Boyden Weekly Update

Dear Boyden Families,

This week, Mrs. Findley (ELA Coordinator), Mrs. Rinaldi (Math Specialist), and I attended the Celebrating Academic Success Conference in Marlborough, MA. At the conference, Boyden was recognized as 1 of 92 elementary/middle schools statewide that have returned to pre-pandemic MCAS performance levels in both Math and Literacy. While MCAS represents one measure of student growth, we are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our students and staff. It was wonderful to see their efforts acknowledged!

Grand Opening!

On Monday, December 1st, our two new modular classrooms officially opened. Mrs. Grenham (Grade 1) and Mrs. Hix (Grade 2) worked hard over the past few weeks to create inviting, engaging learning environments for their students. Their preparation made the transition seamless, and students quickly adjusted to their new classrooms. Check out some pictures below!

Grade 1

Graed 1

Grade 1

Grade 2

New hallway leading to the new classrooms

New back entrance to the school

New doors bus students enter/exit through

Dedham Savings Bank Holiday Card Contest

For more than 25 years the Walpole Elementary Schools has partnered with Dedham Savings Bank and participated in their Holiday Card Contest. Though these past years have been a little different we would still like to offer this opportunity to our students. If students would like to participate in the contest, we are asking that this take place at home. Cards will need to be turned in to their classroom teacher no later than Friday, December 19th. Good Luck!

Here are the details:

All cards should be on 8.5 by 11 white paper
On the back of the card, please put the student's name, school, and grade.
The cards need to be returned to school by Friday, December 19th

Below are the generous prizes for each grade district wide donated by the Dedham Savings Bank:

1st Prize $100
2nd Prize $50
3rd Prize $25

School Assembly

Today, we hosted Musiquita for our first cultural assembly of the year! Musiquita presented their "Vamos a Jugar!" program - a joyful, interactive musical experience that engaged us through singing, movement, rhythm, and storytelling. Together we explored a vibrant mix of musical genres including Latin folk, jazz, classical, rock, and original songs in English and Spanish.

This program was supported by a grant form the Walpole Local Cultural Council, a local agency of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Ask your children about their experience, and look for a handout coming home next week with additional resources and ideas for more exploration!

What are the Students Learning in Media/Stem?

What an exciting start to December! Our students have been busy learning through play, design, and coding during their Media/STEM classes. Take a look at what each grade level has been up to!

Kindergarten: Mo Willems and Bee-Bots

Our K students have been immersed in the world of author Mo Willems and his Pigeon books. Students rotated through centers where they:

Designed and built a cozy bed for Pigeon.
Created a vehicle for Pigeon to drive.
Practiced illustration by following step-by-step directions to draw Pigeon.
Coded Bee-Bots to navigate a path to reach Pigeon in a bus.

Grade 1: Autumn Coding, Design, and Building

First graders are also enjoying hands-on centers focused on coding, engineering, and design. Some highlights include:

Pixel Art Station: Creating colorful digital designs.
Bee-Bot Thanksgiving Meal: Coding the Bee-Bot to travel to different parts of a festive meal.
Lego Minifigure Corn Maze: Using engineering skills to build and navigate a maze.
Autumn Trees: Creating seasonal trees using recyclable materials

Grade 2: Engineering Design Challenge

Second graders are wrapping up their engineering design project. The lesson is part of WPI’s I am STEM, STEM I am program. Students were given the challenge to design and build a different way to get mouse out of the hole.They learned to "think like an engineer" by designing a creative solution and following a problem solving process. They are currently testing their design solutions.

Grades 3, 4, & 5: From Typing to Block Coding

Students are completing their initial Typing Club lessons. They are working hard learning finger placement on the home keys. Students can access Typing Club at home via the Student Resource Page. Please remind them to use the home keys and focus on the screen not the keyboard. Now, they are moving on to the exciting world of coding. Students will be working with Dash robots and learn the fundamentals of block coding.

Top 10 Most Checked Out Books (Last 60 Days)

Here are the books flying off the Boyden Media Center shelves:

1. Odder by Katherine Applegate (Picture Book)
2. Dog Man: Big Jim Begins by Dav Pilkey
3. Dog Man: The Scarlet Shredder by Dav Pilkey
4. The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
5. Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds
6. The Last Kids on Earth and the Forbidden Fortress by Max Brallier
7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper by Jeff Kinney
8. Pizza and Taco 8 by Stephen Shaskan10.
9. Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Daniel Feeney Preschool Applications

We are excited to announce that the application window will officially open on January 5, 2026.

This program offers a wonderful opportunity for children to learn and grow in an inclusive, engaging environment. Please review the following important details regarding the enrollment process:

Application Date: Applications will be available starting January 5, 2026.
Selection Process: All peer slots will be filled via a lottery system. This means there is no advantage to applying "first," provided your application is submitted within the designated window. The application window will remain open for two weeks.
More Information: For program details, eligibility requirements, and the application link, please visit our website at: Daniel Feeney Preschool Application

Please contact Julie Martin, Director of the Daniel Feeney Preschool, with any questions: jmartin@walpole.k12.ma.us or 508-660-7374 ext. 5681

Lost and Found

Many sweatshirts, jackets, hats, gloves, and other items have accumulated over the past few weeks. If your child is missing something, please encourage them to check the lost and found. Unfortunately, we are unable to store these items indefinitely. Any unclaimed belongings will be donated over December vacation.