Dear Springfield Families & Friends,

… and we’re off!  Just like that we are already a few weeks into the new year, and by all accounts, we have had a successful start here at Springfield School.  Even in the midst of on-going construction, staff did their best to ensure a smooth opening and students have done an outstanding job learning building/classroom expectations and daily routines to maximize their opportunities for success.  Thank you to everyone for helping set the tone for a positive and productive school year!

Attendance - EVERY DAY COUNTS

It is vitally important that your child is in school, and on time, each and every day.  When children are absent from school, they miss out on consistent instruction that is needed to develop basic skills.  Children in early grades are particularly susceptible to falling behind in fundamental reading skills, which can have a snowball effect that impacts future learning.  Poor attendance can also have a negative effect on social and emotional development.

Chronic absence — missing 10 percent or more of school days due to absence for any reason—excused, unexcused absences and suspensions, can translate into students having difficulty learning to read by the third-grade, achieving in middle school, and graduating from high school.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: (info/list provided by www.attendanceworks.org)

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Keep your child healthy and make sure your child has the required shots.

• Introduce your children to their teachers and classmates before school starts.

• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor or another parent.

• Try to schedule medical appointments and extended trips when school isn't in session.

• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.

• If your child must stay home due to illness, ask the teacher for resources and ideas to continue learning at home.

Achievement - ACADEMICS + ACTIVITIES

Tutoring

After school need-based Reading (Tuesdays) and Math (Thursdays) tutoring will begin the week of October 1st. Teacher invites (by recommendation only) will go home in the coming days. Please make every effort to have your child attend if at all possible so that they can take advantage of this extra opportunity to get additional academic support. Contact your child's teacher with specific questions/concerns about this program.

Clubs/Extracurriculars

Springfield School will continue to offer several before and/or after school clubs this year. Please pay close attention to Seesaw messages/paper flyers coming home that invite students at a variety of grades to participate. We also have Band (5th) and Choir (4th & 5th), as well as Our Community Ambassadors (4th & 5th) and Student Council (4th & 5th). Lots of options for student involvement.

Attitude - MAKE IT A GREAT DAY... THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

Our focus at Springfield School is to cultivate a positive climate and create the best learning environment possible. We encourage students and staff to be productive members of OUR COMMUNITY by adhering to the following three expectations:

*Make Safe & Responsible Choices

*Be Respectful & Kind

*Do Your Best

As always, thank you for your continued encouragement of the students and staff at Springfield School. I deeply value our school's partnership with you and am so appreciative of your support.  Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions and/or concerns.

Best wishes for a wonderful 2024-25 school year!

Mrs. Brown

Amanda Brown, Principal (708) 388-4121, Ext. 5136 abrown@msd143.biz