QUASHNET SCHOOL

January 20, 2019

Greetings Quashnet School Community,

In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, there will be no school on Monday, January 21, 2019. Last week, students studied Dr. King and his impact on our Nation from speeches, books, and videos. Ask your children to share what they know. Encourage children to ask grandparents and great-grandparents what they know about Dr. King, the Civil Rights movement, and its impact on them. Share and pass on this oral history from generation to generation - conversations build respect, understanding, compassion, and knowledge.

As part of our effort at Quashnet School to support others, we have started a fundraiser to support one of our own. A fourth grader at Quashnet is scheduled for major surgery and will be out of school for some time. As you can imagine, not only is this an enormous stress on the family, but there is a significant financial impact. Through a generous donation, the office received a Specialized bicycle that we will be giving away. To enter into the drawing, students can contribute any amount of money to the cause and submit their name. Students can bring loose change to the lunch room or visit the office. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated - Thank you for your continued generosity and support.

This week is KINDNESS Week. 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 organizing a food drive and planning great activities. The PTO has also sponsored a performance by the musician, Tony Memmel. He brings a message of kindness, perseverance, and compassion. Be a part of this movement and spread some kindness! FYI -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. Thank you, Mrs. Rastallis and Mrs. McKay, for being outstanding role models to the school community and advisers to this great group of students. Participate in the Kindness Challenge and practice random acts of kindness!

Last week was a "stinky" week at Quashnet. We had a "stink pipe" in the cafeteria area that should have been venting out of a pipe on the roof. Unfortunately, a crack developed in that pipe that vented several drains. The smell did not make it to the roof, rather it hovered above the ceiling. This foul smell would start mostly after lunch when the dishwasher, sink, and water fountain were running on a regular basis. I am happy to say, the pipe has been repaired and we should be back to smelling like roses! Not only was DPW working overtime to correct the problem, but the Board of Health and Mashpee Fire Department were also on site to ensure there were no threats to public health or safety. The pipes that vent on the roof were not part of the repair project. They are original to the building.

IMPORTANT Calendar Update:

The following is a message from Superintendent DeBoer's email on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

As you are aware, the students and staff at the Quashnet School were evacuated due to a natural gas/carbon monoxide leak on both Tuesday, December 11th, and Wednesday, December 12th. The school building remained closed on Thursday, December 13th, for monitoring. On December 17th, I contacted the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to request a waiver of the December 13th school day. Our request for a waiver was declined based on DESE’s long-standing policy that “all days lost due to health, weather, or safety emergencies between the first day of the school year and March 31st must be made up to ensure a 180-day school year.” Because many students and many staff members were at the Mashpee Middle-High School on both December 11th and 12th past 11:30 AM, these days are counted as part of our 180.

The December 13^th school day at the Quashnet School will be made up as follows:

Tuesday, June 18, 2019--Current last day of school in Mashpee with no snow days)

Half day for all students (MMHS, QS, and KCC)--as originally scheduled
This will be the last day of school for students who attend MMHS and KCC
Full workday for all staff members (MMHS, QS, and KCC)--as originally scheduled

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Half day for all students who attend the Quashnet School
Full workday for all Quashnet School staff members

If we have any snow days, the above schedule will be adjusted.

Social Emotional Learning - SEL

The following video explains SEL and provides strategies to support your child at home with the 5 competencies. I hope you find it informative!

https://youtu.be/y2d0da6BZWA

Students in Grades 5 and 6 have been extremely busy in their Health and Wellness special reading nutrition labels and learning about hidden sugars in food. Mrs. Scott has them all thinking about healthy choices. Students are comparing snack foods, drinks, cereals, crackers, and fast food choices. These conversations are even spilling over into the lunch room as students are reading and comparing their lunch items. Be sure to ask them what they have learned!

Last Wednesday night, seven teacher teams from Quashnet School were recognized by Cape Cod 5 as mini-grant recipients. Check out these GREAT projects coming to students at Quashnet. The SeaPerch Rover Project and the Clam Day is for Grade 5, Penikese Island field trip is Grade 4, the other projects will benefit the entire school community. I appreciate this partnership with Cape Cod 5 and the work of the amazing staff at Quashnet School!