Dear YES Families, 

Before writing this newsletter, I took my dog out for a walk on this frigid January evening.  I must say that I am hopeful Punxsutawney Phil will not see his shadow  on Ground Hog Day, and that we will have warm spring weather sooner, rather than later! 

As we approach the midway point of our school year we want to thank everyone for your continued support of our students, teachers, and school as we collectively strive to provide optimal opportunities for learning each and every day.  These collective efforts are a big part of some exciting news that I would like to share with you to kick off our newsletter for February.

BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL NOMINATION                                                                                                

Last week I was contacted by the Maine Department of Education.  I am pleased to share with you that Yarmouth Elementary School is one of only three schools in the entire state of Maine to be nominated as a Blue Ribbon School! Just being nominated as a Blue Ribbon School is a tremendous honor and well-deserved recognition for the work our teachers and staff has done for many years.  An effective and high performing school takes a collaborative community of learners- students, parents, teachers and staff- to work as a team and help all children find success.  This recognition is a reflection not only of the skill and professionalism of our educators but also the support you provide everyday to YES.  You can learn more about Blue Ribbon Schools at the following link: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/index.html.  Congratulations!

COMMUNITY MEETING & WACKY SOCK DAY!                                                                                     

On Friday, January 26th our monthly community meeting was organized and facilitated by our Grade Two teachers.  Students showed up to school with "Wacky Socks" to kick off our day as the goal was to collect and donate socks to those in need.  On this day we had a focus on our YES core values of caring and citizenship.  During our meeting a "sock greeting" and some enthusiastic singing was culminated by another appearance from Steamer, our town mascot!  Steamer helped lead the school in a fun game of "Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Socks".  We are proud to share with you that our students collected 748 pairs of socks that have been delivered to the Preble Street Shelter in Portland. Way to go YES!

CONFERENCES AND REPORT CARDS                                                                                                      

As I shared in the January newsletter, our parent conferencing occurs at about the mid-way point of our school year.  Teachers are in the process of scheduling and many are beginning to conference.  They will be sharing with you how students are progressing and growing in regards to the YES learning standards.  Once again, your collaboration and support is appreciated!

MAINE EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT (MEA) DATES: MARCH                                       

The Maine Comprehensive Assessment System provides information about the academic progress of students, schools, and the state as a whole. This system includes state assessments, known as the Maine Educational Assessments (MEA), that measure the progress of Maine's students toward the content standards adopted for Maine students

State and federal laws require that all students participate in assessments in designated content areas at designated grades. In conjunction with local and teacher-developed assessments, these assessments can help educators, parents, and educational leaders to understand how well Maine's schools are educating, how well Maine's students are learning, and where additional support may be needed.

At Yarmouth Elementary School all students in grades three and four participate in the MEA. To help with your planning please note that we will hold our 2018 MEA assessments during the weeks of >span class="aBn" data-term="goog_154973521" tabindex="0">March 19th and March 26th

 YARMOUTH'S GOT TALENT 2018   

           It’s Time to Get Ready for the 8th Annual Yarmouth's Got Talent!

This K - 12 student competition is sponsored by the Music Boosters and the proceeds benefit our music programming.  All talent is welcome to audition - music, dance, arts, magic, comedy...or any creative endeavor that will win over the audience!

Auditions:

K - 4: Wednesday, March 7th at YES

5 - 8: Monday, March 12th at HMS

9 - 12: Monday, March 12th at YHS

Event Date: Friday, March 16th

Cash prizes are based on audience vote. One first prize for each age group. Official rules and entry forms at YarmouthsGotTalent.org.

FLU INFORMATION                                                                                                                     

The Maine CDC has reported that the flu is active in Maine with confirmed cases in every county.  Both Influenza A/H3 and influenza B have been confirmed. The Maine CDC strongly encourages the  flu vaccination, and it is widely available at your doctors office or any pharmacy, most often free of charge. The flu vaccine is protective against some of the circulating virus and will offer cross protections against the other strains making your illness less severe.

If you or your child have symptoms of influenza it is important to stay home until you are fever free without medicine for 24 hours.  Symptoms include a fever of 100 or higher, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. 

The flu is transmitted mostly by person to person contact.  It is important to remember to wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes with the crook of your arm, never touch your face, wipe down work stations and desks frequently, and stay home when you are ill, and get your flu vaccine. Stay healthy this season!!

FEBRUARY DATES TO REMEMBER: 

Friday, February 2nd: School Spirit Day!                                                                                                

On Friday (also Ground Hog Day!) we will have a "School Spirit Day" to get excited for the Super Bowl.  We are encouraging everyone to wear Yarmouth colors (blue and white), apparel or their favorite team gear.  Many students will want to wear Patriots gear or another team shirt and that is all A-OK!  If your child is not a football fan that is also okay, just wear some blue and white for school spirit!

Thursday, February 8th: Grade 4 Band Concert 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 14th: Valentines' Day

Thursday, February 15th: PTO Meeting 4 p.m. YES Library                                                             

A huge thank you to our PTO for bringing Circus Maine to Yarmouth on January 26th.  The success of the PTO fundraising efforts continue to support the invaluable contributions that they make to our school programming.  I am told that the PTO is planning to make this event even bigger next year!

February 19th to February 23rd: Winter Break- No School

Monday, February 26th: School Resumes                                                       

THANK YOU                                                                                                                                                  

Obviously this has been a very sad and emotional finish to the month of January in our community.  So many of you have reached out to our schools in a show of caring and support.  We are so grateful for this and please know how much it is appreciated.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns or feedback you would like to share.  I hope that your family has a wonderful start to February and a nice winter break.

Respectfully,

Ryan Gleason, YES Principal