William H. Rowe School
52 School Street
Yarmouth, Maine 04096
Phone (207) 846-3771
"Empowering All Students to Create Fulfilling Lives in a Changing World"
February 26, 2010
Dear Parents,
Our 100th day celebration on February 12 was quite a party involving the entire school with lots of fun math lessons around the number 100. At the Community Meeting we estimated and counted 100 students, did ten different exercises and read a book The 100th Day of School. As you know, children were invited to bring 100 pennies for Pennies for Peace. High school students, Michelle Clark and Danielle Torres, and middle school student, Adam Clark, attended the Community Meeting and showed a video clip of the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. The Rowe students donated $160 for Pennies For Peace. Thank you all for your participation in this service project.
Parent conferences were completed prior to the vacation. This mid-year conference is intended to help you understand the academic and social progress your child has made this year. Though we know children develop at different rates, we have clear learning expectations for children at each grade level. The conference is also intended to give you a better understanding of where your child stands in regard to these expectations.
Teachers worked together during our staff day on February 12 to reflect on our efforts this year of establishing consistent expectations for behavior in the common areas of our school: the hallway, cafeteria, and playground.
We also worked on individual goals connected to our district goals:
1. Teams of educators will improve student learning through analysis or common assessments with a specific emphasis on improving achievement in mathematics and literacy.
2. Educators will improve instructional practices to increase cognitive engagement and student learning.
It was an extremely productive and worthwhile day. We will continue this learning during our weekly Monday afternoon faculty meetings.
It is very early to mention this; however, some of you have already asked me about placement for the next school year. In May when we begin the process, those who know your students very well expend extraordinary amounts of time, care, and thought, as it is essential that balanced groupings be created to provide equal opportunities for all students. We, therefore, do not honor specific placement requests. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Mark your calendars for a special evening for parents hosted by Amber Gross, our School Counselor/Social Worker. Tuesday, March 23, will be a Parent’s Night of Learning and Sharing. Topics will include:
- Growth patterns in children (social, behavior, and cognitive)
- The power our words have with children
- Quick and easy phrases that can help shape children’s behaviors
Other important dates and upcoming events to note:
Ongoing Kindergarten Registration for 2010-2011
March 11 Grade One to Merrill Auditorium for a production of “Click Clack Moo”
March 17 K-8 PTO meeting
6:30 p.m. Harrison Middle School Library
March 23 A Parent’s Night of Learning and Sharing
7:00-8:00 p.m. Rowe Library
March 30 Kinderkonzert for Kindergarten and Grade One
March will be a busy month!
All the best,
Ellen Honan, Principal
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