Family Booklet
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Northeast School Family Booklet |
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The key to performance and behavior is self-esteem coupled with a sense of personal responsibility. Students who become effective citizens must have basic knowledge and skills, but must also believe in themselves and learn to use their abilities responsibly. Success will convince them that they can and should make a difference, not only to themselves, but to their family, friends, school, community and country.
Mr. Michael DeBellis
Principal
Dear Parents,
Some years ago teachers and parents designed two needs assessment instruments for our school community. Two families from each classroom were randomly selected along with members of our P.T.O. Executive Board to complete the parent needs assessment. All staff at Northeast completed the teacher needs assessment. The information received from both groups was carefully analyzed. It is interesting to note that both parent and teacher assessment results focused on the same two areas for refinement: 1) the need to focus on School Climate, (2) the need to focus on Home-School Relations.
Two committees, representing all of our teachers, were organized to specifically work on the design and implementation of a school-wide Pride and Spirit Program and a school-wide Motivational Reading Program. Our main theme, KIDS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, collaboratively grew to become the Northeast School Spirit Program to promote self-esteem, responsibility and a sense of community. Our Motivational Reading Committee designed S.O.A.R. (See Our Amazing Readers) to promote independent reading through effective modeling and encouragement at home and at school.
THE INTENT OF THIS BOOKLET IS TO SHARE WITH YOU THE VARIOUS COMPO-
NENTS OF OUR KIDS UNDER CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM. PLEASE READ THE BOOKLET CAREFULLY
AS A FAMILY AND FORWARD ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER.
We WANT, NEED and WELCOME your support and participation. For we are partners in your child’s development – not only as a student, but as a whole human being.
NORTHEAST SCHOOL MOSAIC
A large Mosaic was constructed and is proudly on display in the cafeteria
of
our school. Each child and staff member at Northeast School constructed their
own clay tile that was glazed, fired and mounted in the mosaic. In addition,
our
grade five students have constructed smaller mosaics to welcome you to our
school. They were built as class gifts from the classes of 2002 and 2003.
S.O.A.R. (See Our Amazing Readers)
S.O.A.R. is the motivational reading component of our Kids Under Construction program at Northeast School. The purpose of this program is to promote more independent reading through effective modeling and encouragement at home and at the school.
We have designed this component to emphasize the whole school working together towards reaching our predetermined reading goals.
We have organized activities related to several themes. Last year we went on a Sa-Fa-Read through Africa. In past years we have explored the depths of the ocean, medieval times, environmental issues, sports and many other topics. This year we will be paying tribute to the 100th birthday of Dr. Seuss with many exciting events planned.
We combine our yearly themes with the Accelerated Reading Program and our Summer Reading Challenge. The AR program allows students to read a book, take a computerized test and obtain points for their accomplishments. The Summer Reading participants earn chances for special prizes like book fair certificates and even a “limousine lunch” award.
R & R (Read and Relax)
R & R is another component of our motivational reading program –
Read and Relax. Teachers may conduct a 15 minute R & R once a week and read
together as an entire class. Any staff or parent who wishes to join us for the
R & R may simply drop in and read with your child’s class, thereby
providing important additional adult models for the children.
Criteria:
1. Teachers may select up to five students from their respective class-
rooms. Children will be considered relative to their Attitude, Behavior
and Effort on an individual ability basis. If the teacher concludes that
the child is “trying very hard” during the month in relation to
his or her
individual ability then the student will be a candidate for selection.
2. Other instructional staff may select one student in each grade level
each month, following the same criteria.
3. Our objective will be to actively encourage all children to become
Citizens of the Month at least once during the school year.
Citizens of the Month will be acknowledged in the following manner:
1. They will have lunch with Mr. Rivard.
2. A special badge will be presented to each child.
3. Names will be announced over the intercom.
4. Individual pictures will be taken and put on display for the month.
5. Students will be recognized in front of the entire school at monthly
Spirit Assemblies.
6. A NES bumper sticker or pen will be presented to each Citizen of the
Month.
SPIRIT DAYS
Spirit Days will continue to be a part of our Northeast School year –
for the sheer enjoyment they provide. We will continue to celebrate:
Badge Day * Dress Up Day * Furry Friend Friday * Hat Day
March Madness Day * Masquerade Day * Pajama & Slipper Day
Peace Day * Red, White & Blue Day * Vacation Memories Day
NORTHEAST SCHOOL PENNANTS
Northeast School Pennants, modeled on our school flag, that is, a white background
with our school logo, will be hung in each classroom.
Please note that the teachers at Northeast School have developed a “Mission Statement” which is on display in the foyer of our school. A mission statement is a carefully selected group of words, no more than 100, which describe our philosophy as a school. It is a “promise” for all to see, and it will be this promise that will form the basis for all decision making at Northeast School. This year we will develop and add a Parent Compact to our Mission Statement.
“We the staff of Northeast School, believing that our children are our most precious resource, hereby promise to:
* provide an environment that is safe, supportive and motivating.
* affirm individuality and nurture the feeling of self-worth and self-esteem
within each child.
* develop our children as learners of basic skills and as problem-solvers
and thinkers.
* foster responsibility, citizenship and a meaningful sense of community.
* communicate with and encourage parents to actively participate in their
child’s education.
Children will become effective, responsible individuals when they believe in
themselves and learn to commit themselves to what they believe. They must be
taught that they can make a difference to themselves and to their community.”
NORTHEAST SCHOOL
Our Theme: KIDS UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Our Motto: It’s not I.Q., but I can.
Our Logo:
Our School Colors: Blue and White
“Always Building Character” (anti-bullying initiative) * Assignment Booklets Beautification Projects * Birthday Board * Citizens of the Month * Family Booklet * Fun Fair * Homework Lab * Mosaics in Foyer and Cafeteria Organizational Theme: Be Wise…Be Organized * School Logo * School Motto School Signs, Banners, Pennants * Spirit Days and Assemblies * Thursday Folders
During the 2002-2003 year, the Pride and Spirit Committee conducted their fourteenth annual Fun Fair – it was tremendous! You really need to plan on attending as a family on June 5, 2004. The committee planted shrubs and flowers as part of a beautification project that greatly enhances a sense of welcome to all. Pride and Spirit organized a number of activities to provide increased support for our children. Thursday Folders, K-5 and Assignment Booklets in grades 3-5 are examples, and will continue during 2003-2004. These components are designed to increase individual organizational skills among our students so they ultimately are better prepared for their middle school years.
NORTHEAST SCHOOL SONG (It’s Time to Make Northeast Great!)
It’s time to make N.E. great! Let’s do whatever it takes!
Our pride & spirit’s at stake, Come on! Let’s work together
and
We’ll find a way to be strong. It’s true we need to belong.
Let’s sing to many our song. Northeast will be the best!
What our school becomes depends on you and me.
So, let’s pledge today to work for unity.
Let’s try again and again. It’s not I.Q., but I can!
Our quest will never end. Come on! Let’s sing together and
We’ll find a way to be strong. It’s true we need to belong.
Let’s sing to many our song. Northeast will be the best!
Because we do our best. Do our best for Northeast School.
Northeast School, YEAH!
The following is a list of activities our school provides for our children and their families:
After-school Sports * Blood Drives * Cheerleaders * Chorus * Community Care
Family Science Fair and Pizza Night * Fine Arts Night * Fourth Grade Enterprises
(Store) * Fun Fair * Gym Show * Ice Cream Social * Instrumental Music * K.U.C.-Kids
Show Choir * Math Olympiads * P.T.O. Functions
Recess Intramural Sports * Robotics * Safety Patrol * School Pep Rallies School
and Family Dance * Spirit Days * T.L.C. (Terrific Learning Choices)
CONCLUDING STATEMENT
It is our hope that this booklet gives each of our families a “taste” of our school and our commitment to the educational success of your daughter or son. We have high expectations at Northeast for all of our students as evidenced in our mission statement. We very much need our parents’ involvement as well so that children clearly know that home and school are working together for their welfare. Outlined below are a few extremely important items for parents:
• have high expectations for your child.
• develop a positive and supportive environment for your child.
• read to or with your child daily.
• read and sign your child’s Assignment Booklet daily (grades 3-5).
Communicate with your child’s teacher via note in the booklet as
often as needed.
• read and sign your child’s Thursday Folder each week.
• show that you value homework by regularly monitoring.
• communicate and work with the school to promote the parent/school partnership.
Please sign the school-home compact with your child on the back cover and
return the WHOLE BOOKLET to school.