Friday, April 24, 2020

Weekly Updates-Shawsheen School

Dear Families,
Thank you for working so diligently to manage home, school, work and life during this time. With the news of the school closing for the rest of the year I am sure it has caused more stress for students and families. Please know that as a district and as a school we are all working to help families have successful days with their students both academically and socially. Please continue with the communication if you need anything. Your teachers are there for you and are happy to offer suggestions on whatever we can to help make it through this time.
I would like to explore a parent coffee or office hours once a week. I have attached a quick google survey to get an idea of parent interest. My vision is that it will be an opportunity during this time when I am on zoom for about ½ hour where I can just talk with parents, answer questions, or help in any way. I could also pick topics for discussion if parents would like. 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckKnC2UpSY0Fj64JzcqvTOjdynNGLQfFva7UMH8ovovWQFMw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Over the past few weeks students have worked on Flipgrid videos for National Poetry Month. I have about 23 submissions on video and I am working on a movie to share out.  It is not too late if students want to participate. It will be open until May 1st.
Flipgrid video for National Poetry Month
It is National Poetry Month and have initiated a flipgrid where students can share a poem they write, read a favorite poem or email me a poem. Feel free to join in on this one!
Password: Wildcats

Happy Birthday for some of our April birthdays-last week and this week! (we had a lot)

Here is the link again for the 3 R’s remote learning PBIS matrix. I used screentastic and uploaded to google docs. It is less than 3 minutes for families to watch together. Thank you to our PBIS team.

I have received some inquiries about the placement process. The process will continue as usual except the staff and administration at the Shawsheen are planning on doing it virtually. Just a reminder about the process so that families understand the many components that go into placement. We have several stages prior to it being finalized. Our goal is making balanced classrooms including male/female ratio, service deliveries, reading, classroom size and much more. As you are aware, students will be receiving the name of their child’s teacher at the beginning of August when families log on to sign the electronic emergency card information and handbook. We will however be posting the supply list on the websites by the last day of school. They will be consistent across classrooms regardless of the classroom teacher.
This week was our administrator professional’s week. We appreciate Ms. Sirois and all she does for school to make it a wonderful place to be. Teacher Appreciation week is coming up the week of May 5th.
Thank you for all you do and have great weekend,
Mrs. King


Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Weekly News Update-Shawsheen


Good Morning,

I hope all families enjoyed the 3 day weekend and the weather. I wanted to let families know that we have filled two more retirement positions for next year.  We had a special education opening for grade 1-3 at the Shawsheen. We are very fortunate to be able to secure Ms. Cailin Murphy. Ms. Murphy has her BA and is obtaining her Masters in Special Education anticipated this May. She has her license in K-8 in moderate disabilities. She comes with glowing references and has experience working with students with disabilities, working with families, team meetings and much more. Thank you to my interview committee which consisted of teachers, parents and administrators.  

I also wanted to let you know that we have hired Mr. Michael  Sudak as our physical education teacher at the Shawsheen to fill the physical education position in the fall. Mr. Sudak has been working in the Andover Public School system.  His experiences thus far will benefit our students and our overall school community.  Thank you to our interview committee made up of teachers and administrators.

Happy Birthday for some of our April birthdays-last week and this week! (we had a lot)

Flipgrid video for National Poetry Month
It is National Poetry Month and have initiated a flipgrid where students can share a poem they write, read a favorite poem or email me a poem. Feel free to join in on this one!

Password: Wildcats

Here is the link for the 3 R’s remote learning PBIS matrix. I used screentastic and uploaded to google docs. It is less than 3 minutes for families to watch together. Thank you to our PBIS team.


Please feel free to email or share with me some great things that are happening at home with the 3 R’s via email, twitter or facebook. I will give out some virtual paws, a shout out and maybe even a surprise phone call!

Also, please continue to let your teacher know if you need assistance. Everyone is working diligently and doing their very best during this time including families and students. We appreciate you and all your efforts. We miss our students but we are going to continue to be resilient during this time. If you need anything please feel free to reach out.

Whatever social media works for you, feel free to keep up to date on these outlets!

Twitter @shawsheenschool

Thank you,

Mrs. King