February certainly went out with a roar! The weather the past few weeks has wreaked havoc on all of us. I, for one, am tired of shoveling snow, and I’d like to put my snow blower away … I am through with winter!!

 

As many of you are aware, on Thursday, February 25th, due to a gas leak, the students and staff of Virginia Road School came to Kensico School, effectively making Kensico a K-5 school for a day. In spite of a wintry mix that morning which led to an early dismissal, the faculty and staff of both schools helped students get settled into classrooms, move about the building in an orderly manner, and maintain a positive and creative learning environment. As I walked around the building with Mrs. Parker, we were both amazed at how quiet the building was … you would never have believed there were over 700 students in the school.

 

I would like to thank Mrs. Parker and her staff for their cooperation and professionalism in making the day run as smooth as it did, and I would also like to thank my staff at Kensico. Our school has so many wonderful teachers and staff members. Not a day goes by that a parent does not stop me and comment on what a fantastic job someone is doing at Kensico School. As I have said from the first day I became principal of Kensico School, I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful team working with me.

 

This month at Kensico, we are celebrating PARP (Parents as Reading Partners). Our theme this year is “PARPology.” Teaching students to love reading is one of our most important goals, and PARP is the perfect opportunity to help parents understand that all children can love reading.

 

Children need special time to read each day at home and in school. Our teachers call these moments DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) or SSR (Sustained Silent Reading). At home, turning off the TV or video games and having family reading time will make a difference to your child as a reader.

On that note, please feel to join us for our Family Night Book Fair on Tuesday, March 9th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the gym.

 

Happy Reading!!

 

Matthew C. Curran