February 11, 2013

Hello Roderick Families:

I hope that you had a great long weekend and the pains of shoveling have subsided.  Although Mother Nature threw a lot snow at us on Friday and Saturday, it was another busy week here at the Roderick School.  Take a look at some of the great things that took place last week.

Mrs. Moon's sixth grade students are learning about Ancient Egypt.  They learned about the mummification process and recently had the opportunity to participate in a mock mummification.  Students were placed into groups and given their own pharaohs to mummify.  The students had the chance to follow the ancient rituals. 

Mrs. Farrell's fourth grade class worked collaboratively using 'Alphaboxes' as a culminating activity for their literature circle groups.  Students were very creative selecting specific, important words that connected to their book.  

Mrs. Kelley's and Mrs. Marazzi's students recently completed their New Year's resolutions.  Students in both classes needed to come up with a resolution that was school focused.  If you get a chance to stop by the fourth grade wing, please take a minute to view the students' writing.

As part of their Changing Earth science unit, Mrs. Curtin's and Mrs. Fownes's classes took a hands on approach to science. Each student made their own volcano out of playdough and a water bottle. The students watched as the volcanoes erupted -- some with a fizzle and some with a bang. 

Special thanks to Mr. Sean McInnis and members of the KP Boys' and Girls' Basketball teams for volunteering at our school on Thursday.  The KP student athletes visited classrooms throughout the afternoon.  Our students really enjoyed seeing the "big kids."

A Night of the Arts will be held on Tuesday, February 12th from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM in the Roderick cafeteria.  Please join us to celebrate the fine arts here at the Roderick School.

Thank you for reading, stay safe, and have a great week!

Warm regards,
Stephen S. Grenham, Principal

February 1, 2013

Roderick Families,

It is hard to believe that we have turned the calendar to February.  I don't know about you, but I hope that it is cloudy tomorrow and Punxsutawney Phil does not see his shadow.  I  could certainly handle an early spring!  We had a great and busy week here at the Roderick School.  Please take a moment to see some of the great things that were happening and learn about some upcoming events. 

A few weeks ago, our school started morning announcements.  Members of the sixth grade visit the office each morning to report afternoon activities, student birthdays, and say the Pledge.  The students have done a wonderful job!

Night of the Arts

On Tuesday, February 12th, the Roderick School will present a Night of the Arts.  Art teacher, Mrs. Andrea Lovely will be using the Roderick cafeteria to display artwork created by all students in grades 4-6.  In addition, Instrumental teacher Miss Tracy Salazar will oversee students playing instruments as part of the Night of the Arts.  The Night of the Arts will run from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM.

 Mrs. Coleman's fourth grade classroom spent time this week learning about division.  Students used their math notebooks to highlight key terms and concepts as well as helpful reminders.  

 

Congratulations to this week's Positive Referrals.  These individuals were recognized by staff members for exhibiting great character.  Some of these students raised money on their own for St. Jude's Hospital while others led their team during classroom projects.  Thanks for making our school a better place!  We are very proud of you!   

 

Students in Grades 4-6 made their midyear switch this week.  All classrooms in the Roderick School have transitioned from Art with Mrs. Lovely to Health with Mrs. Drake.  

Wrentham's own, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Marsden has graciously agreed to dance for Dancing with the Wrentham Stars.  Dr. Marsden will be dancing against five other contestants.  Each contestant is required to fundraise for this event.  Each dollar that you donate constitutes one vote for Dr. Marsden!  Here at our Wrentham Public Schools there will be multiple ways that you can vote:     

Buy a Star--Monday Feb 4th through Friday March 8th.

Stars will be available for $1 each in the 3 school offices.  Supporters can purchase a star and put their name on it.  One star equals one vote for Jeff at the dancing competition.  The stars will be displayed in the school lobbies until March 8th. All stars will be entered into a raffle to win an electric razor scooter.

Coin Challenge.  From Monday Feb 4th through Monday Feb 11th.
WEST will be having a school-wide coin challenge during lunchtime in the cafeterias.  Each grade will have a bucket to place spare change in.  All pennies and paper money will be added to a grade level's total.  Silver money will be subtracted from the total.  Students are urged to put pennies in their own grade's bucket and silver change in another grade's bucket.  Teachers will have a bucket too.  There will be a prize for the grade with the highest total at the end of the competition. WEST members will be available throughout lunch to help with the process.

Supporters can also make a direct donation to WEST on Dr. Marsden's behalf.  All donations will be used to "purchase votes" for Dr. Marsden on the night of the competition.

100% of the money collected from all of these fundraisers will go directly to WEST.

The Dancing with the Wrentham Stars will take place on Friday, March 8th.  

 

 The Roderick School has three student teachers working with us until May.  Christine King (left) is currently  working with Sam Cederbaum.  She is finishing up her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and English at Bridgewater State University.  In her down time, Christine likes reading, visiting the Cape, and watching the Bruins.  Jen Tessier (center) is currently working with Judy Haughey.  She is a senior at Bridgewater State University.  Jen is double majoring in Elementary Education and Psychology.  Fun Fact: Jen played basketball in high school and Mrs. Moon was her coach.  Ashley Donaldson (right) is currently  working with Melissa Mager.  She is a dual-license at Bridgewater State University.  She will be receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in History and Elementary Education as well as her Master’s Degree in Special Education come May.  When she isn’t studying, Ashley likes to spend time with her family and friends.  She likes history and taking historical tours. 

 Thank you for reading and have a wonderful weekend.

Stephen S. Grenham, Principal




 

January 25, 2013

Hello Roderick Families,

What a cold week!  Despite the frigid temperatures, there were a number of things that took place this week at the Roderick School. 

 

In order for families to plan accordingly, the 2013 ELA MCAS schedule is listed below:

Grade 4 

March 19th - Long Composition

March 22nd - Reading Comprehension

March 26th - Reading Comprehension 

Grade 5

March 27th - Reading Comprehension

March 28th - Reading Comprehension

Grade 6

March 20th - Reading Comprehension

March 21st - Reading Comprehension

If at all possible, please do not schedule any medical or dental appointments for your child/children on the MCAS testing dates.  We greatly appreciate your support and cooperation in eliminating any unnecessary absences.  As always, please do not hesitate to call our teaching staff or me if you have any questions or concerns.

Congratulations to our three Positive Referrals this week!  All three students displayed great character and modeled our school's Core Values.  We are very proud of each of them!

A special thanks to the Roderick students and staff for their generous donations during our Term II Spirit Day.  There were many winter gloves and hats collected today.  I continue to feel extremely fortunate to belong to such a caring and generous community.  The students and staff enjoyed spending the day in their super soft sweatshirts and sporty sneakers.  

Thursday, February 7th - Beginning Band Concert - Gibbons Gym 7:00 PM

Friday, February 8th - Term II report cards sent home

Tuesday, February 12th - Night of the Arts - Roderick School 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Have a great weekend and stay warm!

Best,
Stephen S. Grenham, Principal