Classroom Observation: Kindergarten Magic

I sat in on the Kindergarten music lesson today.  I wish everyone had the opportunity to do this. It is the perfect  reminder of  what is really important in life.  It is these small, magical moments that matter most.  To see children so happy, carefree and truly happy to sing....truly a gift!  Cole, Adriana and Madison each had a chance to be in charge of freeze dance with the tambourine.  Jack, Michael and Emily visited "Arioso Land" where the only communication is singing. Wow can they sing!  The entire class sang a wide variety of  Halloween songs and danced to the Monster Mash with Ms. Carroll our music teacher.   Earlier in the day a dental hygienist visited and taught the children the importance of good oral hygiene. Each child had a chance to brush a giant stuffed animal's teeth.  Ask your child all about it.  Wednesday of  this week they decorated pumpkins with Ms. Saulnier and Mrs. Shadoff.  They came out beautiful and were so proud to show me their creations!!!  We are going to wrap up the week with a Halloween parade.  They will be tired little ones come Friday night!!!

First Annual Elementary Track Meet

I would like to congratulate the Lynn Woods students who competed in the First Annual Elementary Track Meet and Laps for Success program held this past Saturday in Lynn Woods.  I know these students will inspire others to try next year.  I'd like to see a Lynn Woods School Team compete next  year.  Congratulations to all who participated.

Veteran's Day Ceremony

On Friday November 5 @ 1:00 Lynn Woods will hold a ceremony to honor Veterans.  All students will attend the ceremony in the gym.  Students in Grades 3, 4 & 5 will sing and share poems.  We are also expecting the LEHS Jr. ROTC, under the direction of Sgt. Major Ken Oswald,  will present a color guard and drill presentation.  Parents are welcome to attend.

Boston Ballet visits Grade 3

Boston Ballet Citydance will present  interactive dance education to Grade 3 on Nov 1.  A team of professional dancers will visit perform and lead the students in dance.  This is a great opportunity and experience for our students.

Grade 2 Peace Sign

Mrs. Zukas' room is working hard to build a positive climate for students.  As educators, we know we need to have a certain climate  in place, one that is conducive for learning.  This is not always easy to do.  One impressive strategy that Mrs. Zukas is using is the peace sign.  If a student is talking or distracting another student, the student holds up the peace sign.  This hand signal represents a polite, non-verbal way  for students to say, "I like you, you are my friend, but I can't talk to you right now."  It is a nice reminder for students to re-focus and offers the other students a tool to use when being disrupted.  Great strategy that compliments our school wide respect theme well.  Keep up the great work 2nd Grade!  Parents be sure to ask about this strategy!

Literacy Bags in Grade 4

Mrs. Kennedy's mom created book bags.  Each bag has a quilted title (animals, presidents, mystery, jokes and silly songs, etc....)  Each bag contains a collection of books.  The books are sent home with each child and rotate around the room.  I went in class last week and the students were making specific book recommendations to particular students based on their opinion of the book.  As principal, what a great feeling to observe student talking about books!  Mrs. Kennedy is simply masterful at inspiring students to enjoy reading and cultivating habits to last a lifetime. Parents be sure to start a conversation with your child about the books.  Great work!!!

Classroom Observations

As Principal of Lynn Woods School, I have the privilege of observing the teachers and your children on a regular basis.  The purpose and focus of my visit may vary daily but one thing that remains constant is that each time I am able to collect valuable data on the instruction,  classroom climate and  interactions, among others.  I hope to periodically post some of those observations on this blog.  I think as  parent it would be both helpful and interesting to you, for me to share some of those observations. 

Science Program in Grades 3, 4 & 5

This year we secured a grant through the GE.  Through their generosity, we are working with KNOW ATOMS who provides materials for our teachers to plan hands on lessons so the students engage in the scientific process. The students in grades 3, 4 & 5 have an opportunity to be scientists and engineers.  The GE is also allowing some of their own engineers to come in and assist the teachers and guide the students.  The goal is to motivate students and hopefully spark in interest in the science field. 

Respect is a school wide theme at Lynn Woods

In an effort to prevent bullying, the Lynn Woods School is continuing to operate, “Respect is a Requirement” program.  Every time a student is observed treating someone kindly or being a good friend we are recognizing it by rewarding that child a choice of prizes AND adding their name to our bulletin board outside the office.  We want to maintain a positive climate for learning but also want to instill and inspire children to be respectful citizens here at Lynn Woods and beyond. 

 

4th Grade Peer Proof Program

We are thrilled once again to have the Camp Fire Program, I'm Peer Proof  in our 4th Grade Class.  We have two fabulous instructors, Mrs. Wilkins & Mrs. Clancy.  I'm Peer Proof is a program designed especially for 4th-6th graders to help youth identify ways to make and keep friends, make decisions based on good judgment, and overcome peer pressure. 
Throughout the course of this five week program, children will learn strategies for resisting peer pressure to engage in antisocial or dangerous behavior, the benefits and risks of assertive behavior, specific responses to teasing and the difference between tattling and seeking help.  They define the positive qualities of friendship, practice giving and receiving compliments and learn how to initiate and maintain conversations.
 Through these activities, young people learn responsibility for their own words and actions and come to understand that they control much of their lives through the choices they make and the consequences that follow.

Get involved.....ask your child about NPD Zone (No put down zone) or ask about Aggressive Bertha.   

Every Friday is School Spirit Day !

Wear red to show your school spirit!!!

Message from the Holiday Planning Committee

Message from the Holiday Fair Planning Committee Lynnwoods School Holiday Fair 2010 Just wanted to give everyone an outline on the Holiday Fair and the help that is needed.  I know it's very early but if we start now it's less stress in December! Date: December 15th Time: 8:30a.m-11:00a.m. (day)           6:00p.m.-8:30p.m. (night) ANTICIPATED TABLES: Raffle Tables:  Small ticket items, such as gift certificates, toys, small baskets, etc...  you name it we'll take it! Please let me know if you know of someone who wants to donate and needs a letter with tax ID.  We have already received Gift Certificates to Dairy Queen, Fauci’s Pizza, Cappas Trackside Diner,(Melrose) and 2 from John's Roast Beef!  :)  Big Raffle Items:  Each class will be contributing to the Large Basket, Scratch Tix Board or Gift Certificate Board. Please encourage other parents to participate. Sale Tables: handmade crafts, scarves, hats, mittens, small toys, ornaments, inexpensive items the kids can purchase for gifts  for their family: Mom, Dad, siblings, grandparents etc. We are looking for donated or very inexpensive items to sell.  If you see something cheap, please contact me. Santa: SANTA NEEDED!!!  Anyone interested in being Santa for "Picture w/ Santa" Please contact me. Candy Count:  Please let me know if you're willing to count out M&Ms for the kids to guess and win a prize. Food:  We will be having some sort of "snack" area at night during fair...not quite sure exactly what we are going to sell. This table usually includes, nachos, popcorn, pizza, candy, homemade goodies and beverages.  We already have bottled waters donated! Thank you so much for volunteering to help with the fair.  Any help big or small is greatly appreciated.  If you have any suggestion or questions please contact:      Andrea Fila: 978-836-0044 or afila8@yahoo.com      Kim Parker: 781.593.3365 or kimandscott@comcast.net      Leah Warren: 781.586.0026 or LeahWarren@verizon.net

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School Dance

The Halloween School Dance will be held on Friday October 22 From 6:00-7:30.  The cost is $5 per family.  Students are invited to wear costumes.  All students must be accompanied by an adult the entire time.  Parents who are willing to help us out that evening are encouraged to contact the PTO.  This is always a great evening for the children but does require many adults.

Picture Day

Picture Day is Monday, October 18.

Summer Reading Ceremony

The Summer Reading Ceremony will be held on Friday October 15 @ 1:00 in the gym. Parents are welcome to join us.  Students who successfully completed the summer reading will be recognized and rewarded with cake and juice.  Also, the students who participated in the Summer Read-A-Thon will be recognized.  Thank you to those students who participated.  The profits from the Summer Read-A-Thon allow us to purchase new reading materials for our library.  Thank you Mrs. Fisher for coordinating this worthy fundraiser.

Winfrey's Fudge Fundraiser

It’s time for our Winfrey’s Fudge fundraiser.  Winfrey’s provides us with fudge at a lower than retail price of $8.00 per 1lb tub.  Our school keeps 50% of the cost of each tub.

     All fudge orders must be prepaid for and submitted by Friday November 5, 2010 in order to insure delivery on or about Wednesday November 17, 2010.  Just in time for the Holidays. 

Thank you for your participation.  Your willingness to support this fundraiser, allows the PTO to provide many extra-curricula activities and events for our students.

Topsfield Fair

The Topsfield Fair School Trip this past Thursday was a great success.  There is so much to see and do the  children were all interested and engaged the entire time.  They were all well behaved and represented Lynn Woods School well.  I was very proud.  I would like to extend  a thank you to all the parents who volunteered to join us as chaperones.  Time is valuable and we appreciate you sharing your time with us.  Teachers, thank you for taking on this huge responsibility beyond your classroom duties.