Principal's Message

Dear Thacher Families,

Every year, each public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school is doing in different areas. A link to our school’s report card is available at https://reportcards.doe.mass.edu/2024/00160050

The report card includes multiple measures of a school’s performance – more than just MCAS scores. It represents a new way of looking at school performance, by providing information on student achievement, teacher qualifications, student learning opportunities, and more.

Report cards are designed to be useful tools for everyone connected to our school. Families can use the information to have meaningful conversations with us about what the school is doing well and where there is room for improvement. Community and education leaders can use the information to better understand how to support students and our school.

You will notice on our report card that according to the state’s accountability system, we are in the “moderate progress toward targets” category. To improve student performance in our school, we have adjusted our schedules to increase the amount of tier 2 support (intervention groups) as well as piloted a new math program which we hope will better meet the needs of our students. We encourage you to become involved in helping us improve our school. We see parents as critical partners in the success of our students and school, and we are grateful for your continued support.

Finally, if your child attends a school that receives federal Title I funds, you also have the right to request the following information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers:

· Whether your child’s teacher is licensed in the grade levels and subject areas they teach,

· Whether your child’s teacher is teaching under an emergency license or waiver,

· The college degree and major of your child’s teacher, and

· Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

If you have questions about our school’s report card, would like to become involved in school improvement activities, or would like to request information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher, please contact Frank Rich: frich@attleboroschools.com. To see our district’s report card or to search for other schools’ report cards, visit reportcards.doe.mass.edu.

Sincerely,

Frank Rich, Principal

Sarah Desautel, Asst. Principal

From the Music Room

Hello Thacher Elementary School families,

It’s hard to imagine that tomorrow is our first day of February break. I hope you are all doing something fun and/or recharging. Here are some updates from the music classroom:

Our youngest students have continued to develop more of their musical skills–we are beginning to prepare for next year’s activities as we move past the halfway mark of the school year. It’s hard to believe we’re already there! Students are refining their singing skills through warm-ups and singing games. Music literacy remains a core focus and even kindergarten has begun to read rhythm patterns very successfully. Students have also continued building their movement vocabulary with various movement activities and dances.
Upper grades have also continued to further refine their musicianship skills. Grade three students have been learning a Brazilian song (in Portuguese!!!) Cidade Maravilhosa, and grade four has been working diligently to sing in harmony. We’ve begun some pretty complicated dances as well and I have been so impressed with each class’s perseverance in learning them (and of course the eventual successes as well). Instrument skills and music literacy have been a usual core focus as students are learning to read music with the help of recorder and mallet instrument performance.

As always, please enjoy some pictures below. Stay healthy and keep on rocking on!

Musically yours,

Mr. Chippo, M.M.Ed

jchippo@attleboroschools.com

"Student Industry Connects" refers to a program offered by "One8 Applied Learning Hub" that facilitates connections between students and industry professionals. This program allowed students to receive feedback on projects from experts in their field, helping them gain real-world insights and career preparedness. One8, Applied Learning Hub Students in Miss Strobel's class were tasked to create a slideshow showing how ST Math games connect to real-world math concepts. The students created slideshows that included four parts:

The ST Math Game that they played
The math concept and language behind it (since ST Math doesn’t name the math concept explicitly for students)
How students use the math in their own lives
Questions to professionals about how they use the math in their professions

Congratulations to Koltin and Kenny in Miss Strobel's Fourth Grade Class for being chosen to have their work submitted for the Student Industry Connects Opportunity. Professionals will be reviewing the presentation and provide feedback and offer insights on how math is applied in their work. Congratulations!

It is that time of year where we typically see an increase in illness, and we would like to take an opportunity to remind parent/guardians of the importance of having up-to-date contact information at the school for us to reach you in a time of need. In addition, we are asking that you have additional emergency contacts that are available to pick up the child if needed.

If the nurse calls for the student's dismissal, it is standard practice for the dismissal to occur within the hour. Thank you in advance for your support so we can continue to provide the best care for all students.

Smoothie Crew

Students in our Insights 4 Class (Ms. Tome's Class) spread some Valentine's cheer by making and delivering delicious smoothies. A HUGE THANK YOU to the Smoothie Crew!

ELC Screening

If you are interested in your child attending preschool at the ELC for the 2025-2026 school year, please sign up for a screening by clicking the link below.

To participate in the program a child must be:

A resident of Attleboro on the day of the screening
Three years of age by September 1, 2025
If your child will be 5 by September 1, 2025, they are eligible to attend Kindergarten

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45A4A62EA7F9C52-52796202-2025#/

Strategic Planning

Attleboro Public Schools invites you to participate in Phase II of our Strategic Planning process. Your input is valuable, and we welcome your participation in shaping the future of our District. Please complete this form by December 20, 2024 if you would like to engage in developing the plan.

For more information, please visit the 2030 Strategic Planning landing page on our website: https://shorturl.at/VFgVf”