February 28, 2021
Dear Quashnet School Community,
Extra extra read all about it! The big news coming from Governor Baker and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education this week, and shared by Superintendent DeBoer on her Friday Happenings-
Return to Full In-Person Learning: Based on the announcement made earlier this week by Governor Baker and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley, there is a strong likelihood that our students in grades 4 - 12 will be returning to full in-person learning in the April/May timeframe. We have begun the planning process for this to happen and will keep you informed as we progress. Tentatively, we are planning for our fourth graders to return to 100% in-person learning on Monday, April 5; our fifth graders on Monday, April 12; and our sixth graders on April 26--the Monday after our April vacation. We are exploring bringing our MMHS seniors back to 100% in-person learning by mid-April. We will let you know about grades 7 - 11 once we have gone deeper with our planning. We may need to add some half days to our March/April school calendar to allow for classroom preparation and teacher planning in grades 4 - 12. We will provide you with regular updates as we work together (parents and educators) to figure this out.
Specific details will be shared very soon - we are in the beginning planning phase to make this possible transition as smooth and safe as possible.
It has been great to get outside this week for recess. Seeing students running, playing, and laughing is so refreshing. Yes, they are wearing masks and social distancing is encouraged always. In some of this week's photos, you will see masks down - that is for a quick picture. Our kids are really remarkable and continue to comply with safety protocols including hand sanitizing.
Curriculum Corner
When talking to parents and guardians, one of the challenges that many have in common is supporting their children in math. This seems to be regardless of grade level. In Ms. Manning's Grade 3 class, these students are sharing their thinking in more than one way. That is the focus of math instruction - there is more than one way to solve problems, students are taught to share and defend their thinking or learn from mistakes. They are also taught traditional algorithms. 
We are fortunate to have STMath as a great resource to supplement math instruction. Ask your child to show you this web-based tool. Each student should be using it weekly to build their conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts. What makes STMath so unique? There are no words or instructions. Students need to problem-solve to complete each puzzle. ST stands for spatial-temporal math. IXL is another web-based program that is used for practicing skills. All students have access to these great tools.
One way to help your child with math is to practice math facts. Facts in math are like letters in reading. If you had to stop and sound out each letter, you would struggle to understand the story. If your thinking in math is consumed figuring out facts, you never get to deeper problem-solving. Flashcards, apps, and games all provide fact practice - it is the time that needs to be invested, and fact practice is worth the time!
Recess reminder -
The weather this month is extremely variable. Getting outside is a definite priority. Long pants and layers are recommended. Our field and playgrounds are like a wind tunnel and it gets cold out there!
Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead!
Respectfully,
Principal O'Brien
We "spring forward!"
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