Jaguar Tracks for Families
September 29, 2020
From the Office of Mrs. Ippolito
Dearest Joshua Eaton Parents and Guardians,
I can't believe the first month of school is almost completed. The students have adjusted very well to the first month. Thank you all again for your on-going support as we grow together in this virtual world!
Please be sure to check our school website for information related to Joshua Eaton and the start of the school year. http://reading.k12.ma.us/joshuaeaton/
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ippolito, Principal
Joshua Eaton
Important Dates
9/27-28 Yom Kippur 10/9 No School (Professional Development Day) 10/12 No School (Columbus Day) 10/13 - Grades 1 & 2 Cohort B returns live to Eaton, Cohort A and Grs 3-5 remote
Student Materials Pick up
Tuesday, October 6, 2020, between 8:30 -2:30 Joshua Eaton will begin a weekly parent pick-up for student supplies on Tuesdays. Your child’s teacher will let you know the specific details of grade-level pick-ups in their weekly updates. Please be sure to read these updates for more details. All bags will be labeled with your child’s name in alphabetical order and to that end, please return the original remote bag to be refilled for the following week. Please look for your class bin on the Oak Street lawn. We will notify you if a rain date is needed for pick -up.
Get Ready for Book Borrowing from the Joshua Eaton Library in October!!
You can check out books from the Library Media Center while we’re learning in our hybrid learning model. When in school, the library will come to each classroom for checkout starting in October. When remote, students will request and pick up books on our school pickup day on Tuesdays.
Our books are for everyone, so please remember to take good care of them.
Please see more details in the flyer below.
Superintendent Virtual Office Hours
- Now that we have begun the school year, we will be restarting the Superintendent Virtual Office Hours. Office hours will be scheduled in 20 minutes blocks of time on Microsoft Teams. If you would like to schedule an office hour, please complete this link.
Back to School Night
MORNING DROP-OFF
• Staff supervision at JE begins at 8:10 am. Full day hybrid students should not arrive unsupervised before 8:10 am. All students must be wearing their masks.
• Drop-off is from 8:10 – 8:25 am. All students should gather on their classroom "spots" near the door that they enter 8:10 - 8:15 am. The staff will be there to greet them!
• At 8:15 am, students may enter the building following their classroom assignment:
- Kindergarten - Mrs. Cornetta ( Door 4), Ms. Fusco/Mrs. Meagher (Door 6), Mrs. Manna( Modular) - same as the start of the year.
- Grade 1: Cohort A - Ms. Byrnes & Mrs. Varghese, Cohort B - Ms. McQuillin - Door 2 (front of the school -center)
- Grade 2: Cohort A - Mrs. Libby & Ms. Fitch, Cohort B - Ms. Kiley & Mrs. Nazzaro - Door 5 (Library Door, near glass windows)
MORNING TRAFFIC & PARKING at JE
Between 7:30 - 8:30am: Oak Street is one-way and right turn only.
The spaces lining the school on Oak Street and Summer Ave. are reserved for DROP & GO only. Parents, please pull all the way up to the farthest available space ahead and then have your children exit out on the sidewalk side. Parents who wish to walk with their children's line up area should find parking on nearby side streets. Everyone should be wearing a mask on school property to ensure everyone's safety!
PE Weekly challenge with Ms. Cucinotta
Teacher Absences
How to Translate this Newsletter
In the black box at the top of the newsletter, select Translate Newsletter to pick the desired language.
- Portuguese: Na caixa preta na parte superior do boletim, selecione Traduzir Boletim informativo para escolher o idioma desejado.
- Spanish: En el cuadro de Negro en la parte superior del boletín de noticias, seleccione Traducir Boletín de escoger el idioma deseado.
- Arabic : في المربع الأسود في أعلى النشرة الإخبارية، حدد ترجمة الرسالة الإخبارية لاختيار اللغة المطلوبة.
Google Classroom
Please visit the ClassWork tab to view the classroom "Landing Page". This document contains contact information, schedules, links, and resources.
At this time, all students should be on their individual classes Google Classroom page. If your child is not, please let me know how I can help.
Laptop Loaner Program
Our school district IT department has worked tirelessly to set up and loan out more than 800 laptops to families. They have run out of devices for student use, and are currently setting up more for loans.
At this point, I want to make sure we have an accurate count of devices our Eaton students need. Please fill out the survey below if 1. You haven't heard about a laptop you requested or 2. You now need a device for your child.
We will forward your request to our technology department.
Information from the Nurses of RPS
Helpful Tips to support our students with mask compliance. 😊 We are getting so excited to see more students for their in-person hybrid instruction. In preparation for your child’s return, I’m sharing some tips that may help improve mask compliance. It takes a village.
1) Mask wearing is something that takes getting used to. In preparation for your child to attend their in-person hybrid week, pediatricians recommend that children practice mask wearing for increasing intervals each day.
2) It is important that your child’s mask fits properly. Try a few different brands and see which ones work the best. It’s also a good idea to have them wear their masks while being active, to make sure that they maintain a good fit with movement.
3) Practice having your child put on and remove their masks correctly. (Wash hands before and after donning a mask, only handle it by the ear loops/ties, don’t touch the front of the mask)
4) Remind your child that for the mask to be fully effective, it must always cover their nose and mouth.
5) Have fun – let your child have some input about their mask. Allow them to pick out designs they like or if you are crafty, let your child pick out a fabric that they like, and sew them together.
Here are some helpful resources that you can use when talking to your children about the importance of masks.
https://www.pbs.org/video/what-it-important-wear-mask-right-now-l7gvqh/
http://mass.gov/doc/wear-a-mask-or-face-covering/download
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a33218236/how-to-make-face-masks-for-kids/
We appreciate your support in keeping our community healthy!
Stay well –
Mrs. Trevejo, RN MPH
From the Office of Danielle Collins, Food Service Director
The Reading Schools Food Services is working hard to create a welcoming and safe environment to provide healthy meals for all Reading Public Schools students. We are so excited to provide our students with nourishing and nutritious meals that will support them, both in school and at home.
There will be some significant changes to the Food Service program this fall. The primary one is related to the payment system. In March, when our schools closed because of COVID-19, the USDA (the federal agency that oversees the nation’s school lunch and school breakfast program) allowed all schools in the US to provide meals at no cost to all students and then they extended that provision through the summer. A second extension was announced on August 31st and is set to expire on December 31st or when funds run out. What this means is ALL students will eat for free through this USDA extension period. All students, regardless of eligibility are able to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch every academic day until December 31st. We understand the vital importance of providing meals at no cost for all students across our community during this unprecedented time. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has requested that the USDA extend free meals for all students for the entire school year. However, no decision has been made by the USDA.
Families should still submit a household application to determine eligibility for free and reduced price school meals in order to qualify for any additional benefits as well as have a seamless transition when school meals transition to a paid school meal program. Therefore, we strongly encourage families to complete an application for free and reduced priced meals as soon as possible. The application is available to download at Reading.k12.ma.us under Food Services.
In addition, we also encourage families to apply for SNAP benefits. SNAP provides monthly cash benefits (on an EBT card) to purchase groceries for eligible families. To apply for SNAP, visit DTA Connect at https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/ or call the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. Families approved for SNAP are directly eligible to receive free meals at school.
Meal Distribution will be provided each Wednesday from 2:30 – 3:30 pm and Friday from 11 am – 12 noon at the bridge of Reading Memorial High School.
Please reach out with any questions you might have. Your children are the reason we love our jobs and we are here to make sure that they are fueled with good food and ready to learn!
Sincerely,
Danielle Collins, Food Service Director
Office of Student Services
During the extended closure in the Spring of 2020 office hours were offered to families and we would like to continue to offer virtual office hours with Jennifer Stys, Director of Student Services, and Allison Wright, Assistant Director of Student Services. Office hours are a time for individual families to discuss questions and concerns regarding the implementation of their student’s IEP, their progress or to share positive feedback. If you are interested in attending office hours, please sign up for a 15-minute block via the link below. The dates/times of office hours are as follows:
- Wednesday 9/23 9-10 am
- Tuesday 9/29 2-3 pm
Link to DOODLE Poll for Student Services Office Hours for the month of September
Special Education Support
If you have any questions about your student’s IEP or services please reach out to our building Team Chairperson, Shana Goldwyn at Shana.Goldwyn@reading.k12.ma.us
SEPAC and Parent Resources are always listed in the Jaguar Tracks. See the information section below.
Dear SEPAC Community & Friends:
We have heard from SEPAC members frequently that opportunities for social connection and support among caregivers are a priority. In an effort to try and meet that need, SEPAC is hosting its first virtual social connection/support chats via Zoom next week, Tuesday, Sept. 29th at 10 AM and 8 PM. We are offering daytime and evening chats to meet the needs of more families. The one hour chat will be casual and friendly and loosely facilitated by two SEPAC board members with assistance from "Friends of SEPAC" volunteers. The purpose of the chat will be to offer a listening ear and positive support to your fellow caregivers. The plan is for the chats to start off with a discussion about the "Back to School" experience - whether it be in person or remote - including the joys, challenges, and strategies, and home routines to help foster a sense of normalcy during these challenging times. Please note that no SEPAC related business will be deliberated and the chat will not be recorded.
Link for 10 AM SEPAC Social Connection/Support Chat on Tuesday, Sept. 29th
Link for 8 PM SEPAC Social Connection/Support Chat on Tuesday, Sept. 29th
Another priority that was proposed as a SEPAC goal for the 2020-2021 school year was caregiver education on reading and literacy, particularly early signs of reading challenges. While the SEPAC, in collaboration with the District, works towards this goal, in the meantime, Neuropsychology & Education Services for Children & Adolescents (NESCA) is offering a webinar on this specific topic on Oct. 15th. Details and link to register are below.
"Early Signs of Reading Challenges"
A webinar featuring NESCA Pediatric Neuropsychologist Alissa Talamo, Ph.D.
October 15 from 2:00-3:00 PM ET
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://nesca-newton.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4XOoaw4IS-e8xEkHt6ev_A
COVID-19 Update for Families from SEPAC (Special Education Advisory Council)
The mission of the Reading Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of, all children with special needs in the community.
- We remind parents/caregivers to contact team chairs and principals with individual concerns and questions.
- The SEPAC Board strongly encourages members to review the following links:
Visit SEPAC's website and follow SEPAC on Facebook for more information.
Thank you,
SEPAC BOARD
RPS SEPAC Basic Rights Presentation
The Reading Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is hosting a Basic Rights Presentation "Evaluation and Eligibility", presented by a representative for the Federation for Children with Special Needs.
The Basic Rights Presentation will be held, virtually, on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 7:00 PM, via ZOOM.
All attendees must register via the link provided on the flyer. (see below)
Election Time
Hello families! It’s finally time to hold our annual PTO election! Please submit your choices on this Google form by Oct 1. We will share the results and info on your new board shortly thereafter! Thank you!
Calareso's Fall Fundraiser is HERE!!!!
Calareso's has generously made our fall fundraiser possible again this year. Get your order form here for Calareso’s Gift Certificates, which can be used on everything at Reading’s local farmstand! Shop fresh produce, pumpkins & fall flowers or save these for your winter decorating needs - these NEVER expire. Your purchase will support our school - 25% goes directly to JE. This fundraiser will run from September 28th through October 16th. See the form below.
Reading Kids Connect
Is your child in need of a friend or an older peer to spend time with? Many younger students might feel distant from their peers because of remote-learning, and on top of that, some parents might feel overwhelmed with having to entertain their kids and work from home at the same time.
To reduce the stress of child-care on parents and feelings of isolation on younger students, Reading Kids Connect connects RMHS students + alumni with younger students (ages 7-15) over virtual video sessions. We can provide homework help, boredom-killing activities, high school advice, and a friendly face. To find a mentor, visit our website:
https://readingkidsconnect.org/
*Advertisement from Reading Kids Connect
About These Services
BLOGS TO FOLLOW Check out these blogs that give educational insights as well as details on RPS happenings:
Mrs. Ippolito, Principal
Mrs. Trevejo, School Nurse
Mrs. Greco, Administrative Assistant
Website: http://reading.k12.ma.us/joshuaeaton
Location: 365 Summer Avenue, Reading, MA, USA
Phone: 781-942-9161
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaEatonSchool/
Twitter: @Mrs_Ippolito