Francis J. Varieur Elementary School
Newsletter--April, 2020
Dear Varieur Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you well during this difficult and uncertain time. I want to first start by thanking the teachers and staff here at Varieur. I could not be more proud than to say I am the principal of such a wonderful school with such a wonderful staff. During the week of March 16th, an unexpected vacation week, teachers and staff banned together to gather work, pass out Chromebooks in the pouring rain, collect reading books from their classrooms to mail to children, and learn how to navigate a Google Classroom - all without hesitation. This was done while taking care of their own families and making sense of a very confusing time. While we know the process has not been perfect, I can tell you, though, that we are still learning and trying to get everyone what they need for all students to be successful.
I also want to thank the parents of our students. I know this is not an easy process for you at all. I know you're trying to balance work, teach your children, while trying to create some normalcy in your life. With that being said, we understand that there will be days that school work does not get done during the regular school day hours. Work might not get done until later at night due to a myriad of reasons. We understand that this is hard on our families. We do, however, expect children to get on and check in with teachers each day. As the Governor stated on Thursday, children should be doing their classwork as best they can under these circumstances. This is the best way for us to keep connected with our students and families and offer support where needed.
I would be remiss if I did not mention our students and how hard they have been working. I have had the pleasure of speaking with so many of them in Google Meetings and “sitting in” on their Google Classrooms. Their resilience and fortitude is awe inspiring. Please let your children know that I am proud of them and am missing their smiling faces. Be on the lookout for a checking-in message from Ms. Boucher in the days ahead.
Remember you can email your child's teacher and they will get back to you. All teacher email addresses are on our school website. If you need to get in touch with me, I can be reached at [email protected]. I ask that you please not call the school as there is no one there to take your call. The school building is closed. The best contact method is through email.
Lastly, as we embark on another month of distance learning, the Governor and Commissioner are challenging all students in Rhode Island to read between 20 - 60 minutes per day (K - 20 minutes, grades 1, 2, 3 - 30 minutes, grades 4 and 5 - 45 minutes, and grade 6 - 60 minutes). There is no doubt that the students of Francis J. Varieur can rise to this challenge. Go get ‘em, Varieur Vikings.
Stay safe, stay home, and wash your hands!
Ms. Boucher