Viola Rand School Information
New MottoThis fall, the staff adopted a new motto that we hope reflects what we accomplished at the Viola Rand School. Although we are a small school, with a low enrollment, we are well recognized for the accomplishments of our students.  Bradley students do very well through their middle and high school years, as evidence by the number of former VRS students recognized at the recent academic awards breakfast at OTHS, for instance. We hope to send students on with solid skills, the quest for knowledge, but also in the core traits of respect, responsibility and caring. Our goal is to care for students in away only a small school can and leave a big impression on each student's capacity for future successes. 
Positive Behavior PlanAs part of our Response to Intervention for behavior, students may earn Bear Paws for respect, responsibility, caring or Knowledge. These are the core character traits that we emphasize daily with the students.  The Bear Paws are posted in the lobby for everyone to see and names go into drawings for little prizes at our monthly assemblies. Students also get a certificate to take home when they earn the Bear Paws. In addition to the Bear Paws, we also have a Bear Keeps Plan. Classes have the opportunity to earn points for something the staff wants to improve on.  Right now the focus is on lining up quickly and quietly from outside recesses.  Points may be earned for doing this efficiently and at the end of the week, the points are tabulated and the class with the most points becomes the Bear Keepers for the next week. They then hold the flag and lead the flag salute in the morning, hold the door, make the end of the day announcements and get the bear to keep in their room until the next week. The bear wears a necklace with "charms" of our core values and a bead for each week a class has him. Each class has a different color; we are aiming for a colorful necklace. 
  Writing FocusVRS teachers have chosen a comprehensive writing program to explorer thoroughly and begin implementation of in the fall. Lucy Calkins' Units of Study for Writing: A Yearlong Curriculum  is the program we have chosen to implement from K-4 for consistency from one level to the next.  The kits provide excellent information for teachers about the components of a successful writing program.  It offers ways to adjust instruction as skills improve in a natural progression. In advantage of this is that it is aligned with national standards.  Much will be familiar with teachers, because they are using similar methods already, but a constant approach will benefit the students. We are using the kits as the basis of our book study and will be able to supplement with videos, rubrics and other materials provided. It is exciting to have the whole staff committed to a new program.


 		 

 

The Viola Rand second and fourth grade class approached the Town of Bradley inquiring on how they could start recycling in their school.  The Town provided the school with 15 recycle bins and one large garbage can on wheels to begin the process.   The bins would be used for classroom collection; the garbage can will be used to collect all the waste office paper.  Town Manager Melissa Doane presented the items and the necessary information on what could be recycled and what procedure would be necessary.  The students have been gathering recyclables at the school and placing them out for curbside pickup every 3rd Tuesday of the month.  The students visited Town Manager Melissa Doane on May 4, 2010 and provided the Town with recycling flyers they had made describing their program and other valuable recycling information.  The students reported to Manager Doane that their program has been a success.

The Town of Bradley officials are very proud of the students.  This tradition will hopefully continue on at the Viola Rand School for a long time to come.  The second and fourth grade classes of 2009-2010 school year will be forever be responsible for the initiators of the program.