Principal Update to PTO
9/23/09
Christopher Haskins, Principal
School Updates Sept. 1-22
 Faculty and Staff Orientation
DCS held an orientation to open the school year on Aug 31. Teachers throughout
the district gathered at Babcock Hall to listen to addresses given by the
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Welford and the School Committee Chairperson
Mr. Murano. The Westerly Teachers Association announced the WTA Teacher of
the Year Mrs. Anne Ligouri, formerly of Dunn’s Corners School. Teachers then
returned to the school and participated in a number of activities including defining
the positive attributes of a professional learning community, setting faculty norms
and ground rules, and identifying school-wide expectations in all school settings.
The afternoon was spent reviewing policies and procedures for the 2009-10
school year.
 Reading for Meaning Teacher Workshop
On Sept. 1 Mr. Haskins led a five hour workshop “Reading for Meaning” held for
all teachers grades 3-4. Teachers identified their passion for reading and teaching
reading, participated in text-based discussion of How People Learn by National
Research Council, began to “Unwrap” grade level expectations in reading, and
explored the text Strategies That Work: Explicit Comprehension Instruction in a
Reader’s Workshop.
 Fundations Teacher Training
On Sept. 1 all teachers, service providers and paraprofessionals who work in
grades K-2 participated in training for Wilson Fundations, a K-3
phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics and spelling program for the general
education classroom. Fundations is based upon the Wilson Reading System®
principles and serves as a prevention program to help reduce reading and spelling
failure.
 Meet the Principal Night
Dunn’s Corners School held “Meet the Principal Night” on Sept 1 at 5:30-6:00
where the principal introduced himself, gave some information about his family
and work experience, shared his hopes and dreams for the school, spoke of the
great work that has been done in the school up to this point, and introduced some
of the faculty and staff who were present.
 School Opening
We had a fairly smooth school opening this year. Students in grades 1-4 began
school on Sept 2.Kindergarten students went through orientation the first week of
school and started on Sept 8. We are still dealing with some bussing issues. The
transportation department is working on those issues now.
 Presidential Address
Though not in every classroom, students across grade levels watched the
Presidential Address on or after Sept 8. Especially in grades 3-4, students
considered President Obama’s call for students to work hard and try their best in
school.
 Staff Meeting
We held our first monthly faculty meeting on Sept 17. The focus of the meeting
was to communicate school-wide procedures and protocols and review
technology and library/media supports
 Open House
Dunn’s Corners School hosted a very successful Open House last night (Sept 22).
Classroom visits were held from 6:00 PM to 7:0 0PM. Families were given two
opportunities to attend the Principal’s Address (5:30-6:00 PM and 7:00-7:30 PM).
Mr. Haskins greeted and welcomed families, discussed the changes at Dunn’s
Corners School, gave an overview of goals and priorities, provided an overview
of positive behaviors and the office referral system, and spoke about positive
parent and teacher relationships.
Upcoming Events:
 DCS will administer New England Common Assessment Program to all students
in grades 3-4:
Reading: Oct. 1, 6 and 7
Mathematics: Oct. 13, 14, 15
 School pictures will be taken Friday, Sept 25.
 Hearing screenings begin the week of Oct 13.
 PTO meeting Oct 14.
 Grade 1 field trip Oct 15.
 WHS Band will be performing for students in our gym on Oct 27.