OPR Weekly Update
September 26, 2025
Dear OPR Families,
Recently, our school has begun the use of TalkingPoints for two-way communications between teachers and families. Families can send and receive messages either by text or via the TalkingPoints app.
Please note that our system connects one phone number per household for TalkingPoints (generally the first phone number on record in Aspen). If you would like more than one household member to receive TalkingPoints messages, please follow the instructions found below:
https://www.walpole.k12.ma.us/documents/other-documents/technology/troubleshooting-tips/848735
If you have trouble with TalkingPoints, please send an email to helpdesk@walpole.k12.ma.us
Watch the OPR Video News: OPR Video News
Have an excellent weekend!
David N. Barner, Principal
dbarner@walpole.k12.ma.us
Contact OPR Office (Secretaries and Nurse): oproffice@walpole.k12.ma.us
Highlights for the Week Ahead
We're looking forward to a five-day school week and using uninterrupted instructional time to teach and learn!
September
29 OPR Before and After School Enrichment Program Begins this Week
October
1 OPR School Council Meeting in the STEM Lab at 3:30
2 PAC Meeting in the STEM Lab at 7:00 PM
8 International Walk to School Day
10 Early Release at 12:25 PM. Dismissal begins at 12:19.
10 PAC Sponsored Stay on the Half Day
13 No School - Columbus Day
22 Gr. 3 Field Docent Trip to DeCordova Museum
24 Student Picture Retake Day
29 Gr. 5 Team Building Trip to Tree Top Adventures
31 OPR Halloween Parade at 9:15
November
5 PAC Meeting in the STEM Lab at 7:00-8:00 PM
11 No School - Veterans Day
13 Parent-Teacher Conferences by Appointment, 5:00-7:00 PM
14 Parent-Teacher Conferences by Appointment, 1:00-3:30 PM
14 Early Release at 12:25 PM. Dismissal begins at 12:19.
18 Parent-Teacher Conferences by Appointment, 5:00-7:00 PM
26 Early Release at 12:25 PM. Dismissal begins at 12:19.
27 No School - Happy Thanksgiving!
28 No School
Digital Learning with Mrs. Milnamow
Hello OPR families!
My name is Jami Milnamow, and I am the Digital Learning Coach here at OPR. I am thrilled to partner with our incredible teachers and students to explore the many ways technology can enhance our learning experiences. Our goal is to empower students to become confident, capable, and responsible digital learners, and I look forward to a fantastic year of discovery and growth with your children.
Over the next month, students will be diving into the digital tools that support our curriculum. We will continue reviewing and establishing our routines and expectations for digital learning programs such as ST Math, Lalilo, Math Fact Lab, HMH, and Google Classroom. Alongside building these foundational skills, a primary focus will be on Digital Citizenship. We will have dedicated lessons on how to be safe, respectful, and responsible digital citizens, which is crucial for creating a positive and secure learning environment for everyone, both online and in the classroom.
To amplify our core programs, we are thrilled to use technology as a tool for creativity and to demonstrate understanding. Students will have opportunities to use programs like Canva, Book Creator, and Adobe Express to create dynamic projects that showcase what they have learned. Additionally, many of our classrooms will be exploring a new interactive platform called Lumio. This exciting tool allows for whole-class, small group, and individual activities with engaging, game-based learning, and it gives teachers a wonderful way to monitor student understanding in real-time. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Here's to a wonderful and innovative school year!
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) with Mrs. Morris
What a wonderful first month of STEM/Media we have had at OPR! These first few weeks we have spent a lot of time reviewing our STEM expectations and our library procedures to prepare for another awesome year. Each class has had a chance to check out books twice now. Check out some of the activities we have done so far!
In Kindergarten students have been learning about what STEM is. We have discussed that STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We have started the year by learning how to properly use our STEM engineering tools such as legos, brain flakes, and magnatiles. We have also spent time practicing sharing these materials with our classmates and how to keep our STEM space clean and organized. Kindergarteners also have loved finding books that they get to borrow and take home.
In first and second grade we have done several exciting team building activities. First graders did a team activity where they had to build a swing for three baby chicks. Second graders did a team activity where they had to save a worm named Fred after his boat flipped. Be sure to ask them about it! Both grades also participated in Dot Day by creating 3D dots on the app Quiver. It is always a loved activity.
In the third, fourth, and fifth grades we did several team building challenges with a variety of classmates to practice cooperation and communication skills. Students’ first challenge made them stack cups with a team, but they weren’t allowed to touch the cups with their hands. They had to use a rubber band tool that was created for the purpose of working together. Students also competed in a Dot Day Challenge to build the tallest tower. We also learned about the library and did scavenger hunts using the call number of books.
Coming up in October all students will begin coding again with different robots and technology and we will also continue to do engineering challenges. I look forward to the next month of fun in STEM!
News from the Nurse
There have been a few cases of head lice reported in our school. As a precaution, we're asking all parents to check their child's head regularly for the next two weeks.
You'll want to look for nits (the lice eggs) which are tiny and stick to the hair shaft—they won't flake off like dandruff. If you find any, they need to be pulled off with your fingernails or a fine-toothed lice comb.
If your child is affected, please consult with your doctor for the best treatment.
Here’s some helpful information about lice:
Lice are crawling insects; they cannot jump or fly. They usually spread from direct head-to-head contact.
They can also be spread by sharing personal items like hats, brushes, or scarves.
If your child is treated, it’s a good idea to wash their clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat.
Your help is crucial in preventing a widespread issue. We appreciate your cooperation and partnership.
Head Lice-What to know and Do!
As a reminder, children can go to school if they:
● Have a mild cold, which may include a runny nose and/or cough.
● Have eye drainage without fever, eye pain or eyelid redness.
● Have a mild stomach ache.
● Have head lice. Though they are annoying and should be treated, lice are not a
reason to exclude a child from school.
We are moving forward with both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC's recommendation on lice notification.
Although they are a nuisance, the CDC reports that Head lice are not known to transmit any disease and therefore are not considered a health hazard
Special Request from the Health Office
Our school's health office needs your help! We're running low on spare clothing for students who have accidents or spills at school.
We would greatly appreciate any donations of clean, gently used tops, bottoms, and sweatshirts, especially in children's sizes 8-14. We also need new socks and underwear of all sizes.
Please drop off donations at the main office, Thank you!
Calling All Nurses!
Are you a nurse looking for a unique way to get involved at school? The WPS nursing team is seeking nurses to join us as field trip nurses. This is a wonderful opportunity to accompany your child's class on a field trip while helping our school!
If you are interested in this paid substitute role, please apply using the link below.
Thank you for your consideration. WPS Substitute Opportunities
Kindly,
Bonnie Kowalsky, M.Ed, BSN, RN
Old Post Road School Nurse
99 Old Post Road
East Walpole, MA 02032
phone: 508-660-7219 ext 5804
fax: 866.809.6567
bkowalsky@walpole.k12.ma.us
OPR PAC MEETING
Thursday, October 2nd
7:00 PM PAC Meeting
Held in the STEM Lab or connect virtually. PAC Meeting Link:
Sign Up for Stay on the Half Day
Sign Up to Volunteer
Teacher Snack Cart Donations
Click to shop from our Amazon list.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1O64LBIJZZJSU?ref_=wl_share
Questions: Melanie.D.Taylor@gmail.com
Starting to lose those water bottles? Put a label on it! Please navigate to Support a Fundraiser and select Old Post Road Parent Advisory Committee. https://mabelslabels.com/en_US/fundraising/support/
Box Tops for Education
Download the App for BoxTops for Education and scan receipt within 14 days of purchase. Assign Credit by selecting the Star and entering the Teacher’s Last name before you hit submit.
Follow the OPR PAC on Social Media
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OPR.PAC
please add: Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/oprpacwalpole
Email with questions: oprpacwalpole@gmail.com
OPR Textile Bin Donations
Massachusetts no longer allows clothing to be disposed of in the trash. Clothing must be donated or recycled. RECYCLE your clothing and textiles in the OPR Collection Bin and OPR receives money. The collections resulted in the following:
2024 Calendar Year Total - $1182.30
January 2025 - $210
February 2025 - $108.60
March 2025 - $128.40
April 2025 - $88.20
May 2025 - $192.00
June 2025 - $111.60
July 2025 - $174.60
August 2025 - $196.80
OPR ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
WPS ELEMENTARY STUDENT & PARENT HANDBOOK/CODE OF CONDUCT
On this site you can find links to forms (i.e. medication administration, over the counter medication consent forms), medication policies, and information regarding illnesses, concussions and injuries.
About Us
OPR Mission Statement
The Old Post Road School community educates all students to excel and become productive citizens.
OPR Vision
OPR students will be motivated to learn in a supportive and safe environment. The faculty will foster self-confidence in the students and encourage them to make positive choices. Students will learn to accept responsibility for their behavior and will mature into responsible citizens and lifelong learners. All students will appreciate that they are part of a diverse, global society.
Instagram: OLDPOSTROADSCHOOL_WALPOLE
Email: dbarner@walpole.k12.ma.us
99 Old Post Road
East Walpole, MA 02032
508-660-7219
Arrival: 8:50-9:00 AM
Tardy Bell is at 9:00 AM. (Students must be signed in at the office by an adult if tardy.)
Early Release Dismissal: 12:25 (Dismissal begins at 12:19)
Dismissal: 3:30 PM (Dismissal begins at 3:24 PM)
If your child is going to be absent or tardy, please call the OPR office before school (508-660-7219) and press 1 for the absence line. The automated attendance verification system is in use. Those students marked absent and who have not called in will receive an automated phone call.
