Hello Upham Community,
I wanted to share a short video (approximately 7 minutes) with you that gives a very good overview of Dr. Marc Brackett’s book, Permission to Feel. Dr. Brackett will be the keynote speaker for our November 30 Professional Day for teachers. Dr. Brackett is the Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. Please take a little time out of your day and view the video. It will give you an idea of what we will be working on and developing throughout the year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmgp6itRTNw&t=31s
New Librarians
I also wanted to update you on some changes (great) to our librarian position. We have had to make a change and we’ve found some very experienced librarians to help us out as we move through the remainder of this COVID year. Lisa Sheehan (Hardy Librarian) and Roxanne Scott (Hunnewell Librarian) will be splitting time with their prospective schools and Upham. We are grateful for their service and willingness to help us out. You will see them in the asynchronous lessons as well as the classrooms. Mrs. Scott will be with K, 1, and 3rd grades. Mrs. Sheehan will serve 2nd, 4th, and 5th. Welcome, Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Sheehan!
Mrs. Gosso
It is with a sad heart that I share this next bit of news. Mrs. Cheryl Grosso (3rd Grade Teacher) will be retiring from teaching on Monday, November 30. Don’t panic! We have a wonderful replacement (Sarah Donahue). I will share more information about Sarah in next week’s update. Mrs. Grosso did share a heartfelt letter outlining her decision with her current 3rd-grade classroom and respective parents. It was a very difficult decision for her and given the current COVID situation she felt as though it was the best decision for her and her family.
Mrs. Grosso has been a stable influence on children at Upham for 25 years. Imagine that…25 years in one school. She is simply amazing. Mrs. Grosso gives her heart to each and every child. She cares deeply about teaching and it shows each day. The students admire and respect Mrs. Grosso because they know her classroom is a safe and encouraging place to learn. From my perspective (I am biased), Mrs. Grosso is an excellent teacher who always placed the needs of the children first. I asked the children to describe Mrs. Grosso. They quickly retorted, “She’s kind! She’s funny! Respectful!” Chloe Pastore said it this way, “Mrs. Grosso? She is the most loving teacher!” I couldn’t agree more.
Thank you, Mrs. Grosso! You have given so much to the children and families of Upham. We wish you all the best. You cannot be replaced and you will be missed. Thank you so much!
Upcoming Dates
Next week is a full week without any changes to cohorts. Thank goodness.
Wednesday, November 25 is a fully remote 1/2 day
November 26-27 Thanksgiving Recess
November 30 No School (Teacher Professional Development Day)
Thank you for all your support.
Dare to Dream,
Mr. Dees