Mr. Anthony Salutari, Jr.    Email: asalutari@region15.org          Phone: 203-264-2711

February 2010/March 2010

    When 30 degrees actually feels warm, you know it’s been a cold winter.  At this point, I am pleased that we have had only one school cancellation due to inclement weather.  During the months of February and March, please pay particular attention to dates of various events as they will be adjusted if there are school cancellations for any reason.  At this time, the close of the third quarter is Thursday, April 8^th.  Dates for fourth quarter progress reports and report cards, as well as dates for various end-of-year activities, including Eighth Grade Commencement, will be announced sometime in April. 

     Meanwhile, academic teachers at R.M.S. have been meeting regularly by content area and grade level focused on the consistent delivery of the curriculum, the implementation of common assessments, and the review of student performance on these assessments.  The information collected is used to develop future lesson plans and assessments to meet the specific needs of our students.  During February and March, all students will participate in more standardized common assessments.  Data from these assessments are valuable, providing teachers with information that drives curriculum, assessment revision, and improved lesson planning.  On Friday, February 5^th, all students at R.M.S. will take the Winter Math Benchmark Test.  All students took a similar test in the fall.  During the first two weeks of March, all students will take the Connecticut Mastery Test.  A letter specific to this test was mailed home to all families during the first week in February.  As a reminder, please avoid scheduling any appointments for your child/children during the school day on days students are scheduled to take these standardized assessments.  Your cooperation with this request is greatly appreciated.  Prior to March, the CMT schedule will be posted on the R.M.S. website. 

     Speaking of technology, to help avoid complacency regarding our children’s use of technology, it would be helpful to regularly check your child’s technology usage to ensure they are being safe and appropriate.  For example, review pictures and videos in cell phones, check the “history” of websites visited, and ask your child directly about the types of activities they are involved in electronically.  Do not forget that most gaming systems and MP3 players now have WiFi access.  In my role as principal, I have unfortunately witnessed firsthand the dangers of inappropriate behaviors our students get involved in while using electronic devices.  For whatever the reason, many students do not understand or realize the possible consequences that arise from the inappropriate use of technology.  Students are far too comfortable disclosing personal information including their street address and phone number while they are online.  They also are not cognizant of the fact that the “World Wide Web” is truly worldwide.  It would be wonderful if there was an “unsend” option to correct many of the mistakes that are made online.  Unfortunately there is not.  It is our responsibility as adults to regularly communicate to our children the safe and appropriate use of technology and the importance of seeking our assistance if something occurs online that is inappropriate or dangerous.  Gone are the good ole days where just checking your child’s backpack was enough…  An article by Debra S. Bauleke and Kathleen E. Herrmann in the January 2010 Middle School Journal, titled, “Reaching the iBored”, states the following: “Children now spend, on average, 14 hours per week watching TV and 2.75 hours per week using home computers (Swanbrow, 2004).  A Harrison group study reports teens spend more than 72 hours per week using electronic media.”

     Finally, the ever volatile economy does not seem to be improving as quickly as we hoped.  Over the next few months, Dr. Sippy will work closely with the Board of Education to prepare and present the 2010-2011 school budget.  Various meetings specific to the budget as well as regularly scheduled Board of Education meetings will be available for you to attend and share your thoughts.  For more information, including dates and times of these meetings, visit the Region’s newly designed website at www.region15.org.  I would also suggest paying particular attention to Dr. Sippy’s postings on the Region’s website as he clearly communicates information pertaining to the budget process and provides community members with the opportunity to respond to questions about the budget.   

  Some important dates of events at R.M.S. in February and March are detailed below.

    I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day to read my “Principal’s Page.” As usual, feel free to contact me with any questions and/or concerns you have.

With regards,
 T.J. Salutari

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