R. H. Conwell News 5/5/2023

Worthington School District
147 Huntington Road
Worthington, MA 01098
413-238-5856
gmorsedobosz@hr-k12.org

Dear Community: 

Hope to see many of you tomorrow at the Annual Town Meeting which begins at 9:30 a.m. under the tent in the school parking lot!  Unlike in years past, the weather looks promising for the meeting!  The PTO will offer coffee and baked goods and ask for a donation only.

Our school Wellness Committee is seeking members of all types to help with policy regarding the health and wellness of our school community. Call committee members Nurse Meg, Ashley Tompkins, kitchen manager, Gretchen Morse-Dobosz, or Greta Fachetti, PE Teacher if you might be interested.

Farm Stand Information:  The third and fourth class will have a Farm Stand Thursday, May 11 and on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 1:30 to 3:00.   We are asking for donations of houseplants and perennials. They can be dropped off in front of the school on or before May 11.  Proceeds will go towards garden tools, animal food for our chickens and fish.  It will also go to our seed purchases and other miscellaneous things having to do with our garden and more.  Thank you from the Third and Fourth Grade Class.

School Choice Openings:  We currently have three school choice openings for next fall.  One opening for First Grade and two spots in Grade 3 for the next fall.  

Update from the PTO:  Teacher Appreciation Week is next week, Monday May 8 – we’ll have a full week of over-deserved appreciation for our teachers, and we are seeking volunteers cleared to work at the school on Thursday the 11th for a few hours midday – email worthingtonpto.ma@gmail.com if you’re interested!

We have the Mother’s Day Spaghetti Dinner and Raffle coming up on Saturday, May 13 get your tickets starting this week – flyers were sent home! In conjunction with Lynn and Alex Lak of the former Conwell PTO, this will be an event to remember, and a chance to win some great prizes! Any questions, or to donate for the raffle or dinner, please call Lynn Lak at 413-238-4274.

If you’d like to get involved, email us at worthingtonpto.ma@gmail.com or come to the meetings – 3rd Thursday monthly at 6!

Check out the PTO website:  ​​worthingtonpto.org

FY 24 School Calendar:  The academic 2023 – 2024 school calendar has been approved.  One slight change is the end time for the school day. Beginning next year, school will end at 3:20 p.m. This change has been made because our middle / high school bus routes are long, and they typically arrive now at 3:20 p.m. We’ve decided it was best to add the additional 10 minutes onto the end of day.  A copy has been sent home after break and you can also find it on the website RH Conwell.

How to Advocate for Your Child:  Belchertown SEPAC is hosting a free virtual workshop, How to Advocate For Your Child, on Monday, May 8 from 7-8:30pm. This is through the Federation for Children with Special Needs and the presenter is Leslie Leslie, Project Director.  To register click on this link:  bit.ly/40w0bWc

Hilltown Family Center Playgroup:  Every Monday at R.H. Conwell beginning at 8:30 for infants and toddlers beginning at 9:45.  

Reminders from Nurse’s Office: 
– If your child is going to be absent or tardy,  please cc mbreymann@hr-k12.org and louellet@hr-k12.org.
– Our many COVID tests expire in May. Get them soon!
– If you have a health concern about sending your child to school, you  may reach Nurse Meg by text at 413-320-8172 or email  at mbreymann@hr-K12.org before 7:00 a.m. and until 7p.m.
– During school hours, Nurse Meg can be reached at 238-5856 extension 1. 
– If you find unfamiliar clothing or ice packs in your home or child’s backpack, please return to the school! We especially need small pants and all sized snow pants. In these muddy times, and especially if you have a mud loving child, send spare clothing to school please!
– Consider COVID-19 when your child is ill. It is still among us.
– Time to start thinking about Sunscreen and sunglasses.
– Ticks have been sighted! Time for TICK CHECKS every night. 

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, May 6:  Annual Town Meeting beginning at 9 a.m.

Tuesday, May 9:  Math MCAS TESTING for students in grades 3-6

Wednesday, May 10:  Math MCAS TESTING for students in grades 3-6

Thursday, May 11:  School Committee meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Friday, May 12:  Family Lunch 

Saturday, May 13:  PTO Spaghetti Supper beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 16:  Science MCAS testing for 5th graders ONLY

Wednesday, May 17:  Family Breakfast

Thursday, May 18:  PTO meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m. in-peron and virtual meeting Tuesday May 16 – Thursday May 18: Preparation for Screen-Free Challenge – study and record our screen habits.

Tuesday May 23 – Thursday May 25: Screen-Free Challenge! Info coming soon.

Thursday, May 25:  LAST Parent Coffee:  This will be an opportunity to reflect on the year and look ahead.  Please join me for complimentary coffee.

Friday, May 26:  Noon Dismissal

Monday, May 29:  NO SCHOOL

Wednesday, May 31 – June 2:  Fifth and Sixth Graders attending Nature’s Classroom

Warmly,
Gretchen Morse-Dobosz
Principal/Superintendent, Worthington School District
gmorsedobosz@hr-k12.org