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I want to thank the entire Thomson School Community for a wonderful school year. I was extremely impressed by the incredible support of our parents. I hope that everyone has a safe and restful summer. I am looking forward to a great year for 2009-2010.
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
The last day of school for students in grades 1- 5 is Wednesday, June 24th. The last day of school will be a 1/2 day for students and dismissal will be at 11:50AM.
REPORT CARDS
Report Cards were given out on Thursday, June 18th for students in kindergarten and will go home on Wednesday, June 24th for students in grades 1-5. No reports are released until the last day of school. If your child will not be attending school on their last scheduled day you may supply a self-addressed stamped envelope and we will put the report in the mail or you can pick up the report card in the office after the last day of school. Summer Reading Guides and supply lists will also go home with report cards.
As a staff we aim to continue to build upon the many positives of the Thomson School. My hope is to continue to create an atmosphere of academic excellence, safety and respect for self and others, and a learning environment that sparks the imagination of our students. I hope that our students continue to look forward to every day at the Thomson School and that we can foster an environment where fun and learning go hand in hand.
I look forward to next September and working collaboratively to ensure our students’ success. I am honored to be a partner in your child’s educational experience and want to thank everyone for making my first year a great one. The Following is a list of Hi-Lights from the 2008-2009 school year:
2008-2009 HIGHLIGHTS
• We fully implemented a research based phonics/word study program (Fundations) in grades K-2 order to establish a consistent approach to teaching phonics.
• A writing program was implemented in grades K-5. Our writing essential standards are organized around six traits of writing—ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. These traits are the foundation of program resources called Write Traits.
• Four teachers are piloted “Reading Street”. The purpose of this pilot program, a Scott-Foresman product, is to institute a common resource for teaching all areas of reading instruction (phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). Reading Street will be fully implemented next year at every grade level.
• We ran a summer school program that provided additional time and support to students, particularly those who were struggling academically. We plan to run this program again this coming summer.
• We created a new schedule, which allows for common planning time. Weekly, grade level teachers, reading teachers, special education teachers, and the principal are now able to collaboratively look at student work to increase consistency in teacher practice around performance and assessment. This will help us raise and develop consistent expectations at each individual grade level. Common planning time is also used to develop common, interim assessments. Data from these assessments will assist us in facilitating and organizing timely interventions for students who may be struggling and further challenging those students who demonstrate consistent proficiency.
• We used the district’s common writing prompts and created our own common interim assessments at each grade level. Criteria for scoring these prompts were based on the six traits and end-of-year performance levels. This means that scores for students reflect performance we expect to be demonstrated by the end of each grade (performance standards).
• We have an official homework club staffed by Thomson teachers and run by Community Programs.
• Our Title I reading teachers and reading teacher identified and grouped students based on data and provided support to students not currently meeting grade level expectations.
• A Title I tutor provided additional in- school tutorial opportunities for students in need of additional assistance.
• An off-site homework help and tutoring program was created at Woodridge and staffed by a Thomson School teacher. This occurs weekly at the Woodridge Recreation center from 3:30-5:00.
• We utilized monthly faculty meeting time to look at student work and as another professional learning opportunity.
• Student schedules were adjusted in order to create a reading block daily for each grade level. The goal of this time is not only to increase literacy but also to allow a common time for support staff to work individually with students who may be in need of extra help.
• We used a computer-assisted math intervention program (I-Succeed) for grades 3-5.
• A fulltime Title I math teacher identified and grouped students who need support based on data and provided tutoring and academic support.
• Mary Lou Lynch, a retired North Andover Public School math teacher, is tutoring identified fifth grade students who have done well and need an additional challenge. She also provided support for struggling students.
• Mary Lou Costello, Nancy Dowe and Phylis Flemming are also a former Public School teachers, provided math help for students who are struggling.
• Carol O’Neill is a professionally trained building mentor worked closely with new staff.
• Administration presented an anti-bullying program titled “Be Kind, Be a friend- Prevent Bullying Before It Starts” in partnership with the NAPD. This is an effort to establish consistent expectations of student behavior and demonstrate respectful behaviors that contribute to promoting a positive learning environment.
• We read Alan Blankstein’s book, “Failure is not an Option” and are discussed it and its practical applications in the classroom.
• A Thomson School teacher retreat was held in August where we were able to further discuss the goals for the coming school year and beyond.
• The school social worker worked with teachers on strategies for classroom management and to help students whose emotional issues may be impeding their ability to achieve in the classroom.
• Administration has worked with Erika Murphy, Director of Food Services and Rick Gallante, Community Programs to inform Title 1 students of their ability to access free breakfast via the already established Breakfast Club.
• Teachers administered the GRADE and GMADE tests in grades K-5. DIBELS was used for students in K-2 and progress was monitored in between scheduled assessments. Carol O’Neill, Diane Peacock and Gayle Kelloway facilitated data meetings at the mid- and end-points of the year to help administrators and teachers understand how to use the results to support the children.
• The Sounds Fun Program, developed by Lisa Besen, continued with her support and because of a team of volunteers. First graders participated in the weekly program, which met on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. More than 20 students who were identified by classroom teachers and DIBELS results were supported with this explicit phonics instruction.
• A positive school climate was maintained and improved during the school year. Daily announcements were made at the end of the day to limit classroom disruptions. All students recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the Birthday song out on the playground every morning. We organized several whole school assemblies that focused on our social and civic expectations. Good sportsmanship was stressed with the community. The PTO held several events through the year that positively impacted the feel within the school. Ice Cream Socials, the book fair, 5th Grade Pasta Night, and other school day enrichment programs name a few of the special events. Administration also organized visits to North Andover High to attend Varsity Football and Basketball games and a school skating night at Brooks School.
• Building tours were offered to parents upon request. Prior to the beginning of kindergarten, parents and students were able to meet the teachers and see their instructional spaces. PTO volunteers helped lead the families through the building.
• The Thomson and district elementary student and parent handbooks were updated this year. Our handbook was sent home to every student on the first day of school. In the handbook are behavioral expectations and other details that are important to the function of the school. A crisis manual was developed for staff to help in working with students with emotional/behavioral needs. The crisis team was trained in non-violent crisis intervention in the fall. The nurse and several teachers were re-certified in CPR in the spring. Reviews of fire drills and lock-downs took place. All of these things have had an impact on school safety. We also created new end of the day patrol attendance and dismissal policies.
• The staff has worked very hard to provide positive social interactions among the students. Many classes have buddies in other grade levels with whom they work on literacy or math. Teachers are in the cafeteria with the principal and noon-attendants quite often to check in on their students and to facilitate pro-social behaviors. Staff does an effective job monitoring the activity of the children on the playground and encouraging problem solving when issues arise.
• The school nurse's 5-2-1-0 Wellness Program for students was promoted in grades K-5, with a focus on nutrition and healthy activity each day.
• The Thomson community is engaged in a campaign this year called "Raise the PAWS." Four key values will be the focus of our work. These values (see below) have been built into the acronym PAWS and linked to our school symbol, the tiger. This campaign was successful because of the involvement and participation of the entire Thomson School community: students, staff, and parents.
• This year, in addition to the lunch recess program, the school has used common planning time as an opportunity to work with grade level classrooms. The focus of these grade level discussions have been on promoting positive social skills via structured lessons, role-plays, sharing circles, and cooperative games. This program is another vehicle for reinforcing our school-based values. Our essential goal for these programs was and is to build a more respectful Thomson community where students will leave with a developed skills set, an enhanced interpersonal awareness and will take pride in who they are and hold the belief that opportunities for them are endless.
• This year we were able to put in a new field. We are hoping that by September, our new field will be ready for recess and physical education.
• Thanks to our PTO and their generosity for donating 3 MIMIO boards and 6 LCD projectors. This technology will allow teachers to enhance content delivery and maximize student learning.
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Report Cards will be given out on Thursday, June 18th for students in kindergarten and Wednesday, June 24th for students in grades 1-5. No reports are released until the last day of school. If your child will not be attending school on their last scheduled day you may supply a self-addressed stamped envelope and we will put the report in the mail or you can pick up the report card in the office after the last day of school.
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Class Lists:
Class placements for the 2009-2010 school year will be posted on the school doors on Monday, August 17th.
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Paw Prints
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| June 15, 2009 www.northandoverpublicschools.com/thomson |
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Upcoming Events
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June 17th - Grade 5 (Cedardale)
June 18th - Field Trip - Grade 4(Boot Mills)
5th GRADE NIGHT
LAST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN
June 19th & 22nd - Kindergarten Screening
June 24th - LAST DAY FOR 1-12
Half Day - Dismissal @ 11:50am.
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Download pdf version
LOST AND FOUND: Our lost and found is HUGE this year. We have lots of coats, sweatshirts, hats, gloves and lunch boxes!!! There are North Face jackets, L.L. Bean jackets, Lands End jackets, L.L. Bean lunch boxes and team sweatshirts. Please take inventory of your child’s clothes or come by and check out our lost and found to see what you are missing. At the end of the year anything left over is donated. Thank you.
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| From Mr. Gilligan: |
I am looking forward to 5th Grade Night on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 7 pm. The 5th Grade committee is sending out invitations to parents. It is a nice night to celebrate our 5th graders completion of elementary school.
On June 11, seven 6th graders and Thomson graduates came back for our first ever Q&A session with our entire 5th grade class on the North Andover Middle School experience. 5th graders had outstanding questions and the 6th graders gave practical advice and provided keen insight on what to expect in the fall. I would like to thank our counselors Ms. Chute and Ms. Foster for hosting and facilitating such an informative events. Also, a big thanks to the following sixth grade students for participating:
Gia Azur
Emaad Ali
Mike St. Cyr
CJ Good
Michael Conrad
Bryanna Motto
Courtney Meskell
Field Day was a big success thanks to our staff, parent volunteers and the Honor Society volunteers from NAHS. It was a great day and exciting to see our kids having so much fun. Thanks to Mr. Costa for the popsicles and to all the parents that donated water.
Redistricting Visits to the Atkinson and the Franklin went very smoothly and I am happy that our students had a chance to meet their new principals, staff and students.
June 2009 Calendar Update
The last day of school for students in grades 1- 12 is Wednesday, June 24th. The last day of school will be a 1/2 day for students. The last day of school for kindergarten students is Thursday, June 18th. Kindergarten screening will take place on June 19th and June 22nd. A Kindergarten Orientation will also be held on June 8th at 6:30 pm at the Thomson School.
IMPORTANT DATES
June
16th Cinderella – Enrichment Council
17th Grade 5 Cedardale
18th: Last Day of School for Thomson Kindergarten
Grade 4 (Boot Mills)
Grade 5 Night
Last Day for Full Day K
19th Kindergarten Screening
22nd Kindergarten Screening
24th Half Day – Last day of school Grades 1-5
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| PTO Updates: |
Thanks to all the volunteers for your help with the Fun Run - we could not have done it without you and thanks to all the students that participated. It was a great night
A huge thank you to John Costa for donating the popsicles for the fun run! The kids really enjoyed them!
Thanks again!
At the last PTO mtg, a new board for School Year 2009/2010 was elected.
Co-Presidents
Holly Breen & Kelley Plodzik
Co-VP
Molly Fowler
Sharyn Twomey
Treasurer
Jen Kooken
Secretary
Kelly Fergerson
On behalf of the PTO board, I would like to thank everyone for all their help and support during the past two years...it was a lot of work, but a lot of fun as well...and we could not have been as successful as we were without the support of the Thomson community...Congratulations to the new board! We hope that everyone has a happy, healthy and safe summer...Thanks again!! Sherrie
BOX TOPS!!! BOX TOPS!!! SUMMER BOX TOPS CONTEST!
Summer is right around the corner but you can still help the Thomson School while you are enjoying your vacation. Watch for a Box Tops sheet in your child's backpack. Fill it up over the summer and turn it in when school starts for a chance to win!!
The student who collects the most Box Tops will win a $10 gift certificate to the Scholastic Book Fair in September. The class with the most Box Tops will win a pizza party with Mr. Gilligan!
Sheets will be collected through the first week of school. You can also submit Box Tops in a baggie. Please label all bags or sheets with your name and class to be eligible to win.
You can visit their website at www.boxtops4education.com for a complete list of participating products. Any questions, please email me finnimore@verizon.net.
ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM:
If anyone is interested in overseeing the Chess Club next year, please contact Doreen
Albrecht (978) 689-0931 or doreenla@verizon.net.
Thomson VOLUNTEER opportunity: Thomson School needs volunteers from the Thomson community to help run the shows at Thomson next year. Help with these exciting "in-school fieldtrips" as part of the North Andover Schools Enrichment Council programs of arts, science and high quality professional entertainment. Join a team of volunteers from Thomson to attend shows, share enthusiasm, and gather feedback from teachers. Join a team from around town to plan for the future. Or just come to learn a little more about what we're doing to provide something extra special in neighborhood schools. CORI required for school-based volunteering.
Info Session: Tues., June 16, 12:30 - meet in the lobby at Thomson
Tanglewood Marionette's Production of Cinderella: Tues., June 16, 1:30
Note: AM kindergarteners are welcome to attend the show with a parent or guardian!
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| Around Town: |
The North Andover Historical Society's Beyond the Garden Gate 2009 - Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Friday, May 1st at 153 Academy Road (at the rotary). Amazing Gardens! Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the tour. Make a single purchase of 4 tickets~in advance for only $60. Plan an outing with friends while~supporting the Historical Society.
Clear out the attic and join in the fun! North Andover Sustainability Committee (formerly NASWAC) announces our 3rd Annual Town-Wide Yard Sales Event. Plan your own yard sale for June 27 (and /or June 28) and let us do your advertising for only $10.00. More than 60 homes have had successful yard sales with our help. Download a registration form through the town website: http://www.townofnorthandover.com/Pages/NAndoverMA_Recycling/CallforSELLERS_Registration_2009-4-09.pdf or pick up a registration form at Town Hall, DPW, Stevens Library or the N.A. Youth Center . Registration deadline is June 23. Questions? Call Joanne at 978-685-0950.
SAVE THE DATE AND JOIN US - Coming Back for a Cause. "Bid for a Cure" Dinner Auction to benefit the ALS Association is being run by a new non-profit group made up of past NAHS graduates and present college students who are hoping to make a difference. The event will be held July 31st from 7-11 PM at Salvatore's Restaurant in Lawrence. Ticket Information is available by contacting Andrew Sullivan at (978) 273-7475 or by email at comingbackforacause@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!!
"The Treble Chorus of New England" is a local 30 years old non-profit organization with an amazing mission: to teach children ages 6 through 18, how to sing magnificently!
This choral group focuses on classic and fine music. The children meet for rehearsals and prepare for choral shows and Operas, that they will present throughout the year, most of them at the Rogers Center for the Arts, here at Merrimack College.
The Treble Chorus of New England is currently auditioning children to join their amazing choral group during the month of June (next auditions dates are: June 1st and June 24th; call the office for details) for the next calendar year 2009-2010. If your child is passionate about music, TCNE is the place for them to grow their musical/choral skills. Please, contact Program Manager, Melanie Muggia at (978) 837-5462 or e-mail her at: mmuggia@treblechorus.com, for detailed audition place, dates and times, requirements, membership fees, etc; go to the website to learn more about our mission. www.treblechorus.com. TCNE also offers an amazing summer program, so call for details. Hope to hear from all of you who love to sing!"
North Andover Soccer – There are spots available on fall 2009 U10 and U11 girls MAPLE teams with local training and a National “D” License / National Youth License coach, volunteer-driven. Open to any committed player who will be U10 or U11 (fourth- or fifth-grade) in 2009/2010. Please email Jeremy Dalmer, jeremydalmer@comcast.net, or call 617-417-1901.
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5th Grade NIGHT -June 18th , 7pm |
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The 5th Grade Committee is hosting 5th Grade Night on Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 7 pm. The 5th Grade committee is sending out invitations to parents. It is a nice night to celebrate our 5th graders completion of elementary school.
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