September Weekly Vinal Voice

Welcome Back!

Welcome back, families! What an exciting start to the new school year. These first four days have been busy, filled with new friendships, familiar faces, and the buzz of excitement that only the first week of school can bring. Our hallways have been full of energy as students settled into their classrooms and met their teachers. We are so proud of how confidently our students have embraced this new year, and we're grateful for your support in making the transition smooth. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community!

Parent Pick-Up

If you're picking up your child(ren) at dismissal, please display your child(ren)'s last name in large, clear print on your driver-side windshield. This helps our staff identify and call students quickly and safely. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our dismissal process running smoothly!

Open House: Thursday, September 24

Please join us for Open House on Thursday, September 24, from 5:00–7:00 PM. This year's format will look a little different from previous years, so please note the schedule below carefully.

Grades 1 & 2: Families should gather in the gym for a brief welcome at 5:10 PM from the School Committee before heading to their child's classroom. This session will end promptly at 5:50 PM to free up parking for our 3rd–5th grade families.

Grades 3, 4, & 5: Families should arrive for a presentation in the gym beginning at 6:20 PM, after which they will head to their child's classroom until 7:00 PM.

We look forward to seeing you there!

We'll be going over expected behaviors with students ahead of Open House/Curriculum Night, but we'd appreciate it if you could also review these with your child before you arrive:

1. Stay together as a family for the entire event — please, no running through the halls.
2. Visit only your child's current classroom and specialist rooms. This allows last year's teachers to focus their time on their new students and families.

Thanks so much for helping us make the evening a success!

Bus Evacuation Drills

On Monday, September 14, students will take part in our annual bus evacuation drill as they arrive at school. As buses pull in, students will practice exiting safely and calmly following the evacuation procedure with guidance from staff. Afterward, they'll head straight to their classrooms to start the day. This drill helps ensure every student knows what to do in the event of a real emergency — thank you for helping us reinforce the importance of bus safety at home!

Weekly Communication

I'll be sending a family newsletter each week, typically on Mondays. In addition, classroom teachers will send their own weekly emails and/or newsletters with highlights and updates from the classroom. Please be on the lookout for both each week!

Staff Features

This year, we're featuring both new and veteran staff members throughout our newsletters; a fun way for families to get to know the Vinal School community. Please enjoy our first staff spotlight below!

Hi everyone! My name is Miss Adams, and I am so excited to be back at Vinal Elementary this year, this time in my own classroom! Last year, I had the wonderful opportunity to be a long-term substitute here. This year marks my official first year as a classroom teacher, and I am thrilled to be starting my career teaching 1st grade. Outside of school, I love spending time with my fiancé, going to the beach, and hanging out with my (very big) family. I am looking forward to a fantastic school year of learning and growing together. If you see me around, please don't hesitate to say hello!

9/14: Bus Evacuation Drills

9/14: PreK Open House

9/15: First Day of PreK

9/18: Picture Day

9/18: Stay & Play

9/24: Norwell CARES Day

9/24: Open House

9/28: 5th Grade Instrument Rental Night

If your child sustains an injury that requires physical accommodations or modifications at school, please provide a formal note from their medical provider detailing any specific activity restrictions.

Having clear, direct instructions from your student's doctor allows our staff to keep them safe and ensure they receive the most appropriate care and support throughout the school day.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school community healthy and safe!

Hi Vinal Families,

Did you know: every member of our current PTO Board is entering Year 2 of their two-year term. That means next year, every one of these roles will need someone new ready to step in.

Instead of scrambling for volunteers next spring, we're inviting you to get a head start — partner with a current board member this year, shadow them as they work, and step confidently into the role yourself next year.

Why it's worth your time:

• Get to know other parents. Board work naturally connects you with a great group of fellow Vinal families who care about the same things you do.
• Get familiar with the school and administration. You'll build relationships with the Principal, staff, and teachers, and see firsthand how the school year comes together.
• Help create wonderful memories. From Field Day to the Ice Cream Social to Teacher Appreciation Week, board members are the ones behind the scenes making these moments happen for our kids and our community.
• Add a feather to your cap. Board experience is a great way to build leadership, event planning, and communication skills — the kind that look great on a resume and feel great to have.
• Learn without the pressure. Shadowing means you get all the insight and none of the "figuring it out alone" stress. Your partner will show you the ropes so you're ready to run with it next year.

Roles open to shadow this year:

• Co-President — main point of contact between the PTO Board and the Vinal Principal
• Treasurer — manages the PTO budget and monthly financial reporting
• VP of Fundraising — leads the Annual Appeal, Norwell Gear, Shopper's Rewards, and the Scholastic Book Fair
• Co-VP of School Programs — organizes Celebration Books, Field Day, in-school enrichment, and Staff Appreciation
• VP of Community Programs — runs Family Movie Night, Stay and Play, and the Ice Cream Social
• VP of Communications — manages emails, social media, the website, and the school directory

You don't need experience — just interest. Reply to this email or reach out to VinalPTO@gmail.com and we'll connect you with a board member to shadow.

Attend this upcoming event to learn more about the open volunteer positions (both big and small):

• PTO Volunteer Social on 9/16 from 7-9pm: Casual poolside drinks and socializing as we discuss upcoming Vinal PTO activities and volunteer positions. All are welcome, please bring a willingness to help and a bottle of something to share. 15 Old Oaken Bucket Road at Susan Davis’ home.

We can't wait to have you join us!

Warmly,

The Vinal PTO Board

Upcoming Vinal PTO Events

9/18 — Picture Day
We need 2 volunteers to help keep things running smoothly. Email vinalpto@gmail.com if you're interested.

9/18 — Stay & Play is Back!
Join us Friday, September 18th from dismissal to 5:00 PM at the Vinal Playground. We'll have a blow-up obstacle course, music, concessions, and plenty of time for kids to run, play, and hang out. Siblings are welcome, but a guardian must remain present — this is not a drop-off event.

RSVP is required so the school can update your child's dismissal plan: https://forms.gle/twfj3RNuTeAKbHBg7

New to Vinal? Stay & Play is a casual after-school playground meet-up for Vinal families. Kids play, parents and caregivers connect, and everyone eases into the weekend together — no formal program, just a fun, low-key way to spend time with the Vinal community. We hope to see lots of new and returning families there!

9/24 — Norwell Cares Day: Volunteer Needed
Norwell High School's entire sophomore class is heading out into the community to give back, and Vinal is expecting about 13 sophomores plus 2 adults on Friday, 9/24. We need a parent volunteer to help lead and coordinate their day at our school. Interested? Email vinalpto@gmail.com.

9/27 — Cole/Vinal Moms' Kickball Game
Support your PTO and have some fun! Sunday, September 27th, 3–5 PM at the Norwell Clipper Complex near Norwell High School. All families are welcome to come cheer on Vinal and join in the kid events. Vinal team players are needed — a great way to be active and connect with families from Vinal and Cole. Stick around after for the after-party at Tinker's Son. Learn more and register: https://www.vinalpto.com/cole-and-vinal-pto-kickball-game

Stay Connected

• Website: https://www.vinalpto.com/
• Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VinalSchoolPTO
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinalelementarypto/

A Reminder
Please opt in to sharing your email with the Vinal PTO during your Aspen sign-off so you don't miss any updates — including event details and other communications that help make Vinal such a warm, connected community.

— The Vinal PTO Board