Wood End Wildcat News

Please join us for Restaurant Night Wednesday, November 4th from 4-9pm at Public Kitchen in Reading. The Wood End PTO will receive 15% of the proceeds! Just let them know you are part of the Wood End fundraiser when placing your order. This is good for dine-in and take-out. Please look out for flyers via backpack mail this week or see attached.

Raising and supporting children with different strengths, needs, and ways of experiencing the world can bring both rewarding moments and unique challenges. You don’t have to navigate it alone! Join us as we kick off this year’s Rooted in the Village series with a relaxed evening gathering for parents and caregivers. This supportive space is an opportunity to connect with other families, share experiences, and learn practical tips and strategies for supporting neurodivergent children and children with unique learning, behavioral, or emotional needs. Come with questions, experiences to share, or simply a desire to listen and connect. See the flier for more information. Register here!

Get ready - one of our favorite fundraisers is coming back! The Wood End PTO is once again partnering with Calareso's Farm Stand to offer gift certificates, and 25% of every certificate purchased comes right back to Wood End. It's a great way to support our school while picking up something you'll use anyway — think holiday meals, fresh flowers, or treats for your own kitchen. Use them anytime, they never expire!

Key dates:
• Kickoff: Monday, October 26
• Order deadline: Friday, November 13

How to order:
• Watch for a flyer with all the details coming home in your child's backpack
• Return your completed order form and payment in your child's backpack, OR
• Order online through our Give Butter link: https://givebutter.com/calaresos

Thank you for supporting Wood End. Every certificate helps fund the programs, events, and extras that make our school community so special.

2026 FESTIVAL OF TREES

Kick off your holiday season on Saturday and Sunday, December 5th and 6th by visiting Reading Education Foundation’s (REF) 25th annual Festival of Trees, a winter wonderland of decorated holiday trees donated by local families, organizations, businesses and schools that festival visitors can win for themselves! This signature REF fundraising event, held at Reading’s Parker Middle School, is a magical and memorable community holiday tradition for adults and children of all ages. Fun can be had for all ages while raising money that REF provides to the Reading schools through teacher-initiated grants. There is local entertainment throughout both days including live performances by school choruses, bands and local groups. Food trucks will be outside selling items at the event. Lucky winners of tree raffles will be selected at closing on Sunday night.

Tree Donations

REF has a goal of 100 donated trees this year – please consider donating one! We welcome trees from PTO’s, grade levels, groups and staff. This is a great way to showcase the creativity and curriculum of the Reading Public Schools. You don’t need to spend a lot on a tree – just a fun theme and a few gift cards or small tokens (especially from our local businesses) are all you need. Remember, you don’t even need a tree as we’ve seen hockey sticks, bookcases and other items serve as a “tree”. If you are interested in donating a tree please email us at reftreedonor@gmail.com and include the following:

- Name of Tree Donor

- Contact information & phone number

- Tree Name

Advanced Ticket Sales Are Open

Raffle tickets purchased in advance will be preprinted with the purchaser's raffle number on the back, saving patrons the time and hassle of entering their personal information. Visit readingef.org to purchase tickets.

REF, non-profit foundation, is committed to supporting innovation and excellence in the Reading Public Schools. REF’s goal is to enhance and increase educational opportunities for all Reading students by providing funds for projects that go beyond the scope of traditional classroom learning. To learn more about REF, advance sales, opportunities to donate a tree, and see a schedule of events, visit the REF website at www.readingef.org

Our Lost & Found is already starting to overflow! Please make sure to check it out if your child has any missing items. Items with names on them will be returned to students. Please remember to label your child's items with their name in the event that it ends up in our Lost & Found. Thank you!

All five elementary schools in RPS dedicate a weekly 30-minute block to Social Emotional Learning (SEL). This year, with guidance from an RPS multidisciplinary curriculum team, we are excited to launch updated SEL lessons. This flier gives families a snapshot of what SEL looks like in grades K-5.

SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.

Skills for Success: Unit 2 – Becoming a Successful Learner

During Unit 2 of our Skills for Success curriculum, students will explore what it means to be a successful learner! We know that learning isn't always easy, and that's okay! Our goal is to help students develop the executive functioning skills they need to navigate challenges, build independence, and persevere when things get difficult.

What will students be learning?

Throughout this unit, students will participate in lessons and activities focused on four key areas:

• Attention & Focus: Learning how to direct and redirect attention using "flashlight focus" (concentrating on one thing) and "floodlight focus" (seeing the bigger picture).

• The Learning Space: Understanding that learning can feel challenging or uncomfortable, and that frustration is a normal part of growing. Students will explore how learning can range from "easy peasy" to "heavy lifting" for their brains!

• Getting Started (Smart Start Strategies): Learning strategies to begin tasks that feel difficult or overwhelming, such as identifying the first step, reading directions, or simply picking up a pencil.

• Perseverance (Stick-With-It Strategies): Recognizing that perseverance isn't just about trying harder. It's about having tools to work through challenges, such as taking a different approach, using available resources, or returning to a tricky part later.

How can families support this learning at home?

You can reinforce these important skills through simple conversations and everyday routines!

• Normalize challenges. Remind your child that learning isn't always supposed to feel easy. Try saying, "It's okay that this feels hard. What strategy could help you?"

• Encourage independence. Before stepping in to help with homework, chores, or another task, ask, "What's one small step you can take to get started?"

• Practice focusing. During reading, games, or homework, ask, "Where is your flashlight pointing right now?" Help your child recognize when their attention drifts and practice bringing it back.

• Celebrate effort and strategies. Instead of focusing only on the finished product, recognize when your child gets started independently, refocuses, or tries a new approach.

• Build perseverance. When your child feels stuck, encourage them to choose a "Stick-With-It Strategy" rather than immediately giving up or relying on an adult to solve the problem.

Our biggest takeaway: Successful learners aren't students who find everything easy. They're students who develop the tools, confidence, and independence to work through challenges. By using consistent language and strategies at school and at home, we can help our students become increasingly confident and capable learners!

This site is designed for caregivers and families of Reading Public Schools students to provide a clear understanding of our core curriculum in grades K–5.

School’s and state’s expectations around attendance and why it matters so much for every student:

Why is attendance so important?

• Building strong connections with peers. Missing multiple days can make it harder to come back, as students feel they’ve missed out on social and academic opportunities.
• Providing the best opportunities for academic success. From core instruction to interventions, research shows a direct correlation between poor attendance and academic challenges.
• Establishing good habits for the future. Consistent routines now build lifelong responsibility.

It’s absolutely okay for students to come to school with a mild cold. Students should stay home if they have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea (fever-free for 24 hours before returning).

A few reminders:

• If your child will be absent, please notify the main office by calling or emailing.
• If your child misses school for an appointment, please send in a doctor’s note.
• If a child is out sick for five or more days, a doctor’s note is required.
• Please avoid planning vacations during school days. We are fortunate to have many breaks built into the calendar!

To support your child’s energy and focus throughout the school day, we kindly ask that you send a snack with your child each day. Please avoid any allergens as they relate to your child's classroom (notice from Nurse Kristin went out if there are any classroom restrictions). Thank you for helping us promote healthy habits and a positive learning environment!

Throughout the year, you will see your students come home with PAWs.

Students who show our Core Values throughout the day may earn a PAW with some feedback on what they did and why they earned the PAW. This is an excellent reminder about the importance of being respectful, responsible, safe, honest, and engaged Wildcats! Students can use their PAWs to shop the PAW store once a month beginning in October.

Be sure to ask your student how they earned their PAW when they come home with one (or more)!

Students need new medicine orders for each new school year. The summer is an ideal time to start this paperwork. Families can use this attached form for parent permission and doctor's orders. We also accept medication orders that a doctor writes on their own form. If you think your child would occasionally need Tylenol or Motrin, we need a doctor's order to give this in elementary school. For medicine safety, a parent or guardian needs to bring the medicine directly to the nurse to sign it into school. Please do not send medicines in their backpack.

School Medical Policies below!

We have some amazing parents who have taken on leadership roles to keep our very active PTO up & running. We are so grateful for their willingness to provide our community with many opportunities to volunteer and support our students and families. Our PTO has been involved in coordinating fundraising events, book fairs, enrichment programs, school supplies, teacher appreciation events, flamingo flocking, and restaurant nights, just to name a few, to make Wood End the special community it is today. If you are interested in becoming more involved in our PTO, please reach out to any of our board members @ woodendpto@gmail.com .

PTO General Meeting Schedule

• November 17 @ 8:15 (In person)
• January 13 @ 7pm: LINK HERE
• March 17 @ 7pm: LINK HERE
• May 12 @ 7pm: LINK HERE
• June 9 @ 8:15 (In Person)

SEPAC WEBSITE!

Click here for the NEW, IMPROVED READING SEPAC WEBSITE, an incredible resource for parents/caregivers of all children, especially those with diverse learning profiles. We strongly urge you to visit it soon, and often. Short on time? Here’s a very brief video to give you a sense of what’s there in just over one minute.

About Reading SEPAC

SEPAC works for the understanding of, respect for, and support of, all children with special needs in the community (including ALL children on IEPs or 504 plans and children who may require specialized supports).

SEPAC WEBPAGE

Join SEPAC's mailing list

Follow SEPAC on Facebook

Follow SEPAC on Instagram

"Since its founding during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, the METCO program has enrolled tens of thousands of Boston students of color in predominately white school districts, creating the opportunity for those districts to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially and ethnically diverse setting."

oin us for a FREE Reading METCO family event!

We're heading to Boston Bowl in Dorchester, MA, for a fun-filled day of bowling, food, and family time!

Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Boston Bowl
820 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA 02122

The first 100 families to RSVP will attend for FREE!

RSVP Here

Your free admission includes: Pizza, beverages, an arcade game card

Come spend time with our Reading METCO community, connect with other families, and enjoy a fun day together!

Space is limited, so RSVP early to secure your spot! We can't wait to see you there!

Warmly,
Reading METCO Team

RMHS Drama Club Presents The SpongeBob Musical

Are you ready, kids?

Dive into Bikini Bottom as the award-winning Reading Memorial High School Drama Club proudly presents The SpongeBob Musical!

Dates:

Friday, November 6th at 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 7th at 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 8th at 2:00 pm

Friday, November 13th at 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 14th at 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 15th, 2026 at 2:00 pm

Location: William E. Endslow Performing Arts Center, Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Rd, Reading, MA 01867

Tickets: Grab yours today at www.rmhsdrama.org

This 12-time Tony-nominated Broadway hit is a tidal wave of fun for audiences of all ages! When a volcanic eruption threatens to destroy their underwater home, SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy must team up to save the day. Packed with offbeat humor, dazzling costumes, and a superstar soundtrack featuring songs written by legends like John Legend, Cyndi Lauper, and Panic! At The Disco, it’s a brilliant, colorful spectacle that proves the power of optimism really can save the world.

Don't miss this high-energy community event—get your tickets before they sell out! www.rmhsdrama.org

THe RMHS Robotics Team, The Robockets, is running a STEM Expo on November 21st from 1:00-3:00 at the Reading Public Library. This hands-on event is aimed toward K-8th graders interested in STEM.

November

4: Grade 1 Discovery Museum Workshop

5: Picture Retakes

9: Grade 2 Discovery Museum Workshop

11: Veteran's Day; No School

19: Early Release; Family-Teacher Conferences

18: Grade K Discovery Museum Workshop

19: 12:45 Early Release : Conferences

20: No School for Students; Family-Teacher Conferences

25: Early Release @11am

26-27: No School; Thanksgiving

30: Giving Tree Kick Off

December

5-6: REF Festival of Trees

11: PTO Sponsored MOvie Night 6-8

14-18: Penguin Patch Holiday Shopping for Students in School

23: Early Release

24-Jan 1: Winter Break; No School

February

March

Book Fair and Calareso's Farmstand Fundraiser

13: PTO sponsored Adult Social

April

2: PTO sponsored Movie Night 6-8

May

3-7: teacher Appreciation

Reading Public Schools Calendar 2026-2027

Attention Reading residents! Massachusetts has announced a new Middle-Income Heating Oil Relief program to help households that may not qualify for traditional fuel assistance. Please share this information with friends, family, and neighbors who may benefit from this program.

Who may qualify? Households earning between 60% and 100% of the State Median Income, with income limits based on household size.

Applications are expected to open in December 2026 and remain open through April 30, 2027, or until funding runs out.

Residents can find out more information by going to :

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/middle-income-heating-oil-relief?fbclid=IwY2xjawVPCLFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMWx4UGRqTTZjakNERExlY29zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEf_9zzRv25m0ZHj7Fs2kDBlgrXnSX2gMTFPoTQ-oQ7bS-MbPU3uzcgKU3N9ps_aem_MS3mBITOHxt0BdohT8Ewxw

Residents can complete the interest form and learn more directly from the state

https://www.mass.gov/forms/expanded-heating-assistance-interest-form?fbclid=IwY2xjawVPCNBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMWx4UGRqTTZjakNERExlY29zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEfObW6RidPPWMEMcqMu6f3qz0jeOC0PbLvxPWUKY8i6XZg4iE2wP7_DoKrnyg_aem_jOIyta3HJev_MbssP8oRNw

amily & Community Corner | Reading Public Schools –

COMMUNITY CORNER HIGHLIGHT

Adopt-A-Family 2026 – Deadlines Are Approaching!

A Little Help Can Make a Big Difference This Holiday Season!

The Reading Adopt-A-Family Program is here to support families who may need extra assistance during the holidays. This wonderful community initiative provides Thanksgiving food baskets, Holiday/Christmas food baskets, and gifts for children ages 18 and younger.

The program is coordinated by the Reading Rotary Club and Reading Cares, with support from Reading Elder/Human Services, Reading DPW, and other community partners.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES – APPLY SOON!

October 31, 2026 – Thanksgiving Basket Applications

November 12, 2026 – Holiday/Christmas Assistance Applications

Who Can Apply?

Families who live in Reading or have children enrolled in Reading Public Schools may qualify if they meet the program's eligibility requirements, including proof of need and residency and having at least one child age 18 or younger.

All applications are handled confidentially. Families are assigned identification numbers to protect their privacy and dignity.

Want to Help a Family?

Individuals, families, businesses, community groups, and school organizations can participate by donating food baskets, purchasing gifts from children's wish lists, or making monetary contributions.

Would You Like to Donate Money Instead?

If you would love to support the Reading Adopt-A-Family Program but don't have time to shop for food or gifts this year, monetary donations are also welcome! ❤️

How to Donate:

Please make your check payable to Reading Rotary and mail it to:

Adopt-A-Family Program (AAF)
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867

Your generosity helps support local families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Every contribution, big or small, can make a meaningful difference!

Questions? Contact ReadingAAF@gmail.com or call 781-942-6678.

Applications: AAF_Recipient_Forms (1).zip​

Applications are also available through Reading Town Hall and the Reading Food Pantry.

Need help completing the application or understanding the process?

Contact Taiana Pereira, Family Engagement Liaison, at taiana.pereira@reading.k12.ma.us. I am happy to help families navigate the application process .

https://bilh.findhelp.com/

BILH Find Help is a place to find free or low-cost services near you. Search for help to pay your bills, rent, buy food, and more. Type in your Zip Code to find programs near you.

Please save my email address and reach out with questions, comments or thoughts. My door is always open!

Email: nicole.schwartz@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/woodend/
Location: 85 Sunset Rock Lane, Reading, MA, United States
Phone: 781-942-5420

Wood End Resource Guide/Handbook

District Handbook