QUASHNET SCHOOL

October 28, 2018

Dear Quashnet School Community,

Happy Halloween! This is a fun holiday and it is so exciting to hear about costumes and-trick-or-treating. A couple reminders about school expectations and policies: please no costumes, face-paint, or masks in school. We work hard to keep the focus on academics during the day. Per the School Committee's Wellness Policy, shared in the school handbook, candy, treats, cupcakes, etc. are not allowed in school. If you would like to send something in for your child to share, it should not be a food item. That being said, we do recognize that we are an elementary school and teachers often have a special project or activity planned.

A 17-year tradition at Quashnet School has been to collect Halloween candy for our troops. The K-Kids, ask for any donations of extra candy that families would like to donate. Quashnet students bag up the candy along with positive messages and send these care packages all over the world to our veterans. Along with candy, we also look for names. Do you have a family member or friend that is deployed that could use a care package from Quashnet School? Please send names and address to Mrs. Rastallis at jrastallis@mpspk12.org. When you are in school, check out the glass case near the main office. We have displayed thank you notes, flags, and pictures from some of the candy recipients. Another giving project by our Quashnet K-Kids - taking care of others! FYI - the food drive is ongoing.

The Quashnet School library has once again been transformed! The PTO Enchanted Forest Scholastic Book Fair is open and is awesome! Last Friday, the fair was open to families before Crazy Hat Bingo and the book fair breakfasts for families are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week starting at 7:30 AM. Mr. Gus has a delicious menu planned. I look forward to seeing you!

The PTO Board, volunteers, and supporters truly make a difference for ALL Quashnet students and teachers. THANK YOU!

Our Literary Pumpkin Patch has been growing in the front lobby. The creativity is outstanding. Students and staff have so enjoyed looking at these creations and they will hopefully plant some interest in wonderful books.

One component of SEL, Social Emotional Learning, is to support students in making positive choices. At Quashnet School, we are very fortunate to partner with the Barnstable County Sheriff's Office to bring the GREAT Program to our fifth and sixth graders. GREAT stands for Gang Resistance Education and Training. GREAT is an evidence-based intervention program offered to students across the country. Our program is facilitated by Deputy Shaun Cahill, who also co-facilitates the Botvin Lifeskills Program for parents.

Over the next thirteen weeks, Deputy Cahill will meet with each sixth-grade class once a week. These sessions are conducted in both the classroom and within the Health and Wellness special. The Grade 5 program runs for 6 weeks and will be taught in the Health and Wellness special starting in February.

Some of the topics discussed in GREAT are: Identifying realistic goals and how to reach them, reinforcing communication skills, developing empathy for others, dealing with peer pressure and anger, and how to resolve conflict. A copy of the letter describing GREAT can be found on this week's photo page.

If you would like more information on GREAT click the link to this comprehensive website: https://www.great-online.org/home/about/what-is-great.

We value our partnership with the Barnstable County Sheriff's Office and Deputy Cahill's commitment to Quashnet students. Please note, Deputy Cahill's sheriff's car is often out in the parking lot - don't worry, this is a GREAT thing! :-)