"Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it." -Ralph Marston
Each November we revisit this quote from Marston- a personal favorite- as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday. As a community, we have so much to be thankful and appreciative for this school year.
We continue to be thankful for the opportunity to lead this amazing school. We are thankful that we get to work with the students, families, and staff at YES. Please know that all members of our school community have our appreciation for the role everyone plays in supporting the success and health of every student at our school. Our November newsletter highlights many of the events that have taken place over the past month and the exciting things we have to look forward to in the month ahead.
VIRTUAL PARENT CONFERENCES
Parents, thank you for actively participating in your child’s education by attending the virtual fall conferences. Individual conferences will continue to take place over the coming few weeks. Our teachers appreciate your support and look forward to working closely with you throughout this year.
NWEA MAP & MPG RESULTS
This past week the NWEA MEA/MAP (Gr. 3 & 4) and MPG (Gr. 2) results were mailed home to you. These results also include a letter that helps to explain the assessment and how we use this information to support instruction and help students to grow.
This universal screener is utilized to also help us as one measurement for instructional support. Additionally, we use these results as one piece of the identification process for GT instructional support for grade four students. In Yarmouth that is the first-year groups meet with GT teachers for the first time.
WINTER WEATHER GUIDELINES
Before we know it there will be snow on the ground! This is a good time to review some of our winter weather playground and clothing guidelines as we may get some snow before our December newsletter.
We will NOT go outside if the temperature is 5 degrees or below. Wind chill plays into this but fluctuates within seconds. The effect of a consistent wind chill may also cause us to stay inside even if the temperature is above 5 degrees.
It is important students come to school dressed for cold winter weather. Students who want to play in the snow and on snowbanks must wear winter jackets, boots, and snow pants. If the temperature is below 40 degrees it is too cold for shorts, tee shirts, and no coats. If you are in need of winter weather clothing please reach out to Mrs. Murray or Mrs. Lokken in the counselors' office as we do have resources available for those in need to make sure that all students have the proper gear.
Thank you for your help with this to keep our children healthy and warm this winter!
SNOW DAYS/REMOTE LEARNING DAYS
At the recent school committee meeting, it was agreed that for the first two days we find winter weather impacting travel we will have traditional snow days held district-wide. That means no school for anyone.
After that we will plan, as best we can, to hold remote learning days in the event of winter weather occurring that makes road travel unsafe. We will monitor the weather forecast and send school iPads home with students the day before. Teachers will provide assignments through Seesaw and/or any written materials that are sent home. Google Meets will be held to provide virtual instruction and support. Students are expected to bring the school iPads back to school the next day school is in-person.
If we have a “surprise day” day that impacts the weather, or wide-spread power outages, then we will have a traditional snow day. This would be in the event that we were not able to send devices home ahead of time or if there is no power in homes to use the internet.
PTO NEWS
- Staff Appreciation: Thank you to everyone who helped us raise enough to bring brunch to all the incredible Yarmouth school staff this month! Boon Supply.
- Spirit Wear: Items are going home this week, so keep an eye out for them.
- Boon Supply: We get 40% of all orders placed through 11/5 so check out all the fun products at
- Hannaford: 11/17 by noon. This load is a great one to participate in with Thanksgiving coming up right afterward! Hannaford Form
- October Newsletter: In case you missed it, click here!!
- PTO Meeting:11/18 @7pm. All are welcome! Look for a zoom link on our website and social media pages closer to the date.
- Questions: Please reach out to Kim Tyau and Elaine Hughes at yarmouthpto04096@gmail.com
YARMOUTH FOOD PANTRY THANKSGIVING APPLICATIONS
The Yarmouth Food Pantry provides assistance to families who would like support with a Thanksgiving meal. There is more information attached to this email.
Yarmouth Food Pantry Thanksgiving Meal
Mrs. Lokken, our social worker, can also help with any questions you may have at lindsey_lokken@yarmouthschools.org.
GESKUS PICTURE RETAKE DAY- THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4
If your child was absent on school picture day or you would like to have a retake done, Geskus photographers will be back at YES on Thursday, November 4. For ordering information please see the form that is attached to this email. Geskus Retake Day
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 & 12: NO SCHOOL- VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY
We would like to take this opportunity to personally thank our community Veterans for their dedicated service to the United States Armed Forces. We will forever be grateful for your bravery and sacrifices to protect our country’s freedom.
NO SCHOOL WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26: THANKSGIVING BREAK
On behalf of everyone at Yarmouth Elementary School, we wish all of our families a happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful start to the Holiday Season!
Best,
Ryan Gleason, YES Principal & Molly Kilpatrick, YES Assistant Principal