Cedar School News and Updates 2/11/24

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There has been a great deal of excitement at Cedar School over the past few weeks. Students were able to reach their goal of filling the “Super Friend Jar” with pom-poms for a second time this year. Students earn a pom-pom each time they bring in a “Super Friend” certificate from home. These certificates can be completed by an adult when a child is being safe, being kind, or following the plan. The certificate is attached to the bottom of this communication. As a reward, the students will be able to watch a short movie with their class before the February break. I am so proud of the work that is being done by our students inside and outside of the building!

The largest fundraiser and most exciting day of the school year is right around the corner. The Boosterthon Fundraiser begins at Cedar School on Tuesday, February 27^th, and comes to an end on Thursday, March 7^th. During this time frame, students will work with their families to generate donations or “pledges” that will go toward their Fun Run Event. The Boosterthon Fun Run Event is scheduled for March 7^th and will be conducted in the Cedar School gymnasium during the school day. This is not an event attended by parents/guardians. It is important that all students wear sneakers on the day of the event. Every child may participate in the Fun Run, regardless of whether they were able to collect donations or not. Registration for the fundraiser will open on February 13^th. The link for registering your child can be found below. Please know that the funds generated from the Boosterthon will go directly back to our students and support school-wide initiatives. 

Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Frank, Cedar School’s literacy specialists, are constantly fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth among our colleagues. This work happens through reflection, learning, and celebrating big and small successes with the staff. Last week, the literacy specialists coordinated a professional development afternoon with Dr. Susan Lambreght-Smith, from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, Written Expressive Language and Literacy Collaborative (WELL).  She provided staff with strategies in the area of structured literacy methodologies. The staff had the opportunity to view model lessons facilitated by Dr. Susan Lambreght-Smith and debrief with her following those lessons. Dr. Susan Lambreght-Smith is well respected and recognized in the field of education, specifically in language and literacy. We are extremely fortunate to have such a strong relationship with the Written Expressive Language and Literacy (WELL) Collaborative. Thank you to Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Frank for their effort and for keeping the focus of all work on student achievement and learning. 

Shoutouts

The Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Team at Cedar School produced a memorable evening for Cedar families last week. The event included a variety of activities that required critical thinking, problem-solving, cooperation, and just plain fun! I would like to thank the following staff members for their work in making this event such a success: Kim Sharpe (First-Grade Teacher), Keri Driscoll (Kindergarten Teacher), Ashley Arienti (Preschool Teacher), Sarah Kelser (School Psychologist/Counselor), and Kerri Moran (Speech-Language Pathologist). This dedicated group of educators plays an important role in our success at Cedar School, and they should be acknowledged for the extra time and effort they put into supporting our students and school community. 

Additional Updates/Reminders

There are still a few remaining spots available for the preschool program next year. The registration link has been provided below if you would like to enroll your child in the program and if they are not currently attending Cedar School. 

Spirit Day Update! Students and staff are encouraged to wear their clothes inside out on Friday, February 16, 2024. It’s important to remember that we don’t always know how others are feeling on the INSIDE and that we should always be kind to others. 

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Children should not bring in any candy/food treats for classmates.

Please call the Cedar School Health Office if your child is going to be out of school due to an illness. If you have the option of leaving a message, we ask that you please report any symptoms that your child is experiencing. If your child has a fever over 100 degrees, has vomited in the past 24 hours, or has conjunctivitis, they are not permitted to come to school. 

The Lexia Llama Challenge has already been a tremendous success! LexiaCore5 Reading is an adaptive computer-based program that accelerates the development of literacy skills. During the first few weeks of the challenge, each Kindergarten and First-Grade classroom reached their weekly goal of 40 tickets. When a student completes three units, they earn a ticket that goes toward their overall classroom total. We recommend that Lexia usage at home not exceed more than 15 minutes a day to help limit overall screen time. The school-wide challenge will end on Friday, February 16, 2024. Keep working hard, Cedar School students!

There has been an increase in the number of students bringing electronic devices into school. The use of these electronic devices is a large source of distraction for the learning environment. The use of any personal electronic device (cell phone, tablet, ipod, recording device) is not permitted during the school day without the permission of an administrator. If there is an emergency and you need to contact your child, please call the main office, and a member of the office staff will contact the student immediately. We also ask that trading cards remain at home. 

We will continue to send the students outside as much as possible for recess. Please ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. 

The Lost and Found is located in the school vestibule. The Lost and Found has almost reached its capacity. We will be donating all items still remaining in the Lost and Found at the end of the week. 

Links

• Boosterthon Registration (Opens February 13, 2024)
• Preschool Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year
• Super Friend Certificate
• Cedar School Kindergarten and First Grade Dance Event
• Cedar School Glow Run Save The Date 
• Cedar School Family Math Night 2024

Upcoming Dates

• February 13, 2024 - Registration for the Boosterthon Fundraiser Opens
• February 16, 2024 - Cedar Spirit Day (Inside Out Day!)
• February 19-23, 2024 - No School (February Vacation)
• February 27, 2024 - Boosterthon Fundraiser Begins at Cedar School
• March 3, 2024 - Cedar School PTA Meeting, 9:30 am 
• March 4, 2024 - Kindergarten Parent/Guardian Student Dance, 4:30-5:20 pm (Date has been updated.)
• March 5, 2024 - First Grade Parent/Guardian Student Dance, 4:30-5:20 pm (Date has been updated.)
• March 5, 2024 - Early Release Day for Kindergarten and First Grade, 1:00 pm
• March 7, 2024 - Boosterthon Fun Run During the School Day
• March 13, 2024 - Term 2 Closes for Kindergarten and First Grade Students
• March 14, 2024 - Math Night at Cedar School, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
• March 20, 2024 - Confirmed Preschool Students, Screening Day #1 (More information to follow)
• March 21, 2024 - Report Cards Published for Kindergarten and First Grade Students
• March 27, 2024 - Confirmed Preschool Students, Screening Day #2 (More information to follow)
• April 1-5, 2024 - Spring Book Fair (more information to follow)
• April 2, 2024 - Early Release Day for Kindergarten and First Grade; Teacher Conferences, 1:00 pm
• April 4, 2024 - Early Release Day for Kindergarten and First Grade; Teacher Conferences, 1:00 pm
• April 15-19, 2024 - No School (April Vacation)
• May 6, 2024 - Incoming Kindergarten Screening (Students not currently enrolled in the Cedar School Preschool program)
• May 7, 2024 - Early Release Day for Kindergarten and First Grade Students, 1:00 pm
• May 8, 2024 - Incoming Kindergarten Screening (Students not currently enrolled in the Cedar School Preschool program)

Have a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday!

Best, 

Jesse Craddock
Principal