Welcome May flowers, spring sports, and warmer weather! As we begin the journey toward June 23rd, our last day of school, the school calendar is full of educational curriculum lessons and opportunities.
We continue our dedication in providing a safe and secure learning environment as we strive to support each student in reaching their individual potential.

Kindergarten Registration Is Underway
Kindergarten registration has begun for the 2008 – 2009 school year. The registration packet is available on the WRSD Website: www.wrsd.net (Parent Information/Kindergarten Registration Information). A registration appointment is not necessary. Please complete the registration packet and return the information to our School’s Office. A copy of your child’s birth certificate is necessary – we will be glad to photocopy the birth certificate. All registered students and their parents/guardians will be invited to a Kindergarten Orientation on Friday, May 23rd (additional information will be sent).

May 29th Curriculum Showcase / Open House
We invite you to visit our school on Thursday, May 29th for our first Curriculum Showcase, 6:00 – 7:30. Throughout our school year, teachers and students have collected several samples of different curriculum studies, focuses, and projects that will be proudly displayed in our gymnasium/cafeteria for your viewing and pleasure. Save the Date and Time! We look forward to seeing you on May 29th.

Naquag Elementary’s Annual Report Card
The “No Child Left Behind” District and School annual report card may be viewed on our District’s webpage, or at Naquag School’s website. Upon request, a hard copy is available at our School’s office. The District and School’s Annual Report Card serves as a means for promoting accountability for schools, districts, and states by publicizing data about student performance and program effectiveness. All states and districts that receive Federal Title I funds must prepare and disseminate annual report cards. These annual report cards provide information to parents and the general public to better understand the status of schools and districts. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not provide these district report cards to the public. It is our District's responsibility to prepare and share these report cards to parents and interested parties.

School Survey Available
During the month of May we will be asking for your feedback asking for your thoughts and comments concerning the work we do at Naquag. Using the website “Surveymonkey.com” you will be asked a series of questions about our school, our staff, and our effectiveness in the areas of teaching, learning, and communication. The website may be directly accessed by entering the following in your web browser: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=mhtZ51mAnMulukhozAI9lQ_3d_3d.
If you prefer, you may also link to the survey from the Naquag Elementary School website.

From Paula Cardaci – Our Speech Pathologist
The best instruction in social language and pragmatic skills can happen right within natural contexts. MAKING ADJUSTMENTS in conversation is about the child attending to what they are doing, where they are doing it and who they are talking to; lack of attention in this area can be interpreted as lack of respect and could result in misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
PERSONAL SPACE is a distance at which two people feel comfortable and can have successful communication and is influenced by ability level, cultural background and relationship type; a nice rule to follow is an "arms distance" away.
TURN TAKING is the ability to go back and forth in a conversation. Your child will need to be aware of speaking too much, not talking enough, shifting turns and knowing when to speak and yield. INITIATING AND TERMINATING a conversation is understanding how to start and end a conversation successfully; your child may require direct instruction in determining timing (e.g., best place and moment), scripts, body language, and using/reading cues.
BODY LANGUAGE is nonverbal communication that consists of postures, gestures and facial expressions.
TOPIC MAINTENANCE is the ability to keep a conversation flowing using cues such as leaning in, nodding, using transitional phrases and more. Topic maintenance contributes to a conversation being a shared experience.
2008 MCAS / Grades 3, 4, & 5
All Massachusetts public school students in grades 3, 4, & 5 will be participating in MCAS. We stress the importance of attendance, as well as a good night’s sleep and healthy breakfast. Prompt morning arrival is crucial, testing will begin after morning attendance.
May Testing Dates:
Monday – Tuesday 5/12 & 5/13 Grade 5 Mathematics
Wednesday – Thursday 5/14 & 5/15 Grades 3& 4 Mathematics
Monday – Tuesday 5/19 & 5/20 Grade 5 Science and Technology
Wednesday - Thursday 5/21 & 5/22 Grade 5 History and Social Studies

Important May 2008 Dates
Friday 5/9 Early Release Day for Staff Professional Development.
Dismissal @ 12:30 - NO Afternoon Kindergarten - Lunch will not be served.
Saturday 5/17 Rutland Town Meeting - Voting on Budget
Wednesday 5/21 PTO Meeting @ 4:00 in School Library
Friday 5/23 Kindergarten Orientation, 2008-2009 Kindergarten Students& Parents/Guardians
Monday 5/26 Memorial Day – NO School
Thursday 5/29 Curriculum Show Case Night 6:00 – 7:30 All are invited
Thursday 5/29 Deadline for Completing School Survey
June School Concert – Wednesday, June 11th @ 10:00 & 2:00.
(Same concert, different times for your convenience)

Remember that every Friday is SPIRIT DAY.
Wear your Naquag Shirts!