News From The Nest: Issue #4

Hello Elm Street School Families and Friends!

We are looking forward to welcoming you all to our 2025 -2026 school year Curriculum Night this coming Thursday (9/25) starting at 6:00p. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child(ren)'s teachers and learn more about the rich curriculum opportunities and expectations across their day at Elm Street School. It is also a great time to make connections with other Elm Street School families in your child(ren)'s class(es) and build community. You can read more about what to expect at Curriculum Night in this week's newsletter.

Also in this edition of our newsletter you will find more information about:

• upcoming dates and celebrations for September
• Elm Street School Counselor September/October Newsletter- Topics include: navigating separation anxiety and upcoming themes for SEL classroom lessons
• Elm Curriculum Night
• Bus Expectations
• Fall After School Enrichment
• Attendance Matters at Elm Street School
• Reminders from previous newsletters (Math Corner, Ever So Humble Pie Fundraiser, front office information, private lessons through Walpole Music Department)
• Lunch Menus
• Walpole Virtual Backpack (community notices)

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and that I get a chance to connect with you all this coming Thursday evening.

Jen

At the beginning of each month I will share a calendar of some upcoming Elm events as well as upcoming cultural celebrations and heritage months with hyperlinks to more information if you are interested in learning more. Below is information for September.

If there are cultural celebrations that are important to you and your family that you would like to share with the adult Elm community, please email me so I can be sure to include them in upcoming newsletters. If you have any questions about anything you see on our calendar, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly.

September

9/1: SCHOOL CLOSED

9/2: First Day of School (PreK and Kindergarten)

9/3-4: Mawlid

9/4: 6:00p Pop in for Popsicles at Elm

9/9: Elm Picture Day

9/11:Anniversary of 9/11, 6:45p School Committee Meeting

9/15: First Day of Hispanic Heritage Month

9/19 EARLY RELEASE DAY (12:25 dismissal)

9/21: International Day of Peace

9/22-24: Rosh Hashanah

9/25 Elm Curriculum Night, 6:45p School Committee Meeting

9/30 3:45p Elm School Council Meeting, 7:00p Elm PAC meeting

We are so excited to welcome our families to this year's Elm Curriculum Night on Thursday September 25th.

Curriculum Night is a great way for parents and caregivers to learn more about the day to day experience for your child(ren) here at Elm. Our educators will be sharing curriculum expectations along with information specific to the classroom and there will be a whole school presentation about general expectations and community experiences at Elm. Parents and caregivers will also have time to ask general questions. Any questions specific to your child(ren) should be reserved for a more confidential setting such as the fall educator/caregiver conferences in November or at a separately scheduled time.

In addition to seeing your child(ren)'s classroom teacher(s), please stop by to see our essentialists and specialists in their spaces to learn more about their curriculum. Our essentialists and specialists are listed below:

• Art: Ms. Fundinger
• Music: Mr. Wright
• PE: Mr. Iadarola
• STEM: Mrs. Edwards
• School Counselors: Mrs. Dore, Ms. Songin, and Mrs. Escobar (Partnership)
• Literacy: Mrs. Cook and Ms. Morasse
• Multilingual Learners: Ms. Sarkis
• Digital Learning Coach: Mrs. Farley
• Math Coach: Mrs. Torigian
• Speech and Language: Mrs. Lynch
• Special Education: Mrs. Lancaster, Ms. Disharoon, Ms. O'Shaughnessy, Ms. Burke, and Mrs. Loynd

The Open Houses/Curriculum Nights at all of the Walpole Elementary Schools are for parents and adult caregivers only. Students, other family members, and guests should not attend. Thank you for your understanding.

Schedule:

6:00 - 6:30p Families with Last Name Beginning with A-L*

6:30 - 6:45p Meeting with Mrs. Buller

6:45 - 7:15p Families with Last Name Beginning with M-Z*

*If you have more than one child at Elm, email the teacher for an exception to the assigned times.

Since the start of the school year we have had several incidents of unsafe behavior on the buses and the need for some reminders for students about expected behavior on the bus. Please review the bus conduct and safety rules which can be found in the WPS Elementary Handbook and Code of Conduct with your child(ren) if they ride the bus. Our goal is to ensure a safe ride to and from school for everyone who utilizes this service.

The handbook also includes disciplinary action that could be taken if students continue to not meet expectations.

Violations of these procedures could result in the following actions

A. FIRST VIOLATION: Upon receipt of a Bus Conduct Report, the Principal will issue a warning and inform Central Office and the driver, as well as the parents of the child.

B. SECOND VIOLATION: A second violation will result in a suspension of bus privileges for a minimum of five (5) school days.

C. THIRD VIOLATION: A third violation may result in a suspension of bus privileges for the remainder of the school year.

D. The Walpole School Department, through the Superintendent of Schools or his designee, retains the right to suspend the bus privileges of any student for behavior or misconduct that endangers the safety of its students, the driver, or the bus at any time. Parents, bus driver and Central Office will be notified of all suspensions in writing by the Principal. Further disciplinary action may be taken by School Administrators depending on the severity of the

offense.

Please discuss these rules and procedures with your student and contact Jen Buller if you have any questions or concerns.

Registration for our Fall After School Enrichment is in full swing! Don't miss out on the fun!

We are so excited to be able to offer enrichment classes this fall season. Thanks in part to some favorable budgeting last year we are able to offer this fall's enrichment classes at a reduced rate to families. In anticipation of more families and students being able to access our enrichment classes at our new price points we are shifting to a lottery based system for enrollment for this upcoming fall session. All classes will meet from 3:40 - 4:40p on the dates indicated.

If you are interested in signing up your child(ren) for any of the below offerings, please fill out this form by Sunday (9/20) evening at 8:00pm. For any classes that have more interest than capacity, we will run a lottery on Monday (9/22). All families will be notified on Monday (9/22) of their enrolled classes for their child(ren). Payment will be due by the end of the school day on Wednesday (9/24) to secure registration. Any unpaid registrations may forfeit their spots and those spots may be given to students on the waitlists.

You will need to fill out a separate form for each child you are registering. Please pay careful attention to the days and times each class meets as you make your registration decisions.

If you have any questions and/or need financial assistance for any classes, please reach out to Jen Buller directly.

MONDAYS

Robotics

Grades 2-5 (max of 12 kids)

Instructor: Scott Carpenter

Price per student: $15

5 week class

Monday – Sep. 29, Oct. 6, 20, 27, Nov. 3 (No class Oct 13)

The program is hosted by Walpole Robotics Academy and geared to all students ages 7-11 years old. Utilizing Lego WeDo 2.0 and LEGO Spike Prime students will receive a different mini-challenge each week based on the LEGO Education programs. Students will work in teams of 2 to design, build and program their robots, completing a variety of challenges and tasks that require creativity, innovation, and technical know-how. So get ready to embark on an exciting journey of discovery and learning as you explore the world of LEGO robotics!

Drawing Games

Grades K-1 (max of 20 kids)

Instructor: Miss Sullivan and Miss Burke

Price per student $10

4 week class

Mondays - Sept. 29, Oct 6, 27, Nov 3 (No class Oct 13 & No class Oct. 20)

"Do you like to draw? Have you ever played any fun games that involve drawing? Students in Kindergarten and First Grade can join Ms. Burke and Ms. Sullivan on Mondays to have fun, learn new drawing strategies, and play some drawing games!"

TUESDAYS

Gym Games with Mr. I

Grades 3-5 (max 20 students)

Price per student: $15

6 week class

Tuesday – Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4

Join Mr. I in the gym for some exciting fun gym games. Each week we will focus on playing a new sport inside the gymnasium. Students of all levels and abilities are welcome and each week we will focus on learning and playing a new sport! We will choose from the following list of sports and may add or repeat depending on interest levels: Hockey, Basketball, Soccer, Football, Baseball/Softball, Volleyball, Tennis and Pickleball

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY

Drama Club - High School Musical Jr. with Miss Sullivan and Miss Burke

Grades 2-5 (max 25 students)

Price per student $30

12 week class

Tuesday & Wednesday - Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 7, 8,14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, Nov 4, 5, 12, 18, 19, 25, Dec 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 (No class Nov. 11 & No Class Nov. 26)

Dress rehearsal dates: Tuesday, January 6th and Wednesday, January 7th

***Performance: Thursday, January 8th evening***

Are you interested in musical theater? Join Miss Sullivan and Miss Burke and become part of the production of High School Musical Jr.. This enrichment will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday through two sessions of enrichment. We will be singing, dancing and acting. At the end of our time, we will perform a full production of High School Musical Jr. on January 8th.

THURSDAY

Set Design - High School Musical Jr. with Miss Sullivan and Miss Burke

Grades 2-5 (max 20 students)

Price per student: $15

6 week class

Thursday - Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6

If you would like to be involved in Drama Club but are not interested in being on stage, join us on Thursdays to make props. We will be using recycled materials to help create props for our production of High School Musical Jr.

Animation Club with Ms. Fun

Grades 3-5 (max 16 students)

Price per student: $15

6 week class

Thursday - Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov. 6

Welcome to the Animation Club. Where imagination comes to life, one frame at a time! In this fun and creative club, students will learn the basics of animation using simple tools like drawings, stop-motion, and beginner-friendly digital apps. Whether it's making a stick figure dance, telling a short story with clay characters, or creating a cartoon with voiceovers, everyone gets a chance to be a storyteller and artist! Bring your creativity and curiosity!

*** Reminder: All classes will be filled using a lottery system. Families will be notified on 9/22 of registrations. Payment is due by 9/24 to secure registration. If payment is not received by 9/24 the student's spot(s) may be given to the next available student on the waitlist. ***

What is Chronic Absenteeism?

A student is considered Chronically Absent when they miss 10% of the school year. In Massachusetts, this means a student who misses 18 or more days, regardless of an excused or unexcused reason, is classified as chronically absent. Just two missed days each month can lead to this status.

Why is school attendance so important?

Students who are in school consistently are more successful learners. Per the National Center for Education Statistics: A missed school day is a lost opportunity for students to learn and interact with their classmates. Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance. This relationship between attendance and achievement may appear early in a child's school career. Greater absenteeism during the school year can lead to lower achievement in reading, math, and general knowledge. Poor attendance has serious implications for later outcomes as well. High school dropouts have been found to have exhibited a history of negative behaviors, including high levels of absenteeism throughout their childhood, at higher rates than high school graduates.

If your child starts to accumulate absences, we will work with families to figure out the best way to help improve your child's attendance at school.

Welcome to the Math Corner of the Weekly S’more! Each month, we use this space to share helpful tips, resources, activities, and insights related to elementary math across the district. We’re our district’s elementary math coaches - Sheila Rinaldi-Boyden/OPR (srinaldi@walpole.k12.ma.us) and Jennifer Torigian Elm/Fisher (jtorigian@walpole.k12.ma.us) - working to support students, teachers, and families in building a love of math. If you ever have a topic or question you’d like us to explore, feel free to reach out to us via email and we will do our best to include it in a future Math Corner of the S’more!

Every September, we like to share our Math Family Website, a resource for families that supports all components of our elementary mathematics curriculum here in Walpole. For Parents and Caregivers, you will find resources on:

• Bridges Curriculum

• ST Math

• Math Standards

• Fact Fluency and more!

For students, we offer quick access to:

• ST Math

• Fact Fluency Practice

• Bridges on-line tools/apps

• Bridges At Home activities and more!

Our school year is off to a strong start! Students are already solving puzzles with JiJi in ST Math, finding new patterns in their Number Corner Calendar Grids, mastering their facts with Math Fact Lab, playing new Work Place Games, and diving into their Bridges investigation lessons. We are excited for a great year of mathematical learning, growth and excitement!

The below Pie Fundraiser Flyer was sent home with your student. These pies are open to all students and their friends and families at Elm Street School. While the money raised will help support the 5th Grade Celebration - consider participating with your younger student as soon enough, you'll all have your very own 5th grader!

Pie Orders are due by October 4th

Ordering is simple!

• Choose your families' favorite pies
• Reach out to a few friends, family & neighbors and see if they may be interested in some deliciousness.
• Gather all the orders and money together on one form/one payment per household.
• Return the form and payment to the school by OCTOBER 4th. Payments can be made via cash or check (written to Elm Street PAC) sent in with your form or directly to Venmo (elm-st-pac).
• Pie pick-up date is TBD
• Please note pies arrive frozen at Elm. It will work best if you pick up all the pies for your friends/family/neighbors.
• Enjoy your pies for any special occasion over the winter holidays!

Thank you so much

The 5th grade families, any questions please reach out to Moriah Boulos (mdeden@gmail.com)

Absences: If your student is going to be absent or tardy, please call the absence line and let us know in advance. You may call this line at anytime and leave a message. The telephone number is 508-660-7374 and then press 1

Early Dismissals: Please send a hand written note with your student in the morning or email the classroom teacher and Ms. Torigian in the main office (atorigian@walpole.k12.ma.us)

Afterschool dismissal changes: If your student is changing their typical way of leaving Elm Street School at 3:30pm, please send a note into school with the plan that morning.

*If you haven't already filled out the dismissal plan form sent by Ms. Torigian, please do so as soon as possible.

The Walpole Public Schools Music Department is pleased to announce the fall session for our Private Lesson Program for students in grades 4 - 12. If your child is interested in taking private instrument or voice lessons, here is your chance. Lessons are offered in flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, tuba, piano, percussion, violin, viola, cello, guitar and voice. All lessons are taught by accomplished performers on their respective instruments. Some lessons are currently being taught virtually.

Session 1 will run September 22 to January 30. Registration is open until Wednesday, September 17th.

For more information and to register, visit:

https://sites.google.com/walpole.k12.ma.us/wpsmusic/private-lesson-program/overview

For questions, email:

Tim Fleming (K-12 Music Coordinator) at tfleming@walpole.k12.ma.us

Email: jbuller@walpole.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.walpole.k12.ma.us/o/ess
Location: 415 Elm Street, Walpole, MA, USA
Phone: 508.660.7374

Instagram: ElmStSchool