https://www.wpoquonockindsorct.org/o/

​

@theprincipalPOQ

​

October 20- October 24, 2025

Poquonock School

E-News

Stay in touch with Poquonock

“The Backpack”

Note From Poquonock Principals Mr. Mihalko and Mrs. Romero

Poquonock students enjoyed field trips to Northwest Park and to Brown’s Harvest this week. Everyone did a great job for our Monthly Fire Drill. We had an amazing Friday starting the day with PTO School Store and ending the school day with FUNtastic Friday. The festivities continued with Trunk or Treat and Movie Night watching Spookley the Square Pumpkin. Thank you to all the families that have already donated socks for the local homeless shelter for SOCKtober. This coming Friday dress in all pink to raise awareness and fight Breast Cancer. Veterans Day is coming up November 11th- please make sure to return your Veterans Day Hero forms.~Mr. Mihalko and Mrs. Romero

If the temperature or the wind chill factor is at least 20 degrees all students will participate in outdoor recess. If below 20 degrees outdoor recess is cancelled.

​

If snow is on the ground, the items below are required for your child to leave the blacktop.

Poquonock School

Winter Reminder

Reminders:

*Bring in an extra set of clothes just in case their clothes get wet.

*Please put names on all items brought into school.

Lyman Pie & Cookie Dough Fundraiser Info

1. Sales run from 9/22 - 10/17. Frozen orders must be picked up by families on Tues, 11/25 (after school thru 6pm) at the Poquonock Fire House
1. Please arrange to deliver or have pies picked up by the people ordering through your link
2. Families should set up their own single sales page for your child(ren) PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THE LAST NAME USED FOR THE SALES PAGE
• They can share their link with family/friends, and payment goes through the fundraising company directly - no need to collect money
• If your family has multiple children in the school, you should only set up one account, so there is only one pie order to track for pickup on 11/26
3. The sale will include shipped goods, which the fundraising company fulfills directly, and does not impact pie pickup on 11/25
4. Family account setup link: https://my.mcmfundraising.com/signup/ENJ6
5. Families can contact poqctpto@gmail.com with questions or ask on the PTO facebook group
6. If you just want to order pies for yourself, or order shipped goods, you can order through the school office page at https://my.mcmfundraising.com/2025-fall-poquonock-school/poquonock-pto/

Second Grade

Second graders are doing an amazing job demonstrating the attributes of the Windsor Way Promise! They are being caught every day being caring, courageous, committed and creative. If you see your child doing something creative at home, fill out the form that was sent home and send it to school to be added to the bulletin board.

​

Students are working hard in the Bookworms reading program and have recently been reading books about frogs. They are excited to learn about the life cycle of a frog and how its traits help to protect it. Students are progressing in their ability to write complete and more complex sentences. They continue to work hard on spelling words correctly and reading with fluency.

​

In math, students have been learning about arrays and how an array has the same number of items in each row and column. You can quiz your child about the direction of rows (horizontal) and columns (vertical). Students are also solving multi-step word problems, determining whether addition or subtraction is needed in order to get the correct answer, and then showing their work.

​

The fire prevention program was a big hit! Students enjoyed learning about fire safety and the importance of having an escape plan for their family. Sitting inside the fire truck was a thrill!

​

Classes participated in a field trip to Northwest Park where they learned about beavers and how they build their dams. Students were then able to work together in small groups to build their own model dam and see how well it held back water. Ask your child about their experience at the park!

​

We are off to a great start with lessons this year! First-year cellists and violinists are learning how to hold their instruments, pluck the strings, and make a bow hold on a straw. Second-year players are working on Twinkle, Chicken on a Fencepost, and A or D major scale. Please make sure your child brings their instrument and folder to school on all lesson days.

​

String lesson-related links:

• String Parent/Guardian Lesson Night sign-up

​

• Strings website “Practice Help” page (includes videos to assist with practicing)

​

• Strings Parent Orientation Summary

​

• String Lesson Night and Concert Dates

​

• MP3 Version of the Suzuki music

​

• String T-Shirt Interest Form

​

​

​

At POQ we celebrate our beautiful diversity! Share about your family! All sheets will be displayed on our ‘Poquonock Around the World’ bulletin board!

Paper Copies have been sent home! Digital Copy: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XHsaOe8oqxqkXqHw1vLqD8DhjJ7xJ2NGZhNtMzzXKJw/edit?usp=copy

Coaches Corner

Literacy in Action at Home!

Suggestions for Writing Practice at Home

1. Write a Daily Journal Together� Encourage your child to draw a picture and write a sentence or two about their day. It can be as simple as “I played outside” or “I saw a dog.” Celebrate their effort and keep it fun!�
2. Create Grocery Lists� Invite your child to help write the grocery list. They can write items they remember or want. This practice builds vocabulary and spelling in a meaningful context.�
3. Write Letters or Cards� Help your child write a short letter or card to a family member or friend. It could be a thank-you note, holiday greeting, or just a “Hello!” This makes writing purposeful and exciting.�
4. Label Things Around the House� Use sticky notes to label common items like “door,” “chair,” or “fridge.” Ask your child to help write the words or copy them. This supports word recognition and spelling.�
5. Storytelling with Drawing and Writing� Encourage your child to draw a picture and then tell you a story about it. Write down their words for them, then help them copy or write parts themselves.�
6. Use Writing Prompts� Offer simple prompts like “My favorite animal is…,” “I like to play…,” or “When I grow up, I want to be…” These prompts spark ideas and make writing easier.�
7. Practice Writing Names� Have your child practice writing their own name and the names of family members. Use colorful markers or crayons to make it fun.�
8. Write Instructions� Ask your child to write or dictate steps for a simple task, like making a sandwich or getting ready for bed. This helps with sequencing and clarity.�

Congrats to Class of the month winners!

At the end of each month staff votes on which class is most deserving of this award. Votes are casted to classes that are doing their best in following our 4 C’s promise. This is a great way to celebrate our students’ and classroom success. Big class of the month banners are hung outside each winner’s classroom so the whole school can see.

​

​

Mrs. McCann

Grade 2

Mrs.Brown

Kindergarten

Mrs. Parker

Grade 1

Poquonock PTO News

Email poqctpto@gmail.com if you’d like information on getting involved or read our newsletter here

TO

Meetings run 6-7, in the library and online

• Volunteers needed for upcoming PTO events! See the list and sign up here

• Welcome to all the new Poquonock Families
• Please join us for our first meeting, Monday October 6, 6-7pm in the school library - childcare available!
• Make sure to join our Facebook group to connect with other parents and get PTO updates
• If you haven’t already, please consider setting up a Lyman fundraiser account here
• 2nd grade is in the lead for the coin wars, but there’s still time - final count is on Friday 10/17
• More trunks needed for Trunk or Treat! Register now!

Change of Clothing

Many times students have spills from food/drink, get wet on the playground and may have an accident even though they are potty trained. Please be sure your child has an extra set of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear and socks, and a sweatshirt for the classroom)

Please remember to label your child’s clothing with their name incase the item gets lost

​

Fever: 100.5F , children should stay home during the course of a fever and may return to school when they have been fever free for 24 hours without any medication to reduce fever. Also any vomiting must be out for 24 hrs with no further vomiting

Reminder: Medications may not be sent in with the students. A parent/ guardian must deliver the medication to the nurse.

All medications need to have an authorization administration form from your doctor .

Nurse’s Corner

Dear Poquonock Families,Veterans of families or friends,

​

On‌ ‌Tuesday,‌ ‌November‌ ‌11,‌ ‌2025 at 9:30,‌ Poquonock‌ ‌School‌ ‌will‌ ‌recognize‌ ‌Veterans‌ ‌Day with an outside assembly centered around the flagpole, weather permitting. If the weather does not permit we will be in the school gymnasium.

If you or someone you know is ‌a‌ Veteran‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌United‌ ‌States‌ ‌of‌ ‌America,‌ ‌they ‌are‌ ‌invited ‌ to‌ ‌be‌ ‌part‌ ‌of‌ ‌our‌ ‌school’s‌ ‌event.‌ ‌

Our hope is to have each classroom paired with a Veteran. We are inviting Veterans to read the book, “Veterans, Heroes In Our Neighborhood “ and to also share with our students experiences such as, “What‌ ‌it‌ ‌was‌ ‌like‌ ‌to‌ ‌be‌ ‌away‌ ‌from‌ ‌home‌ ‌for‌ ‌a‌ ‌long‌ ‌period‌ ‌of‌ ‌time”.‌ ‌This‌ ‌sharing‌ ‌is‌ ‌to‌ ‌help‌ ‌students‌ ‌understand‌ ‌what‌ ‌it‌ ‌means‌ ‌to‌ ‌be‌ ‌a‌ ‌veteran‌ ‌who‌ ‌was‌ ‌stationed‌ ‌far‌ ‌away‌ ‌without‌ ‌the‌ ‌amenities‌ ‌of‌ ‌home.‌

If you are able to attend, please arrive by 9:00 to the Family Resource Center.‌

9:00-9:30 Arrival and light breakfast

9:30-10:15 Assembly

10:15-10:30 Parade

10:30-11:00 Read to a classroom

Veterans are requested to fill out this google form by Tuesday November 4th.

Veterans Day 2025

​

If your child is a member of the Girl Scouts or Cub Scouts and would like to participate in the flag ceremony please contact Beth Abbot at eabbot@windsorct.org.

Students are encouraged to dress in red, white, and blue or in any uniform such as baseball, soccer or scouts.

If you have any questions please contact Beth Abbot at eabbot@windsorct.org

Socktober

​

Poquonock Cares

​

Sock Drive for Local Homeless Shelters�Help Us Spread Warmth This Winter!

Warm winter socks are the #1 requested item at local homeless shelters. Clean, dry socks are vital in preventing medical issues like frostbite, especially during the colder months.

How You Can Help:

• Donate new, warm winter socks for men, women, and children.
• Collection dates: October 1 - October 31, 2025
• Drop off your donations in the collection box located at the main entrance of the school.

Your generosity will make a big difference in keeping our community members safe and warm this winter. Let’s come together as a school family and show how much we care!

If you have any questions, please email Beth Abbot, at eabbot@windsorct.org

​

Family Resource Center

Beth Abbot at eabbot@windsorct.org

​

​

The Family Resource Center is looking to see how we can help your family! If there are any needs, please feel free to fill out this form at any time

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVwp6LMb2cFcQz57HaS7hjAGEz-lMa2Rx6eHYZwTaR49mmTw/viewform

​

​

​

Family Resource Center

Beth Abbot at eabbot@windsorct.org

​

"Generational Power CT, previously known as Operational Fuel, is opening their applications Sept 2nd. They have programs to assist with heating fuel delivery and utility bill assistance. Please see their website to learn about income limits and how to apply at https://gpct.org/ ".

​

Family Resource Center

Beth Abbot at eabbot@windsorct.org

​

*Following the SEL- ebration Assembly in the GYM from 9:00 - 9:15 AM. You are welcome to join us for our assembly and learn our SEL focus of the month

When: Monday, November 3

Where: Family Resource Center (FRC)

Time: 9:30 - 10:00 AM

Topic: The 4Cs: Caring, Courageous, Creative, and Committed

Poquonock Families & Guardians

You’re Invited for

Coffee and Tea

in the FRC

with the Poquonock Principals

Family Resource Center

Beth Abbot at eabbot@windsorct.org

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Poquonock Family PlayGroup

​

Begins Tuesday September 23!

​

Playgroup Sign Up Link

Tuesday’s 9:30-10:30 AM

In the Family Resource Center (RM 31)

​

What do playgroups include?

*Free play

*Circle time

*Opportunities for socialization

*Developmentally appropriate activities

If you have any questions, please contact Beth Abbot at eabbot@windsorct.org

​

Family Resource Center

Beth Abbot at eabbot@windsorct.org

​

Dear Families,

​

If anyone is in need of food assistance this school year, please email me at eabbot@windsorct.org, and I can help register you for the Weekend Wheels program.

​

Weekend Wheels is a program that provides a bag filled with food for the weekend for qualifying Windsor children. Distributions are made from September through June in a weekly home delivery format. Eligibility for the program is based on household income

Please see the information below.

​

Thank you,

Beth Abbot

Family Resource Center Coordinator

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Come join the fun!

Interested in volunteering?

Please contact Beth Abbot at

eabbot@windsorct.org

​

1760 Poquonock Ave.

Windsor, CT 06095 860-687-2080

Is your contact information up-to-date on the Parent Portal? Want to choose how the school contacts you? Learn more . . .

​

Parents | Guardians | Family

Videos | Articles | Resources

Mr. Batchelder

SEL at Home

SEL Lesson

Being a Good Friend

WPS- Healthy Food Certified District

This is a reminder that we are a Healthy Food Certified District.

​

Please see the links below for the updated lists of foods & beverages that comply with the Connecticut Nutrition Standards (CNS)

Connecticut State Department of Education’s (CSDE).

​

This includes bringing in outside food for the students to have (i.e. for birthdays, extra snacks or rewards).

​

​

List of Acceptable Foods & Beverages

​

Suggestions for Healthy Rewards:

https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/TS_Rewards_v2.pdf

​

Click, or scan to report student absence.

​

Chaperone Sign-Up for Field Trips

Core Principle: Our top priority is to utilize the Raptor Badging system to screen every adult supervising our students. This critical security measure ensures that all students—both on-site and off-site—are accompanied by adults who have successfully cleared our safety checks.

Your involvement is crucial in providing our students with safe and enriching experiences. When volunteering to be a chaperone, the following steps must be followed.

1. Raptor System Check: All chaperones must visit the school and check in with the school safety office for processing through the Raptor system. This step must be completed at least 72 hours prior to the trip to ensure timely processing.
2. Badging Requirement: Every adult serving as a chaperone will be properly badged to meet our safety requirements.
3. Identification Required: A state-issued driver's license, state ID, or passport will be needed to complete this verification.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

We appreciate your cooperation and support in making our field trips a fun and safe experience.

​

Chaperone Sign-Up for Field Trips

​

For information about product recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, including recalls for children's products, go to Recalls | CPSC.gov.

​

Recall Information for Poquonock Families

​