Below are the links to the School and District Newsletters for this week.
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SEPAC News for This Week
All Reading parents are general members of SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) and thus are encouraged to attend SEPAC’s events, including business meetings.
SEPAC business meeting THIS WEEK:
Tuesday, March 10th at 7 PM in the Reading Memorial High School Schettini Library Media Center. The meeting will include the following two presentations:
- RPS Behavioral Health Coach Lauren Sabella, M.Ed., LMHC, will present on the district’s policies concerning restraint and seclusion, followed by a Q&A. If you have any questions about restraint and seclusion, please try your best to attend.
- RPS Superintendent Dr. John Doherty will present on the district’s proposed plan required by the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) and solicit member feedback about the proposed plan. As part of the SOA, districts are required to submit three-year, evidence-based plans aimed at closing persistent disparities in achievement among student subgroups. Additional information about the SOA and related plans may be found on the DESE website at the below link. http://www.doe.mass.edu/commissioner/spec-advisories/soa.html
A copy of the revised meeting agenda for 3/10 may be found at the below link.
https://www.readingma.gov/sites/readingma/files/agendas/sepac_revised_3-10_7pm.pdf
If you cannot attend a meeting but have comments/questions about the agenda items, please email sepacreading@gmail.com. Also check our website for meeting minutes once they’ve been approved.
Mark your calendars:
Daytime SEPAC meeting on Wednesday, April 1st at 10 AM in the Reading PUBLIC Library Conference Room. Details and agenda to follow.
Visit SEPAC’s website and follow SEPAC on Facebook for more information.
Pathways Newsletter for Week of 3/9/2020
Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Community,
I hope that you had a great week. Attached is this week’s Pathways Newsletter. This week’s edition contains the following information and articles:
- Additional information regarding Coronavirus
- SEPAC Updates
- RMHS Drama Club Presents “A View from the Bridge”
- Killam Turns 50 Years Old!
- Superintendent Office Hours for This Week
- Reading’s Green Ribbon Project
- How to talk to kids about the Coronavirus
- RMHS High Five for the Week
- Joshua Eaton Celebrates Read Across America
- Stepping Stones
- Blazing Trails
Have a great weekend and week ahead!
School and District Newsletters for This Week
Below are the links for the school and district newsletter for this week. Have a great week ahead!
Pathways Newsletter for This Week
Good Afternoon, Reading Public School Community,
I hope that you had a great week. Attached, please find this week’s Pathways Newsletter. This week’s edition contains the following information and articles:
- Letter to Community Regarding Coronavirus
- SEPAC Updates
- Killam Turns 50 Years Old!
- Superintendent Office Hours For This Week
- A Marshall Memo Article on Reaching Students with Disabilities
- RMHS High Five for the Week
- RMHS Gymnastics Team-Middlesex League Champions
- Stepping Stones
- Blazing Trails
Have a great weekend and week ahead!
Killam Turns 50 Years Old!
Killam Turns 50!
We will be celebrating Killam’s 50th Anniversary on April 14th! In preparing for the festivities, the Killam 50th Celebration Committee is reaching out to past Killam students. If you or a family member attended Killam and would like to share memorabilia or stories from your time at Killam, please contact Sarah Leveque.
Letter to School Community About Coronavirus
Dear Reading Public School Community,
As you know, there has been increasing concern globally regarding the recent outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or COVID-19. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has shared guidance for school administrators and school health personnel. As of this writing, Massachusetts has one confirmed case of COVID-19 and the risk to our residents remains low. In the US, there are only 53 cases confirmed. At the same time, the risk for the influenza virus is very high. It is important to note that residents are much more likely to become sick with a cold or the flu than to be exposed to COVID-19.
We want to let you know that we are following our regular protocols for respiratory illnesses and are in contact with town and state officials. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control has released information regarding the COVID-19 virus and influenza. The links to that information is below.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
We also have information on our school district health services website.
https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/departments/health-services/
While this is a public health concern, the CDC continues to report that the immediate risk to the general public remains low at this time. Yet, in today’s connected world, the potential for infectious disease is always of concern. As with seasonal flu and strep infections, there are general precautions we can all take to remain as healthy as possible.
- Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Use Alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. You can also cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw used tissues in the trash and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid sharing drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, dishes, towels or other items. Wash these items thoroughly with soap and water after use.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick whenever possible.
- Practice other good health habits: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
It is important to keep children home from school when they are ill. If your child has any of the following symptoms please keep them home from school: temperature greater than 100.4, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, any rash not yet diagnosed by a physician, red or pink itchy eye, and/or drainage from eye, and any contagious illness such as strep throat or flu.
The Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is an evolving situation that we are following closely and will continue to update you as information is shared with us. Please rest assured that we are monitoring student health concerns. We are in close communication with the local Board of Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health/School Health Unit, as well as pediatric health care providers in the community. Our School Facilities Department is following our normal cleaning protocol for our educational spaces as we typically do during cold and flu season. We are following all recommended guidelines to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
We remain deeply committed to student and staff wellness and will continue to share new information with you, as necessary, about this evolving situation.
If you have any questions, please contact your school nurse or building principal.
Pathways Newsletter for This Week
Good Morning, Reading Public School Community,
I hope that you are having a great February break. Attached is next week’s Pathways Newsletter. The newsletter has the following articles and information.
- Community showing of Most Likely to Succeed on February 27th
- Next SEPAC meeting on February 26th
- Reading Cultural Council announces grant winners
- Superintendent Office Hours continue this week
- A New York Times article on An old and contested solution to boost reading scores: Phonics
- RMHS High Five for the Week
- RMHS Music Department holds 1st Annual Guys Night Out
- Barrows holds kindness assembly and donates beds to Mission of Deeds
- Barrows honors retirees
- Stepping Stones
- Blazing Trails
Enjoy the rest of your break and have a great week ahead!
RPS Happenings This Week
DISTRICT EVENTS
Community Showing of Most Likely to Succeed on February 27th
The Reading Public Schools is embarking on a six-month journey in designing a PreK-12 Portrait of the Graduate. As part of this experience, a Portrait of the Graduate Design Team, composed of educators, community members and students will be overseeing this process.
The POG design team will be hosting a community showing of the documentary, Most Likely to Succeed, by Ted Dintersmith and Tony Wagner. A powerful documentary examining education in America and inspiring school communities to reimagine what students and teachers are capable of doing. This showing will be on Thursday, February 27th, at 6:00 p.m. in the RMHS Endslow Fine and Performing Arts Center. There is no charge to attend this event.
SAVE THE DATE! 3rd ANNUAL PARENT UNIVERSITY: Raising Healthy and Happy Children On March 28, 2020, from 8:00 – 12:30 @ RMHS
All are invited to this year’s Reading Parent University. Parent University provides parents in the Reading Public School community with new experiences and a closer look at how they can support their own child’s the learning experiences. Parent University provides an avenue for educating parents and community members on important topics that is of interest to them or is of direct benefit to the community at large such as dangers of vaping, social and emotional well-being of children, and other subjects.
We will have many workshops with a variety of topics available for parents to attend. Parents can register for a workshop in each session. We are constantly looking for workshop presenters. If you would like to present a workshop at Parent University, please contact Chris Nelson at chris.nelson@reading.k12.ma.us.
Free childcare will be provided for grades K-5 by the Extended Day Program staff. Staff will be running on-site enrichment activities and snacks will be provided as well. Please make sure you register in advance for childcare.
Contact Chris Nelson, Director of Adult & Community Education, for more information at chris.nelson@reading.k12.ma.us
2020-2021 School Year Calendar
Click on link for the most up to date school year calendar.
https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/files/9515/7660/7891/20-21_Calendar.pdf
2019-20 School Year Calendar
Click on the link for the most up to date school year calendar.
https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/files/3115/6276/4706/19-20_Calendar_-_Release_dates.pdf
Superintendent’s Office Half Hours
2.24.20 Coolidge 7:30 a.m.
2.25.20 Killam 2:30 p.m.
2.27.20 Superintendent’s Office 4:30 p.m.
Reading Community & Adult Education
Register online now for Reading Community and Adult Education Winter/Spring 2020 workshops and classes.
http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/community/adult-and-community-education/
The Reading Community Education Department offers Adult Education classes for the community and the RMHS Student Drivers Education program.
RMHS VARSITY HOME ATHLETIC EVENTS
https://readingrocketsathletics.org/main/calendar/
2.22.20 Girls Track All-State Meet TBA
Reggie Lewis Center
Gymnastics Sectional 10:00 a.m.
TBD
MIAA Tournament Begins Next Week
Reading Scholarship Foundation
Application is now available to seniors and past graduates at https://readingsf.org/
Application due on or before March 3, 2020
Last year, RSF awarded over $185,507 to 175 students. Since 1970, they have awarded $4,034, 848 to over 5,487 students. We highly encourage seniors to explore this opportunity.
SCHOOL/TEAM/ORGANIZATION/CLUB FUNDRAISERS
RMHS Drama presents:
Join the RMHS Drama Club for their production of Arthur Miller’s classic:
A View From The Bridge
Set in 1950’s working class Brooklyn, this slice of life drama follows the Carbone family as they experience firsthand the stigmas of immigration, the hopes of independence, and the limitations of the American Dream.
Directed by Catherine Bertrand (The Workshop) and running March 6th-8th in the RMHS Performing Arts Center.
Tickets at https://www.ticketstage.com/T/RMHSDRAMA
— at Reading High School Performing Arts Center.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Reading SEPAC
The Reading Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) encourages you to attend the following upcoming events:
- Wednesday, February 26th, 10 AM, daytime SEPAC business meeting at the Reading Public Library Conference Room. There will be time for public comment, a discussion of new and old business, and a district update from the director of Student Services, Dr. Jennifer Stys. If days work best for you, this is the meeting to attend!
- Thursday, March 5th, 7 PM, Parent Social at Biltmore & Main.
- Tuesday, March 10th, 7 PM, business meeting at the RMHS Schettini Library Media Center.
Visit SEPAC’s website and follow SEPAC on Facebook for more information!
Reading Education Foundation Musical Bingo – March 6th
Support the Reading Education Foundation – Musical Bingo at the Wakefield Elks from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
$20/person – includes admission and one card
Purchase tickets online at READINGREF.org
New Resident Open House – April 7th – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. @ Reading Public Library – file:///C:/Users/linda.engelson/Downloads/New_resident_Open_House%20(1).pdf
Attention New Reading Residents! If you have moved to Reading in the last 12 months, you are invited to:
- Meet representatives from town government, schools, churches, youth groups and community organizations
- Learn about services, programs, and events in Reading
- Enjoy refreshments while you mingle with other new residents
The first 50 new residents to register will receive a welcome bag filled with information and swag from local businesses. One welcome bag per family.
Please register at https://bit.ly/2vfgugT or by calling (781) 944 – 0840. Registration deadline is March 31.
OTHER EVENTS
More information on these events and others can be found in the Community Flyer section:
http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/community/community-fliers/
Town of Reading Updates
Reading Public Library
Jan./Feb. Edition of Your Community Connection
Click on link to access events below: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/files/5115/7849/5936/Jan-Feb_2020_YCC_Final.pdf
Massachusetts Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Programs
https://pilot.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-the-women-infants-children-wic-nutrition-program
Supporting Single Parents International – All Parents Welcome
www.supportingsingleparents.org
Various Fundraisers/Events
If you have a community or school event you would like included in this communication, please email in pdf format to: linda.engelson@reading.k12.ma.us
The e-mail blast is sent on Thursday afternoon. Information would need to be received by Wednesday.
RPS Happenings for This Week
DISTRICT EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE! 3rd ANNUAL PARENT UNIVERSITY: Raising Healthy and Happy Children
On March 26, 2020, from 8:00 – 12:30 @ RMHS
2020-2021 School Year Calendar
Click on link for the most up to date school year calendar.
https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/files/9515/7660/7891/20-21_Calendar.pdf
2019-20 School Year Calendar
Click on the link for the most up to date school year calendar.
https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/files/3115/6276/4706/19-20_Calendar_-_Release_dates.pdf
Superintendent’s Office Half Hours
No Office Half Hours Vacation Week
Reading Community & Adult Education
Register online now for Reading Community and Adult Education Winter/Spring 2020 workshops and classes.
http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/community/adult-and-community-education/
The Reading Community Education Department offers Adult Education classes for the community and the RMHS Student Drivers Education program.
RMHS VARSITY HOME ATHLETIC EVENTS
https://readingrocketsathletics.org/main/calendar/
2.17.20 Boys Basketball vs. Wakefield 6:00 p.m.
2.19.20 Boys Basketball vs. Tewksbury 4:00 p.m.
2.13.20 Girls Track All-State Meet TBA
Reggie Lewis Center
Reading Scholarship Foundation
Application is now available to seniors and past graduates at https://readingsf.org/
Application due on or before March 3, 2020
Last year, RSF awarded over $185,507 to 175 students. Since 1970, they have awarded $4,034, 848 to over 5,487 students. We highly encourage seniors to explore this opportunity.
SCHOOL/TEAM/ORGANIZATION/CLUB FUNDRAISERS
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Reading SEPAC
February 26 at 10:00 a.m., in the Reading Public Library.
Click on the link for more information: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/departments/student-services/sepac/
Reading Education Foundation Musical Bingo – March 6th
Support the Reading Education Foundation – Musical Bingo at the Wakefield Elks from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
$20/person – includes admission and one card
Purchase tickets online at READINGREF.org
Reading United Soccer Registration
Registration is open for the 2020 season. Click on link for more information: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/files/9715/7252/1589/RUSC_Spring_Soccer_2020_Flyer.pdf
OTHER EVENTS
More information on these events and others can be found in the Community Flyer section:
http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/community/community-fliers/
Town of Reading Updates
Reading Public Library
Jan./Feb. Edition of Your Community Connection
Click on link to access events below: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/files/5115/7849/5936/Jan-Feb_2020_YCC_Final.pdf
Massachusetts Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Programs
https://pilot.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-the-women-infants-children-wic-nutrition-program
Supporting Single Parents International – All Parents Welcome
www.supportingsingleparents.org
Various Fundraisers/Events
If you have a community or school event you would like included in this communication, please email in pdf format to: linda.engelson@reading.k12.ma.us
The e-mail blast is sent on Thursday afternoon. Information would need to be received by Wednesday.
The Journey-The Next Chapter 