Broad Brook School
Laura Foxx
Principal
[email protected]
Monthly Parent Newsletter
November 2016
Matthew Ryan
Assistant Principal
[email protected]
Inspiring Growth Achieving Success
[email protected]
14 Rye Street, Broad Brook, CT 06016, Phone 860-623-2433, fax 860-623-0717
Please check our website at www.eastwindsork12.org for updated links and information about our schools.
Early Release Schedule on 11/16, 17, 18 and 11/23
Grades K-4 will dismiss at 1:30 p.m.
AM Pre-K session 9:05 – 11:15 a.m.
PM Pre-K session 11:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Bus pick-up for afternoon PK children will be approximately
one hour earlier than session begins.
Afternoon Pre-K children should bring a sandwich for lunch.
Looking Ahead
11/4 – Pre-K NO School
11/4 - Gr 3 Field Trip to EW Historical Society
11/7 – 6:00 PM School Governance Council meeting
11/8 – NO SCHOOL – Full Day Staff Development
11/9 – 7:00 PM Outstanding student of the quarter reception – EWHS media
. center
11/9 - BOE Meeting – 7:30 p.m. – EWHS Room N4
11/10 - PTO Meeting – 7:00 p.m. at Jake’s Wayback Burger, 137 Prospect Hill Rd, East Windsor
11/11 – Report cards sent home
11/16, 17, 18 – Early Dismissal – Parent Teacher Conferences.
11/15-21 – Book Fair in the BBS library and online
11/21 – Picture Retake Day - Please see below **
11/22 – BOE Meeting – 7:30 p.m. – EWHS Room N4
11/22 – PK Feast at 10:00 AM and 2:15 PM in the cafeteria. All visitors must provide photo ID.
11/23 – Early Dismissal (Day before Thanksgiving)
11/24, 25 - Thanksgiving Break NO SCHOOL
12/2 – Pre-K NO School
NOVEMBER SUPERINTENDENT’S CORNER
This is the month we honor our veterans and the service they gave to our country. In addition, we give thanks for our terrific community,
our wonderful students and their families.
DID YOU KNOW????
 The new Strategic Plan for our district is being created now. Come join us for the planning sessions held at EWHS on
Tuesday November 1st 6:30 -8:30, Saturday November 12th 9:00-12:00 and Tuesday November 15th 6:30-8:30.
 EWHS has been preparing for the NEASC accreditation visit due in 2019. Through regular updates, NEASC has
acknowledged the many improvements at our high school and we look forward to the accreditation process.
 Board of Education meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. in Room N4 at EWHS.
The next meeting is November 9th. The Board welcomes public participation and invites you to attend.
 You can stay current with East Windsor Public Schools by checking out our website at eastwindsork12.org
Principal’s Message
Hello BBS FamiliesParent teacher conferences are a great way to learn more about your child’s academic and social growth. We want to meet
with all of our parents. Parent Teacher conferences are schedule for November 16, 17 and 18. If you have not yet
scheduled your conference please go online to www.eastwindsork12.schoolappointments.com or call Mrs. Friedman at 860623-2433 and she will be glad to schedule it with you. If the conference days and times aren’t possible due to your work
schedule please call or email your child’s teacher to schedule a phone conference or alternative time.
During conferences the Book Fair will be open in the BBS library and online. For more information please see the library
section of this bulletin.
Morning student drop off reminder: Please park in a legal parking spot and walk your child to the cafeteria door. This is for
the safety of your child and other parents and children.
We wish all of our military families a happy veteran’s day. For those families who have members on active duty please let us
know how we can support your child(ren). We appreciate your service.
As always if you have any questions or concerns please contact, Laura Foxx, Principal or Matt Ryan, Assistant Principal.
** Picture Retake / Absentee Day
November 21st
Who Should Go on Absentee/Retake Day:
 Any student not satisfied with original portrait - Return your complete package minus the class picture to the
photographer on retake day.
 Any student who was absent on the original day whether you are purchasing a package or not.
 Any student who did not purchase on the original day and would like to purchase a package. Order forms are
available in the school office approximately one week prior to retake day.
 Or online at mylifetouch.com -- picture day id: EJ216065Q1
Any questions, please call Lifetouch at 203-735-5933
Child Find
East Windsor Public Schools is responsible for the identification of students with disabilities who may require
special education services for children ages 3 to 21. The Broad Brook Elementary School will be holding
screenings for students ages 3-5 throughout the school year. These screenings will take place on the first
Friday of each month.
Screenings can be scheduled by contacting the special education office at 860-623-3347. In addition, please contact the special
education office to schedule an appointment for children ages 5 to 21 that may require special education services or with any questions
regarding a child’s development.
School Governance Council (SGC) Update
Thank you very much to Carol Sauerhoefer, Joe Unsworth, Valerie Archer, and Kate Carey-Trull for their active participation on the
Council. At Open House we elected Fran Neill and Allison Spakoski to the SGC. Tim King and Joanne Pinheiro have one more year left
on their term. Al Raymond has expressed an interest to join. We still need two more parents to fill all of the parent openings. The
teacher members are Karin Spencer, Diana DiPietro, Sara DeConti, Erin Burns and Elissa Daniele. Kate Mable continues as a
community member. If you are interested in joining a collaborative group that advises school administration and works to improve
family engagement please contact Laura Foxx at 860-623-2433. Our next meeting is November 7th at 6:00 PM iin the BBS art room. All
are welcome.
East Windsor School District
School Climate Mission Statement
The East Windsor Safe School Climate Committee’s mission is to ensure a safe, caring and supportive environment that encourages
students and faculty to collaborate in learning. The Safe School expectations are that students feel close to people at school, are
happy to be there, feel a part of the school, believe teachers treat them fairly, and feel personally safe while at school, increasing their
success academically and socially. A positive and compassionate school climate is one in which students and adults are physically,
emotionally and intellectually safe and free from bullying, harassment and discrimination.
Social Emotional Learning Lesson for the Month of October
During the month of October students focused on Social Awareness: The ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others
from diverse backgrounds and cultures, to understand social and ethical norms for behavior, and to recognize family, school, and
community resources and supports.
The Focus for each grade was:
Kindergarten: Same or Different?
Grade 1: Identifying Feelings
Grade 2: Learning More About Feelings
Grade 3: Accepting Differences
Grade 4: Respecting Similarities and Differences
Each student also had a Home Link or Activity to do with children around the October focus.
Social Emotional Learning Lesson for the Month of November
Students will be focusing on Self-Management next month. Students will talk about the ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts,
and behaviors effectively in different situations. This includes stress, controlling impulses, motivating oneself, and setting and working
toward achieving personal and academic goals.
Students will have grade appropriate lessons around this focus.
Kindergarten: We Feel Feelings in Our Bodies
Grade 1: Identifying Our Own Feelings
Grade 2: Introducing Emotion Management
Grade 3: Introducing Emotion Management
Grade 4: Calming Down Anger
Students will learn the “Calm It Down Song”.
They will also see the “How to Calm Down” Poster that will help students to
STOP – use your signal
NAME your FEELING
CALM DOWN – breath, count, use positive self-talk
Follow-up Activity
Students will identify different parts of the body that are affected by different emotions.
Students will also be writing Thank You messages to Veterans as part of lifting the emotions for Veterans Day.
Please look for the Home Link with your child or an email from the school.
Thank you
Focus on Student Learning. . . . .
At Broad Brook School – we read, we think, we share our thinking, we succeed!
Responsive Classroom
What is a Take–a- break chair? What is the North Pole? What does Re-set mean? What is a Relaxation Station? Refill Station?
These all names for the same purpose – a time out. The Responsive Classroom use of this strategy is used to help children learn and
practice self-control. It is used in a non-punitive way allowing students to make mistakes within adult controls while preserving the
child’s dignity. People make mistakes, but we try to catch children before they really lose control and give them the opportunity to
regain their self-control. The goal is always to get our students back to learning! Each classroom has a spot within the classroom
for children to “take a break”. It might have a different name from room to room; but the purpose and intention is all the same.
Students have the opportunity to practice going to the time out spot so they know how it feels before it might actually be used for resetting. This also helps demystify the process and help it to not feel punitive.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me at Broad Brook.
Christine Casella
Responsive Classroom Teacher Consultant
World of Math
The Math Common Core standards address fewer standards in an effort to explore each standard to a deeper level
of understanding. Standards define what students should understand and be able to do by the end of that year. At
each grade level there are certain fluencies required through the Math standards to prepare for the next level. I
have included the list here for you to be aware of your student's required grade level fluencies.
Kindergarten fluency is to add and subtract within 5.
First Grade expectation is to add and subtract within 10.
Second Grade fluency is to add and subtract within 100.
Third Grade fluency is to be able to multiply and divide within 100 and add and subtract within 1000.
Fourth Grade fluency is to add and subtract within 1,000,000.
In the Fifth Grade they are expected to master multi-digit multiplication. Mastery in the lower grades will help prepare our students for
that goal.
How can you help your student? Be informed of the grade level fluencies. Encourage your student to practice these math facts to
build fluency. Practice them with your child. Make it fun! 10 minutes a day could make a big difference in your child's skill level with
these basic facts. To support their progress in school, a 10 minute daily review, even over a holiday break, will keep these math facts
fresh in their minds.
In addition, mastery of each grade level expectation will build confidence, support the next level of learning, and help in the next grade
level's expectations and requirements.
These are year-end grade level expectations, but we are working on them all year.
If you have any questions please email me at [email protected].
Christine Casella,
Numeracy Coach
Reading Center News
Our Reading Center at BBES has a bit more “elbow room” this year with two locations -east and west. Both rooms are
very busy places where students are advancing their reading interests and skills. If your child visits the Reading
Center, the progress of your reader will be detailed in The Intervention Update, which will accompany your child’s
report card. Please be sure to review that update. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns please contact
us.
Reading and writing are happening throughout our building. Our Readers and Writers workshops are in full swing. Your children
participate in read-a-louds, independent reading, and their needs are supported in that work with guided reading. Some may mention
the Daily 5, a particular organizational structure for literacy workshops. Each grade level is studying a particular genre as outlined in our
curriculum. Great dinner conversations might be spurred when you ask your child (ren) what genre they are studying and what great
read-a-louds they’ve heard.
Our reading center and classrooms are wonderful places for literacy learning. We thank you for your continued support and encourage
you to continue to read aloud to your children. If you need some help with selecting new titles, check out Kidsreads.com for
suggestions and reviews.
Pre-K
The preschool classes will begin to learn about community helpers this month. We are also investigating clothing. We will sort and
compare community helper uniforms, as well as, clothing for various types of weather and occasions.
In math we will continue to study, sort and compare numbers and shapes with the students. Students will look at numbers and compare
quantities. We will also sort and compare shapes.
We will also begin to learn about letters and the sounds they make. Using the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum the students will
explore building letters in a developmentally appropriate manner. We will use wood pieces (big line, little line, big curve, and little curve)
to build the letters of the alphabet. The older students will also practice writing the letters in sand, shaving cream, as well as, with chalk
and on white boards.
Kindergarten
Reading:
We started our Building Readers unit which entails, retelling using wordless books, identifying the author and
illustrator of a story and sequencing with pictures. Some of the stories we enjoyed this month were Pete the Cat
I Love My White Shoes, A Ball for Daisy, Good Night Gorilla and Pumpkin, Pumpkin. We enjoyed studying the
life cycle of a pumpkin. When we went on our field trip to Foster Farms we were able to apply all our new
knowledge of pumpkins and how they grow. Each classroom was able to keep a large pumpkin to use to help us
learn more about pumpkins and their attributes.
Math:
In math we were very busy exploring numbers 0-5. We had lots of practice learning to write the num bers. We learned
to recognize the numbers in the world around us and we did lots and lots of counting. While counting we learned to
compare the numbers 0-5 and we learned to represent them in many different ways. We did a lot of math
investigations using our large classroom pumpkins.
First Grade
Readers Workshop
In readers’ workshop, the students are learning about fictional and non-fictional books. Lessons are focused on why readers read
each type of book and elements we find in the books. We are learning that fictional text tell stories and nonfiction gives readers
information. The students are learning each genre has different elements. Fictional storybooks have character, setting, problem, and
solutions. Most non-fiction book can have real photographs, table of contents, bold words, captions, labels, glossary, and index.
Another focus is comparing and contrasting the two genres.
Students are also learning how to use strategies to figure out unknown (“tricky”) words to help increase their accuracy.





Can the picture help you?
Is there a chunk in the word?
Make the beginning sound
Look at the words after the tricky word
Re-read the sentence
Fictional Book
Non-Fiction
book
Math Workshop
In math, students are completing Unit 1 Fluency in addition and subtraction within 10. We are learning how the two operations are
related. Students are building fact fluency, for example: starting at the higher number to add, counting up to add and back to subtract,
knowing double facts, and combinations of 10. We will be starting to work on strategies of adding three numbers, by combining two
addends and then adding the third. We are using different strategies to solve word problems: circling numbers, looking for key words,
using manipulatives or drawing a picture to answer the problem.
Grade 2
We have finished Unit 1 and have started Unit 2: Place value. CCSS requires your child to learn how to represent numbers up to
1,000 in three different ways. For example: standard form: 152, expanded form: 100 + 50 + 2, word form: one hundred fifty two.
Additionally, students will be able to understand and explain the value of every digit within a number. The children will be able to
compare 3 digit numbers using greater than >, less than <, and equal to = symbols. The children will also be able to
count within 1,000 and skip count by 5's, 10's and 100's. As with every unit, these math skills will be applied using word
problems.
Reading: We are currently in Unit 2. Students will listen to fiction texts with a focus on how characters respond to major
events and challenges. They will also learn how the beginning of a story is important because it introduces the story, and
the ending because it concludes the action.
During Science we are continuing to learn about nutrition through our dragon, Little D. Students are also enjoying reading non-fiction
material with their Time for Kids magazine.
The end of the first quarter will be in early November. Instructions for signing up for conferences were sent home at Open House. We
look forward to meeting with parents to discuss student progress. If you have any questions about making this appointment, the office
can assist you.
Grade 3
Our third grade readers will gather information this month by analyzing non-fiction text structures. We will incorporate writing into
English-Language Arts (ELA) by conducting research to answer questions about countries of the world, and how they exhibit culture
through food, holidays, and literature. We will conclude this unit with a celebration of our success through presentations by the students
on their chosen country.
In math, students will be continuing their work with connecting multiplication and division concepts. We will also
be working on the properties of these operations, while gaining a deeper understanding and application of
multiplication facts. Students will build enduring understandings through problem solving, deconstruction of equations, and real-world
examples that will help solidify skills and strategies.
Grade 4 News
Fourth grade will be finishing our second unit in the next few weeks. Using our mentor text, Sarah, Plain and Tall, we
have focused on tracking the important ideas of the text to better understand it. In alignment with the common core, we have
emphasized the use of text-dependent questions with this unit. The students have to continually go back into the text for evidence to
support their thinking/responses. We have also worked on firsthand and secondhand accounts of historical texts and text structure. Our
class discussions have focused on how good readers understand these elements in order to better comprehend the text.
We also learned a reading strategy called SQ3R. The S stands for survey (prior to reading — preview text by looking at chapter titles,
introductory paragraphs, bold face, italicized headings and summary paragraphs). The Q stands for question (turn section headings
into questions; have questions for which answers are expected to be found in the passage). The 3 Rs are read (to answer purpose
questions), recite (try to answer questions without referring to the text or notes), and review (review the material by rereading parts of
the text or notes to verify answers). SQ3R is a very versatile literacy strategy that involves the student in processing information before,
during, and after reading.
We completed our first unit, Understanding and Using Place Value. Students explored and compared numbers up to the millions period
and represented them in a variety of ways (base ten, standard, expanded, and word form). We also estimated sums and differences,
added and subtracted numbers up to 9-digits. Students continued the process of problem-solving using Polya's strategy, STAR (Study
the problem, Think of a plan, Act on the plan, and Reflect). We started unit 2, Exploring Factors and Multiples. Students are using a
variety of strategies to solve multiplication problems (using known facts, arrays, area models, etc.) and learning what makes a number
prime or composite.
Cactus Still Life
4th Grade
Fourth graders first learned about how to create decorative lines to create their
own unique, decorative, cactus planter. Student’s sketched their ideas in their sketch books before drawing their own cactus planters.
Next, we observed a variety of different types of succulents and cactus in the classroom and in photos. We talked about the different
shapes that make up these beautiful desert plants. Next student’s sketch their own desert plants for their still life. Small rocks were
drawn in to fill in the white space around the plants. Once finished all details are outlined with black sharpie markers. Water color
paints were used to add color to the cactuses, succulents, and the planter. Once the paint was dry fourth graders cut their desert
plants and planter out and glue their work to a black background. Pattern paper was used to create a boarder around the black paper.
Library
The Book Fair is coming! Nov 15 - 21
Parents may shop any of these times:
Tuesday Nov 15: 8:45-3:30
Wednesday Nov 16: 8:45-1:30 and 4 to 7 pm.
Thursday Nov 17: 8:45-1:30 and 4 to 7 pm
Friday Nov 18: 8:45-1:30 and 1:45-4 pm
Monday Nov 21: 8:45-10:30 for last minute shopping.
Every student will go to the book fair during their library classes.
Students may shop during library classes and at the beginning of the school day, if they bring money to school, in an envelope with
their name on it, and the total amount of money within it.
** Please don’t allow children to bring in a purse full of coins that hasn’t been counted.”
Students may also make wish lists during library class. If they bring home a wish list, please bring it with you to the fair.
In October, students learned about finding books in the library.
First graders can now identify the author’s last name when they look at a book. This is helpful because most books are shelved in
alphabetical order by author’s last name. Second graders are practicing putting words in alphabetical order, to prepare for using
dictionaries, as well as finding books. Third graders have learned how to locate chapter books (called Fiction in the library) by using
the call number (F for fiction, followed by the author’s last name). Fourth graders are learning how to locate nonfiction books by using
the call number (a number for the book’s subject, followed by the author’s last name).
In support of our Social Emotional Learning lessons and Unity Day, we read these stories in library in October:
PreK: Martha doesn’t say Sorry, by Samantha Berger.
When a little girl never says sorry, no one in her family will play with her.
K: King of the Playground by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
Kevin figures out how to be friends with the mean boy who says he is in charge of the playground.
Grade 1: One, by Kathryn Otoshi.
All the colors are happy until RED tries to make everyone do what he says. Seeing ONE stand up to RED helps the other colors find
their own strength. Happy ending.
Grade 2: Enemy Pie by Derek Munson.
Find out how to use Enemy Pie to get rid of your enemies. Does it make them sick? Is it filled with worms? It is very effective, but first
you have to spend a full day with your enemy.
Grade 3: Trouble Talk, by Trudy Ludwig. A realistic story about gossip, rumors, and how one’s words affect other people’s feelings.
Grade 4. Sorry, by Trudy Ludwig. Two boys learn the hard way that simply saying “Sorry” without making amends doesn’t make
anybody feel better.
Winter Concert
Mark Your Calendars, The Show is Back!!
This year’s winter concert will be held on Wednesday Dec 21st with the snow date of the 22nd.
Please see schedule below for your child’s concert time. Hope to see you all at the concert!
10:00 AM CONCERT
2:00 PM CONCERT
Mrs. Lanz
Mrs. King
Mrs. Chevalier am Pre-K
Mrs. Kukucka Pre-K
Mrs. Spencer
Mrs. Bechard
Mrs. Goldstein
Mrs. Abon
Ms. Deconti
Mr. Boyle
Mrs. Greer
Mrs. Burgess
Mrs. Cohen
Mrs. Willey
Mrs. Chevalier pm Pre-K
Mrs. Sangiovanni pm Pre-K
Mrs. Gentile
Mrs. Berry
Mrs. Garrison
Ms. Stalgaitis
Mrs. Wylie
Ms. Carlson
Mrs. Majowicz
Mrs. Wyse
A REMINDER to all third grade classes, the last day to order a recorder is November 11th.
Physical Education – Please see attached
CONGRATULATIONS to LILIANA DACOSTA Winner of Name the First Smoothie Contest.
“NOT YOUR NANNA’S APPLE PIE”
Liliana received a wonderful fruit basket that was donated by HARKENS MARKET, Liliana had her picture taken with our judges (Laura
Foxx, Matt Ryan, Cindy Stoecker, Leslie Bollela, Gaily Anderson Ho, Joyce Reel, and Lindsey Caudill, also Richard Jonelis, Dairy
Farmer (Shadow Valley Farms).
Lliana’s smoothie name will be used in our breakfast menu for the entire year. Also she will be able to get one free smoothie a week
for a year. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
A presentation of a check for $6,416.00 was given to, Laura Foxx (Principal) and to Perry Kokofsky, (Food Service Director), by
Amanda Aldred - Dairy Council Representative. This was a grant in which 3 smoothie machines were purchased.
News from East Windsor Family Resource Center!! - 860.627.9741
 Playgroups are Monday through Thursday from 9:30am-10:30am in Room B5 at Broad Brook Elementary. These hour
long, FREE playgroups offer children with a variety of experiences through appropriate art and sensory activities, circle
time with stories and songs, and opportunities to explore with other young children. Children ages 0-5 and their
parents/caregivers are invited to all play and learn playgroups. The FRC offers a FREE parent
education and family support program using the Parents as Teachers (PAT) curriculum which
serves families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5. Personal
visits can be offered at home or at the Family Resource Center where a Parent Educator will
share appropriate child development and parenting information. The visit will also include a
developmentally appropriate activity for parents/caregivers to participate with their child.