January 3, 2016

Happy New Year Quashnet Families!

I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2016!  So many of us start the new year with resolutions and goals.   With effort and perseverance goals can be achieved.  These are two qualities that also lead to academic success.  I encourage all students to revisit their personal goals and stick with it to achieve them.  At Quashnet School, we embrace the growth mindset. There is no better time than now to recognize that we "get smart" and it is okay when things are hard, "struggling is like sweating in basketball.  It means you are in the game."  It's time to focus and work hard!

Thank you to so many members of our extended Quashnet community for volunteering their time to share their interests, expertise, and being an extra hand in the classroom.  Mrs. Schreiner's class experimented with fruit DNA under the direction of Mr. Rogers, Uncle Dave treated Mrs. Broderick's and Miss Keohane's class to a musical treat,  Mr. Gus Stickley (Jr.)  returned from law school to the delight of many fourth grade friends, and DeShaun Dias visited the 6th grade students to discuss being your personal best. Thank you to the many moms and dads who help in classes with special projects and with the school store.
Your help enriches the educational experience for all students!

As we move forward in 2016, there are some events and dates to be aware of.

• Tuesday, January 12 - Instrumental Concert Grades 4-6  630 PM - 8:00 PM 
• Thursday, January 14 - QS/KCC Parent Hands-on Technology Night  6:30 PM (QS Library)
• Monday, January 18 - No School MLK Jr. Day  
• Wednesday, January 27 - PTO Meeting 7:00 PM 

Other important news on MCAS and PARCC -

• Grade 5 will be participating in the MCAS Science Technology and Engineering paper and pencil test on MAY 18 and 19.  These dates have been adjusted due to town elections tentatively scheduled at QS for Tuesday, May 17.

• Grade 3-6 will be taking the PARCC computer-based assessment in both ELA and Math.         These assessments will take place the weeks of May 9, 2016 and May 23, 2016.       

We appreciate all you do to avoid vacations or unnecessary absences during these weeks.  Testing allows students to "show all they know." It also allows us another opportunity to assess our instruction and curriculum to ensure students are learning skills and are able to apply their knowledge effectively based on the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.

Again I want to thank you for your support as we all learn and grow together.  See you Monday morning - students can be dropped off as early as 8:00 AM -please not before that!  Be sure to check out all those "ugly" sweaters on the photo tab.  Very creative!

Respectfully,
Mrs. O'Brien