SECTION I: PRINCIPAL’S CORNER

 Reflections  on  a  Terrific  School  Year  

"The  beautiful  thing  about  learning  is  that  no  one  can  take  it  away  from  you.”          B.B.  King

Dear Loker School Community,

I cannot believe that today is June 10th and there are only 6 days of school remaining. It has been a wonderful year and we have truly enjoyed working with your children and seeing them grow throughout the school year. I want to express my gratitude to the hard working Loker School faculty that strives to grow the individual social, emotional and academic learning skills of all children. What inspires me about the Loker faculty is their willingness and determination to continue to grow as educators. As reflective practitioners, they take feedback extremely well and are constantly striving to improve their practice as we build our school community.

I also want to acknowledge the terrific fifth graders who have been outstanding student leaders for the last two years. The Class of 2016 has been an outstanding group of role models for the children and I will always remember their leadership role in “clapping in” the rest of the school on this year’s Opening Day in encouraging them to have a great year. Likewise, their grade level fundraiser for Dana Farber this spring has served as a terrific example for the younger children. The fifth graders have worked extremely hard and I know that they are ready for the next step in their educational journey, Wayland Middle School.

I am also grateful to all of the parent volunteers in the classrooms and those who have worked tirelessly on the PTO in organizing such terrific events as our Loker Ice Cream Socials/Picnics, Loker Movie Nights, Cultural Enrichment Performances, Book Fairs, Principal Coffees, Staff Appreciation Week and Lunches and the Backpack Auction. I really want parents to know that the Loker faculty and I feel that you provide tremendous support in the classroom and truly appreciate all of the encouragement and assistance that we receive from you. It really does make a difference in our school! I also want to acknowledge our PTO Administration, President Jennifer Sheldon, Vice President Daria Greeley and Treasurer Pam Cerne for the tremendous advocating and creativity in supporting the school community in a meaningful and enthusiastic manner. Lastly, I want to express appreciation for the PTO and their support of our new maker space lab. Below are two pictures from a recent “string telephone” lesson in the lab.

We have a number of special events next week at Loker School. Our 5th grade student leaders will be visiting The Children’s Way on Tuesday morning to mentor the preschool children and develop a school partnership quilt. Likewise, our final School Meeting of the year will be on Wednesday morning from 9:00am-9:30am in the cafeteria where there will be a slide show displaying the highlights of the school year and a special fifth grade ceremony. Move Along Day for all students will take place on Friday from

 

A  LOOK  AT  LOKER!  June  2016  

TABLE  OF  CONTENTS    

Section  I:  Principal’s  Corner  Section  II:  Specialists  News  Section  III:  Health  Room  News  Section  IV:  PTO  &  Community  News  Section  V:    Guidance  Nook  

10:15am-10:45am. Within this day, students will get an opportunity to meet next year’s teacher, see next year’s classmates and visit their future classroom. You will also receive a packet in your child’s backpack with all of the pertinent information regarding your child’s future classroom including a class list and teacher letter.

Best wishes on a wonderful summer! As always, I welcome your feedback so please do not hesitate to contact me at Brian_Jones@wayland.k12.ma.us or at (508) 358-8601. Thank you again for all of your support throughout the year and I look forward to seeing you in the fall! For those families moving onto the middle school, we will miss you and please come visit! You are always welcome as part of Team Loker!

Sincerely,

Brian Jones

Loker School Principal

 

   

SECTION II: NEWS FROM THE LOKER SCHOOL SPECIALISTS

TECHNOLOGY  BITS  AND  BYTES  FROM  LOKER  SCHOOL  TECH  LAB

Grade 1:

This month students reviewed the entire curriculum that we covered during the school year. We took a look at the websites we visited for programming: Code.org and Tynker; The San Diego Zoo and Museum of Modern Art as part of our Digital Citizenship lessons, just right websites and the Money and Time websites just to name a few.

Grade 2

Students were introduced to Keyboarding using BBC’s DanceMat Typing. They learned about the Home Row and that two keys in the Home Row have bumps (F&J). As 3rd grades students, they will be learning keyboarding with a typing program, which will track their progress in words per minute (WPM) and accuracy.  

Grade 3:

This month students are looking back on their Digital Citizenship lessons. They created a group project, defining terms that part of the curriculum and what they mean. We then created a Word Cloud with those terms. A Word Cloud is a visual, artistic representation of text used and the

more that certain text is used, it is emphasized with a larger font. Students learned how to change their fonts, layouts and color schemes to make their Word Cloud more interesting to look at.

Grade 4:

ChatterPix is a fun App that we will be using for the Animal Adaptations project and students are continuing to work on them. 4th Grades students are also learning more about Google Slides and creating a presentation for their project as well.  

Grade 5:

Students are still working hard researching for their Biography Project. Once they have finished their research, they will incorporate their research information with a technology component using Google Draw and QR Codes.

 

LOKER  SCHOOL  MUSIC     General  Music Kindergarten Kindergartners  are  continuing  to  dictate  rhythm  compositions  that  include  quarter  notes,  quarter  rests,  and  eighth  notes!  They  are  writing  compositions  that  are  given  to  them  and  their  own.   1st  Grade The  first  graders  are  currently  learning  about  the  musical  staff!  We  read  “Freddy  the  Frog  and  the  Thump  in  the  Night”  which  gave  them  an  introduction  to  reading  notes.  They  will  continue  to  learn  about  note  reading  for  the  rest  of  the  school  year.   2nd  Grade Second  graders  are  reviewing  how  to  read  notes  on  the  musical  staff.  They  are  also  learning  how  to  draw  the  treble  clef!  We  reviewed  the  book  we  read  last  year  about  Freddy  the  Frog.  I  was  surprised  that  they  still  remembered  everything  about  the  musical  staff  and  note  reading! 3rd  Grade The  third  graders  are  preparing  for  their  recorder  concert,  which  is  on  Tuesday,  June  14th  at  10am  in  the  Loker  Theater.   4th  Grade The  fourth  graders  are  finishing  up  their  composer  presentations.  I  am  so  proud  of  all  the  hard  work  they  showed  while  writing  these  biography  essays  and  drawing  their  portraits.   5th  Grade The  fifth  graders  had  two  amazing  performances  of  their  fifth  grade  play  two  weeks  ago.  I  am  so  proud  of  you  all!  In  class,  we  are  now  taking  time  to  reflect  on  our  preparation  for  the  play  and  the  two  performances.    Strings Loker  Beginning  Strings  did  a  fabulous  job  on  their  final  concerts  of  the  year!  I  am  so  proud  of  everyone  for  working  so  hard  and  coming  so  far  in  just  one  year.   Congratulations  to  the  4th  &  5th  grade  string  players  on  a  great  Spring  String  Thing!    You  should  be  very  proud!-­‐  

   

LOKER  SCHOOL  ART          

 

       K-­‐2  classes  have  been  working  on  a  watercolor  of  a  specific  summer  activity  on  a  really  hot  day.  We  looked  at  a  Winslow  Homer  Painting,  Turtle  Pond  to  examine  the  movement  in  the  water.  Students  instantly  noticed  the  varying  shades  of  blue  and  green  in  the  water  and  the  brush  strokes  which  helped  show  movement.      First  and  second  grade  students  finished  up  their  “stained-­‐glass”  works  and  began  a  printmaking  project  after  looking  at  Hokusai’s  Great  Wave  wood  block  print.  They  also  viewed  a  one-­‐minute  clip  to  see  what  wood  block  carving  entails.  Students  were  then  given  images  of  animals  to  reference  while  drawing.  The  drawing  was  then  transferred  to  a  styrafoam  printing  block  and  printed  multiple  times.  These  will  be  hanging  in  the  display  case  over  the  summer  but  students  should  have  one  to  take  home  as  well.  I  have  requests  already  for  more  printmaking  next  year…  and  metallic  ink!    Third  grade  students  are  working  on  animal  stain-­‐glass  worked  that  are  more  advanced  than  the  first  and  second  grade  works.  The  fourth  grade  is  working  on  animal  watercolors  for  their  classroom  animal  reports.  They  are  learning  to  use  the  grid  system  to  scale  up  images  to  2-­‐3x  the  original  size.  The  fifth  grade  students  are  working  on  finishing  their  story  sculptures  as  well  as  creating  a  stylized  self-­‐portrait/cartoon  for  a  collaborative  class  portrait.  This  will  be  hanging  in  the  Loker  hallway  for  years  to  come  as  the  5th  grade  class  of  2016.  

 

LOKER  SCHOOL  LIBRARY        

We  are  finishing  up  another  great  year  in  our  Library!      

                                            We  have  ended  book  check-­‐outs  for  the  year  and  all  books  are  due  back  by  June  17th.          There  were  over  8,100  check-­‐outs  this  school  year!    Thank  you  to  all  the  volunteers  who  made  this  possible.        Here  what’s  been  going  on:      Miss  Amy  from  the  Wayland  Public  Library  has  visited  classes  to  promote  summer  reading  and  the  many  activities  that  are  available  at  public  libraries  during  the  summer.      She  also  offered  reading  suggestions  for  each  grade.        Kindergarten  students  continue  to  enjoy  reading  along  with  picture  books.  We  have  been  focusing  on  books  about  friendship  and  comparing  and  contrasting  books.      First  grade  students  continued  to  study  butterflies  and  sharing  early  chapter  books.      Second  grade  students  continued  with  their  story  telling  of  Chicken  Little  and  The  Big  Red  Hen.        Third  grade  students  used  library  time  to  work  on  classroom  projects  and  book  shares.      Fourth  Grade  students  worked  diligently  on  their  Animal  Adaptation  projects.    We  were  able  to  find  print  or  electronic  resources  for  every  creature!      Fifth  Grade  students  continued  to  strengthen  research  skills  by  working  on  their  Biography  projects.    They  have  built  strong  research  skills  and  are  ready  for  middle  school!              There  are  many  studies  that  show  maintaining  reading  over  the  summer  is  crucial  for  academic  performance.      Plus  it’s  just  plain  fun!      There  are  suggested  summer  reading  lists  on  the  Loker  Library  website.                Best  Wishes  for  a  great  summer.    Let’s  keep  the  reading  going  all  summer  long!   Susan Allen Library Media Specialist Loker Elementary School            

SECTION III:    NEWS  FROM  THE  HEALTH  ROOM  

 Health  Room  News-­‐  June  2016  

 

                                                                                                                                     

 

 

 

Can  you  believe  it’s  June?    Boy  time  flies!    It  has  been  a  pleasure  taking  care  of  your  children  this  year.    I  will  miss  the  fifth  graders  as  they  move  on  the  Middle  School  but  am  passing  you  on  to  Nurse  Nims  who  will  care  for  you  all  as  much  as  I  do.    I  am  thankful  to  be  part  of  and  serve  this  wonderful  community.

If  your  child  has  medication  at  school:      ALL  medications  must  be  picked  up  on  the  last  day  of  school  by  a  parent  or  designated  adult.    New  medication  orders  (prescription  and/or  over  the  counter)  are  required  for  each  academic  school  year,  and  will  be  necessary  for  the  start  of  school  in  September.    Forms  can  be  downloaded  from  the  Wayland  Public  Schools  web  page,  Loker  School,  health  services  tab.    

Sunscreen  and  Insect  Repellant:    Parents  are  responsible  for  applying  sun  screen  and/or  insect  repellent  on  elementary  school  children.    Please  apply  this  at  home  before  your  child  comes  to  school.    School  staff  is  not  permitted  to  apply  sun  screen  and/or  insect  repellent  on  children.    Exceptions  are  made  for  students  with  a  medical  diagnosis  that  requires  application  before  outdoor  activity.    A  physician's  order  with  parent  permission  must  be  on  file  for  the  school  nurse  to  apply  the  product.

Stay  safe,  have  a  fun  and  happy  summer!!!    

 

Jennifer  McLeod,  RN  508-­‐358-­‐8614  Jennifer_Mcleod@wayland.k12.ma.us    

SECTION IV

PTO & COMMUNITY NEWS  

         

2015-2016 Loker Events

 

EVENT DATE/TIME CONTACT End of Year Teacher & Staff Appreciation Luncheon

June 13, noon Joanna Hartunian & Emily Villatoro

3rd Grade Recorder Concert June 14, 10am Loker Auditorium

Loker School Meeting – End of Year Slide Show Green Team Presentation 5th Grade Ceremony

June 15 at 9:00am Loker School Cafeteria

5th Grade Pool Party at Wayland Community Pool

June 15, 2-4pm Rain date: June 17, 3-

5pm

Tracey Roberge & Nicole Russell, Rama Ravi

Fifth Grade Biography Show June 16 at 8:45am-9:45am

4th Grade Open House Animal Projects

June 17 8:15am-8:45am

Move Along Day June 17 Clap-out for 5th Grade Students Last Day of School

June 20, 2016 1:50pm dismissal

Brian Jones

END  OF  YEAR  LOKER  STAFF  APPRECIATION  LUNCHEON    Monday,  June  13th  

SAY  THANKS  BY  VOLUNTEERING  TO  BRING  AN  ITEM Please  help  us  celebrate  a  great  year  at  Loker  and  thank  our  wonderful  staff!  We  will  be  coordinating  a  "Farm  to  Table"  luncheon  this  coming  Monday,  June  13th  to  be  served  by  11am.  We've  kept  the  options  open  for  you  to  choose  your  own  specialties  within  the  general  theme.  However,  if  you  could  specify  what  you'll  be  bringing  it  will  help  us  avoid  duplication.  As  always,  items  can  be  dropped  off  ahead  of  time  (please  label  and  leave  in  fridge  or  in  crate  in  staff  room)  or  drop  off  on  the  day  of  the  luncheon.  We  hope  to  get  a  lot  of  volunteers  to  make  this  a  special  day  for  our  Loker  Staff.  Thank  you  in  advance  for  your  participation.  Click  this  link  to  go  to  our  invitation  page  on  VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/7ZLQoV

LAST  CALL:  BOX  TOPS  FOR  EDUCATION  Please  Submit  Your  Box  Tops  by  June  15th!  

Loker  has  been  collecting  Box  Tops  for  Education  all  school  year  long.  We  are  going  to  be  doing  a  final  count  at  the  end  of  the  month.  Please  send  in  the  Box  Tops  you  may  have  been  saving  at  home.  You  can  find  Box  Tops  on  hundreds  of  packages.  Cut  the  Box  Tops  from  each  package  and  send  them  in  with  your  child's  backpack  or  stop  by  the  Loker  front  office.  Box  Tops  are  worth  10¢  each.  Thank  you  for  your  help  with  this  year's  collection    

         

 

PTO  APPRECIATION  

 Thank  you  to  Lia  Barris  for  bringing  in  this  week’s  very  well  received  Cultural  Enrichment  group,  

“Ball  in  the  House”.    This  A  Cappella  group  had  everyone  singing  and  dancing  in  their  seats!  The  whole  crowd  was  amazed  that  there  were  no  instruments  and  that  their  voices  could  make  so  many  fantastic  sounds.  It  was  a  great  way  to  wind  down  this  year’s  fantastic  Cultural  Enrichment  presentations.  Note:  VolunteerSpot  does  not  share  your  email  address  with  anyone.  If  you  prefer  not  to  use  your  email  address,  please  contact  me  and  I  can  sign  you  up  manually.    

   

A  HUGE  thank  you  to  Jennifer  Sheldon  for  her  tireless  efforts  leading  the  Loker  PTO  this  year.  If  you  see  her  at  Field  Day  or  around  school  in  the  next  week,  please  take  a  moment  and  say  “thank  you”  to  her  for  her  dedication  and  commitment.  Overseeing  the  PTO  as  a  full  elementary  school  with  grades  K-­‐5  was  a  great  success  in  large  part  due  to  Jen’s  leadership.  Thank  you,  Jen!    

 

 

THE  LOST  &  FOUND  IS  OVERFLOWING!  All  Items  will  be  donated  at  the  end  of  the  school  year.  Please  be  sure  to  send  your  child  to  the  main  

lobby  or  come  in  and  see  for  yourself  if  you  have  any  missing  items.    

THE  LOKER  GREEN  TEAM  NEEDS  YOUR  HELP!  Please  come  help  weed  and  harvest  the  Loker  School  vegetable  gardens!  Come  as  often  as  you’d  like.  Children  are  welcome  to  help.  All  veggies  will  be  donated  to  the  Wayland  Food  Pantry  at  Parmenter.    Please  click  on  the  VolunteerSpot  link  to  lend  a  hand!    Thank  you!      

Volunteer  Spot  Loker  Garden  Summer  2016  Link  -­‐  http://vols.pt/co83x3  

SECTION V: GUIDANCE NOOK   As  we  are  nearing  the  end  of  the  school  year  and  transitioning  to  the  summer  months,  classroom  guidance  lessons  have  focused  on  reflecting  on  memories  from  the  school  year.    A  great  exercise  at  home  is  to  chat  with  your  child  about  what  she  or  he  enjoyed  most  about  this  past  school  year  and  what  he  or  she  felt  like  was  a  favorite  school  lesson.    Checking  in  about  the  ways  in  which  this  year  was  different  from  past  years  and  discussing  a  highlight  from  each  school  year  helps  guide  children  through  the  natural  process  of  endings  and  new  beginnings.    Asking  about  what  children  are  looking  forward  to  about  the  coming  year  is  another  great  way  to  help  connect  this  closing  school  year  with  positive  anticipation  for  what  is  to  come.    I  am  hoping  to  hear  many  great  tales  in  the  fall  about  favorite  memories  from  this  summer!  

   “Life  isn’t  a  matter  of  milestones,  but  of  moments.”  Rose  Kennedy    Laurel  Miller  Pirelli,  MS,  CAGS  School  Psychologist  and  Counselor  Loker  Elementary  School  Wayland,  MA  508.358.8612