Looking Forward to Welcoming Students & Staff Back to School on Thursday, Jan. 29

After two days of digging out and two snow days from school, we're really looking forward to welcoming all back to school on Thursday, January 29th!

Please be extra careful at bus stops and drop offs at school, due to huge mounds of snow, which can make visibility challenging.  Let's take our time and be safe : )

Bundle up and come in to school; we're waiting for you!

Warmly,
Mrs. Rose

EARLY DISMISSAL ON MONDAY, JAN. 26

Message from Superintendent Pat Ciccone:

Please be advised that Westbrook Public Schools will be dismissed early on Monday, January 26th.  Due to the impending winter storm and potential late afternoon blizzard conditions, all Westbrook schools will be dismissed early on Monday. Thank you.  

"Healthy Choices, Healthy Kids"

Don't miss tonight's presentation of "Healthy Choices, Healthy Kids--A Resource Share," starting at 5:15 pm in the Daisy Ingraham cafe, Tuesday, January 20.

This program, hosted by the Westbrook Early Childhood Council, focuses on encouraging healthy choices for families in 2015, including nutrition, regular physical activity and health-promoting school programs and policies.  Best recipes, strategies and general information will be offered along with a sampling of healthy foods.

The Daisy PTO Meeting follows this meeting at 6:30 pm.  Please join us!

Wishing All A Very Joyous Holiday!!!

Please know that I'm sending the most sincere wishes for a very happy and healthy holiday season!  I do hope that our Daisy families are enjoying time with family and friends during this holiday break.

We had a wonderful Daisy Sing-A-Long on December 23, where we celebrated many wonderful "Acts of Kindness" that our students and staff are involved in.  Our "Mitten Tree" is pictured here, which is an incredible project that our Computer Teacher, Kim Godfrey, has led for the past ten years.  This year, our very generous students and staff donated 100 pairs of mittens and gloves for needy children.

At our Sing-A-Long, I was delighted to share the store of "The Mitten Tree" with our students.  As many of us were dressed in cozy pajamas, we discussed how the holidays are more about giving than receiving.

Ms. Garofalo's class recited their "Kindness Pledge," which they created themselves.

We also recognized the work that Andrew and James Scotella have done with their "Bottle It Up" program at school.  Through their recycling efforts, they have donated $1,500 to Smilow Cancer Center.

Many chose to donate to a very special fundraiser on that day, called "Mad For Madeline."  Madeline is a third-grader from neighboring East Lyme, who is preparing to undergo a bone marrow transplant. Our Daisy community raised $242 to help her family with this effort.

We also sang some traditional holiday songs, under the expert direction of Music Teachers Michele Hammond, Jennifer Bellizzi and Rachael Allen.

 I just have to add that one of my most memorable, and cherished, events during this holiday season was being invited to help "flip the switch" on Westbrook's Christmas Tree on the green.  What an honor!  The best part of all of that was seeing so many of our students and families at the event.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!

Warmly,

Mrs. Rose

Daisy's Climate Initiatives Featured in "Parent & Child" Magazine

The December/January 2015 issue of Scholastic's "Parent & Child" magazine includes an article on what it really takes to stop bullying.  In this article, Dr. Jo Ann Freiberg, co-chair of the National School Climate Committee, who has also trained Westbrook staff in School Climate, is featured as well as our very own Daisy Ingraham Elementary School.

In discussing what schools can do, it's imperative that staff is trained on how best to intervene the moment a clash happens.  Also, not all mean behavior is bullying; some of it is just unkind and must be addressed at the onset.  Here's a quote from the article:

"That's why all the adults at Daisy Ingraham Elementary School in Westbrook, Conn., are learning strategies that help create a more civil environment," says the school's principal, Ruth Rose.  

Also, in discussing Restorative Discipline and how students can "right a wrong," Rose says that "Sometimes kids fear they've dug a hole too deep to get out of.  We need to give them a chance to make things right."

For the complete article, click on this link:  http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/parent-child/bullying-epidemic-over

Daisy's Fabulous "Mrs. Murray's Greenhouse" Recognized at CAS "Excellence in Education" Recognition Program

Last night, our very own Mrs. Murray's Greenhouse/Garden was recognized as a program of excellence at the Connecticut Association of School's "Excellence in Education" Recognition Program.

Thanks so much to everyone who has had a part in contributing toward the success of our greenhouse and garden, a wonderful remembrance to former teacher, Mrs. Murray.

Plans to further integrate this program into our curriculum as a true experiential learning method continue.  In fact, there is a meeting of the Garden Committee today (Thursday, Nov. 20) at 3:15 pm, beginning in the office and then heading out to the greenhouse.  Anyone interested is welcome to come join this meeting!

Accepting the award on behalf of the entire Daisy Community are: Sylvia Guinan, Elizabeth & Devin Xenelis, Ruth Rose, Dawn Hendrixson, and Melinda & Dwayne Xenelis.

Not present for the picture, but also honored last night in their absence, were Kit Bishop, Ellen Tucker and Darcie Orloski for their part in seeing the garden to fruition.  Thank you, all!!!

Veterans' Day Assembly on Nov. 11

As is our Daisy tradition, we will honor our Veterans on Veterans Day, November 11, as school is in session on that day.

We invite an family members who are Veterans, or who are currently serving our country, to join us for a school-wide assembly on Tuesday, November 11, at 9 am.  Veterans are encouraged to come in uniform and we encourage our students and staff to wear the patriotic colors of red, white and blue on November 11.