DAISY DAILY FOR WEEK OF DECEMBER 19, 2016

Thanks so much to Jackie & Shea 

for organizing a fabulous Holiday Party for us all!

Where would we be without you two?

Thanks to all who were able to join us for an evening of fun and fellowship, not to mention yummy food!

As we look forward to the four-day week ahead, a few reminders:

• There will be no formal Grade-Level Meetings in my office this week, unless you are in need of something specific.  Please use this time to attend to your personal and team planning.
• Our PTO is providing a Holiday Lunch for all staff members in the Staff Lunch Room on Tuesday, so no need to bring lunch that day!
• We have a special treat on Tuesday morning when Russell Hammond's Carolers from Ledyard High School will treat us to a concert at 9 am.
• We needed to adjust the lunch times on Thursday due to conflicts with Specials.  Please consult the times in the calendar below.  Our traditional Daisy Sing-A-Long will take place at 12:15 pm on that day, just prior to dismissal.
• Most of all this week, please enjoy your students and each other, and please keep a close eye on any of your students and families who may be experiencing a crisis this holiday season as we stand ready to assist.  Please let me know any concerns and we will strive to get appropriate resources in place.
• Oh my goodness, the decorated doors---and walls and hallways---are just fabulous!!!  Thanks to everyone who mustered up the energy and time at this busy time of year to beautify our school with the holiday spirit.  PLEASE take time to parade your students (and yourselves) around the school to enjoy this special sights!  I'll make some special announcements about these creations at our assembly on Thursday.
• And more good news---the "Trailer" video promoting Daisy's Literacy Night on January 12 is complete and will be uploaded to our website this week, along with on-line sign-up for families.  Thanks to our "Video Dream Team" for creating this and for all who lent their acting talents : )

Enjoy the week!

Ruth

Cookie decorating in Room 10 : )

Monday, Dec. 19--B Day

• "Festive Sweater Day"
• Those choosing to decorate doors should have their creations complete : )

Tuesday, Dec. 20--C Day

• "Red/Green Day"
• 9 am--Russell Hammond's High School Carolers to visit Daisy
• PTO LUNCHEON FOR ALL STAFF SET UP IN STAFF LUNCH ROOM DURING ALL LUNCH WAVES
• 3:15-4:15 pm---"Tech Tuesday" in Music Room

Wednesday, Dec. 21--D Day

• "White Out Day" (Dress in white/snow theme)
• 10 am - Noon--Ruth to Administrative Council Meeting

Thursday, Dec. 22--A Day

• School-Wide Pajama Day (or whatever you're comfortable wearing)
• REVISED LUNCH TIMES:
• 10:45-11:10 am--Grades K and 1
• 11:10-11:35 am--Grades 2 and 3
• 11:35-11:55 am--Grade 4
• 12:15 PM---Holiday Sing-a-long (in Gym)
• 1 pm---Dismissal

Friday, Dec. 23 through Tuesday, January 2----HOLIDAY BREAK............................................................

• Our school will be closed December 26-27 and January 2 for the Holidays, but the office will be open (and Vacation Camp will be going on) December 28, 29, 30.

In the new calendar year 2017:

• Jan. 3--Back to School
• Jan. 5--PTO Bingo Evening (tentative)
• Jan. 10--8 am Leadership Meeting
• Jan. 12--Daisy Literacy Night
• Jan. 13--9 am "Seussical" Performance sponsored by the PTO; 1 pm Dismissal
• Jan. 16--NO SCHOOL--Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Our Preschoolers with their latest artistic creation!

Mr. and Mrs. Claus perhaps?

At our after-school Cookie Decorating Event with Seniors, sponsored by the PTO.

Superbly-decorated cookies were delivered to shut-ins in Westbrook

 as well as to Veterans at the Veterans' Hospital.

DAISY DAILY FOR WEEK OF DECEMBER 12, 2016

Daisy Friends,

I hope your days aren't so crazy and full that you can't step back for a minute, slow down a bit and take in the beauty and joy of the holiday season.  Please keep a careful watch on our students and each other and please share any needs as they arise.

We do have two very full weeks ahead and my wish for you is to balance the commitments we all have with a chance to enjoy the joys as well.  I look forward to seeing all who can make it to our holiday gathering on Friday evening.

Until then, breathe......

Ruth


A look at the weeks ahead.....

Monday, Dec. 12---A Day

• 2:00-2:30 pm--Spanish Storytime in Pre-School

Tuesday, Dec. 13---B Day

• 8 am--Daisy Leadership Team Meeting
• 9:15-9:55 am--Fourth-Grade Team Meeting
• Noon-2 pm--Ruth to Budget Meeting at Central Office
• 3:15-4:15 pm--District Wellness Council Meeting in Daisy Library
• 7 pm--BOE Meeting at WHS

Wednesday, Dec . 14---C Day

• 2:05--2:45 pm--First-Grade Team Meeting
• 3:15-4:15 pm---Department-Based PLC Meetings

Thursday, Dec. 15---D Day

• 8 a--Data Team Meeting--Room 1
• 10:20--11 am--Grade 2 Team Meeting
• 11:20--Noon--Grade 3 Team Meeting
• Holiday Fair going on all day in Room 20

Friday, Dec. 16---A Day

• 12:50-1:30 pm--Grade K Team Meeting
• 1:30-2:10 pm--Pre-K Team Meeting
• Holiday Fair going on all day in Room 20
• 4-7 pm---Daisy Holiday Party at Cuckoo's Nest
• 7 pm on----Opportunity to come back to Daisy to decorate doors for those interested

Saturday, Dec. 17

• 9-11 am--Opportunity for staff members to work on door decorating, etc., as requested  : )

Monday, Dec. 19--B Day

• "Festive Sweater Day"
• Those choosing to decorate doors should have their creations complete : )

Tuesday, Dec. 20--C Day

• "Red/Green Day"
• 9 am--Russell Hammond's High School Carolers to visit Daisy
• 3:15-4:15 pm---"Tech Tuesday"

Wednesday, Dec. 21--D Day

• "White Out Day" (Dress in white/snow theme)
• 10 am - Noon--Ruth to Administrative Council Meeting

Thursday, Dec. 22--A Day

• School-wide Pajama Day
• 10:00-10:30 am---Holiday Sing-a-long (in Gym)
• 1 pm---Dismissal

Friday, Dec. 23 through Tuesday, January 2----HOLIDAY BREAK............................................................

Thanks, once again, to Kim Godfrey for organizing

our "Mitten Tree" donations!

DAISY DAILY FOR WEEK OF DECEMBER 5, 2016

Daisy Staff,

Hope that you enjoyed a good weekend.  I know that, for many, it was a time to work on Report Cards.  I appreciate all of the effort that goes into this and ask you to please let me know if there are any specific ones that you'd like me to review and/or discuss with you.  I have been reviewing through PowerSchool, realizing that they are a work in progress.  Thanks to Tiffini who provided technical assistance as needed last week due to Report Cards, etc.

As always, we have a very busy week ahead.  Our calendars are quickly populating with all kinds of activities and celebrations prior to our early dismissal on Thursday, Dec. 22, for the holiday.  Please check the calendar below and let me know if there's anything that we should add for the good of all.

Thanks for all you do!

Ruth

Congratulations to Kim, Helen and Michele for their recognition from CAS

as Exemplary Educators in creating the motivating  SBAC Video for our students!

Pat joined us at the recognition celebration this past week.

Diana Burns was also honored as an Exemplary Educator for the past school year

 for her work with us at Westbrook.

------
The weeks ahead..........

Monday, Dec. 5---D Day

Tuesday, Dec. 6---A Day

• 8 am--Report Card Subcommittee Meeting (Subcommittee of Daisy Leadership) in Ruth's Office
• 9:15-9:55 am--Fourth-Grade Team Meeting

Wednesday, Dec . 7---B Day

• Report Cards go home with students
• 10 am--Noon---Ruth to Administrative Council at C.O.
• 2:05--2:45 pm--First-Grade Team Meeting
• 3:15-4:15 pm---Faculty Meeting

Thursday, Dec. 8---C Day

• 8 a--Data Team Meeting--Room 1
• 10:20--11 am--Grade 2 Team Meeting
• 10:30-11:30 am--WECC/WELL Meeting in Staff Room
• 11:20--Noon--Grade 3 Team Meeting

Friday, Dec. 9---D Day

• 8 am--Special Area Team Meeting in Ruth's Office
• 9:00-10:00 am--Pre-School "Playdate"
• 12:50-1:30 pm--Grade K Team Meeting
• 1:30-2:10 pm--Pre-K Team Meeting

Monday, Dec. 12:

• 2:00-2:30 pm--Spanish Storytime in Pre-School

Tuesday, Dec. 13:

• 8 am--Daisy Leadership Meeting
• 7 pm--BOE Meeting at WHS

Thursday, Dec. 15--Friday, Dec. 16:

• PTO Holiday Fair

Friday, Dec. 16:

• 4-7 pm---Daisy Holiday Party at Cuckoo's Nest (Please RSVP to Jackie/Shea)

Monday, Dec. 19:

• "Festive Sweater Day"

Tuesday, Dec. 20:

• "Red/Green Day"
• 9 am--Russell Hammond's High School Carolers to visit Daisy
• 3:15-4:15 pm---"Tech Tuesday"

Wednesday, Dec. 21:

• "White Out Day" (Dress in white/snow theme)

Thursday, Dec. 22:

• School-wide Pajama Day
• 10:00-10:30 am---Holiday Sing-a-long (in Gym)
• 1 pm---Dismissal

Friday, Dec. 23 through Tuesday, January 2----HOLIDAY BREAK............................................................

My weekend included a trip to the "North Pole,"

a bit of snow and a lot of fun with the grandchildren.

I hope you created some special memories as well this past weekend.

DAISY DAILY FOR WEEK OF NOVEMBER 28, 2016

First Graders enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving dessert.

Daisy Staff,

I do hope that all enjoyed an enjoyable long Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends.  I so enjoyed visiting your classrooms last week and joining in many traditions and lessons that wove in literature and mathematics with the theme of thankfulness.

We come back to an exciting week that includes an opportunity for more Professional Development in how to help our EL students become more successful and also for PMT Refresher Training for our Special Education staff and resource team.  Please see specific times/dates for all of this in the calendar below, as well as important dates re: Report Cards.

We also have a chance to celebrate the incredible work that our entire staff has accomplished in helping students feel more comfortable regarding standardized testing.  Our SBAC Video Team will be featured and recognized at the CAS Excellence in Education Celebration at the Aqua Turf at 5 pm on Wed., Nov. 30. 
I have reserved 10 tickets and still have a couple seats available.  If you'd like to join the group as my guest, please let me know ASAP.

Looking forward to the week ahead with you and our students!

Ruth

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The weeks ahead..........

Monday, Nov. 28---C Day

Tuesday, Nov. 29---D Day

• Marking Period 1 Ends
• 8 am Daisy Leadership Team Meets in Ruth's Office

Wednesday, Nov. 30---A Day

• 1 pm Dismissal/Professional Development
• 1:15-3:15 pm---Teresa Lopez-Lebron will lead PD re: EL Learners in the cafe 
• 5 pm---CAS Excellence in Education Awards--Aqua Turf, Southington (There are still a few seats left.)

Thursday, Dec. 1---B Day

• 1 pm Dismissal/Professional Development
• 1:00-3:30 pm--PMT Refresher Training for Special Education Team in Cafe
• 1:15-3:15 pm---Professional Responsibility PD for classroom/special area teachers (time to consult re: progress reports, report cards, Math "Bridges" Planning as teams.)

Friday, Dec. 2---C Day

• Special Area Grades Due (in PowerSchool)

Note:  Since we have 2 Early Dismissal Days this week, which will preclude grade-level meeting time with me, we won't hold formal grade-level meetings this week.  Please use this time for Professional Responsibilities, including Progress Reports and Report Cards.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, Dec . 7---

• Report Cards go home with students

Thursday, Dec. 8:

• 10:30-11:30 am--WECC/WELL Meeting in Staff Room

Friday, Dec. 9:

• 8 am--Special Area Team Meeting in Ruth's Office

Tuesday, Dec. 13:

• 7 pm--BOE Meeting at WHS

Thursday, Dec. 15--Friday, Dec. 16:

• PTO Holiday Fair

Friday, Dec. 16:

• 4-7 pm---Daisy Holiday Party at Cuckoo's Nest (Please RSVP to Jackie/Shea)

Monday, Dec. 19:

• "Festive Sweater Day"

Tuesday, Dec. 20:

• "Red/Green Day"
• 3:15-4:15 pm---"Tech Tuesday"

Wednesday, Dec. 21:

• "White Out Day" (Dress in white/snow theme)

Thursday, Dec. 22:

• School-wide Pajama Day
• Sing-a-long---Time TBA
• 1 pm---Dismissal

Friday, Dec. 23 through Tuesday, January 2----HOLIDAY BREAK............................................................

Fourth-Graders enjoying their "Cranberry Investigations"

"Turkey Selfie"

DAISY DAILY FOR WEEK OF NOVEMBER 21, 2016

November 20, 2016

Daisy Staff,

As we enter the week of Thanksgiving, I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the work our students have been doing pertaining to "thankfulness."

Below are a couple students from our Room 10 Resource Room who joined our Life Skills group from the high school on a field trip this past week.  They enjoyed  visiting the vibrantly-colored turkeys at Gozzi's Turkey Farm in Guilford.

As we enter the holiday season, please be mindful that this time may become increasingly stressful for some of our families....and us : )  If you're noticing this, please reach out for assistance from our incredible counselors here at Daisy (Corey, Marilyn) and me and we will be work with our school staff and our connections at WYFS to be sure we help take care of our families and staff.

We will have a VERY quick week this week, with 1 pm dismissal on Wednesday.  Rather than meeting in formal grade-level meetings this week, I ask that you work with your teams during that time on needs that are most pressing.

Please let me know how I can help make this week productive and worthwhile for you and our children.

Warmly,

Ruth

Here's a look at the weeks ahead.......

Monday, Nov. 21, "D" Day:

• 8:00-8:45 am--Daisy Leadership Meeting in Ruth's Office

Tuesday, Nov. 22, "A" Day:

• 3:15-4:15 pm--"Tech Tuesday" in the Music Room

Wednesday, Nov. 23:

• Deadline for Daisy Budget (2016-2017) to Central Office
• (Time Cards Due early this week)
• 1 pm--Early Dismissal for Thanksgiving Holiday

Thursday, Nov. 24-Friday, Nov. 25:

• NO SCHOOL--THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Tuesday, Nov. 29:

• Marking Period 1 Ends

Wednesday, Nov. 30:

• 1 pm Dismissal/Professional Development
• 5 pm---CAS Excellence in Education Awards--Aqua Turf, Southington (If you haven't already responded re: joining the group to celebrate our "SBAC" video, please let me know by 11/23/16.)

Thursday, Dec. 1:

• 1 pm Dismissal/Professional Development
• PMT Refresher Training for Special Education Teachers

Wednesday, Dec . 7:

• Report Cards go home

Thursday, Dec. 8:

• 10:30-11:30 am--WECC/WELL Meeting in Staff Room

Tuesday, Dec. 13:

• 7 pm--BOE Meeting at WHS

Friday, Dec. 16:

• 4-7 pm---Daisy Holiday Party at Cuckoo's Nest

We had an excellent turn-out of families and staff members at our introductory breakfast for EL families last week.  

We look forward to making this a monthly occurrence.

"DAISY DAILY" FOR WEEK OF NOVEMBER 14, 2016

Veterans Day Assembly, November 11, 2016

Daisy Staff,

Thanks to all who contributed toward making our Veterans Day Assembly so moving and memorable last Friday.  Our Veterans shared wonderful messages about peace, service and the diversity of our Veterans who have served our country.  I am so proud of our students in how they handled this solemn occasion, both by what they created for our Veterans and how composed and attentive the entire group was throughout the assembly.

As we look forward to this week, here are a few notes:

• Daisy will host a "Coffee and Chat" for EL families on Tuesday, Nov. 15, beginning at 7:45 am.  This is a collaborative effort between our staff and WYFS. We will have programs and breakfast for both adults and children.  Individual invitations were sent out to our English Learners and guests were asked to RSVP.  Please let the office know about responses that you have received from your students' families.
• Westbrook BOE Meeting will take place on Tues.,  Nov. 15, at 7 pm in the High School Library.
• We will have our Mandated Report Training during our Schoolwide PLC on Wed., Nov. 16.  The presenter will be from DCF and this meeting will take place in the cafe from 3:15-4:15 pm.
• Daisy PTO Meeting will take place on Wed., Nov. 16, at 7 pm in the cafe.  Please consider joining us.
• The WHS Play, "Footloose," runs Nov. 17-19 and promises to be remarkable.

Here's a look at the week/s ahead:

Monday, Nov. 14---"C" Day

• 8 am---EL "Coffee & Chat" Sub-Committee Meeting in Ruth's Office

Tuesday, Nov. 15---"D" Day

• 7:45 am--English Learners (EL) "Coffee and Chat"  (Location TBA)
• (Note:  No Daisy Leadership Meeting due to the EL Coffee and Chat)
• 9:15-9:55 am---Grade 4 Team Meeting
• 7 pm--Board of Education Meeting at WHS Library

Wednesday, Nov. 16---"A" Day

• 10 am- Noon---Ruth to Administrative Council (C.O.)
• 2:05-2:45 pm--Grade 1 Team Meeting
• 3:15-4:15 pm---Schoolwide PLC Meeting re: "Mandated Reporter Training" in Cafe (for all Certified Staff and Paraprofessionals)
• 7 pm--Daisy PTO Meeting in Cafe

Thursday, Nov. 17---"B" Day

• 8 am---Data Team Meeting
• 10:20-11:00 am--Grade 2 Team Meeting
• 11:20-Noon---Grade 3 Team Meeting
• 
  

Friday, Nov. 18---"C" Day 

• 12:50-1:30 pm--Grade K Team Meeting
• 1:30-2:10 pm---Grade Pre-K Team Meeting

Saturday, Nov. 19:

• 8:45 am-12:15 pm---Recreation Programs  in Gym 

Monday, Nov. 21:

• 8:00-8:45 am--Daisy Leadership Meeting in Ruth's Office

Tuesday, Nov. 22:

• 3:15-4:15 pm--"Tech Tuesdays" in the Music Room

Wednesday, Nov. 23:

• 1 pm--Early Dismissal for Thanksgiving Holiday

Thursday, Nov. 24-Friday, Nov. 25:

• NO SCHOOL--THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Tuesday, Nov. 29:

• Marking Period 1 Ends

Wednesday, Nov. 30:

• 1 pm Dismissal/Professional Development
• 5 pm---CAS Excellence in Education Awards--Aqua Turf, Southington

Thursday, Dec. 1:

• 1 pm Dismissal/Professional Development
• PMT Refresher Training for Special Education Teachers

Wednesday, Dec . 7:

• Report Cards go home

Friday, Dec. 16:

• 4-7 pm---Daisy Holiday Party at Cuckoo's Nest

Congratulations to our very own Michele Hammond 

who performed a starring role

in "Nuncrackers"

at the Clinton Family Theatre

over the weekend.....

Hearty Congratulations 
to our 
Teacher of the Year,
Heather Gersz!!!

DAISY DAILY FOR WEEK OF NOVEMBER 7, 2016

Our students have risen to the "Candy Challenge" and have been very generous with donating their Halloween goodies to our soldiers.  Thanks to Julia and Laurie Kukta for once again organizing this very worthwhile event!!!

Daisy Staff,

Please be ready for another busy week, including:

• "Mock Election" for students on Monday.
• Professional Development at Daisy and regional locations on Tuesday.
• Department-based PLCs on Wednesday.
• Flu Shot Clinic on Thursday before school.
• Veterans Day Assembly on Friday.

Please refer to the e-mail I sent out on Friday regarding the specifics of the Mock Election.  Ballots have been distributed and I encourage you to have students fill out their secret ballots in classrooms; then proceed to deposit the ballots in the box outside the library before noon on Monday.  We will plan to tally the votes and announce the outcome at the end of the day on Monday.

Regarding the Veterans Day Assembly on Friday, teachers please consult with your teams and let me know what part each grade level would like to take in this assembly.  I'll e-mail the program from last year if that helps as most grade levels might like to do something similar to what you've done in the past.

As always, please let me know your concerns.

Ruth

Here's a look at the week/s ahead:

Monday, Nov. 7---"C" Day

• Presidential Mock Election; voting to be completed by noon
• 12:45 pm-2:30 pm--Third Grade Walking Field Trip to Salt Island Overlook Open Space Trail
• 3-4 pm--First Yearbook Committee Meeting in Library.  (Subsequent meetings will be in Cafe.)

Tuesday, Nov. 8---PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

• No School for Students; Election Day
• 8:00-am--3:00 pm--Math/ELA PD at Daisy; Regional PD for Special Areas Teachers
• 8:30 --11:00 am--PMT Refresher Training for Paras in Cafe
• (I'll e-mail out the complete day's schedule again to all.)

Wednesday, Nov. 9---"D" Day

• 2:05-2:45 pm--Grade 1 Team Meeting
• 3:15-4:15 pm---Department-Based PLCs

Thursday, Nov. 10---"A" Day

• 8 am---Data Team Meeting
• 8:00-9:00 am--Flu Shot Clinic in Nurse's Office
• 10:20-11:00 am--Grade 2 Team Meeting
• 10:30-11:30 am---WECC/WELL Meeting in Staff Room
• 11:20-Noon---Grade 3 Team Meeting
• 3:30-5:30 pm--WECC/WELL Sensory Workshop in Cafe
• 5:00-7:00 pm--"Teacher of Year" Reception at Bushnell.  Heather Gersz will attend with her family and Pat Ciccone.

Friday, Nov. 11---"B" Day----VETERANS DAY 

• 9 am--Pre-School Screening
• 9:15-10:00 am---Veterans Day Assembly in Gym
• 12:50-1:30 pm--Grade K Team Meeting
• 1:30-2:10 pm---Grade Pre-K Team Meeting

Saturday, Nov. 12:

• 8:45 am-12:15 pm---Recreation Programs start in Gym on Saturdays

Tuesday, Nov. 15:

• 7:45 am--"Coffee And Chat" Meeting for EL Families--in Cafe
• 7 pm---BOE Meeting

Wednesday, Nov. 16:

• 10 am--Noon---Ruth to Administrative Council @ C.O.
• 3:15-4:15 pm---School-wide PLC---"Mandated Reporter Training" for all certified staff members and paraprofessionals--in the cafe
• 7 pm---Daisy PTO Meeting in Cafe

Tuesday, Nov. 22:

• 3:15-4:15 pm--"Tech Tuesdays" in the Music Room

Wednesday, Nov. 23:

• 1 pm--Early Dismissal for Thanksgiving Holiday

Thursday, Nov. 24-Friday, Nov. 25:

• NO SCHOOL--THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Tuesday, Nov. 29:

• Marking Period 1 Ends

Wednesday, Nov. 30:

• 1 pm Dismissal/Professional Development
• 5 pm---CAS Excellence in Education Awards--Aqua Turf, Southington

Thursday, Dec. 1:

• 1 pm Dismissal/Professional Development
• PMT Refresher Training for Special Education Teachers

Wednesday, Dec . 7:

• Report Cards go home

Thanks to all staff members for all you did to help make Halloween a safe, fun

day, full of learning, for our students!