January 21, 2018 

Greetings Quashnet School Community, 

Today sure is a gift!  I hope everyone was able to get outside for some fresh air and be in the sunshine. With the rain coming in this week it will be hard to get outside for recess to start the week.  Basketball practice was very well attended by parents, and the kids were on the playground. Be sure to clear your calendar for the Parent/Staff Basketball Game on February 9th and help cheer the Quashnet team on. I totally enjoy the talk and hype about winning, but truly we are all winners when we support our schools, come together as a community, and have some fun.  Being a positive role model for your children is so impactful in their growth and development. It is wonderful to be a part of a strong connected community! 

The week of January 8th was a testing week here at Quashnet. As I previously shared, STAR is one tool we use to determine student progress. Based on these assessments, classroom performance, and teacher recommendation, we have begun the task of reorganizing instructional groups for WIN, and teachers also resort small groups in the classroom. Following the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support) model, ALL students at each level need targeted instruction for them to reach their maximum growth. I am please to share that across each grade level significant growth was achieved. There is an increase in students at the top two performance levels and a reduction in students performing in the warning category. With quality targeted instruction combined with family support, student success will continue to grow!  

Coming soon to Quashnet School, the MPS Nurse Coordinator, Nurse Stacey, along with Mrs. McCue, QS guidance counselor, and Deputy Shaun Cahill of the Barnstable County Sheriff's Department will be facilitating the Botvin LifeSkills Training for Parents, Grandparents, and Caregivers. The focus is on substance use prevention. We will be hosting both a day and evening session for your convenience, one at 8:15 AM and again at 5:30 PM.  Registration will be forthcoming.  Proposed dates are March 12, 19, and 26th.  Refreshments/dinner will be served and babysitting will be available in the evening.  

Did you know that in 2010 the Quashnet School K-Kids initiated an anti-bullying bill that was signed into law by Governor Duval Patrick?  Well, that was the start of No Name-Calling Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which is designated for the fourth Wednesday in January. We celebrate this with KINDNESS WEEK.  The K-Kids have been busy decorating the halls, hanging smiley faces, organizing a food drive, and planning great activities.  Be a part of this movement and spread some kindness!  
K-Kids a division of the Kiwanis Club whose mission is to help and support others. Encouraging civic awareness and participation can never start too soon. 

Last but not least....LET'S GO PATRIOTS! 

Wishing you all a KIND week ahead! 

Respectfully, 
Mrs. O'Brien