The Wellfleet Elementary News

Good afternoon WES Community,

Staff Appreciation Week is nearly upon us, and if you are anything like many of us during the holidays, you may find yourself wondering what to give those who give so much to our children each day. Take a deep breath, this year, we’ve made it simple and meaningful.

Please consider following the daily Staff Appreciation themes that were sent home in your child’s backpack:

• Monday: Favorite Color
• Tuesday: Favorite Snack
• Wednesday: Favorite Drink
• Thursday: Favorite Flower
• Friday: A Letter of Appreciation

Of course, do not feel obligated to go out and get anything, our true joy is being able to share each day with your child! :)

Fleet-Footed Friday returns tomorrow morning, and we are excited to welcome back one of our favorite community traditions. Students and families are invited to join us from 7:30–7:45 a.m. to start the day with movement, connection, and fresh air. Whether you walk a few laps or stay the entire time, it’s a great opportunity to build healthy habits and strengthen our sense of community together.

Please also note that this Friday will be a full day of school, despite the schedule reflecting a half day. Be sure to plan accordingly.

Additionally, please see the information below for important updates regarding staffing for the upcoming school year, as we continue aligning our work to best support students and strengthen the WES experience.

With appreciation,

Principal O'Shea

As we continue planning for the upcoming school year and positioning ourselves to best meet the needs of our students, we have made adjustments to our teaching assignments. These shifts are directly aligned with our Strategic Plan priorities, including strengthening 21st-century learning, deepening social-emotional supports, and fostering a cohesive, collaborative professional culture across grade levels.

By intentionally aligning staff roles with individual strengths and areas of expertise, we are working to enhance our capacity to deliver high-quality, project-based learning experiences, support all learners through targeted instruction, and continue building a school environment grounded in connection, belonging, and academic growth. These adjustments also allow us to be more responsive as we refine our programming and ensure that Wellfleet Elementary School remains a vibrant, student-centered learning community.

I have dedicated a separate article to introduce our new interventionist and resident Science lead, Mrs. Shuemaker, and the important role she will play in advancing this work.

At this time, we also want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate a truly special member of our school community. We will be wishing our beloved Reading Specialist, Kathleen Kocaba, a wonderful retirement. Ms. Kocaba has dedicated 16 years of service to Wellfleet Elementary School, supporting generations of students in developing a love of reading and building foundational skills that will last a lifetime. Her impact on our school community is immeasurable, and she will be deeply missed.

Below is our current grade-level team structure:

Kindergarten: Michela Lyman

Grade 1: Alana Ellis

Grade 2: Colette Demeusy

Grade 3: Position to be posted later this week; updates to follow as the process moves forward

Grade 4: Kristin Connolly

Grade 5: Brendan Pursel

We are grateful for the flexibility and professionalism of our staff as we make these adjustments, and we remain focused on ensuring that the WES experience continues to be one that is engaging, supportive, and second to none.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the priorities outlined in the Wellfleet Elementary School School Improvement Plan (SIP), we are excited to introduce Ms. Jennifer Shuemaker in her new role as Interventionist, with a focus on Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Science instruction across all grade levels.

This role is intentionally designed to support Goal 1: 21st Century Skills, ensuring that all students have access to learning experiences that build critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. Ms. Shuemaker will provide both on-grade-level and above-grade-level interventions, helping to extend and enrich student learning while supporting those who benefit from additional challenges. Through a science-centered lens, she will work with students to engage in meaningful, real-world projects that connect classroom learning to the world around them, an essential component of our vision for preparing students for an ever-changing future.

In alignment with our broader vision of fostering Global Citizenship (Goal 2), Ms. Shuemaker will help integrate science learning with local and global issues, encouraging students to think deeply about their role within their community and the environment. Her work will support the development of environmentally aware, civically engaged learners who can apply their knowledge in authentic and impactful ways.

A key component of Ms. Shuemaker’s role will also be the integration of the Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) standards. Digital literacy, information technology, and computer science are essential in preparing students for both personal and civic engagement in the twenty-first century. These standards represent the core elements of digital literacy and computer science and will be thoughtfully embedded within project-based experiences rather than taught in isolation.

This work is deeply connected to the rationale behind our School Improvement Plan. As we respond to shifts in enrollment and the evolving demands of education, we are committed to reimagining how learning is delivered at WES. By prioritizing project-based learning, interdisciplinary instruction, and real-world application, we aim to create a school experience that is engaging, innovative, and reflective of the needs of today’s learners. Ms. Shuemaker’s role is a key lever in this work; helping to ensure that our students are not only meeting expectations but are inspired to think critically, explore deeply, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

We are thrilled to have Mrs. Shuemaker leading this important work and look forward to the impact she will have on our students and school community.

WES Spring Concert and Arts Night

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Art Show - 5:00 PM Concert - 6:00 PM

What You Need To Know

• The Art Show will be open from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM for viewing.

• Please arrive at the school no later than 5:45 PM for the Concert. Students will be called over the loudspeaker to head to their classrooms before the 6:oo PM Concert.

• Families will take seats in the Gym.

• Students will be led into the Gym by classroom teachers at 6:00 PM.

• Students will be picked up in the hallway outside their classrooms after the concert. One parent/guardian only for pick up to avoid congested hallways.

• Formal attire for students is encouraged but not required. This year’s theme involves the World Cup, so students may also wear Soccer Jerseys.

Link to Lyrics and Movements For Practicing at Home

Mrs. Roberts is offering another session of Inside Out Art Club! it is open to students in grades 3-5 and will start 5/5 and end 6/16 from 2:00-3:00. If you are interested in signing up your child please email Mrs. Belair to register belairl@nausetschools.org

Many families have shared how much they value the support provided during “Homework Help” on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons from 2:00–2:30 PM. Moving forward, we will continue to offer this time, but we will be renaming it “After School Assistance” to better reflect its purpose.

This time is not just about completing homework, it is also an opportunity for students to strengthen their understanding and build proficiency in key skills, particularly in math. Our goal is to ensure this support block is meaningful, targeted, and responsive to student needs.

Adjustments to the CURRENT 25-26 School Year Calendar:

We received notification yesterday from the Commissioner’s Office at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) that our waiver request (related to what would have otherwise been our final school day) has been approved.

The last day of school for students this year will be Friday, June 26, 2026.

Additional Impacts on the Current School Year:

Approval of this waiver was contingent upon the district meeting the required number of instructional hours. To ensure we meet this requirement, the following adjustments to this year’s school calendar are necessary:

• The Early Release Day for professional development previously scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026 has been canceled. This day will now be a full day of school for students.

• The last day of school (Friday, June 26, 2026) will remain to be a full day of school for students.

During Newspaper Club, students explored the art of caption writing by examining images through three different lenses. They crafted captions grounded in facts, stretched their creativity with imaginative, fantasy-based descriptions, and used inferencing skills to interpret what might be happening beyond the picture itself.

After experimenting with each approach, students selected their favorite caption to share; highlighting not only their writing skills, but also their ability to think critically and creatively about visual storytelling.

SUN Bucks, the federal food benefit program once known as Summer EBT, is returning for summer 2026. SUN Bucks provides a $120 lump-sum summer benefit per school-aged child for income-eligible families. The program is administered by the state Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) in partnership with DESE and with assistance from schools.

SUN Bucks income eligibility standards are the same as those for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). As such, all enrolled students identified as meeting the income eligibility standards for free or reduced-price lunch during school year 2025-26, either through an NSLP household paper application or direct certification, are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks. Students identified as homeless, migrant, runaway or participating in Head Start are also automatically eligible. Students who do not meet the aforementioned criteria can apply for SUN Bucks benefits through DTA by visiting www.DTAConnect.com.

We want you! (and your friends)! As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, we hope to that we will have a few more students that will call WES home. AS of right now, there are openings for students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade. You are encouraged to reach out to Mr. O'Shea to set up a school visit. If interested, simply text Mr. O'Shea (607) 423-1049. It's that easy!

Here are the current upcoming field trips planned for this year. Check back each week for any updates!

Tuesday, May 5th - Science MCAS - Grade 5

Wednesday, May 6th - Science MCAS - Grade 5

Tuesday, May 12th - Grades K & 2 trip to Atlantic White Shark Conservancy 9:00am

Friday, May 15th - Grade 1 trip to Audubon & Mayo beach 9:30am

Tuesday, May 19th - Grade 1 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:00am

Tuesday, May 19th - Math MCAS - Grades 3-5

Wednesday, May 20th - Math MCAS - Grades 3-5

Thursday, May 21st - Spring Concert & Arts Night

Wednesday, May 27th - Grades K-2 trip to TCS for Author visit

Friday, May 29th - Grade 5 Step-Up Day at NRMS

Tuesday, June 2nd - Grade 2 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:00am

Thursday, June 4th - Kindergarten walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:30am

Friday, June 5th - All-School Amazing Race

Tuesday, June 9th - Grade 5 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:45am

Thursday, June 11th - Grade 3 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:30am

Friday, June 12th - Field Day (rain date 6/17)

Tuesday, June 16th - Grade 2 trip to Audubon Habitat Hike

Thursday, June 18th - Grade 5 Celebration 5:30pm

Friday, June 26th - Last Day of School - FULL DAY

At WES we are using the Committee for Children’s Second Step program in your child’s classroom. The Second Step program teaches children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. It also helps our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn.

During the winter and early spring months, we will be teaching skills in the Second Step unit of instruction entitled: Child Protection (in grades K-5). In these lessons, students will learn three types of skills:

• Personal Safety. Students will learn important safety rules, such as safety with guns, sharp tools, and fire, and when riding on wheels or in cars. They will also learn ways to help them decide if something is safe or not.

• Touching Safety. Students will learn about safe, unsafe, and unwanted touches, and rules about touching private body parts. They’ll also learn to say no to unsafe or unwanted touches, and to tell an adult if someone breaks rules about touching private body parts.

• Assertiveness. These lessons will also give students a chance to practice asking an adult for help, telling an adult about an unsafe situation, and being assertive to get out of unsafe situations.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Mrs. Francis, our School Psychologist (francisk@nausetschools.org; 508-349-3101 x231).

Thank you for helping us to make our school a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn.

May Breakfast Menu

May Lunch Menu

FleetFund Info

Rental Assistance

Lower Cape Children's Garden

Banana Bash at WHS

Wellfleet Rec Running Rascals

Wellfleet Rec Summer Programs

Wellfleet Rec Tennis

BUC Brazilian Soccer Clinics

Wellfleet Rec Hiring Tennis Instructor

Wellfleet Rec Road Race

Wellfleet Rec T-Ball

PAAM Little Artists

As you may know, the Nauset District has discontinued its use of ParentSquare and has transitioned to a new platform. If you download the Nauset App, you will receive all alerts, newsletters, and any other info from your child's school and the Nauset district. It’s the easiest way to stay updated with school news, alerts, and important announcements.

Similar to last year, I will continue using Smore to send out our weekly newsletters during the school year. These will begin the week before our return and will continue consistently throughout the year.

📱 Download the Nauset App:

• Apple App Store

• Google Play Store

Along with the information below, you will receive a great deal of first day paperwork. Please review it and where applicable, complete and return as soon as possible this will ensure we have the most up-to-date contact information.

• Breakfast and lunch: are free again for all students! If your child eats breakfast at home and you DO NOT want them to access the breakfast offered, please let the teacher know.
• Snack: Please send your student with a healthy snack and reusable water bottle daily. We are seeking to provide a healthy snack grant on Tuesdays and Thursday, and are awaiting if we received the grant. Plan to provide a healthy snack daily until you hear otherwise.
• School Arrival: Students may arrive at school at 7:25am. Breakfast is available, and students may otherwise sit in the cafeteria until the first bell rings at 7:45am.
• Supply Lists: All school supplies are provided to our students. Thank you Wellfleet taxpayers!

• Electronics: Upon arrival, student electronics (phone/watch) should be turned off and stowed away in their backpack. If parents/caregivers need to contact your student, please call the school at 508-349-3101, and the front office can get a message to your student.

Greetings from the WES Health Office!

I hope your children are as excited to return to school as I am! I can’t wait to see their shining faces soon. Before the year gets underway, here are a few important reminders for families:

Health Requirements & Screenings

• The state of Massachusetts requires that all students be up to date with immunizations to attend school. Exemptions include:

  • Medical: must be documented by a medical provider

  • Religious: requires an annual written statement on file

• Vision and hearing screenings take place annually. If follow-up is needed, I will send a referral letter home.

• BMI screenings are conducted in grades 1 and 4.

• Postural screenings are done in grade 5.

• Puberty education using the Our Changing Bodies curriculum is provided to grades 4 and 5. Families will receive advance notice and the opportunity to preview materials.

Medication Guidelines

• All medications require both a medical provider’s order and a parent/guardian’s written permission.

• Medications must be in the original prescription bottle with prescribing information and delivered to school by an adult. No baggies of pills in backpacks, please!

• If you’re having trouble obtaining a second inhaler for school due to insurance issues, let me know so we can problem-solve together.

• Standing orders for over-the-counter acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and Tums are included in the back-to-school forms.

Please remember—if your child’s medical situation changes during the year, reach out so we can develop an appropriate plan for their school day.

Exciting News from the Garden & Cafeteria!
Thanks to a Community Preservation Funds grant, WES will be installing new raised beds in our school gardens. This will allow us to grow, sample, and even serve more school-grown foods in the cafeteria! We’ll also be welcoming guest chefs for taste tests to inspire students to try nutrient-dense foods.

Our Fresh Fruits & Veggies Program will return this year with offerings on Tuesdays and Thursdays right outside the classrooms. We’re also excited to welcome back Farmer in the School, Stephanie Rein, for hands-on garden learning. And—our very first apple harvest from the school orchard is coming this fall!

All of this programming is designed to support the long-term health and well-being of our students, helping them build the skills to make healthy decisions for life.

Looking forward to a wonderful year ahead,
Nurse Crosen

At Wellfleet Elementary School, we pride ourselves on providing supports that will help all students be successful. WES follows a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) a framework designed to provide early intervention and support for students facing academic or behavioral challenges.

It typically begins with universal screening to identify students in need of assistance, followed by tiered interventions that increase in intensity based on the student’s response.

• Tier 1 includes classroom instruction and universal supports for all students
• Tier 2 offers additional, small-group interventions for those who need extra help, and
• Tier 3 provides intensive, individualized support for students with significant challenges.

If a student continues to struggle despite these targeted supports, the MTSS team will convene to evaluate the student’s progress and needs. If it is determined that the interventions have been insufficient and the student demonstrates significant difficulties, a referral for a special education evaluation will be made by the school.

• This evaluation assesses whether the student has a qualifying disability and requires specialized services to succeed in the educational environment, ultimately leading to the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if eligibility is established.

Here is the most recent WES Waves: A Student Run Online Publication presented by our very own Mr. Staker. This is the second edition and includes reports from all students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. It is well worth the watch!

WES School Health Services-Resource page: Contact Mrs. Cope-Crosen for more information at copec@nausetschools.org

The Lawrence Fund was established in March of 2023 by Ariana Bradford (Staff Member at WES) and Joan Zukas (School Committee member and grandmother to two students at WES). The Fund was established to honor Lawrence Zukas, father to Ariana and husband to Joan. Its’ purpose is to financially support students and their families who may be in need of funds for camps, sports equipment, shoes, coats, boots, musical instruments, school supplies including technology support, etc. Request can be made to Mrs. Ariana Bradford, Mr. Adam O’Shea, Mrs. Claudia Cope or your child’s teacher. No proof of need is asked, The Lawrence Fund is just happy to help. Any additional questions can be answered by Claudia Cope at copec@nausetschools.org or by phone at (508) 349-3101.

Throughout the school year you may want to reach out to your child's teacher, or reach out to me.

All Nauset staff follow the email formatting below:

• the staff person's last name
• then the initial of their first name
• ending with @nausetschools.org

Now there is an exception to the rule: Ms. Claudia Cope-Crosen, our school nurse, is simply copec@nausetschools.org