What’s New Wednesday

Friday, November 18 is the last day of the marking period. 

This Friday, November 18, is the Cheers & Beers fall fundraising event at Spacecat Brewing Company from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. 

Please see the attached flyer regarding a free event for girls (grades 2-7), their mothers, and their grandmothers:  Grandmother, Mother & Daughter Biomimicry Engineering Event, to take place this Saturday, 11/19/22 from 10am to 12pm at the George Washington Carver Center. Lunch will be served.  Registration information on the attached flyer.

Please note that the November board of directors meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, November 29 at 5:15.

School will close for the Thanksgiving recess, which will begin on Wednesday, November 23.  School will reopen on Monday, November 28.

There will be an all school meeting on Wednesday, November 30 at 2:30 P.M. in the gymnasium, which will include honor award presentations for upper school students.  Parents are invited to attend.

Open enrollment for the 2023 plan year is November 1, 2022 to January 15, 2023.  To start the year with health coverage customers must enroll by December 15, 2022.  Please see the flyer attached to this email for additional information and links to the AccessHealthCT.com website and in person enrollment locations.

There will be a dress down day for students and staff on Friday, December 2.

There will be a Scholastic Book Fair during the week of December 5-9.  Here is the link to our Scholastic homepage https://www.scholastic.com/bf/sidebysidecharterschoolpage, where you can set up an e-wallet for your student or donate to the e-wallet created by your child’s teacher for the classroom collection.  Please note that unlike previous years, SBS must charge 6.25% CT sales tax on all merchandise sold at the book fair so please add the applicable tax amount to any checks, payable to SBS, for purchases on your child’s wish list.   

There will be two early dismissal days in December for teacher conferences.  On Thursday, December 8 and Thursday, December 15, students will dismiss at 2:00 P.M.  Please remember to sign up for a conference time with your child’s teacher.

School portrait packages should arrive the last week of November.  Picture re-takes will be on Thursday, December 15.  Parents of students that were absent on the original picture day or those who wish to return their original package, should notify the office that their child intends to sit for a school portrait. 

The fifth and sixth grade classes and their teachers will return from Saco, Maine tomorrow, Thursday
afternoon at approximately 4:00 P.M. If traffic conditions delay their arrival, families will receive a
message telling them when to pick up their children. Please park in the church parking lot or the Henry
Street lot.

Friday, November 11, school will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day.

Open enrollment for the 2023 plan year is November 1, 2022 to January 15, 2023. To start the year with
health coverage customers must enroll by December 15, 2022. Please see the flyer attached to this
email for additional information and links to the AccessHealthCT.com website and in person enrollment
locations. Please see the flyer attached for more information.

Fairfield Preparatory, a private, college preparatory high school for boys, will host an open house on
Sat., Nov. 19 from 9:00-10:00 A.M. The admission test for Fairfield Prep, Kolbe Cathedral, Notre Dame
and St. Joseph’s are all on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 8:15 A.M. A.I.T.E., the interdistrict magnet college
preparatory public high school in Stamford, will host a second open house on Thursday, December 8
from 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. Please refer to the detailed memo and flyer attached for pertinent details.

The SBS Board of Directors will host a Cheers & Beers fall fundraising event at Spacecat Brewing
Company on Chestnut St. in Norwalk on Friday, November 18 from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. Please see the
flyer attached for additional details. The fundraising committee is seeking donations of gifts or services
for the raffle, ie. gift certificates, jewelry, etc. Please complete the attached form for donations.

The next Board of Directors meeting will be on Tuesday, November 22.

School will close for the Thanksgiving recess on Wednesday, November 23 through Friday, November
25.

Picture re-take day is on Thursday, December 15.

Friday, November 4 is a dress down day for students and staff. Please be advised that students should
remember to wear clothing suitable for gym, outdoor recess and creative play.

Please find attached the breakfast and lunch menus for the month of November, available in both
English and Spanish.

Today is the last day for the uniform exchange. All leftover items will either be donated to the local
shelter or discarded. Please hold any items you would like to donate until our next uniform exchange in
the spring.

Eighth grade students beginning to make high school plans should know that it is open house and
admission testing season. AITE (Academy of Information Technology) in Stamford will host an open
house on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9:30 to 11:30 A.M. The Brunswick School in Greenwich has an open
house on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 1:00 P.M. The Fairfield Prep open house is on Sat., Nov. 19 from 9:00-10:00
A.M. The admission test for Fairfield Prep, Kolbe Cathedral, Notre Dame and St. Joseph’s are all on
Saturday, Nov. 12 at 8:15 A.M. Please refer to the detailed memo sent to all eighth grade families in late
September, for a list of secondary schools and their application requirements and deadlines.

Next Tuesday, November 8 is Election Day. There is no school for students; teachers will meet for
professional development.

Friday, November 11, school will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day.

Good news. SBS has been selected to participate in the state Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program again
this year. Twice a week, students and staff will enjoy a featured fruit or vegetable for a snack. The idea
is to learn more about healthy food choices, while fostering an eagerness to try new taste sensations in
a fun, shared experience with their classmates and teachers. Next week, it’s carrots and Asian
pears. I’ve attached the flyer so that you can continue the conversation with your children at home.

Student directories for the current school year 2022-2023 are available. Please find a digital version
attached to this email. Hard copies are available upon request.

The SBS Board of Directors will host a Cheers & Beers fall fundraising event at Spacecat Brewing
Company on Chestnut St. in Norwalk on Friday, November 18 from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. Please see the
flyer attached for additional details. The fundraising committee is seeking donations of gifts or services
for the raffle, ie. gift certificates, jewelry, etc. Please complete the attached form for donations.

The fifth and sixth grade classes and their teachers will be in Saco, Maine from Monday, Nov. 7 through
Thursday, Nov. 10 to participate in an ecology school trip where they will have the opportunity to study
a variety of ecosystems and explore sustainable farming and food practices.

Eighth grade students are raising funds for their spring trip to Washington, D.C. with sales of Halloween
Grams, $2 each, available until Friday, Oct. 28. Thanks for your support!

Today we welcomed our second artist in residency, Aimee Toner, who will be introducing students to
music notation and various composition styles, through both standard notation and graphic score
techniques. Aimee also has plans to explore leadership in performance practice with instruments in solo
and ensemble settings, as well as how to conduct and lead a group of musicians.

There will be a uniform exchange week in the church parking lot beginning today. We do not need any
more donations. Please hold any items you would like to donate until our next exchange in the spring.
Student directories for the current school year 2022-2023 are available. Please find a digital version
attached to this email. Hard copies are available upon request.

There will be a two hour early dismissal on Monday, Oct. 31. The all school meeting/Halloween Parade
will take place from 1:00 P.M. to 1:20 P.M. Please see the attached memo from Mr. Nittoly for
important information about the Halloween parade.

The SBS Board of Directors will host a Cheers & Beers fall fundraising event at Spacecat Brewing
Company on Chestnut St. in Norwalk on Friday, November 18 from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. Please see the
flyer attached for additional details. The fundraising committee is seeking donations of gifts or services
for the raffle, ie. gift certificates, jewelry, etc. Please complete the attached form for donations.

The Side by Side Board of Directors meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:15 P.M. The
meetings are open to the public, except for executive sessions, and the first fifteen minutes of each
meeting are reserved for public comment. During the public session of the board meetings any
member of the public, parent or student community is free to attend and provide public
comment. Minutes of each SBS monthly board meeting are posted on the SBS website under the
“Board of Directors” section.
2022-23 SHEDULE OF BOARD MEETINGS (all meetings, September – June will take place in person at
the Side by Side Upper School)
 Tuesday, November 22, 2022
 December 2022 TBD
 Tuesday, January 24, 2023
 Tuesday, February 28, 2023
 Tuesday, March 28, 2023
 Tuesday, April 25, 2023
 Tuesday, May 23, 2023
 June 2023 TBD

There will be a uniform exchange week beginning on Thursday, Oct. 27. Please bring your gently used
items for donation to the main office. Items for exchange will be displayed on a table near the grass
(weather permitting) or in the main office.

Student directories for the current school year 2022-2023 are available. Please find a digital version
attached to this email. Hard copies are available upon request.

Please note that Picture Day is this Friday, October 21. Students may wear an outfit of their choice for
picture day. Orders may be placed online or by using the order form; please remember to enclose
payment in the envelope provided with your order. If you would like a sibling portrait, please notify the
office in advance so that we can plan accordingly.

Please see the attached flyer for details about a free program on Saturday, October 22, for girls and
their mothers/guardians and grandmothers, presented by Dr. Cynthia Barnett and the Amazing Girls
Science Program. Register directly online using the link provided on the flyer. Please register as soon as
possible for this fabulous multigenerational experience, as spots are filling up.

There will be a two hour early dismissal on Monday, Oct. 31. The all school meeting/Halloween Parade
will take place at 1:00 P.M. Additional information about the Halloween parade will be sent home soon.
The SBS Board of Directors will host a Cheers & Beers fall fundraising event at Spacecat Brewing
Company on Chestnut St. in Norwalk on Friday, November 18 from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M. Please see the
flyer attached for additional details. The fundraising committee is seeking donations of gifts or services
for the raffle, ie. gift certificates, jewelry, etc. Please complete the attached form for donations.

The Side by Side Board of Directors meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:15 P.M. The
meetings are open to the public, except for executive sessions, and the first fifteen minutes of each
meeting are reserved for public comment. During the public session of the board meetings any
member of the public, parent or student community is free to attend and provide public
comment. Minutes of each SBS monthly board meeting are posted on the SBS website under the
“Board of Directors” section.
2022-23 SHEDULE OF BOARD MEETINGS (all meetings, September – June will take place in person at
the Side by Side Upper School)
 Tuesday, October 25, 2022
 Tuesday, November 22, 2022
 December 2022 TBD
 Tuesday, January 24, 2023
 Tuesday, February 28, 2023
 Tuesday, March 28, 2023
 Tuesday, April 25, 2023
 Tuesday, May 23, 2023
 June 2023 T

School will be closed on Monday, Oct 17. Teachers and staff will gather for professional development.

The Lower School back to school night is tonight October 12 from 6-7:30 P.M.

Student directories for the current school year 2022-2023 are available. Please find a digital version
attached to this email. Hard copies are available upon request.

Fifth and sixth grade students will be attending The Ecology School in Saco, Maine during the second
week of November. Permission slips, medical forms, health insurance policy information and the first of
three payments were due on September 30. The second payment is due Friday, Oct. 14.

Please note that Picture Day is next Friday, October 21. Students may wear an outfit of their choice for
picture day. Orders may be placed online or by using the order form; please remember to enclose
payment in the envelope provided with your order.

There will be a two hour early dismissal on Monday, Oct. 31. The all school meeting/Halloween Parade
will take place at 1:00 P.M. Additional information about the Halloween parade will be sent home soon.

The Side by Side Board of Directors meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:15 P.M. The
meetings are open to the public, except for executive sessions, and the first fifteen minutes of each
meeting are reserved for public comment. During the public session of the board meetings any
member of the public, parent or student community is free to attend and provide public
comment. Minutes of each SBS monthly board meeting are posted on the SBS website under the
“Board of Directors” section.
2022-23 SHEDULE OF BOARD MEETINGS (all meetings, September – June will take place in person at
the Side by Side Upper School)
 Tuesday, October 25, 2022
 Tuesday, November 22, 2022
 December 2022 TBD
 Tuesday, January 24, 2023
 Tuesday, February 28, 2023
 Tuesday, March 28, 2023
 Tuesday, April 25, 2023
 Tuesday, May 23, 2023
 June 2023 TBD

Tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 7 is a dress down day for students and staff.

School will be closed on Monday, October 10 for Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Additionally,
school will be closed for students on Monday, Oct 17. Teachers and staff will gather for professional
development.

The Lower School back to school night will be on Wednesday, October 12 from 6-8 P.M. Please refer to
the memo attached for a schedule of events and an R.S.V.P form for child care. Kindly return these
R.S.V.P’s no later than Tuesday, Oct. 11, so that we can staff accordingly.

Fifth and sixth grade students will be attending The Ecology School in Saco, Maine during the second
week of November. Permission slips, medical forms, health insurance policy information and the first of
three payments were due on September 30. The second payment is due Friday, Oct. 14.

Please note that Picture Day is on Friday, October 21. Students may wear an outfit of their choice for
picture day. Portrait order forms will be sent home in backpacks today. Please find attached a reminder
notice with a QR code to facilitate placing your order online, if preferred.

There will be a two hour early dismissal on Monday, Oct. 31. The all school meeting/Halloween Parade
will take place at 1:00 P.M. Additional information about the Halloween parade will be sent home soon.

The Side by Side Board of Directors meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:15 P.M. The
meetings are open to the public, except for executive sessions, and the first fifteen minutes of each
meeting are reserved for public comment. During the public session of the board meetings any
member of the public, parent or student community is free to attend and provide public
comment. Minutes of each SBS monthly board meeting are posted on the SBS website under the
“Board of Directors” section.
2022-23 SHEDULE OF BOARD MEETINGS (all meetings, September – June will take place in person at
the Side by Side Upper School)
 Tuesday, October 25, 2022
 Tuesday, November 22, 2022
 December 2022 TBD
 Tuesday, January 24, 2023
 Tuesday, February 28, 2023
 Tuesday, March 28, 2023
 Tuesday, April 25, 2023
 Tuesday, May 23, 2023
 June 2023 TBD

On Wednesday, October 5, school will be closed in observance of Yom Kippur. School is also closed on
Monday, October 10 for Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Finally, school will be closed on Monday,
Oct 17 for professional development for teachers and staff.

Updated student health forms must be submitted to the school nurse no later than September 30.

The first all school meeting of the year will be in the gymnasium at 2:30 P.M. on Friday, September 30 at
2:30 P.M.

Please note that the date for Picture Day has been changed. It will now take place on Friday, October 21. Students may wear an outfit of their choice for picture day.

The Lower School back to school night will be on Wednesday, October 12 from 6-8 P.M.

Please find attached a memo with important end of marking period and parent conference (early
dismissal) dates for both lower and upper school students.

The Side by Side Board of Directors meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:15 P.M. The
meetings are open to the public, except for executive sessions, and the first fifteen minutes of each
meeting are reserved for public comment. During the public session of the board meetings any
member of the public, parent or student community is free to attend and provide public
comment. Minutes of each SBS monthly board meeting are posted on the SBS website under the
“Board of Directors” section.
2022-23 SHEDULE OF BOARD MEETINGS (all meetings, September – June will take
place in person at the Side by Side Upper School)
 Tuesday, August 23, 2022- VIRTUAL (Google Meeting)
 Tuesday, September 27, 2022
 Tuesday, October 25, 2022
 Tuesday, November 22, 2022
 December 2022 TBD
 Tuesday, January 24, 2023
 Tuesday, February 28, 2023
 Tuesday, March 28, 2023
 Tuesday, April 25, 2023
 Tuesday, May 23, 2023
 June 2023 TBD

There will be no school on Monday, September 26 in observance of Rosh Hashanah. On Wednesday,
October 5, school will be closed in observance of Yom Kippur. School is also closed on Monday, October
10 for Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Updated student health forms must be submitted to the school nurse no later than September 30.

All school meetings will resume this year in the gymnasium at 2:30 P.M. on the last day of every month.
The first meeting of the school year will be on Friday, September 30 at 2:30 P.M.

Please note that the date for Picture Day has been changed. It will now take place on Friday, October 21. Students may wear an outfit of their choice for picture day.

The Lower School back to school night will be on Wednesday, October 12 from 6-8 P.M.

Our Family Resource Center Extended Day Program is underway. Nikki Gwinn will return again to offer
Beyond Fashion on Thursdays, beginning on October 6. Soccer clinics will resume on Wednesdays,
beginning October 4. Intempo, our music partner will offer ukulele lessons for extended day
participants beginning on Wednesday, October 12. Extended day registration forms may be found on
our school website.

Please find attached a memo with important end of marking period and parent conference (early
dismissal) dates for both lower and upper school students.

There will be no school on Monday, September 26 in observance of Rosh Hashanah. On Wednesday,
October 5, school will be closed in observance of Yom Kippur. School is also closed on Monday, October
10 for Columbus/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Updated student health forms must be submitted to the school nurse no later than September 30.

All school meetings will resume this year in the gymnasium at 2:30 P.M. on the last day of every month.
The first meeting of the school year will be on Friday, September 30 at 2:30 P.M.

Please note that the date for Picture Day has been changed. It will now take place on Friday, October 21. Students may wear an outfit of their choice for picture day.

The Lower School back to school night will be on Wednesday, October 12 from 6-8 P.M.

Our Family Resource Center Extended Day Program is underway. Nikki Gwinn will return again to offer
Beyond Fashion on Thursdays, beginning on October 6. Soccer clinics will resume on Wednesdays,
beginning October 4. Intempo, our music partner will offer ukulele lessons for extended day
participants beginning on Wednesday, October 12. Extended day registration forms may be found on
our school website.

Please find attached a memo with important end of marking period and parent conference (early
dismissal) dates for both lower and upper school students.