Dear Families,

            It always amazes me how quickly time flies once the school year begins. Faculty, staff and students have spent a great deal of time working on new programs, incorporating technology into the curriculum and taking time to get to know each other. It is hard to believe that the first trimester is already behind us!

In all grades Pre-K through 5, new programs, technology and hands-on learning are the key themes this winter at BES. Each grade level continues to address issues relating to bullying through our Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and our Peaceful School Bus Program. We are in our second year of implementation and the strategies being used by classroom teachers, staff, bus drivers and monitors is proving to be both positive and effective.  

Our Pre-K students are “On the Move” at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA. Each Pre-K class has worked together to decorate a tree for the Museum’s 23^rd annual Festival of Trees from November 17^th through December 31, 2007. The Museum’s theme is “On the Move” and the two themes chosen by the Pre-K classes are “Winter Gliding” and “Pre-K on the Go”. Don’t miss the opportunity to see our students’ work on display at the Berkshire Museum!

History Alive! Is a new program in our 5^th grade classrooms that has both students and teachers excited about social studies! This program builds students’ historical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and writing fluency, while creatively challenging them to understand the role of historical ideals from the past, present, and future. History Alive motivates and challenges all students by using journaling, art, acting, and hands on approaches to make history both appealing and understandable to students.  It focuses on bringing history into their lives in a tangible way so they can relate to what has happened and why.

All students in grades 2-5 are participating in a web-based reading program called KIDBIZ. Students are expected to log-on to the site at least 2 times each week to read the featured nonfiction articles and complete the related activities. Students can access this program in a variety of ways, including computer lab sessions, classroom centers, library time, at home, and at our public libraries. This program is in addition to our Balanced Literacy classroom reading program, and supplemental instruction that is provided by our AIS Teachers. It is not used in isolation as a stand-alone reading tool.

Students have been highly motivated by the activities associated with the program, and teachers report that the nonfiction articles are very informative, and similar to the format of questions that are found on the NY State assessments. There are opportunities for students to type written responses to questions, to email their teachers about the program, and to read at their own instructional level. As the students become more successful with their reading and activities, the KIDBIZ program automatically tracks their progress and adjusts the reading level to appropriately challenge each child.

Now that winter weather is upon us, please make sure that your child/children come to school dressed for outdoor recess. Our students participate in outdoor recess on days when the temperature is above 15 degrees. In order for children to play in the snow, they must have snow pants, jackets, hats, boots and mittens.  Due to the current concerns surrounding MRSA, our Health Office will no longer be able to lend out hats, mittens and coats.  This is why it is very important that children come to school prepared for the winter weather.

            The winter months also bring with them a time of celebration. On December 21^st, children in grades pre-K-5 will attend an assembly to sing winter songs and to hear students in our 5^th grade band play some festive music. This is a very informal assembly designed for us to come together as a pre-K-5 school community and celebrate our Character Education word of the month, “COMPASSION”. Please feel free to join us on this festive day from 2:30-3:00 PM in our gymnasium.

Please enjoy this wonderful time of year with your families and your friends. Take time to relax and enjoy every moment of this season, and know that you continue to be our most valuable partner in educating your child/children.

            Educating children is not a job that the school can do alone. Thank you to all parents/families who participated in our Parent/Teacher Conference Days both this week and last week. We had an incredible turn-out, and we greatly appreciate your involvement with your child’s education. From all of us at Berlin Elementary School, we wish you much fun and laughter over the next few weeks, and all the best for a healthy and Happy New Year!

                                                                                                            Respectfully,

                                                                                                            Michelle S. Colvin,

                                                                                                            Principal