MAY 29, 2015
Wednesday, June 10
Field Day (raindate: 6/17)
Kindergarten Open House – 1:30-2:30
Monday, June 15
School Committee Meeting – 6:00pm
Wednesday, June 17
Last Day of Preschool – Celebration at 11:30am
Thursday, June 18
Sixth Grade Farewell – 1:30 pm
Friday, June 19
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL – 11:00 Dismissal
Wednesday, September 2
First Day of School for Grades K-6
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IN THE SCHOOLHOUSE
Different Ways of Learning
Especially as we enter these last weeks of the year, students are engaged in theatrical and musical
performances, field trips, and written projects, to name but a few. At moments like these, individual talents and enthusiasms become especially evident. LES is full of amazing artists, musicians, and writers. And after a long winter of indoor work, the chance to go outside and engage in experiential learning provokes deeper thinking and understanding for children who learn best by observing and doing.
I was reminded of my own proclivity for experiential learning last weekend, when I built a saltbox shed. The large pallet, complete with all the largely precut lumber arrived on Friday afternoon, and I was full of big ideas about what a capable builder I was. Fortunately, I have a knowledgeable and patient nephew who guided me through the use of some new power tools, and provided the brawn to hoist pieces of lumber that I never could have managed myself. After two days of ‘guided learning,’ I was amazed at how much I had learned, and knew that I never would have figured it out just by looking at pictures in an instruction manual (though YouTube videos can be remarkably good!). Of course, now I’m convinced that, with my new knowledge, I’ll be able to finish the roof, and the door and window installations all by myself! I’ll let you know!
At LES, different learning styles are recognized and embraced, and finding ways to make sure that every child is able to progress is something we take very seriously. For several years, Nancy Gibavic has been the Essential Skills teacher for the third, fourth, and fifth graders. Nancy has a unique ability to discern where students are encountering difficulty in their work. She has many creative ways of engaging kids as well as a remarkable bag of ‘tricks’ that help children remember procedures for solving math problems. Nancy is also very knowledgeable in the area of science, and frequently goes into classrooms to do science labs, which has been a huge help to classroom teachers. But retirement has beckoned, and Nancy has answered the call. Thank you, Nancy, for all you have done!
With Nancy’s retirement, has come another series of transitions. Fourth grade teacher Christine Paglia Baker has decided to switch roles and move into the Essential Skills position, which is part-time. This move will allow her to spend more time with her one-year old baby, Cora. Interviews for the fourth grade classroom position will begin next week. We have already received dozens of applications, with many very well qualified candidates. I look forward to introducing a new fourth grade and an interim second grade teacher to you before year’s end.One last note. In the final weeks of the year, there are many exciting events, and the daily routines become much less routine! For many children this, in combination with the approaching long vacation, can be unsettling. As a school, we are very aware of the need for increased support for children. We encourage parents to let us know if there’s anything we can do to help ensure a happy and smooth transition to summer.
-Margot Lacey
SPOTLIGHT ON . . .
Time to find your LOST BOOKS!Please be aware that ALL LIBRARY BOOKS ARE DUE FRIDAY, JUNE 12th. If a student has OVERDUE books between now and June 12th they will not be allowed to check out ANY books!
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COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
(Items listed here are not school sponsored)
CONFUSED ABOUT ENERGY CHOICES?
Look for the Leverett Energy Committee’s handout at the Library or Town Hall.
Leverett-based dog walking service has early afternoon and late afternoon walk times available.
Dogs must be good with other dogs, children and adults, and be able to run off-leash. Please contact [email protected] or 413-475-4304.
WANTED: A room or in-law apartment to rent to a young, single woman. Please call 397-3300.
YOGA IN LEVERETT WITH NANCY PAGLIA
Chair Yoga for Strength, Flexibility & Balance -
Wednesdays 10-11am Town Hall
Yoga for Stress Reduction- Thursdays 5-
6:15pm Leverett Library
Women's Yoga Circle- Sunday, May 31 10am-1pm
The Shintaido Center, River Road Deerfield.
Please call Nancy @413-687-2125 for information and registration.
Savings and Serenity: Schedule your 1 hour Monday massage between 12 noon and 4 pm for $55 (regularly $75), with Nancy Paglia, M.Ed. Certified Massage Therapist, Yoga Instructor, and Stress Management Specialist. Call or email today, 413-687-2125, [email protected].