CWES Newsletter 12/5/24
Conferences
A heartfelt thank you to all our parents who attended parent-teacher conferences and partnered with our teachers to create a strong wraparound approach to supporting our children’s education. Your dedication and collaboration make a meaningful difference in their growth and success!
Family Engagement
At CWES, fostering strong partnerships with families is a key goal for us. While we’ve been exploring various ways to engage with our school community, we want to ensure that we’re prioritizing the areas that matter most to you. Your feedback through this survey will help us understand how we can better connect, support, and collaborate with families to create a positive and inclusive environment for everyone. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping us grow together!
QUICK Parent Survey
K-3 Spelling Bee
Scripps National Spelling Bee is buzzing around the corner! Students will be coming home with study lists is they want to practice at home. It is important for students and parents to know that in the school competition students could be asked to spell words from the full 450-word School Spelling Bee Study List. Students can get the 450-word list from their classroom teacher before the class bees if they want to get a head start on practicing for the school bee.
Classroom Spelling Bees: The week of January 6th-10th
School Spelling Bee: January 17th, 1:00 pm (we will live stream and parents/ guardians can attend)
Looking to BEE a master speller? Another great way to study is the Word Club app, which can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple Store and is completely FREE. Using the Word Club app, your spellers can hear Dr. Jacques Bailly, the Bee’s official pronouncer, pronounce each word on Words of the Champions as well as the School Spelling Bee Study List. They can either type in the letters or choose the correct spelling from a list of options. They can also answer vocabulary questions and track their progress from level to level.
Volunteers for the Spelling Bee: We’re looking for community members to help make our Spelling Bee a success! If you’re interested, please reach out to Jess Potter. Here are the roles we need to fill:
Pronouncer
Head Judge
Judge
Record Keeper
Stage Manager
Registration
Additionally, we’d love to have extra volunteers to support students who are disqualified, offering encouragement and lifting their spirits. (Please note: This role requires fingerprinting and approval as a volunteer or SAU staff member.)
Upcoming Events
Thursday, December 12th- Early Dismissal @ 1:05pm
Tuesday, December 17th- Weare School Board 6 pm @ WMS
Friday, December 20th- 8:50am Grade 1 all School Meeting
December 23rd-January 1st- Winter Break
CWES NEWSLETTER 11/7/24
Tomorrow, Friday, November 8th at Parent Pick Up we will have a new staff member checking in cars. Please have your ID ready and your car tag. Our regular dismissal staff will return on Tuesday!
School Attendance - Breaking the Pattern of Chronic Absenteeism
Across the nation and in our community the issue of chronic student absenteeism affects our students academic success as well as their emotional health. On October 24, CBS6 in Albany reported on their approach to combating this problem in Reversing chronic absenteeism: "It's one student at a time". Additionally, this topic was addressed in February 2024 by Education Week, Chronic Absenteeism Could Be the Biggest Problem Facing Schools Right Now. Since the pandemic we have been tracking attendance trends and discussing ways we can support students struggling with chronic absenteeism and their families. We have been digging into the materials and research available on Attendance Works (mentioned in the segment above) and reporting absenteeism data to the School Boards. There are countless benefits to in-person school engagement; academic achievement, social relationships, physical and nutritional health, and we want students to take an active part in their own education. To accomplish these goals student attendance at school is vital.
At the end of the 2023-2024 school year, across SAU 24, 22% of our students (438 students) were considered chronically absent, meaning they missed 10% or more of the school year. Of those 22% of students, 7% missed more than 20% of the school year (145 students). We are working to support all students attending school and hope to interrupt any developing pattern of absences. In that effort, in the coming weeks parents and guardians of students with chronic absenteeism will receive letters providing information and offering support designed to interrupt this pattern. Members of our staff may also be reaching out via phone and email requesting time to meet and discuss how we can support students and their families in getting students to school. Research indicates that a student's attendance improves when there is a positive relationship between home and school. Our goal is to foster this positive relationship.
There are many resources for schools and families about the importance of attendance and strategies that we can collaboratively implement. If you are interested in being a part of this work, or have ideas you would like to share, contact Natasha Kolehmainen, Assistant Superintendent, or your child’s building principal. We look forward to partnering with all families to help address this issue head on.
In continued partnership,
Jessica Potter, Center Woods Elementary School
Jill Pinard, James Faulkner Elementary School
Matthew Colby, Henniker Community School
Jon Barry, Weare Middle School
Gary Dempsey, John Stark High School
Natasha Kolehmainen, Assistant Superintendent
CWES SPECIAL EVENT 11/5/24
Special Event News
UA Family Night Wednesday November 13th 5-7:30pm
Honoring Veterans at CWES
Students and staff will be standing outside near the school sign/marquee waving and cheering for appreciation of our veterans from 9:30-11:10 & 11:10-1:00 on Friday, November 8th (rain date Tuesday, November 12th.) Our hope is for the community to participate in this Veterans Day celebration by driving down Center Road to wave and honk in support. Please see the attached schedule if you’d like to time your drive-by with your student’s assigned time slot. Pictures can be taken after parking and getting teacher permission (some students can not be photographed).
*Please note that it takes time to move excited little patriots from one place to another, so you may want to drive the Center Rd., 114, Concord Stage Rd. loop if your student is not yet outside for your first drive-by.
CWES NEWSLETTER 10/23/24
ALICE DRILL
At SAU 24, we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our students. One of the ways we achieve this is by using ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training to teach students and staff how to respond in the event of a violent intruder. For more information on ALICE, please refer to the letter we sent to all families this past spring (included below).
Today, we practiced moving quickly to our rally points and staying hidden from the building. Our developmental goals for this drill, which were taught in advance, were tailored by grade level as follows:
PreK-K:
Introduction to ALICE (see more information below)
Understanding what a rally point is and how to get there.
Learning to listen to teachers and identify trusted adults.
Grades 1-3:
Knowing what a rally point is and how to get there.
Understanding the importance of being alert (connected to Scan drills) and informing others.
Remaining quiet while outside and hiding.
Vocabulary: Intruder, ALICE, Rally Point.
Making connections to other settings, like movie theaters.
Students did a great job moving from the building to the rally points. Following the drill, we convened in the gym to take attendance and discuss what went well and what we could improve. Areas for future growth are continued work on situational awareness and being quiet when on the ABC trail. After the drill, we followed up with all classes to gather feedback and insights from students and staff. We've emphasized that the goal of all drills is to be "Prepared, not scared."
Previous Correspondence re: ALICE
Dear SAU 24 Parents and Guardians,
At SAU 24, the safety and security of our students are our highest priorities. We are committed to ensuring that all our schools provide a safe environment for learning. To achieve this, we utilize the ALICE training program, which equips students and staff with the skills and knowledge to handle a violent intruder event effectively.
What is ALICE? ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. This program goes beyond traditional lockdown methods by offering a set of proactive strategies that empower individuals to make informed decisions during a potential threat. The goal of ALICE training is to provide multiple options to respond to an intruder, increasing the chances of safety for everyone involved.
How We Implement ALICE Training Across SAU 24:
Elementary Schools: In the fall, our youngest students will begin learning about ALICE by focusing on listening to their teachers and following directions. This age-appropriate approach ensures that students understand the importance of staying calm and following instructions.
Middle Schools: Middle school students will receive training on situational awareness. They will learn to scan their environment, recognize things that are out of place, and understand how to inform authorities if there is a potential threat. In October and November, they will also be introduced to the concept of countering as a last resort, but we will not conduct drills for this specific action.
High Schools: High school students will receive comprehensive ALICE training, including learning about situational awareness and identifying multiple safe areas where they can go in an emergency. Like middle school students, they will be introduced to countering techniques in the fall without practicing these drills.
Enhanced Lockdowns: During the winter months, all students will practice an enhanced lockdown. For elementary students, this will involve following teacher instructions while the adults create the enhanced lockdown environment. Middle and high school students will take a more active role in assisting with the enhanced lockdown procedures.
Scenario-Based Training: In February and March, classes and advisory periods across SAU 24 will practice different scenarios, deciding whether to implement an enhanced lockdown or evacuate based on the situation.
Spring ALICE Drill: In the spring, all SAU 24 schools will participate in a whole-school ALICE drill. There are no surprise drills; students and staff will be informed ahead of time. We also notify and encourage our local police to partner with us and participate in these drills.
Communication and Safety Partnership: We believe in transparency and collaboration. Therefore, we will always inform students and staff of upcoming drills. Police and the SAU are notified in advance to ensure a coordinated effort.
State Requirements: We want to assure you that our ALICE training program meets the state requirements for intruder drills. ALICE is designed to provide options and empower individuals to make choices that best suit their safety during a threat. This training enables staff and students to support each other effectively and stop a potential threat.
Thank you for your continued support in making our schools a safe place for all students. Should you have any questions or concerns about the ALICE training program, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school administration.
CWES NEWSLETTER 10/17/24
KidSight Information
The Lions Club will be coming to CWES on Monday November 25th this year to offer their KidSight screening program again. This program is part of the Lions KidSight USA and will screen for vision disorders. In order for your child to participate in this program I will need to have a permission form signed by a parent or guardian which will be sent home soon. The deadline for the permission form is Friday November 15, 2024. The reason for this is the Lions need to know how many volunteers and estimated amount of time needed to screen all students with permission.
Your child should have come home with a copy of the permission form this week but if not please find a copy of the permission form attached here. If you have any questions please contact me at nikki.chapman@sau24.org or call me at 603-529-4511.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T96MDWC7iDPqDhF35-cE1GSD1wAWJJYY/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111608221428244322128&rtpof=true&sd=true
Weare Angel Tree Program
Coordinated By
Weare School Nurses
The Angel Tree Program is organized by the Weare school nurses. It is a program for those children in Weare whose family may need some help with Holiday gifts for their children. The program is for Weare children birth through high school.
Applications can be obtained from the Weare Middle School Health Office, Center Woods Elementary School Health Office, online at wearemiddleschool.net or centerwoods.net. Names are kept confidential. Each child is assigned a number with their request.
Each year the Weare community helps between 50 and 100 children to have a happier holiday, with a toy/book and needed clothing item. Angel Trees with requests are set up at the schools and various town businesses.
Each year the Weare town, schools, businesses and community work together to benefit those in need.
Questions? WMS Nurse,Georgeann Chezick:603-529-8015
CWES Nurse,Nikki Chapman: 603-529-4511
For Holiday food baskets please contact the Weare Food Pantry 603-529-2470
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZMq_zRmHEkCVhCFB0kich8Guhf06XDHd/view
CWES NEWSLETTER 10/9/2024
Update From Health Office
Friendly Reminder: Thursday October 10th EARLY DISMISSAL at 1:05pm
No School Friday October 11th Teacher's Workshop
No School Monday October 14th Columbus Day
Dear CWES Parent/Guardians,
Happy October! We are already starting to see cases of strep throat, hand foot and mouth, COVID-19 and colds within our school community. I want to take this opportunity to review some important information from the health office to help ensure that you and your child have a safe, healthy and enjoyable school year.
Immunizations: An up to date immunization record must be on file in the Health Office. Please be proactive and contact your child’s primary care provider to ensure that they are up to date on all immunizations needed for school. An updated immunization record should be provided to the school nurse every year to make sure that I have the most up to date information.
New medical conditions, medications, or allergies: If your child develops any new medical conditions or allergies it is extremely important that you keep me informed as the school year progresses. When a child has an allergy it is important for me to know what the allergy is and what happens when they are in contact with that allergen. If any medical changes occur with your child feel free to call, send in a note, or email.
Medications: Just a reminder, medication that is to be administered at school must be brought to school by the parent/guardian in the pharmacy labeled bottle or packaging. By NH law, a new physician authorization/instruction form signed by both the doctor and the parent must be given to the nurse each year, even if the prescription medication has not changed since the previous year. If your child will need any medication, such as inhalers, epi-pens or any other type of medication, to be kept in the health office please call or email me so we can discuss and arrange for drop off. PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN MEDICATION WITH YOUR CHILD IT MUST BE DROP OF AND PICKED UP BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN.
***If you are looking to drop off medication for your child I will also be available during morning drop off at the main entrance (please park in the parking lot and walk in).***
Illness or COVID like symptoms: If your child isn’t feeling well please keep them home to rest and give me a call to review back to school protocol. If a child has a fever (100 degrees or greater), diarrhea or vomiting during the previous night or that morning, he/she should remain at home. Children need to be diarrhea, vomit and fever free for 24 hours without any medications, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen before coming back to school. Also, if your doctor has prescribed an antibiotic for a communicable illness such as a strep throat, the student must stay home for 24 hours after starting the medication to be considered non-contagious.
Lice: Please check your child weekly and notify me if you discover any lice or nits. Don’t panic, head lice are a nuisance but not really a health risk. Be on alert for persistent scratching behind the ears, back of the neck or on the top of head. Lice travel by head to head contact. Information is available in the health office on prevention and treatment or www.headlice.org is also a good resource. Students will be checked for head lice as necessary during the school year.
Recess: Recess is an important part of a student's physical and social education. When weather permits and is 15 degrees or above students will have outdoor recess. All students are required to go outside unless they have a doctor’s note restricting outside play. Even though the weather is still summer-like, soon it will start becoming cooler. Please be sure to check the weather forecast daily, and assist your child in wearing all of the appropriate clothing for conditions for that day. Having a layer of short sleeves and then a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt is helpful as the mornings can be cooler but by the time recess occurs it is much warmer. Please also keep in mind that coats, hats, gloves/mittens, snow pants and boots will be needed when the snow starts to fly.
Hydration: Please remember to send your child into school everyday, even in the winter months, with a refillable water bottle. Hydration is good for overall health and well-being. I often see children in the health office with complaints of headaches, feeling tired and a general feeling of not feeling well. A lot of the time it is determined that they aren’t drinking enough fluid during the school day.
Please contact me in the health office via phone or email if you have any concerns or questions. Let’s keep Center Woods healthy and safe this 2024-2025 school year.
Nikki Chapman, RN, BSN
School Nurse
Phone: 603-529-4511
Fax: 603-529-0446
nikki.chapman@sau24.org
The Weare Community Angel Tree program is starting to accept applications for those families needing some help with Holiday Gifts for their children. Please see further information below along with the application form.
Weare Angel Tree Program
Coordinated By
Weare School Nurses
The Angel Tree Program is organized by the Weare school nurses. It is a program for those children in Weare whose family may need some help with Holiday gifts for their children. The program is for Weare children birth through high school.
Applications can be obtained from the Weare Middle School Health Office, Center Woods Elementary School Health Office, online at wearemiddleschool.net or centerwoods.net Names are kept confidential. Each child is assigned a number with their request.
Each year the Weare community helps between 50 and 100 children to have a happier holiday, with a toy/book and needed clothing item. Angel Trees with requests are set up at the schools and various town businesses.
Each year the Weare town, schools, businesses and community work together to benefit those in need.
Questions? WMS Nurse,Georgeann Chezick:603-529-8015
CWES Nurse,Nikki Chapman:603-529-4511
For Holiday food baskets please contact the Weare Food Pantry 603-529-2470
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZMq_zRmHEkCVhCFB0kich8Guhf06XDHd/edit?usp=drive_link&rtpof=true&sd=true
CWES NEWSLETTER 10/04/2024
The Center Woods Elementary Open House on September 26th was a huge success, with many families attending to connect with teachers and learn about the school's programs. Landon, a cheerful second-grader, proudly guided his parents through classroom routines, excitedly showcasing his learning environment. The evening fostered a strong sense of community, highlighting the partnership between families and staff in supporting student success.
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Bus Expectations and Evacuation Drills
We’ve been informed that bus drivers have had to give frequent reminders about bus rider expectations recently. Please remember that the majority of bus rules are in place to ensure the safety of all students, so it's very important that these rules are followed at all times.
We ask that you please support your child by reviewing the attached SAU 24 Bus Ridership Contract at home. This will help reinforce the expectations and ensure that every student enjoys a safe and pleasant ride to and from school. The contract is also available on our website along with the current bus routes.
Additionally, we will be conducting bus evacuation drills on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 8 and 9, as buses arrive at CWES in the morning. During these drills, students will practice rear door evacuations. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for sitting on the bus floor as they scoot out the back door with assistance from adults.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our buses safe for everyone!
Upcoming Events:
Early Dismissal Thursday, October 10th @ 1:05PM
No School Friday, October 11th Teacher Workshop Day
No School Monday, October 14th Indigenous Peoples' Day