Week of December 8

Posted Date: 12/09/2024

Dear Families,

Winter weather arrived this week.  It is no surprise in New England that it will likely change quite a bit as we look towards warmer temperatures this coming week!  When we do have winter weather, students who wear boots to school, should bring a pair of sneakers in their backpack to change into so they are ready for Physical Education class or outdoor recess. Students do not need snowpants or snowsuits for school. Please take note of the upcoming events this week and in the weeks ahead.  

Reading Informational Session for Families

Save the date of Thursday, January 30 at 9:15 a.m. for this informative session with our Curriculum Instructional Leader, Andrea Noble. Mrs. Noble will share information about our reading program, how children learn to read as well as tips and strategies for promoting literacy at home. Reading Informational Session sign up

Delegation from China

We are so pleased to welcome back our Chinese colleagues for the first time since COVID.  Guangdong Province is scheduled to bring its third delegation of 25 educators selected to be the next generation of education leaders to Connecticut this week.  They will visit Weston on Wednesday,  December 11.  After a welcoming ceremony at Weston High School they will tour each of the other schools on campus.

Attendance/Tardy Information

Throughout the year I have been highlighting tardy data as part of our efforts to raise awareness and  improve students’ on time arrival to school.  During the month of November we had 18 days of school and 221 recorded tardies for the month.  We know sometimes appointments need to be scheduled during the school day. However if you find that you are finding it difficult to get everyone out the door, please reach out. We know that mornings can be hectic at home. Our school social worker, Jillian Desiderio is a wealth of information and can help support the development of routines that make busy mornings more manageable.  Creating systems now will pay dividends down the road as children move through their school years. 

Social Media Presentation

On Thursday, November 21, Weston had the pleasure of welcoming Max Stossel, an award-winning storyteller, filmmaker, and founder of Social Awakening, to our district. Max's work focuses on the intersection of technology, human well-being and connectedness. His presentations are designed to spark meaningful conversations about how we can support students in navigating the challenges of the digital world. The presentation is relevant to all of us regardless of the age of our children. It encourages us to reflect on our own use of social media and the impact it has on our well being and our community. Whether or not you were able to attend the event, I encourage you to watch the recording that Max has provided to us, available free on his website for the next month. You can access the recording here:

Max Stossel Parent Presentation

Performing Arts in Weston School Community

During the month of December, Weston students enrolled in our grades 4 -12 performing ensembles, including band, chorus and orchestra, showcase their musical talents in winter concerts.  Please refer to this link for upcoming performances if you would like to attend any of them. Performing Arts Calendar.  At Hurlbutt, we are proud to lay the foundation for future ensemble members and to support our K-12 music program whenever we can! These fun family events are a wonderful way to preview what's ahead for your blossoming musician, even if you don’t have an older student in these music groups.

Progress Report for First Trimester

The end of the first trimester is almost here! Hurlbutt’s progress reports for the first trimester will be available in your Powerschool Parent Portal starting at 3:00 p.m. on December 13. On that day, Mr. Paylor will send an email with step-by-step instructions for accessing the reports through PowerSchool and Portfolio(+). Please take note of the tardy and absence data on your child’s progress report in addition to their academic progress. This week you can prepare by making sure you can access your Parent Portal account. If you need help accessing your child’s PowerSchool account, please contact the main office for assistance.

Sincerely,

Laura Kaddis

Principal

Important Dates:

December 20: Early dismissal: 12:35 p.m.

December 23-January 1: School closed for Winter break

January 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. day - School closed

January 30: Reading Informational Session for Parents: 9:15 a.m. SH cafeteria