Dear Elsmere Families,
As we approach Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, our monthly theme of respect could not be more timely. At our last assembly, we talked about respect, specifically, respecting ourselves, one another and the environment. Over the next few weeks, I will be going to each classroom to read the book, “All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman. The book follows a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where children in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other’s traditions, and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year. I look forward to continuing to share experiences and stories of respect with your children.
Spread your Sparkle – Friday, January 21
We all have a special light of happiness and hope inside. Thanks to our fifth grade Friendship Club, everyone is invited to visibly share this by wearing flip-sequined clothes or bright colors and “Spread your Sparkle” on Friday, January 21. Everyone is also invited to write a card or drawing of happiness for a resident of Good Samaritan Retirement Home. A collection bin for cards will be in the hall.
i-Ready Diagnostic
Our second diagnostic window for i-Ready began on Monday, January 10, 2022
Lost and Found
Our lost and found is beginning to pile up! (See photos below) If your child is missing any items of clothing, hats or mittens, please encourage them to come check out the lost and found. Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Greenman and I will be happy to assist them. We would also encourage you to label your children’s clothing so we can identify left behind items. Also, please dress your child warmly for outdoor play as we try to go outside every day for recess.
Updated Isolation and Quarantine Protocol for Students
https://www.bethlehemschools.org/updated-isolation-and-quarantine-protocols/
School Climate Survey
Parents/Guardian should have received a link to the survey. The email would have come with the subject line “BCSD Parent Survey.” This year’s School Climate Survey will be administered by Educational Vistas, Inc. The email will be sent through Aspen. Parents will have until January 21 to complete the survey.
https://www.bethlehemschools.org/school-climate-survey-2021-22/
Test Kit Pick Up
We are going to be offering another opportunity for Elsmere Families to be provided a rapid test if you have not already gotten one. Please keep in mind that we only have a limited number of tests. We will provide tests by request through the end of the week next week or until we run out.
If you are in need of a test, please contact the office, and we can coordinate a time for you to come to school and get it. We are not sending tests home with students but will offer before school, during school and after school options for pick up. We will not distribute tests during arrival and dismissal.
Important Dates:
Monday, January 17, 2022 – NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King, Jr Day
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 – Board of Education meeting at 7pm
Friday, January 21, 2022 – Spread your Sparkle day
Friday, February 5, 2022 – Report Cards posted to Aspen
Enjoy a most beautiful 3-day weekend,
Kate