5/31/17 Daily Bulletin

Shout Out

Shout out to Deb Bryson and Lindsey Wright for arranging for their students to be part of Dunkin' Donuts "KidZone" this year, and attend a Celtics game, including special seating, T-shirts, tips from the players and hats!

Shout out to Ms. Elaine Vitt-Simmons for being a caring and careful observer of children, even during the chaos of lunch and recess.

Shout out to Alyse Zucker, Deb Aviles, Regan Andrade, Laura Merdkhanian, Traka Smith and Christina Burke for supporting colleagues from other schools while they toured our acoustically treated classrooms. You WOWed the visitors and exceeded their expectations and helped them to visualize how they could adapt their schools to better support students. Thanks!

Windows

Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, May 31st you may start to see work beginning on the window project. 2-4 trailers will be delivered and we have requested they be stored in the following spaces to conserve parking spots (originally they wanted to take the whole Lower School Lot):

• 1-2 on the black top by the kickball diamond
• 1 in the grass next to the driveway entrance by the kindergarten Play structures
• 1 on the grass in front of the Lower School parking lot. 

There also may be some signs posted in the Lower School Parking Lot on random days stating not to park in a specific spot. This is due to needed space to take down the grates on the windows. This week and next week new windows should be installed in the electrical room, boiler room and the 2nd grade storage space. More details will follow as we get an update. Attached you will find a document to help you think about packing up your space for the summer.

Fresh Fruit and Veggie Delivery

Our fruits are being delivered to the school late and they will be dispersed on Thursday and Friday (pineapple & peppers w/dressing) due to the holiday this week.

Room Allocation Draft

We have several Facilities projects that will take place here over the summer such as new windows, placing walls in rooms and updating space for use. There was a list submitted to facilities and they have approved which projects they will complete. While we appreciate all the ideas you may have on how to improve this building, this list can not be changed or added to at this time (meaning no changes can be made to the actual building structure). We are looking for your feedback as to where we have placed rooms for next year (this can be changed). Please review the Room Assignment Map for next year and submit all feedback and questions in this Google Form Here. Feedback is due by Friday, June 2nd.

Homework Policy Draft

About 20 staff came together to discuss a K-8 Homework Policy for next year when we add 40 minutes to the school day. We are hoping to get some feedback from staff before we share it at SSC in June. Please read through the document and leave any suggestions and questions in this Google Form Here. Feedback is due by Friday, June 2nd.

STAR Reading Spring Benchmark Period Open(Grade 3-8 Only)

The STAR Reading Spring benchmark window is open from June 12th – 21st. ALL students in grades 3-8 should be tested during this time. Please emphasize the importance of this final benchmark data with students and remind them to approach the test thoughtfully and carefully. The data collected will be used to assess students’ progress over the past school year and will also assist in determining WIN placement for next year. All STAR Reading testing must be completed by end of day on Wednesday, June 21st. Please contact Eileen Cronin if you have any questions.

Music Concert 

You are invited to our end of the year Spring Music Showcase on Friday, June 2nd 2017. There will be two concerts: One at 10AM for K1, K2, 1st, and 2nd grades and another concert at 11AM for Middle School. Please e-mail Ms. Alves with any questions evarela2@bostonpublicschools.org.

Pot Luck

Let's celebrate the end of another successful school year on June 14th with a Curley SPC Potluck from 6-8pm. Bring your favorite dish to share with new and old friends, take some silly photos in the "Photo Booth," hear some super exciting news from Principal Grassa and cast a vote for upcoming SPC leadership. There is much to be excited about in the next academic school year and this is a great time to celebrate our accomplishments, look forward to next year and connect with the Curley Community.

New Student Welcome Sessions

We look forward to welcoming our new students on Friday, June 2nd from 9am-10am. We will begin by meeting in the auditorium from 9-9:30 and share important information about the Curley K-8 School. We will then break off into groups to tour classrooms.

Rock Monitor

SAVE THE DATE! 6th ANNUAL ROCKMONITOR Benefit show!

–Come see Curley parents and teachers perform, DJ dance party to follow–

Saturday June 17th @8:30pm Midway Cafe (across from English High School)

All proceeds to benefit the new 2017-18 Evening MONTHLY Art Club at the Curley K8 for families <3 Rockmonitor $6 T-shirts for sale, raffle, used records, CDs, tapes Suggested donation at the door $20//21 years old + Please email Molly Brigham will any questions at mollykbrigham@gmail.com.

 Outdoor Recess Time

The weather is getting nicer by the day and we know everyone is eager to get students outside to play. Please keep in mind that there are scheduled times for recess throughout the school and added classes should not be added during those times. We have a schedule to ensure all students are safe. If staff want to request time on the field they can submit a request online at curleyk8.blogspot.com. Please note that PACE has recess scheduled on the play structures daily from 9:45-10:15 & 1:30-2:00. To help maintain safe student to staff ratio they should be the only classes on the play structure at that time. Otherwise recess is outside from 10:40-11:40 on the play structures and 12:00-1:20 on the play structures, black top and field.

Closing Document

Please click the below link for access to our closing document. ALL staff should read this and be sure to complete any steps that apply to their role. All teachers will need a printed copy so they can submit signatures by 6/28/17.

Movie Night

PACE is hosting Family Movie Night Thursday, June 1st 5p-7p in the Curley Auditorium. This event will help raise money for field trips, which provide very important social and community experience for students on the Autism Spectrum. Tickets will be $3 a person and will include the movie ticket, popcorn and water. All students must be accompanied by an adult to this event. We can't tell you the name of the movie, but please join us on the adventure of Princess Poppy and her colorful friends. Please email Liz Spring for further details espring@bostonpublicschools.org

Student Profiles

As we close out the school year, we want to document all the helpful things we have learned about supporting our students by filling out student profiles. These profiles will be extremely helpful as we begin the school year next year. Each teacher will receive the information on their incoming class. Last year, K-2 filled out student profiles. We have used their feedback to make the process less time-consuming and more helpful. Each team can decide to fill out profiles during CPT, or individually. We would like all profiles for K-5 students to be completed by Wednesday, May 31. (6th, 7th, and 8th grade teams, stay tuned for more information!) The link to fill out each profile is below, and an example is attached to this email. https://goo.gl/forms/aJ4z0itZz9f10KVG3
If you have any questions, please reach out to Lindsey Morgan (lim076@mail.harvard.edu), Laurie Ciardi, or Meg Nason. Thank you for all you do!

K-4 Field Day

Field Day will take place on Wednesday, June 21st with a rain date of Thursday, June 22nd. More details will follow and reach out to Mark Righini with any questions or ideas.

Summer Learning Opportunities

Summer school information is finally here! Per BPS, there have been some changes this year to the referral process. New this year, there will not be school or grade level seat allocations for these programs, as there have been in the past. Summer Learning Academies, previously referred to as summer school or “Smart Summers,” will provide a mix of academic and enrichment in a 4-6 week program, with a 6-8 hour day to eligible K-8th grade students. Students who need academic (ELA, math, and enrichment) and/or social-emotional support entering the next grade level should be referred for summer programming. To learn more about Summer Learning Academies and student eligibility please review the information below and documents attached to this Staff Blog. A hard copy of these documents will be placed in your mailbox Monday, May 15th.

To refer a student to a Summer Learning Academy please do the following:

TEACHERS:
Please take the time to review your students overall progress this year, and identify those students in need of ELA, math and/or enrichment support during the summer. To ensure that your students receive targeted, high-quality summer learning options, please see the BPS Summer Learning District Offerings for eligibility requirements for each district program. You must recommend a particular program for your student.
Once you have identified students in need of BPS summer programing, you MUST contact the parent to inform them that you are recommending their child to attend a Summer Learning Academy. If a parent is in agreement, please send home the Summer Learning Academies Registration/Consent Form and Program Details (English) or Summer Learning Academies Registration/Consent Form and Program Details (Spanish), and FAQ for Families (hard copies will be placed in your mailbox this week). If a parent does not want their child to attend summer programming, BPS cannot “mandated" that their child attend summer school. Summer Learning Programs are an opportunity to prepare for next year NOT punishment.
Please encourage parents to check out the Summer Learning Academies Options included with the consent form to find all the details about the programs, including dates, times, location, etc.

Returned consent forms MUST be dropped off at the main office by no later than Wednesday, May 31st. Teachers recommending students in K-2 please return your consent forms to Ms. Power (Lower School). Teachers recommending students in grade 3-8 please return your student consent forms to Ms. Vazquez (Upper School).
IMPORTANT: These programs are first come first serve! Do not wait until May 31st to turn in forms. Students who are referred to summer learning programs will receive registration paperwork to be completed and returned to the school only once the consent forms are turned in. Program leaders will be directly responsible for the recruitment of students who are referred by schools. However, it is the responsibility of schools to collaborate with program leaders to ensure referred students return the appropriate paperwork to be enrolled in the program. All documents are located on the Curley K8 Drive in the Guidance folder. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Ward-Jackson (K-4) or Ms. Santos (5-8).

IEP Progress Reports

Progress Reports will open Tuesday, May 16th and will close at 4pm on June 12th. All progress reports need to completed in SEIMS. Please let Karen or Jessica know if there are any questions or concerns.

Retention

Are you thinking about retaining a student for next year? If so, please invite Katie to your team meeting to discuss the student and possible option. All students being retain will need to be submitted by 5/31/17 to Central Office. Please keep in mind that retention is an intervention not a punishment for students. Also complete the following documentation so we can use it as discussion at the meeting. Light's Retention Scale is a researched based tool used to help decide if retention is an appropriate and effective intervention for a student.

7th Grade Parent High School Information Night

The counseling office will hold a presentation for our parents and guardians of 7th grade students on June 1st from 5:30-7 pm. This presentation will cover the basics of the 8th grade to high school transition including the citywide policy, choosing a good fit, and the high school choice form. Flyers will go out this week inviting parents and guardians to attend. Pizza will be served and students are encouraged to attend as well!

School Climate Survey

All Student Climate Surveys are online this year! Homeroom teachers should instruct classes to take surveys at the same time to ensure all students have the opportunity to complete the survey. Please have students complete the survey by May 31st. 
Accessing the Survey

• The Digital Backpack is opens by default on all BPS Chromebooks but students can also take the survey by visiting www.bostonpublicschools.org/backpack and signing in with their BPS Google account. The Climate Survey is the first icon listed at the top.

SUPPORT THE CURLEY K-8 LIBRARY…AND GET CAR SERVICE FROM MORRISON’S AUTO-RITE

Morrison’s Auto-Rite (475 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain) is offering car maintenance services for FREE with a small donation to the Curley Library (the total cost of the car services far exceed the donation!!!) Bring a check or money order to Morrison’s Auto-Rite made out to the Friend's of the Curley Fund for $95 and Morrison’s Auto-Rite will provide you with the following services and items:

• Free comprehensive multi-point inspection (check over your car’s health) including: 
• Free Oil Change (up to a $39.95 value). NOTE: some cars have additional charges for synthetic oil 
• Rotate tires 
• Balance two front tires (while doing rotation) 
• Free front wiper blades (most cars); no appointment needed for wiper blade install 
• Second free oil change (up to a $39.95 value) 
• Upgraded warranty on repair work done by Morrison’s Auto Rite to 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. (There are a few exceptions for normal wear items, i.e. tires) 
• Unlimited tire pressure adjusting, no appointment needed 
• Unlimited fluid level checks, no appointment needed 

TOTAL APPROXIMATE VALUE (SAVINGS) $295!

You must present the check in the amount of $95, made out to Friends of the Curley Library Fund, in person to Morrison’s Autorite to be eligible for these services! No credit cards, please!S

BTU Vote

Both paras and teachers voted to convert afternoon hours of PD into summer hours. Teachers will report for PD on Wednesday, August 30th and Thursday August 31st for PD from 8am-3pm. Paras will report on Wednesday, August 30th from 8:00am-2:00pm.

Save the Date

Please reserve Friday, June 2nd for our End-of-the-Year and Retirement Party.

Place: Florian Hall

Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Appetizers, Buffet, Music, Dance, Celebrations!

SPED PD Options

Below are some PD options being offered at the Curley during our contractual PD dates. Staff may want to include one or more of these into their team PD plan. Here is the link to sign up   https://goo.gl/forms/BwtGbumLgXBfLUMF2

• June 1st --- Inclusion