September 1, 2019 

Greetings Quashnet School Community, 

Happy Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of the summer. Monday is a school night! The school start time has changed this year. Quashnet doors will open for students Tuesday morning at 8:50 AM.  Be sure to check the bus routes one last time on the tab above. If your child is dropped off in the morning please follow the guidelines below to keep students safe and parents/guardians out quickly to start their day. 

Morning Drop Off Guidelines:

• Wait until a Quashnet staff member or I am out front before leaving school. Students should not be left unattended. We will be outside at 8:50 AM. 
• Pull into the "runway" along the front of the building. The school will be on your right the island and parking on the left. 
• This is live parking only  - please do not turn off your car or get out of your car and stay in line - do not pass the car in front of you.
• Students should exit the car along the entire length of the walkway - please do not wait to get to the crosswalk area. 
• If you are escorting your child into school, please wait until you are instructed to cross the drop off traffic. Students will need to WAIT until instructed to cross.   
• PRIORITY will be given to the cars dropping off.  Drivers, please follow our instructions regarding the crosswalk.  
• Unless you are going into school, it is safest for your child to be on the school sidewalk and NOT crossing on the crosswalk from the parking lot. NO ONE should cross the traffic/road unless they are in the crosswalk. 

Mr. O'Connor and I clear approximately 85 cars every morning within 15 minutes. We will get everyone on their way quicker if everyone follows these expectations.  Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and attention to safety first! 

Students might not know where their new class is located.  Not to worry!  As students arrive on Tuesday, teachers and staff will be greeting all students in designated areas.  Students should not go directly to their classrooms.  

• Grade 3 students will meet teachers on the grass behind the school near the bus drop off. 
• Grade 4 students will meet their teacher in the cafeteria. 
• Grade 5 students will gather on the rock wall side of the gym.  
• Grade 6 students will gather on the other side of the gym. 

It will be wonderful to greet students, hear about summer adventures, and see so many smiles.  I look forward to a great day and a wonderful school year! 

PTO has been into school and they are ready to start the new year. Stay up-to-date on PTO activities and notices which will be posted on the bulletin board across from the main office.

  

PTO President Amber Smith and her team have been working hard to prepare for the Back to School BBQ.  Mark your calendars for Friday, September 13, 2019, for this fabulous KCC/QS family event.  The rain date is Friday, September 20th.  Notices will be sent home this week with students that include an RSVP.

Southport Falcon Liaisons 

There are many factors that go into preparing for a new school year and there is always something new to share.  Have you seen the new #WeAreMashpee store location?  It is located near the Lanes and Panera in Mashpee Commons. We welcome Consuelo Carroll as the District's new outreach coordinator who will be working from that site. Mrs. Carroll is looking for alumni, volunteers, and all things Mashpee. She will be at Open House, so please be sure to look for her table and say hello or stop in to visit #WeAreMashpee.  

Speaking of volunteers...we are so fortunate to have an amazing flock of Southport Falcons who volunteer at all three schools.  This expanding group of retirees brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and special interest as volunteers into classrooms and through extra-curricular activities.  They truly are "Connecting Generations" and we value their gift of time to support students and teachers. At Quashnet School they have supported students 1:1, help in the art room, the library, STEM, through knitting club, and with our unified sports team. Volunteers enhance our learning community.  Anyone interested in volunteering should contact ccarroll@mpspk12.org. 

Not everyone can volunteer, but here is an easy way to help out ~  please participate in the Stop and Shop A+ Rewards program.  Follow the link, enter your card number, and select Quashnet School. The program begins on September 6th and runs through March 14th.  https://stopandshop.com/school-rewards/  This is our major school fundraiser to help support field trips, special events, and after school programs.  Your support is so appreciated!  FYI - Please encourage family members and friends to register their cards for Quashnet School. You do not need to live in Mashpee to participate!  

I am so grateful to be at Quashnet School because of our students, families, community, the Quashnet team, and leadership team.  It truly is GREAT TO BE IN MASHPEE!  I am confident that this will be the BEST YEAR YET with a team that is strong, dedicated,  and committed to students.  Thank you Quashnet Community for your support and focus on STUDENTS FIRST in all we do.  Happy 2019-2020 school year! 

Respectfully, 

Principal O'Brien