I hope you have all dug out from this week’s blizzard. It is hard to believe that the half school-year mark has arrived!

I am excited to share that South Street Elementary School has received a $1,500 donation from Office Depot Foundation. The Office Depot Foundation is an independent organization that gives children the tools they need to succeed in school and life. South Street will be using the donation to purchase books for the students to read during Reading Workshop.

South Street’s third and fourth grade students will be participating in the PARCC assessment this year. PARCC is a new state test that may replace MCAS for English language arts and math. PARCC stands for the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career. PARCC is designed to measure whether your child is learning what he or she needs to know and be able to do at each grade level. Students will be taking the test between March 16^th and April 2^nd. More information will be sent home with your child on specific test dates. I will be hosting a PARCC Parent Information Night for South Street parents and guardians on Monday, February 2 from 6:00-7:00 in the cafeteria. All are welcome!

On February 6^th South Street will begin a fundraiser called Spirit and Pride. Spirit and Pride is a fundraiser that involves T-shirts and other clothing that has the South Street Elementary logo embroidered on it. For every item we sell South Street School will receive $1.00. More information will be sent home next week. You can check out the fundraiser at http://www.spiritandpride.com.

Just a reminder: If you child is absent, you must call (978) 348-2300 and provide the reason for the absence. You can also send a note to excuse your child. If your child is sick and out of school for several days it is beneficial to provide a doctor’s note.

Our next All School Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 3^rd. We will be recognizing the students who have shown kindness during the months of December and January. February’s character trait will be positivity.

The weather outside is now cold so please dress your child appropriately. Please make sure your child is wearing their coats, hats, gloves, and boots to school each day!

Sincerely,

Mr. Thompson