Please see the "Points of P.R.I.D.E." Newsletter from Rachel Lunan-Hill by clicking here.

Francestown Elementary School has spent November immersed in a month-long celebration of literacy, engaging students and families in creative and exciting ways.

The highlight of the month was the school-wide reading of Brambleheart by Henry Cole. This heartwarming story follows Twig, a curious and determined chipmunk. To bring the book to life, a stuffed version of Twig visited the homes of each student for an adventure. Families documented Twig’s travels through pictures, which were compiled into a special memory book to share with the class.

Students also participated in Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) time. Nearly every day, a surprise announcement signaled everyone to pause their activities and enjoy some reading. The students' enthusiasm paid off—they logged over 5,500 minutes of reading this month!

The celebration culminated with a fun and engaging Literacy Night for families. Participants traveled through literacy-themed centers inspired by Brambleheart. They became boat builders like Twig, dressed him up in creative outfits, read under tents with flashlights, and played literacy games.

Adding to the excitement was a literacy-themed Spirit Week. Every Friday, the school welcomed Mystery Guest Readers, who shared their love of books and inspired students to read more.

Francestown Elementary is proud of its students' dedication to reading and thrilled to see the joy that literacy brought to the entire school community. What a perfect way to wrap up a memorable month!

Please see the "Points of P.R.I.D.E." Newsletter from Principal Rachel Lunan-Hill by clicking here.

Francestown Elementary School recently hosted its November Outdoor Lion's Learning All-School Day, immersing students in the fascinating world beneath their feet. Partnering with Kara Reynolds from the Harris Center for Conservation Education, students explored and dissected logs to uncover the habitats they provide for animals and the role logs play in decomposition.

As part of their monthly routine, students visited their "sit spots," where they closely examined a one-foot square patch of earth. This activity revealed hidden treasures and small details they had never noticed before.

Kelly Marshall also joined the day to help students prepare the school gardens for winter. They learned about the vital role plant stalks play as winter shelters for insects and worked to create habitats to protect these important animals.

To cap off the day, students collaborated on a mural illustrating the diverse life beneath a log and read the book Around One Log, further enriching their understanding of these small yet significant ecosystems.

Please see the "Points of P.R.I.D.E." Newsletter from Principal Rachel Lunan-Hill by clicking here.

We’re thrilled to announce that the students of Francestown Elementary School won the town’s annual scarecrow contest.

The Francestown Recreation Department is hosting an ice cream social to celebrate this achievement. The celebration will take place during our next community lunch on November 22nd, from 12:00-12:30 PM. We invite families to recognize the students' hard work and enjoy a sweet treat with us.

Congratulations, Francestown Elementary School students! Thank you to Laura Mafera for helping to provide supplies and her time.

Please see the "Points of P.R.I.D.E. " Newsletter from Principal Rachel Lunan-Hill by clicking here.

Ms. Parisi's third and fourth-grade class recently went on an exciting field trip to Concord, New Hampshire, to deepen their understanding of state government and space exploration. The day began with a visit to the New Hampshire State House, where students toured the historic building and learned firsthand how the state government operates. A special highlight was meeting Ruth Ward, the district's state senator, who shared insights into her role and the importance of civic engagement.

After their governmental tour, the students traveled to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. There, they explored the wonders of space in the planetarium, learning about different planets and constellations. They continued their exploration with exhibits on space travel and aeronautics, discovering the challenges and innovations involved in reaching beyond Earth.