February Newsletter

February 4, 2019

Dear Rowe Families,

After several days of bitter cold and indoor recesses in the recent past, we are ready for warmer temperatures so the children can play outside consistently again. I hope you have all been able to get out and enjoy the winter in Maine despite the cold temperatures. I have noticed that the skating pond here in Yarmouth has been quite busy lately. I know that ski conditions in the mountains have also been fabulous.

First graders have been writing persuasive letters over the last couple of weeks. I have received a variety of requests for various improvements to our school, including the addition of trash cans to the playground, a desire for Rowe School tennis courts, and even a letter proposing that we hold an ice cream party.  While we can not meet all of the requests, it is wonderful to read their thoughtful words. The children have had fun choosing different audiences to persuade. I have a hunch that some of you may get requests for some changes in your homes, as well. One of the most popular seems to be a later bedtime. Enjoy reading and responding to them!

Our Community Meeting last week was hosted by Mrs. McFarland’s, Miss Cross’s, and Mrs. Boutin’s first-grade classes, with a special appearance by Mrs. Gross, our social worker. The theme was mindfulness and the children had a chance to practice some deep breathing and learn about the parts of their brains that are connected to emotions. They also were taught and practiced some yoga poses.  

Cold weather gear

Please continue to send in snow pants, boots, hats, mittens, and gloves. Whether we have snow on the ground or not, we encourage the children to dress warmly. They can always leave unneeded items in their backpacks if the day warms up and they don’t need all of it. Thank you for your help!

Lending closet

We have a lending closet in the office with all types of winter gear in case a few children forget something at home. Please be sure to remind your child to return any borrowed items if something unfamiliar ends up in the backpack.

Parent /Teacher conferences and Learning Profiles

Parent/Teacher conferences will be held this year beginning in late February and going through the month of March. Individual teachers set up their own appointments, so the window of time when they are held is broad. Learning Profiles will go home on Friday, February 15th, just before the winter break.

Kindergarten Registration

If you have a child who will be five on or before October 15, 2019, please call Rowe School (846-3771) after February 25 to register your child for Kindergarten 2019-2020.

(If you have a friend who has a potential 2019-2020 kindergartener, please remind him or her to give us a call, too!)

Food Drive

Ben Cox-Faxon and Jared Conant, both students at Yarmouth High School, are leading a Food Drive to benefit the food pantry at Yarmouth Community Services. In addition, we will have a collection box in the Rowe office if you would like to send in some items. The collection at Rowe will run through Friday, February 15th.  Please read the attachment for further details on suggested items and drop off days / times at the food pantry. Community Food Drive

Dates to note:

Monday, February 18 - Friday, February 22 Winter break No School

Monday, February 25 Kindergarten Registration Begins

Thursday, February 28th            PTO meeting 4:00-5:00 PM   YES library