September 2015
As September winds down, and fall starts to roll in, I am pleased to report that Thoreau has had an outstanding start to our school year! I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of getting to know the students, families, and amazing staff who make Thoreau such a vibrant school community.
On Patriot Day, we had our first school-wide assembly and the students had a blast! Mr. Hourihan gave an engaging overview of the holiday and the students had the chance to meet our new staff members and perform our school song. They did a fantastic job and left the cafeteria smiling and beaming with pride.
I would like to thank all of our families whose students do not take the bus in the afternoon for their support with our new dismissal routine. During inclement weather, the cones will be set up in the cafeteria and the door closest to the parking lot will be open. On these days, please feel free to come inside the cafeteria to wait for your students. I look forward to welcoming you to our Back To School Night on September 30th and wish you a very happy September!
Warmly,
Mrs. Charles
Upcoming Events
9/20 Ice Cream Social 3PM-5PM
9/23 Yom Kippur: NO SCHOOL
9/30 Back to School Night 6:30PM-8:00PM
Back to School Night
Please join us Wednesday, September 30th, for our Back to School Night! During this adults only event, parents will have the opportunity to meet our teaching and support staff, learn about our curriculum, and hear all about the experiences your students have each day at Thoreau. The evening is scheduled in a manner we hope will allow families with students in multiple grades to visit each class.6:30 to 7:00PM
Session 1: Grades 2-37:00 to 7:30PM
Session 2: Grades K-17:30 to 8:00PM
Session 3: Grades 4-5Be sure to stop by the cafeteria to meet the specialist teachers, support staff, the PTG Co-Chairs and the principal!
We look forward to seeing you at this wonderful event!
Important Reminders
Early Dismissal and Late Changes
Our dismissal begins at 3:15PM each day. Picking your child up early without prior notification, especially between 2:45PM and 3:15PM, is disruptive to closing routines. We understand that emergencies may arise and things come up but respectfully request that dismissal within 15 minutes of our end time be avoided to the greatest extent possible. Similarly, if there are changes to your child’s dismissal plan, please send in a note to your child’s teacher the morning of the change. Unless it is an emergency, please do not call in dismissal changes after 2:45. This will help to reduce classroom interruptions at the end of the day and we thank you for your support!
Student Health/Emergency Cards
If you have not yet returned your student’s Health/Emergency Cards, please do so as soon as possible. If you need an additional copy please let your student’s teacher know.
My School Bucks
If your child purchases lunch from the cafeteria, please regularly monitor your account at www.myschoolbucks.com. Unfortunately, the low balance reminder emails are sometimes sent to spam or promotions folders and may be missed.
From Nurse Jensen
In the event that you need to see the school nurse, please come to the main office and let Donna or Maria know and she will contact Nurse Jensen. Due to patient confidentiality guidelines, please do not go directly to the Health Office unannounced. Thank you!
Please be mindful about the importance of safe, seasonal, footwear. While flip-flops are very popular footwear choices this time of year, to date, there have been 20 students treated for splinters and twisted ankles. Shoes with backs are the safest bet for playing sports, including Gaga Ball.
Absence Line
In the event that your child will be absent or tardy please be sure to call our absence line at 978-341-2490, Ext. 3690 and indicate the reason for any absence. Thank you!