Dragon News Week 9

A message from the Front Office!

Final Week of October!

We are excited to celebrate Halloween at school on Friday, October 30th! Students will be allowed to wear costumes to school, with a few important guidelines listed below. Please know that wearing a costume is completely optional—this day is meant to be a fun, spirit-filled day for all. Whether your child participates or not, it will be a typical school day focused on learning and community.

Costume Guidelines:

Costumes must be school-appropriate for all age groups.

Face masks must not be worn (for health and safety). Costume masks and face paint are not allowed.
Accessories that could be easily lost, broken, or misused should be left at home. Simple items like Harry Potter glasses or Mickey Mouse ears are fine, but if they become a distraction, students may be asked to remove them and put them in their backpacks.
Teachers may use their discretion to decide whether certain costume items (such as capes, glasses, etc.) need to be removed during the school day to support teaching and learning.
Please make sure your child wears safe, comfortable footwear suitable for the stairs, playground, and physical education activities.

We’re looking forward to a fun and safe day together and can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity and school spirit!

Nicole Radulski, Caitlyn Queenin & April Varricchio

What's Happening Around Franklin?

Grade 1 Wit and Wisdom

During Module 1 of Wit & Wisdom, first-grade students have been working hard to understand story elements. In Mrs. Tacelli’s class, students were busy illustrating their writing assessments. First graders are working hard during Wit & Wisdom! We are so impressed with the writing they’re already doing. It will be so much fun to watch these little writers grow over the next few months!

Fun Run Fun!

Our Franklin Fun Run on Tuesday was a huge success! Students had a wonderful time running, cheering on their classmates, and showing their Dragon spirit. A big thank-you to our staff, families, volunteers, and Student Council members who helped make the event so special. We are proud of our students for their enthusiasm, teamwork, and perseverance. Way to go, Dragons!

All School Meeting Sucess!

The fifth-grade Student Council did an excellent job planning and hosting their first All School Meeting! These meetings follow the same format as a morning meeting, giving students an opportunity to greet one another, participate in an activity, and share news. The Student Council also highlighted the A in RAISE (Achievement) and celebrated students for their accomplishments at the Fun Run.

We are so proud of our fifth-grade leaders!

Grade 2

Grade 1

Grade 4

5th Graders Visit NA Youth Center!

On Monday, our fifth graders walked over to the Youth Center to learn about the wonderful programs and activities they offer! Starting in fifth grade, students have the opportunity to visit the Youth Center on Saturdays and take advantage of these great opportunities to connect, learn, and have fun.

To learn more about our fabulous Youth Center and the programs they offer, visit their website!

Fun Run Grade Level Leaders!

Veterans Day!

Veterans Day Essays- Due Back on Wednesday October 28th!

Guidelines for Essays Click Here

We are excited to host our annual Veterans Day Assembly and would love to honor the veterans in our Franklin community. If you or a relative will be joining us for this special event, please RSVP to let us know. We look forward to celebrating and recognizing the service of our nation’s heroes together! Please RSVP to April Varricchio - varricchioa@northandoverpublicschools.com

Assessments Coming Home This Week!

Fall Benchmark Assessments

Students have completed their fall benchmark assessments! Reports will be sent home in students’ backpacks by Friday, October 30th. We are currently organizing and preparing the reports for families.

Students in grades K–8 take the NWEA MAP Growth assessment, and students in grades K–5 also take the DIBELS literacy assessment.

NWEA MAP Growth

MAP Growth is a computer-based assessment that helps teachers monitor students’ academic growth over time. Teachers use the results to better understand students’ learning needs, plan instruction, and identify strategies to support each child’s continued growth. School and district administrators also use the data to monitor progress across grade levels and schools.

DIBELS Literacy Assessment

DIBELS stands for Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. These brief assessments help teachers identify students who may need additional support in reading and determine which foundational literacy skills may require further instruction. Teachers use the results to guide reading instruction and provide targeted support to help students become confident, successful readers.

For more information about DIBELS, please visit the DIBELS Tips for Families resource.

To learn more about the assessments used across North Andover Public Schools, visit the NAPS Assessment Information webpage.