September Newsletter

September 12, 2018 

Dear Rowe Families,

We have had a fabulous start to the year! The kindergarten children are quickly adapting to a full day of school and separation issues have been minimal thus far. The first graders seem like “old pros” and appear happy to be back after the long summer break. We are looking forward to our Open House next Monday, September 17th from 6:00-7:00 pm here at Rowe. You will come into the gym for an informational presentation by the lead math teacher, the guidance counselor and I. You will then have the opportunity to go to the classroom to get a brief overview of the year from your child’s teacher. We ask that you attend without your child as this is designed to be an informational evening for parents and caregivers. We are looking forward to seeing you all here!

Dismissal reminder

If you ever have any concerns or questions about your child’s arrival home on the bus, please call the Rowe School office at 846-3771. Sometimes buses can run a bit late and we want to be sure you are aware that you can call the school office. We are in contact with all of the drivers via radio. There is always someone in the office until all buses have delivered children safely home.

Dates to note:

Monday, September 17th - School Picture Day - Order forms were sent home last week.

Rowe School Open House 6:00-7:00 pm


Thursday, September 20th - PTO meeting in the YES library, 7-8 pm


Wednesday, October 18th - Yarmouth Parent/School Alliance meeting Yarmouth High School Cafe from 6:30 to 8:00.  Please note the date change from October 17th to the 18th.

2018-19 PTO Meeting Dates

All meetings are held in the Yarmouth Elementary School library. Sept. 20: 7-8 pm Oct 18: 4-5 pm Nov 15: 7-8 pm Dec 20: 4-5 pm Jan 17: 7-8 pm Feb 28: 4-5 pm Mar 21: 7-8 pm Apr 25: 4-5 pm May 16: 7-8 pm Jun 13: 4-5 pm (subject to change depending on number of snow days)

News from the School Nutrition Department

Beginning Monday, September 17th, we will be offering families the opportunity for students to get classroom snacks made by our school nutrition program. The snack menu changes weekly and can be found on the back of the lunch menu. It is also located on the Rowe School website under Nutrition.

The cost of morning snack is $2.00 and snack is free for families qualifying for meal benefits. Each morning, teachers will guide students in making their selection for school lunch and/or snack. If you know your child will not be getting morning snack, you can choose to fill out a permission form letting us know that your child is NOT allowed to get snack at school. We may have to work through a few issues at first but feel confident this will be a nice addition to our breakfast and lunch programs. If your child is only going to buy snack on certain days, you can send the money weekly or daily, whatever your preference. It can also come out of your online account if you have one set up.

Like school lunch, this service is meant to make school day preparation easier for our families. This message is provided to you by the Yarmouth School Department Nutrition Program and Director Blair Currier. If you have questions, please contact Amanda Murray in the Rowe office at 846-3771 0r Blair Currier via email at blair_currier@yarmouthschools.org or by phone, 207-846-2323.

Sincerely, Blair Currier and the YSD Nutrition staff


Information from the K-4 Music Program

Hello Parents and Families of Yarmouth Musicians!

 I hope you have had a smooth transition back into the school year! I wanted to reach out today with answers to some frequently asked questions about our elementary level music programs here in Yarmouth and also about music education in general. Please feel free to contact me using the contact info below at any time if you have any questions or need more information. I am happy to chat with any Rowe families about our curriculum and program as well as we work through the transition to a new music teacher. FAQs about our K-4 music program:

  • Your child will have music class at least one day per week, with children in grades 1, 2 and 3 having music class 2 days per week for part of the school year.

  • In music class we are working to develop beat-ful, art-ful and tune-ful children who find a ways to engage in music throughout their lives. Our classes are hands-on, active and child-centered. The music classes you might remember where we sat and sang out of a textbook for 45 minutes are long gone! Our music classrooms are well stocked with age-appropriate instruments and learning tools, including Orff style xylophones, ukuleles, drums and handheld percussion instruments. In a typical class, children will sing, dance, play instruments, listen to, analyze and create their own music.

  • Our beginner band program begins in Grade 4.

  • Grade 1 students perform in the Rowe Show in April. YES students perform at Grandparents' Day in May. Grade 4 students who choose to participate in band, chorus or Orff Ensemble perform in December and May. Performance is a part of our curriculum, but does not make up the bulk of what we do.

    FAQs about outside of school music opportunities:

  • There are many excellent private music teachers in the community. If you are looking for one, please let me know and I will pass on the information I have.

  • The question of when to start private lessons (if ever!) is a very individual decision. Private lessons are a big financial, intellectual and time commitment, and it is important to find the right instrument fit and teacher. In general, best instruments for young children are piano, ukulele and violin. Voice lessons are not necessary or recommended until after puberty, but there are some teachers around town that do great work with younger children if your child is really interested.

  •  If your child loves to sing and perform, consider signing him or her up for Yarmouth Children's Chorus through Yarmouth Community Services. YCC starts next Tuesday and runs through November 13. Rowe students can take the bus right from Rowe to YES. I will be directing chorus this fall with Karen Renton, who taught music for 34 years in Yarmouth before retiring a few years ago. We always have a lot of fun and develop some really strong, confident singers!

The very best thing you can do for your child's developing musical brain is to expose them to all kinds of music. Take a trip to the symphony. Find a concert in the park. Have a dance party in the kitchen. Listen to music from another culture that him out of his comfort zone just a bit! Sing, play and encourage your child to do the same!

Please be in touch with any questions! 

Best, Erica Troy