November 16th PRS Principal Message
1. As you know the South Windsor Public Schools curriculum is being revised to align
to the Common Core State Standards. I will be including some information
periodically in the weekly to help our PRS Community to have a better
understanding of the CCSS. Below you will find an easily understood synopsis from
an article I found in the West Hartford Patch.
The Common Core State Standards, which were unanimously adopted by the Connecticut
State Board of Education in July 2010, are designed to:
"comprise fewer, clearer and higher level standards
align with college and career expectations
include rigorous content and application of knowledge through higher order thinking skills
build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards
be internationally benchmarked so that all students will be prepared to succeed in our
global economy
be based on evidence and research"
A major component is the new standards for English Language Arts/Literacy, which create
a greater emphasis on reading not just in English class, but also in every other discipline
including science, social studies, and technology education. The reading of non-fiction will
figure prominently, as will persuasive writing.
New mathematics standards will emphasize "processes and proficiencies."
West Hartford Patch, Written by Ronni Newton
2. We also had our first Scholastic Book Fair of the school year last week. As you
know the PTO is fundraising this year to purchase SmartBoards. A special thank
you to Cyndi Stoddard and Gail Crucia who Co-chaired this PTO event. I also
extend a thank you to all parents who volunteered! The fair is a lot to take on and
without the efforts of all of you things certainly would not have run so smooth. By
the way, even at the last minute, Donuts for Dads was a really great addition to the
Scholastic Book Fair.
3. Today I celebrated my first Veteran’s Day Tiger Time with students. What a
remarkable event. Family members who are Veterans attended our Tiger Time so
we could honor them and their service to our country. Mrs. Maxa’s class read “The
Wall,” students worked with Mrs. McNulty in preparation for the day so they could
sing Patriotic songs. Our PRS wall of Veterans was proudly hung.
4. In continued honor of Veterans, Art Sladyk an organizer of Wreaths across
America spoke with principals at a meeting this week. He shared some information
regarding the ceremony that will occur at Veteran’s Memorial Park on December
15th at noon. The goal of the ceremony is to Remember-Honor-Teach all
generations that the freedoms we enjoy have come at such a great cost. All of the
South Windsor community is welcome to join in this special day. If you are
interested in purchasing a wreath for one of the over 900 Veterans’ graves in
South Windsor, please visit the website. www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org
5. At the PTO meeting on Wednesday I realized that many families might not realize
that PRS serves breakfast each morning. If you check out the parent link on the
SWPS homepage you will find the menu. There are hot and cold choices and the
cost of breakfast is $1.50. Breakfast is served in the cafeteria from 8:55-9:15.
PTO Corner…
The Holiday Workshop is Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 9 AM to 12 noon. Order forms
are due November 2! For more information about the crafts or volunteering at the
workshop, please visit http://www.southwindsorschools.org/page.cfm?p=3773 Order
forms can also be found on the display case in the school lobby. Contact either Debbie
Manning 644-0605 debbiemanning@cox.net or Kristen Sweeney 4325975 kristensweeney@gmail.com with further questions.
Don’t Forget to Pick up Your Lyman Orchard Pies on Monday, November 19th!!
Anyone who placed an order for pies MUST pickup their order in room 401 between 4 and 6pm on
11/19. We cannot store any orders due to lack of refrigeration space. If you cannot make it
during that time, please arrange for someone to pick up your order for you. Thank you!!
Below you will find a couple important dates to add to your calendars…
November 21st Early Dismissal for Thanksgiving Break.
November 22nd and 23rd No School
December 1st PTO sponsored Holiday Fair
December 7th Report Cards sent home
December 11th through 14th Parent/Teacher Conferences
December 24th through January 2nd Holiday Break
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Break!
Fondly, Michelle Dixon, PRS Principal