FROM THE DESK OF James Tis, Principal, Roberge School

Dear Parents, In reflection, the 100th day of school can represent different things to many people. I believe we should all, at points in the year, think like a kindergartener. These innocent, industrious students tend to revel in the big number (100/181 - a substantial fraction of the whole year), reflect on their many accomplishments to date and have fun with ‘special’ days. All stakeholders connected to school should realize the value of assessing where we are at this point in the year, celebrate what we have been able to accomplish and … as kindergarteners do … look to have fun. Our successes since September 6th are based on individual achievement, class projects, grade level undertakings and whole school initiatives. What is clearly evident is we - teachers, students and parents - are working collaboratively and effectively. Let’s keep up the great work! Yours in education,

James J. Tis

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT ROBERGE

This year, February 14th was not only known as Valentine’s Day. It also marked 100 days at Roberge School!! Students creatively dressed in attires representing the life of a centennial aged individual.

RES was proud of the student created Valentines cards sent to our PTA, lunch volunteers, RVPD, RVFD, DPW, Ambulance Corp, BOE and Mr. McCourt. Our students were happy to show appreciation for others. I was touched to receive some Valentine cards too. In honor of Black History month, RES first graders experienced firsthand the trials and tribulations of slaves seeking their freedom via secret escape routes in the United States known as The Underground Railroad. This activity involved multiple grade levels in various roles while educating students about the important historical figure, Harriet Tubman.

The fourth graders have been working on reading biographies and learning to write informational text for their recent reading and writing units of study. Each student picked a specific individual to research. They took their time to read a biography on their individual and found information regarding their early life, education, influences, hardships, accomplishments, and contributions. After creating an informational biography about their chosen individual, they created a poster display that featured a picture of themselves dressed up as the character in the center! They had a blast learning about important people in history and can’t wait to display their posters in the future. Just to “sum” it up, a special thanks to all who attended Family Math Night and especially to Mrs. Davis, Ms. Fahey and Mrs. Hunter for their time and effort in creating a successful and fun filled event for K-2 students and parents. Parents, teachers and students are the triad of learning!

With respect to Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ birthday, please join us by participating in some spirited activities next week. Detailed information was sent home via backpacks and may also be found in the eblast emailed to you.

Author David Adler will be visiting our school to provide information to students.

NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Have you ever heard of the author Jan Brett? Have you ever read The Mitten or The Hat to your children? The school that has the most entries will win a visit from Jan Brett herself! Let’s all rally together and see if we can get this phenomenal author to visit our school!

Free School or Library Visit Enter Here The school or library that has the most parents, teachers, friends, or supporters who enter the contest will win a free school or library visit from Jan in the 2017-2018 school year. Contest ends April 3, 2017. Keep in mind the drop off window is between 8:25 - 8:45 a.m. each morning with supervision beginning at 8:25. The ‘kiss and drop’ system works best when parents are prepped for drop off on the passenger side of the car. As we all know, consistent attendance is vitally important to school success. Our district will continue to follow the state regulations regarding attendance, which indicate that students shall be recorded as either: (a) present, (b) unexcused absence, or (c) excused for state-approved religious observance or “Take Your Child to Work Day.” As you can see, the only excused absences according to the state are for religious reasons or Take your Child to Work Day. The district’s report cards will continue to reflect this as well. Thanks for your ongoing efforts to ensure your children arrive in time and attend school. If your child will be absent, please be reminded to call (201) 358 - 4006 x 3020 or email jhirsch@rivervaleschools.com by 9:00 a.m. to alert Mrs. Hirsch. Please be advised SAFETY is a shared responsibility at RES. To that end, be reminded of the following:

1.) No vehicles are allowed to move between 2:45-3:15 p.m. to ensure safety at dismissal. 2.) Keep students off the concrete drainage structures/areas and rocks and boiler room railings. 3.) Stress basic pedestrian safety (i.e. the use of sidewalks, Westwood Ave. crosswalk) with children.

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 28th - PTA Assembly March 2nd - Dr. Seuss Bingo March 16th - Incoming Kindergarten Parent Orientation at Holdrum Middle School at 7:00 p.m.

GREEN NOTICES

Please remember to check for new Green Notices for special notifications on registration and recruitment as well as a host of other offerings. To view the notices, please click here.