Swanson Road

Intermediate

School

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I WISH THE ENTIRE SWANSON ROAD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

FAMILY A NEW YEAR FILLED WITH HOPE, PEACE AND PROMISE!

All of us at the Swanson Road Intermediate School are looking forward to returning for the

second half of the school year with a renewed sense of energy and purpose. Our momentum

in preparation for all that 2017 brings has increased dramatically as there is a lot to prepare

students for, changes in state testing, upcoming events, and new transitions that lie ahead.

As a team, we will continue our mission of providing each student daily opportunities to de-

velop and grow. The hard work of educating every child in reaching their full potential is the

collaborative effort of all of us at SWIS – teachers, students, staff, and administration.

The New Year brings much activity to SWIS:

Academics - All students will be taking math and reading assessments over the course of

the weeks and months ahead. As a staff, we will be discussing and analyzing all testing re-

sults to plan future instruction. These tests, along with all assessments, provide us with in-

formation to make informed decisions around student learning and guide us in creating ex-

periences for each student to excel before, during, and after school.

Testing – This month, English Language Learners have taken the state ACCESS test. This

test assesses comprehension, written language and oral fluency. Students

worked diligently and I am sure they did well.

*Important – Please note, MCAS 2.0 testing dates are enclosed. These dates

can also be found on our web page calendar.

Communication – Please maintain continued contact with your child’s teacher to seek up-

dates on your child’s progress. This is imperative for ongoing growth and success. Please

continue to check email, Auburn Public Schools Facebook page, Swanson’s webpage, and

Twitter for up-to-date accurate information.

From the Principal’s Desk ……..

SWIS Bulletin

2017 January

Clubs – During the upcoming weeks, students will be invited to join various before and after

school clubs that reinforce ELA, Math skills, as well as, extra practice with test taking strate-

gies. These programs help to strengthen and prepare our students for the upcoming state test,

MCAS 2.0 Parents will receive notification via school letter.

Other clubs will be starting on a first come first served basis as well. Be on the lookout for no-

tices and One Call emails. It is exciting to offer these new innovative clubs that extend learning

experiences well beyond the school day.

Homework Reminders: Teachers assign homework for different reasons and purposes. Home-

work is assigned either as practice, preparation, extension, or integration of grade-level skills

and concepts.

Practice homework, the most common type, is assigned to reinforce material presented in

the classroom and to help students’ master individual skills. This helps in retention and auto-

maticity of the concept, skill, and content. Examples include practicing multiplication facts or

writing simple sentences in order to commit theses skills and concepts to long-term memory.

Preparation homework is assigned to introduce students to material the teacher will pre-

sent in the future. For instance, previewing video clips, pre-reading a chapter, or completing a

study guide.

Extension homework asks students to apply previously learned skills to different contexts.

For instance, students may use the concept of area and perimeter to build a flowerbed.

Integration homework requires students to produce a product, such as a social studies pro-

ject, or a book summary where they apply multiple skills.

There are also non-academic reasons for assigning homework. It fosters independence, develops

time-management skills, and teaches responsibility. It also promotes a positive attitude towards

school and keeps families informed about their child’s learning. Homework at the elementary

level also establishes better study habits and skills for secondary education.

Whatever the purpose for a particular homework assignment or study request, please support

all that we do each day at SWIS by checking your student’s homework each night. Practice

math facts, as they MUST know them, and read nightly.

As always I appreciate your ongoing support and commitment to all of our students’

education.

From the Principal’s desk cont…..

Page 2 SWIS Bulletin

Welcome back from break!

We hope that you all enjoyed

your vacation and are ready

for a new and exciting 2017.

During our ELA/Writing blocks,

we are finishing up Unit 2 of the

Wonders reading program. We

continue to love the new stories

that we are being exposed to.

Many of us have completed

our work with adding, subtract-

ing, multiplying and dividing

decimals in Go Math. We will

be beginning our work with

fractions in the coming weeks.

In Social Studies, we are learn-

ing all about Colonial times

and what life was like before

the American Revolution. In

Science, we have finished our

work with matter and electricity

and we are venturing into the

world of life science, focusing

on animals.

We appreciate the

continued support

we receive from

home. Working to-

gether truly makes a differ-

ence!

learning about the mind/body con-nection. By paying attention to our body, especially during times of intense emotion, students learn to identify sensations in their body. Once the emotion can be identi-fied, students are able to apply “calming down strategies” in order to maintain emotional control.

5th Graders have completed the CARE program. The final session focused on internet safety with a

3rd Graders have begun their Sec-ond Step Unit on Emotional Man-agement. Identifying feelings and learning ways to manage strong emotions are the focal points of this unit. During our SWIS Support classes, we address the impor-tance of understanding what we feel and develop strategies to calm ourselves.

4th Graders have begun their Emotional Management Unit by

presentation by Ellen Miller from the District Attorney’s office. Ms. Miller shared an insightful presen-tation to students about the impor-tance of following safety precau-tions when using the internet. With the completion of the CARE pro-gram, students will be completing essays to reflect upon their experi-ence. An upcoming CARE graduation will take place in Feb-ruary 2017.

Grade 5 News

SWIS Support

dents are mastering digital note

taking skills using the Wonders

Inquiry Space. In addition, stu-

dents have continued practicing

basic computer programming skills

with MIT App Inventor and

Code.org.

We are proud to announce the

production of our new video se-

ries, SWIS News, created by stu-

dents using iMovie. Please share

all segment submissions with Ms.

Connell’s email address scon-

nell@auburn.k12.ma.us, before

the first of each month.

This month in Media Literacy

classes, students are evaluating

student writing samples recently

released by MCAS. Students are

analyzing the difference between

scored anchor papers in prepara-

tion for a tablet-based assessment

that will be administered in the

spring. As part of this process, stu-

Media Literacy Class with Miss Connell

January Page 3

This time of year is always full of excitement, anticipation, time with families and friends, holiday fes-

tivities and of course good old fashioned New England weather. I feel that it is important to outline a few

measures that Dr. Lopez and I have taken to ensure, as always, the safety and security of all of the stu-

dents that attend Swanson Road Intermediate School, especially with the upcoming winter weather sea-

son ahead.

Snow and Ice Removal/Ebb and Flow of Traffic:

In regard to the snow and ice removal oo our parking lots, bus loop and parent pickup areas here at

Swanson Road, this daunting task is completed by the Town of Auburn’s Department of Public Works. In

anticipation of the upcoming winter weather months, I have personally contacted, and been able to meet

the Director of the DPW, Mr. William Coyle, and the Highway Superintendent, Mr. Ken Fairbanks.

When we met, we discussed the best ways to continue keeping up with the snow removal, placement of

snow banks, clearing areas of critical importance, and student safety during parent pick-up, drop-offs, as

well as, the clearing of the recess areas. During our meeting, we exchanged valuable information on the

daily operations of the school facility and the proper steps to take in noticing any improvements that

could be made to ensure the safety of our students as the winter season continues. As a reminder, please

do not drop off or pick up any students on Swanson Road itself. This is a major traffic concern as vehicles

have nearly collided with one another when vehicles have stopped to let children disembark or load from

that area. Thank you for your help in maintaining the safety of all.

When thinking of our building facilities, exit doors, sidewalks, and entrances, this snow and ice removal

and maintenance is completed by our team of custodians. As always, the safety and security of all our

students and staff is taken into consideration. Dr. Lopez and I make it a priority to meet with our custo-

dial staff on a daily basis. In anticipating the winter months we have identified critical areas of impor-

tance in regard to sanding/salting, snow removal, and maintenance.

Recess Accommodations:

The topic of recess during the winter season is always of importance. Please send students to school

dressed anticipating that they may be going outside for recess. If it is raining, sleeting, snowing or any

form of precipitation is falling from the sky, we will have indoor recess for that day. In regard to days

that we are able to venture outdoors for recess during the winter season, some accommodations have

been anticipated for maximum safety of our students and staff. In planning for these accommodations, I

have consulted with members of the district safety team and together we have gained a consensus and

approval in moving forward. Our blacktop area that includes our basketball courts, hopscotch, and Four

Square, will be accessible and utilized. Our students will also have access to a portion of our bus loop.

Students will be using the exit doors closest to these areas and the proper clearing and sanding will take

place prior to recess times. In order to maintain and maximize the safety of our students and staff, the

bus loop entrance from Swanson Road will be “coned off” from 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m., as well as, the bus

loop exit. If you plan on dismissing your child at this time, please enter in the first parking lot on the

right as you enter from Swanson Rd., park, and exit from that same entrance, as the second exit that en-

ters into the bus loop will also be closed during recess hours.

Thank you all for your help, participation, and patience in continuing to keep all of our students and

staff safe here at SWIS. Please feel free to contact me here at SWIS if you feel you have any safety con-

cerns in general or in regard to the winter season update that is provided above. mlav-

elle@auburn.k12.ma.us or here at SWIS 508-832-7744 ext.7111

From the desk of Mr. Lavelle

January Page 4

We are moving into the winter season with

more indoor recesses and we have started to

see an increase in winter type illnesses.

Here are some health and safety reminders!

Hand washing for 20 seconds before

eating, after sneezing and nose blow-

ing, after any bathroom use is great

to help prevent illness.

Flu season and flu shots do help pre-

vent illness. It is not too late to ask

your pediatrician for a flu shot for

your child. Local pharmacies will

also provide them.

Please remind children not to go on

ponds where there is ice unless

accompanied by an adult and it

has been approved for use for skat-

ing. We have had cold days followed

by warm days and the ice may not be

safe. Also remind students waiting

for the bus or walking home that

adults driving may not see them near

large mounds of snow. Extra care

when crossing streets or walking by

driveways is important.

We all need sleep. Keep your child on

a routine that includes 10-12 hours of

sleep. Experts recommend reading a

book, turning off computers and other

game devices 2-3 hours before bed-

time so the blue light does not affect

sleep.

Please remember to call the school if

your child is sick or will be out ab-

sent or late. It helps us to know why

they are staying home so that we know

what illnesses are circulating. 508 832-

7744.

Please make sure that your child wears

a coat to school on these winter days.

The weather changes during the day and

we will go outside some days. Also send a

sweatshirt or something to layer as some

classes may be chillier than others. We do

have a lost and found outside our cafete-

ria if they are missing a sweatshirt, coat,

lunchbox, etc!

Enjoy some fun winter activities. Check

with our Auburn Recreation Department

for indoor activities. Horgan rink has ice

skating, there is sledding near Rocket-

land and behind Horgan rink.

Nursing Services

January Page 5

During the December break, students were given the opportunity to participate in a winter reading chal-

lenge. Many students accepted that challenge and took pride in decorating their paper hot chocolate

mugs as they filled them with marshmallows that demonstrated that they spent time reading in bed,

reading on the floor, reading for fun or reading to learn something new.

As your child continues to read at home daily, you can help him/her better understand what he

has read and demonstrate for him that reading for meaning is important by asking questions before,

during and after the reading.

Look at the cover, title and illustrations/photographs. What do you think

will happen in this text? What makes you think that? (This question

promotes predicting and using evidence to support thinking.)

What has happened in the story so far? Use sequencing words to retell the

events. (This question promotes remembering.)

What are you wondering about as you are reading? (This question pro-

motes questioning and clarifying.)

What is this text about? Did you learn anything new about the topic while

reading? (This question promotes understanding main idea and reflecting on reading.)

Now that you have finished the story, is there anything that you would have done differently if

you were the author? (This question allows for great conversation and requires children to

think critically about author’s choice.)

Thank you for your support in our reading log assignments and challenges.

In our second year as a school community at Swanson Road Intermediate School, we have more experience using the Go Math program. The Go Math approach spends time on a variety of strategies and models for solving mathematical problems. Although these strategies and models may be new to parents ,as well as students, they are providing a solid foundation of mathematical understanding for your children. Rather than simply teaching an algorithm that students must memorize, teachers provide opportunities to consider and practice each model and strategy. This time helps students see what is happening when we add, subtract, multiply, or divide. Students then grow familiar with the relevant vocabulary and begin to see how the differ-ent operations work together. When they then learn the algorithm, it has more meaning, and they are more

likely to retain their learning. Their fundamental number sense should also improve over time. As educators working in the classroom with your children, we have seen the benefits of this layered approach to math learning.

As you work with your child at home, take time to look at the current lessons by chapter and section, using the online math link, https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/ePC/start.do. Once your

child logs in, you can choose the Library section and find the eTextbook, Go Math Student Edition. Each les-son begins with a step-by-step process that shows you the math strategy or model for that lesson. This is followed by practice problems and word problems that relate to the strategy. You can also watch lesson-specific Math on the Spot videos to get a better understanding of any particular lesson. Enjoy this one-on-one time with your child and know that your child will benefit as you learn this program together.

The Reading Room

Math is Everywhere!

January Page 6

It’s going to be a busy 2017 for the fourth grade students at SWIS! Many new and ex-

citing units have begun, and students are exploring new strategies and concepts.

Read on to discover what your child is learning and start a conversation about it.

Math: We have begun our new unit on fractions. Students are quickly dis-

covering how applying the skills from previous chapters are beneficial for

learning fractions. Ask your child how factors, multiplication, and divi-

sion, etc… help them with fractions.

Reading: We are finishing our second unit entitled Amazing Animals. Stu-

dents read about animals in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry genres. Next time

you see a spider in the house, ask your child about it. They may have some

very interesting responses! Our next reading unit should be of interest to all

students. It is on friendship; something they all know a lot about!

Writing: Our writing units coordinate with our Reading themes. For

this unit we focused on expository writing, and students wrote a report

about an animal. They were able to do some research and take notes.

These are essential skills every child needs to master for writing suc-

cess.

Science: We have started our on unit simple machines. These are machines

that can be found everywhere. Have your child complete a simple machine

scavenger hunt around the house. We bet they will find quite a few.

Social Studies: Students have begun their tour of the United States regions.

Ask them to tell you about all the places they have visited. Our explorers

will be expected to learn the capitals of all 50 states. There are many games

online to help them practice.

We appreciate all the students who turned in the “Winter Break Reading Challenge.”

Many of you read to a parent, grandparent, or sibling. It’s always fun when the whole

family is involved. Because the winter season is also the cold and flu season, we

would appreciate it if you could send in tissues and antibacterial wipes. These will

help keep the germs away! Thank you for your continued support.

The fourth grade team would like to thank Mrs. Christina Cody for organizing and

supplying materials for the Holiday Spoons Project. We raised a lot of money for a

good cause.

Grade 4 News

January Page 7

Our classes are off to a great 2017! We would like to wish you all a wonderful

New Year! We are looking forward to many more exciting lessons as we continue

our grade three journey together.

As we move on to Unit 3 in our Wonders Reading program we will be exploring

the genres of Folktales and Historical Fiction, as we continue to experience more

fantastic Expository texts. Students are improving their reading skills of visualiz-

ing, summarizing, main idea and details, cause and effect, and determining prob-

lems and solutions in our reading selections.

Third graders will continue writing narrative and informative pieces, and we will

introduce Opinion writing during Unit 3.

Please know that all students should be diligently

practicing their multiplication facts daily. Working

in Chapter 6 Understanding Division, and Chapter 7

Division Facts and Strategies will prove to be much

easier if we KNOW OUR MULTIPLICATION

FACTS. Please continue to support your child as

they complete their daily homework, and sign student

agendas nightly.

In Social Studies we are reading and writing about Colonial Times and will soon

be comparing our units on Wampanoag, Pilgrims, and Puritans in order to differ-

entiate between beliefs and ways of life of these important time periods and

groups who lived in Massachusetts. Our final unit in Social Studies will be the

Events Leading to the American Revolution. Students will enjoy learning all

about the colonists’ rebellion against England, and discuss whether they may

have supported the Patriots or the Loyalists. Remember the great historical loca-

tions in Massachusetts and take a trip to The Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill, or Lex-

ington and Concord to give your child the experience of seeing where it all hap-

pened right here in Massachusetts!

Thank you for your continued support of your child’s academic progress.

Grade 3 News

January Page 8

We are getting back into the swing

of things here at SWIS! After three

successful concerts, students are

now embarking on the instrument

adventure. Third grade has started

learning how to play the ukulele,

while fourth graders have started

the recorder unit! The fifth graders

here at SWIS are working on xylo-

phones with Mr. Lesley, and a

boomwhacker ensemble with Mrs.

Caruso. Although we have just

started on our instruments, stu-

dents are having a blast.

Fifth grade band is back and in full

swing! Students have begun their

morning lessons and just had their

first full rehearsal of 2017. We are

excited for the performances ahead

of us, the All Town Band concert

which is in April, and our final

performance as the SWIS fifth

grade band in June.

Third grade

Strings is also

back and boy are

we moving full

steam ahead!

After one lesson

with the kids on holding their

bows they have officially begun

bowing the strings. This is so very

exciting! Looking ahead, we are

preparing the SWIS String stu-

dents for their final concert of the

year which will be on Wednesday,

May 24th at 6:30pm at the high

school.

The SWIS Honor Choir is back

and already rocking and rolling!

Students are preparing for their

final performance of the year

which will also be on Wednesday,

May 24th at 6:30pm at the high

school. We are really looking for-

ward to see what lies ahead for our

musicians here at SWIS!

2017 is going to be a big year

here at SWIS! You just WAIT!

To start off 2017, we are starting two units – tennis & basketball. As we did in the fall for

field hockey and track & field, Mr. Dunn and I will be trading classes so that students will

experience both units. In tennis, the students will all learn the basic swings, both forehand

and backhand, as well as some tricky hand-eye coordination skills. We will eventually play

singles and doubles matches over the nets which is generally the most entertaining portion of

the unit. Our tennis unit always goes along with the Grand Slam tennis event, the Australian Open,

which we will follow and discuss. While I don’t normally recommend watching TV to the kids, I do en-

courage it during the Australian Open so they can see what the game of tennis is all about and what it

looks like at the highest level. Matches are shown on ESPN and ESPN 2 in the afternoons. Watching

this also helps the kids to understand the scoring system in tennis which is quite an elaborate system

compared to most other sports.

In basketball our focus will be on the individual skills needed to be successful in small game

play; these skills are dribbling with our dominant and weak hands, chest pass and bounce

pass, and the beginning of shooting form. Students will understand what a travel, double

dribble and a carry are and will focus on not making these violations. We will learn many

backyard basketball games such as P-I-G, 3v3 games, around the world, knockout and twenty-

one. It is the goal to give students skills needed to find enjoyment in recreational basketball.

When the spring comes around, and the nets are back up on the hoops and the tennis courts, challenge

your child to a basketball game or a tennis match – there are hoops and courts at the High School and at

Lemansky Park – give them a chance to show you what they have learned!

The Music Corner with Mr. Lesley and Mrs. Caruso

Physical Education News

January Page 9

We are in the NEW YEAR 2017… and here are some things taking place in the

art room!

Grade-three students are working with positive and negative

shapes in a 2-dimensional design of a winter tree on watercolor pa-

per, using watercolor crayons. Ask them about it!

Grade-four students have been learning about and working in the style

of Georgia O’Keefe. The subject of their art work relates to nature and,

like many of Georgia O’Keefe’s flower depictions, their subject is

enlarged and the composition of lines and shapes extend beyond the

edge of their drawing paper. Many students have already expressed

that this work of art is the one they want to pick for display in the dis-

trict-wide, art exhibit coming up in May!

Grade-five students are in the middle of their CLAY WORKSHOP!!!! They have

used Earthenware clay to create “pinch-pots”. After hand-building the pots, they

were left to air-dry. The pots then got “fired” (baked at temperatures nearing

1,500 degrees) in the kiln. After being fired, students painted

their pots with a special solution called “glaze”. Once the glaze

dried, the pots went into the kiln to be fired a second time. They

then came out of the kiln in their final form- a colorful, shiny,

hand-made piece of pottery!! This project was connected to the

grade-five “Science Curriculum” unit on physical science. We

talked about physical and chemical changes and reversible and irreversible

changes that relate to the process of pottery. Next, students will have the experi-

ence of centering clay on an electric pottery wheel in the art room!!

Art News

January Page 10

10 Swanson Road

Auburn, Ma 01501

508-832-7744

508-832-7732 fax

January 16 No School – MLK Jr. Day 23 School Council Meeting 4:00-5:00pm SEPAC Meeting 6:30pm at AMS 27 Tied Together with Kindness (Tie Theme Day) 31 Officer Phil Program 12:30

February

6 PTO Meeting 6:30pm School Council Meeting 4:00-5:00pm 13 Gr. 4 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Assembly

Gr. 5 C.A.R.E. Graduation 2:00-3:00pm 15 Gr. 5 Hands on History Assembly 16 Gr. 3 Southwick Mobile Zoo 10:00-11:00am 17-21 No School – Winter Break 22 School Resumes

ELA MCAS 2.0 Testing Schedule

Grade 4 4/4, 4/5, 4/6

Grade 5 4/11, 4/12, 4/13

Grade 3 4/25, 4/26, 4/27

MATH MCAS 2.0 Testing Schedule

Grade 3 5/9, 5/10

Grade 5 5/11, 5/12

Grade 4 5/16, 5/17

STE MCAS 2.0 Testing Schedule

Grade 5 5/18, 5/19

Swanson Road

Intermediate

School

We’re on the Web!

www.auburn.k12.ma.us