Ice Cream Social Cancelled Tonight

Hello,


There was an incident at school today that led to the cancelling of tonight's ice cream social.  Please read the letter below that went home with your child and is also on the home page of the school website.

To Harriet Beecher Stowe School Families:

I am writing to keep you fully and accurately informed about an incident that

occurred today, Monday, June 9, 2014 at our school. At the conclusion of third

grade recess this morning several students informed the duty teacher that a

suspicious light blue car had been parked by the fence on McKeen Street. The

students reported further that one of the individuals was holding what appeared

to be a weapon. After a brief period of time the car drove away. The individuals

did not have direct contact with the children at any time.

The Brunswick Police Department was contacted immediately and the

responding officers thoroughly investigated this incident. As precautionary

measures, students remained inside for the remainder of the school day and we

have cancelled this evening’s ice cream social.

There was increased police presence around the school this afternoon and there

will be again tomorrow. Please be assured, the safety of all our students and

staff continues to be our highest priority.

Sincerely,

Jean Skorapa, Principal

In educational news, we had another math class today.  We are trying to learn about area and perimeter of shapes.  There have been so many interruptions and cancelled math classes that it is hard for the learning to get cemented.  We miss another math class tomorrow, due to DARE bowling.  It has been a tough road on the teaching front these past couple of weeks.  I think next year's academic schedule is going to have the biggest impact on fifth grade and the kids will benefit from the increased instructional time. 

Our class split up by gender this afternoon and watched separate puberty videos.  We had very little question and answer time afterwards, which was poor planning on our part.  I'll make sure we get some more time to give kids the opportunity to ask questions.

Tonight's writing is supposed to be on whatever topic your child is choosing to focus on to end the school year.  I have blank, hard covered books that they can receive if they have a topic or story that they would like to make into a book.  I'm hoping that many will take me up on the offer.  We have some strong writers in the class.

Have a good night.

Mr. Shea