Click here to download the February/March newsletter.
Testing Time is Upon Us!
ACCESS TESTING
In January we administered the ACCESS test. Our English Language Learners in Grades k-4 were tested in reading and writing. This was a state mandated test.
MAP
MAP testing took place again during the month of January. All students in grades 2-4 were tested in English Language Arts and Math.These tests gave us benchmarks that correlate to the MCAS tests. MAP helps us to gather data to individualize instruction to each student here at Golden Hill School.
MCAS
MCAS testing will begin in March for grades 3 & 4.. The testing window is March 19th to April 2nd.
March 19th is the Long Composition test March 19th is the Long Composition test for fourth graders. Grades 3 and 4 will also be taking the English Language Arts tests during this window.
In May grades 3and 4 will be taking the Math MCAS test. The test window for Math MCAS is May 6th to May 22nd.
Please remember how important it is to be here on testing days. Once a student begins a test they must finish it that day. Please do not dismiss students early on these days or come in late. Thank you!
What Parents Can Do At Home
Provided for parents by SAY San Diego’s PASS Project
Funded by the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation
Test-Taking Tips that Parents can do for Students at Home
1. Acknowledge test-taking anxiety as normal, but stay positive.
2. Encourage your child to think positive thoughts like “I can do this!”
3. Give compliments for effort: “I’m proud of how hard you have studied.”
4. Go over the test-taking tips with your child.
5. Adequate rest makes a difference! Make sure your child goes to bed at a reasonable time; being active earlier in the day (not right before bed) can help kids get to sleep.
6. Nutrition also influences how well children do on test; a good breakfast is important, but a large meal right before the test can be distracting.
7. Your child should wear comfortable clothing for long test-taking periods.
8. Help your child learn how to relax. Some find it helps to take a few deep breaths before starting the test; others like to imagine a peaceful place like the beach or park.
Morning Routine
A.M. Students are not to be dropped off until 8:45am.
A teacher will come out and begin to unload busses and escort students to entrance.
All students will go directly up to their classrooms. Students begin their classroom studies at 9:00am. If you arrive after 9am please walk your child into the office. These students are late and will need a note from a parent.
Dismissal
Thank you all for making it a much safer place at dismissal time.
Please follow the instructions of teachers outside when picking up your children. All parents will remain in their cars and students will brought to the cars at the pick up zone.
Please remember that you can come here anytime between 3:15 and 3:30 to pick up. Teachers will wait with students. There is no need to come early and sit in your cars.
STUDENT SAFETY IS OUR MAIN GOAL!
Health Reminders
If your child has :
· A fever they must remain home until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines.
If your child has live lice they must be treated at home. When returning they must be checked by the school nurse before entering the classroom. (Preferable for parent to come in with them in case they need to be sent home.)
· Strep throat or other diagnosed infections must be treated with antibiotics for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
· Absences lasting more than 5 consecutive days due to illness must have a doctors note for re-entry to the school.
· Any medications to be administered at school must be delivered by a responsible adult with proper permission forms.
Thank you for your help with this!
Lunch Monitors
We are looking for Full time and part time lunch monitors. The hours are 11:40 to 1:40 , Monday to Friday.
Please call Mrs. Fitzgerald at
978-374-5794 if you are interested.
Dates to remember:
February 13th– Talent Show for grades 3 and 4 beginning at 6:00pm!
February 14th– Valentines Day! Wear your RED or PINK :)
February 15th– PTO twin day, dress like twins with your friend. $1 donation. Rescheduled SOAR assembly.
February 18th to February 22nd– NO SCHOOL Winter vacation
February 25th– Write Away due!
March 19th
MCAS BEGINS in grades 3 and 4!
Golden Hill Eagles S.O.A.R.!
140 Boardman St., Haverhill, MA 01830
Principal- Mrs. Bonnie Antkowiak
Asst. Principal- Mrs. Meg Fitzgerald
Things you can do at home:
1. Read nightly with your child. Read to them, have them read to you, or take turns reading.
2. Ask your child questions about what they have read. Have them tell you what the story is about.
3. Practice math facts in the car, at dinner, or when they are getting ready for school.
4. Check to make sure they have their homework done.
5. If you have concerns please call the teacher right away to discuss them.
6. Talk to them about what appropriate behavior is in school: being respectful to others, no pushing or hitting, and listening to adults
7. Most important make sure students get to school on time and are ready to learn!
Meet our Staff– Every newsletter we will highlight different staff members
Name: Bonnie Antkowiak Years in Education:19
Years in at Golden Hill : Assistant from 1997, Principal 2000 to present
What you are teaching and have taught: Presently the Proud Principal of Golden Hill School. I was also a kindergarten teacher, first grade teacher, and second grade teacher. I was also a head teacher and assistant principal.
Degrees and certifications: Bachelors in Elementary Education, Masters in Educational Leadership and Supervision and C.A.G.S. in Reading. Also a certificate from the National Institute of School Leadership.
What you enjoy most about your job: I most enjoy working with the whole school community, students, teachers and families. I enjoy working with staff to make sure that they have the tools needed to raise student achievement and create a safe learning environment for our students. The thing that I enjoy most is when I walk into a classroom and see students’ faces light up because they want to share something new that they have just learned from their teacher.
What do you do when not working: I spend time with my family. I have two daughters who are involved in competitive soccer, and field hockey. They are also on dance teams, band and many other school related activities. I am usually running from one thing to the next making sure they get to places on time. When we are not busy we love going to the beach, taking family walks, and baking desserts!
Name: Lee Ann Canzano Years in Education : 16
Years at Golden Hill: 1
What you are teaching and have taught: 4th Grade.
I started my career teaching 4th grade in Lawrence for the first 3 years then I looped to 5th grade with my students. I stayed in 5th grade and taught at that level for 12 years. I have taught all subjects, but my main focus over the last 11 years was in reading, science and math.
Degrees and certifications: I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education 1-6 and a Master’s degree in Education. I also have an ESL (English as a Second Language) certification. In addition, I have my NH certification in Elementary Education K-6
What you enjoy most about your job: I enjoy developing creative, fun, engaging lessons that challenge my students to think outside the box. When students are having fun, concepts come more easily to them. When I see them excited about what they are learning, and they are eager and proud to share their work, I know that what I am doing is making a difference.
What do you do when not working: When I am not working, I spend my time with my husband and two boys. We like to take day trips together such as hiking, going to amusement parks and spending time on Lake Winnisquam. My children are involved in sports year-round. I enjoy watching them play baseball, basketball, snowboarding and lacrosse. I also enjoy baking cookies, reading, photography, scrapbooking and shopping with friends.
Name: Nancy Civiello Years in Education : 22
Years at Golden Hill: 12
What you are teaching and have taught: I taught kindergarten at two private schools for the first 10 Years. I joined the Golden Hill staff in 2001 as a Reading Recovery teacher for 3 years and am now happily teaching second grade!
Degrees and certifications: Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education & Master's of Education in Literacy.
What you enjoy most about your job: I enjoy working with my students each day and providing them with educational experiences in a safe and nurturing environment. I teach them to respect one another and be proud members of their classroom community as well as the larger community of Golden Hill. I want them to leave each day with a smile on their faces and eager to come back for more!
What do you do when not working: I enjoy spending time with my family. My two children are very active and we enjoy going to sporting events, skiing, hiking and just hanging out with our two dogs. My other hobbies are reading, cooking, and weekend getaways when possible!
Name: Meg Fitzgerald Years in Education : 8 years as teacher and 8 years as Assistant Principal
Years at Golden Hill: 13 years at Golden
What you are teaching and have taught: I have taught Kindergarten, First Grade, and multi-age Grade 1/Grade 2 , and Third Grade
Degrees and certifications: I have a Bachelor’s degree from Stonehill College, a Master’s Degree from Fitchburg State College and a CAGS Degree from Fitchburg State College
What you enjoy most about your job: In my position I love that I get to work with so many different students at various grades. Also, I get to see and really get to know students year after year.
What do you do when not working: When I’m not working I’m usually busy with my two daughters, Callie (8) and Lila (4). They keep my busy with their cheerleading, softball, and soccer. We also keep busy going to my husband’s football game where he is the head coach for a high school team. During the quiet moments I love to read and go for long walks!
Name: Kerry Woelfel
Years in education: 33, going on 34
Years at GH: 20 years
What I am teaching/have taught: I'm teaching children with special needs as I have done for most of my career. The first three years were in a self contained class for behaviorally involved middle school students (St James for 1 year, Consentino for 2). Then I worked with middle school students with learning disabilities at Consentino. FINALLY, I got to teach at the elementary level (at GH) and have been here ever since.
Degrees: BS in Elementary Ed/Neurological Impairments, M.Ed in Reading and Language Disabilities. Certified in elementary, special needs/moderate, reading, and supervision of reading
What I enjoy most: I enjoy interacting with children. I love to talk with them and see how they think. When teaching, I like to see the students able to perform a task independently, with success, when they were not able to do it prior to my instruction. I also enjoy working with my fellow staff members in problem solving and working to meet students' weaknesses.
What I do when I'm not teaching: I have 3 active young men for sons that I am extremely proud of. They keep me going! We love the outdoors and I have a garden I love to attend to. My family and I kayak, hike, ski, play with our dogs, play soccer, go to the beach, travel...I enjoy doing anything with them.
Name: Mary Beth Soterion Years in Education : 25 years
Years at Golden Hill: 12 years, this is my 13th year.
What you are teaching and have taught: I am currently teaching first grade, I taught preschool special needs and kindergarten in the past.
Degrees and certifications: I have my BS in Young Children with Special Needs, Early Childhood and my masters in Reading.
What you enjoy most about your job: Teaching the children how to read and write. I love seeing the growth and the happiness when the student is able to do something new. I love the look on their faces when I pull out one of their first writings and show it to them in June. I love not being afraid to come up with goofy ideas when planning with Mrs. Peabody. I'm hoping that those lessons will be the ones that they remember for a long time.
What do you do when not working: I spend time with my husband of 24 years and watch my youngest daughter play basketball and softball. My husband and I have started running and have competed in a few 5K’s and love getting healthy. But as many of my students will be able to tell you I love reading by my pool in the sum-mer.
THANK YOU
Thank you to all who have been helping with our pick up situation at the end of the day! Patience is the key to safety and success at the end of the day.
This year we have more pick- ups of students than ever before, 110 students! Just a reminder that students are not dismissed until 3:15. Parents do not have to come early to wait in line. We expanded our pick up time from 3:15 to 3:30. Teachers will wait with students until parents come. No child will ever be outside alone! So if you arrive at the hill at 3:15 you do not have to wait as long as the cars that are coming at 2pm to be first in line.
Thank you so much to the PTO for our bright orange vests! They help us when directing traffic and keeping us and students safe.
Also please make sure to share the pick-up rules and traffic patterns with relatives or friends who may pick up your children on days when you can’t. We have many staff here to help when dismissing, but it is important for those new to the pick-up system to know to wait in the line on the hill.
Again, thank you so much for your patience and understanding! Working together always makes things better!
Mrs. Antkowiak and Mrs. Fitzgerald
Thank you to Wal-Mart for their generous donation to teachers for student supplies in the classroom!!
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