeping snow on the ground unless building with it

• Keeping our hand and feet to ourselves.

Attendance Matters - What can you do?

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent. 

• Try to schedule non-urgent related medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session. 

If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to their teacher, our school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning. If you are concerned that your child may have a contagious illness, call your Nurse Bobbie or your health care provider for advice.

Did You Know? A child is consider chronically absent if they miss 10% of the total amount of school days - excused or unexcused. For an entire year, this would be 18.

A child is considered truant in state law if they have 10 unexcused absences, or have 5 absences in a row.