Hello Elm Street School Families and Friends!
It was another busy and full week here at the Nest! A huge THANK YOU to our Grades 4 and 5 families, Erin Harrington, and Tammy Rourke for spoiling our team this week with delicious whoopie pies and beautiful succulents to help us welcome Spring. All our educators were so grateful for the thoughtful staff appreciation midweek boost and surprise!
We are so proud of all our grades 3 and 4 students who completed the ELA MCAS this week and grateful for the rest of our Eagles who supported them through motivational signs around the building and being super quiet and careful when moving through spaces.
Next week our Grade 5 students will take the ELA MCAS. You can see the full schedule of all upcoming MCAS in the MCAS update in our weekly newsletter.
In this edition of our weekly newsletter you will find more information about:
- upcoming dates and celebrations for April
- Essentialist Newsletter: MUSIC
- counseling newsletter for April
- Upcoming author visit at Elm
- April Coffee and Conversation THIS FRIDAY
- Class Placement Feedback Form Closing 4/11
- MCAS Reminder
- Spring After School Enrichment Registration Information
- Student Support and Attendance Newsletter
- Walpole Community Support Resources
- Elm Street School Dance
- Student v Staff Handball Game
- Elm Street School outing at the WooSox
This Sunday at 10:00a registration for our Spring Enrichment classes here at Elm will open. There are some new classes, such as a grades 2-5 Drama Club and Tie Dye workshops, along with community favorites such as Run Club, Handball, and Robotics. Spaces are limited for each class so be sure to take some time to preview all the different options in our newsletter and locate the registration link.
Have a wonderful weekend and we will see everyone back at the Nest on Monday!
Jen
Upcoming Dates and Celebrations: April
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 the month of March.
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.
4/1 Grade 3 ELA MCAS Session 1
4/2 World Autism Day, Grade 3 ELA Session 2
4/3 Grade 4 ELA MCAS Session 1
4/4 Day of (No) Silence, Grade 4 ELA MCAS Session 2
4/8 Grade 5 ELA MCAS Session 1, 3:15p Elm School Council Meeting
4/9 Grade 5 ELA MCAS Session 2
4/10 6:45p School Committee Meeting
4/12 - 20 Passover
4/14 Vaisakhi
4/17 7:00p Elm PAC Meeting
4/18: NO SCHOOL
4/20 Easter
4/21 - 25 NO SCHOOL: April Break
4/22 Earth Day
4/29 Grade 3 Math MCAS Session 1
4/30 Grade 3 Math MCAS Session 2
Upcoming Author Visit at Elm
We have very exciting news! The best-selling author of the 13-Story Treehouse series, Andy Griffiths, will be at Elm on Wednesday, April 16th at 1:30p. He will be speaking with grades 2-5 about his new book, You and Me and the Land of Lost Things. We are anticipating a very fun and interactive program for our students. His visit has been generously arranged by An Unlikely Story bookstore. They are selling copies of his new book. Please use the link if you would like to purchase a copy of his new book. Here are a few guidelines for Andy's presentation and book signing:
- Books can only be signed if they are purchased from An Unlikely Story
- Andy will only sign his new book You and Me and the Land of Lost Things
- He will sign the books but will probably not personalize them due to time constraints
- Please order by April 9 because the books are shipped to your home
- Students should bring the book to school on April 16th if they would like it signed.
- Andy will also be at An Unlikely Story Wednesday, April 16th at 6:30pm if you would like to see him again
- Here is a message he created for our students.
Students are also invited to create their own adventure helmet for Andy to see! Please see this flyer. Students should bring them to the library by Tuesday the 15th!
April Coffee and Conversation THIS FRIDAY
Our next Coffee and Conversation will take place THIS FRIDAY on April 11th with guest speakers Mrs. Dore (school adjustment counselor) and Mrs. Simpson (guidance counselor) who will share about social emotional learning at Elm.
Coffee and connections start at 8:15a and programming begins at 8:30a
Class Placement Feedback Form Closing 4/11
As our team gets ready to dive into the class placement process here at Elm I want to remind everyone that our Class Placement Feedback form will close on 4/11.
Our placement process includes an opportunity for families to provide information or share unique circumstances that you feel are important. We respect your right to advocate for your child and understand that you know your child best over time. If you feel that you have additional information that the placement team is not aware of, you are invited to fill out our Class Placement Feedback form. (Formulario de ubicación de clase en español, Formulário de colocação de classe em português)
All information must be submitted via the form no later than Friday, April 11th.
Completing the form is optional. The same care and consideration will be given to every child during the placement process whether or not a parent/guardian submits input. If you do complete the form, your information will be shared with the placement team. Please remember that our primary objective is to ensure that each student will be assigned to a class that they can learn and grow academically and socially, and to build classes that function as lively heterogeneous cohorts. Requests for specific teachers in writing or in person will not be considered as part of this process and will invalidate the form. We take our responsibility seriously and, therefore, allocate ample time and care as we engage in reflection while looking forward to planning for next year’s classes.
MCAS Reminder
Our grades 3 and 4 Elm Street Eagles did a fantastic job engaging with their ELA MCAS this week! They showed focus and perseverance and we are so proud of them all for doing their best during the tests.
These assessments play a crucial role in evaluating both individual student progress and the overall effectiveness of our educational programs. In addition, participation in the MCAS is required by both federal and state law and student participation will impact our district’s DESE accountability rating.
Why MCAS Matters:
Student Competency: MCAS serves as a key indicator of your child's understanding of the curriculum, helping to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
School Accountability: The results contribute to our district and school's accountability system, guiding enhancements in teaching strategies and resource allocation to better serve our students.
Student Opportunity: MCAS results are still used as a benchmark to qualify for state awards (i.e. John and Abigail Adams Scholarship & Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Award) and the State Seal of Biliteracy.
Your Support is Vital:
We encourage you to support your child(ren) to approach the MCAS with confidence and dedication. Here are some ways you can support them:
Promote a Positive Attitude: Encourage your child to view the assessment as an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills.
Ensure Rest and Nutrition: A good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast can significantly impact test performance.
Together, we can empower our students to excel in the MCAS assessments and continue their educational journey with confidence.
Below is our remaining MCAS schedule for Elm Street School:
Grade 3 Math
April 29 and 30
Grade 4 Math
May 1 and 2
Grade 5 English Language Arts
April 8 and 9
Grade 5 Math
May 6 and 7
Grade 5 Science Technology and Engineering
May 14 and 15
Spring After School Enrichment Registration Information
We are thrilled to be able to offer another round of engaging enrichment opportunities for our Elm Street School students this Spring!
Elm Street School After-School Enrichment Program
Registration will open on Sunday, April 6th at 10:00 am
Please write checks to Town of Walpole
Reminders:
1. When picking your child up from enrichment you will need to park in a parking spot and walk to the main entrance to meet your child. We will not be using the loops.
2. Students should dress appropriately for activities and bring a snack.
3. Please email a note to atorigian@walpole.k12.ma.us to give permission for your child to stay after for enrichment class and the dates your child will be staying after school. This note will be shared with your child's teacher. If something comes up and your child is unable to attend one of the classes, please write a note that day to send your child home and not attend after school enrichment.
4. Please send in your payment right away! Payment is due by April 14th Please write your child's name and the class on the memo line of the check.
5. If after school activities are canceled by the town due to weather, enrichment is canceled and a date will be added to the end of the cycle.
Important Information
When: Classes are once a week for six weeks from 3:05-4:05p (Unless otherwise noted) Please refer to the dates listed with the class description. Weeks may not be consecutive because of holidays or vacations.
Cost: Please see the description of each class regarding the cost. Checks should be made out to Town of Walpole and should have your child's name and enrichment class listed in the memo line. It is often helpful to send separate checks for each child in the event a class does not run and we need to refund your money. If financial help is needed please contact the principal, Mrs. Buller directly.
Tuesday Classes
Team Hand Ball with Mr. I
Grades 3 - 5 (max 20 students)
Price per student: $45
6 week class
Tuesdays – April 15, 29 May 6, 13, 20, 27
Join Mr. I in the gym for some Hand Ball. Handball is a thrilling team game that combines many different skills (throwing, catching, running, open space, offensive/defense). Teams try to score on the other team's goal by throwing the ball into the opposing team's net. Handball is a mix of many different sports where students can be active and practice many different skills in a dynamic setting.
Tie Dye T-Shirts with Miss Torigian and Miss Sarkis
Kindergarten - Grade 2
This class will have 6 separate signups for each week (10 students per week)
Price per student: $25/class (supplies included)
Grades K-2 dates – Tuesday April 29, May 13, May 27
Spring is here and it's time to get creative with tie-dye! This fun and colorful workshop offers students the opportunity to design their own vibrant tie-dye t-shirt using a variety of colors and techniques.They'll explore the art of fabric dyeing, experiment with mixing colors, and learn about patterns and design. It's a hands-on, engaging activity where kids will create their very own wearable masterpiece. Please note, this may get a bit messy! We’ll head outside on days with nice weather to make the most of the fun. At the end of each session, every child will take home their unique tie-dye t-shirt to show off to family and friends.*** This program includes 3 different sessions, and you can sign up for as many as you want! Each session is $25 and includes all materials.***
Tuesday & Wednesday Classes
Drama Club with Miss Sullivan and Miss Burke
Grades: 2-5 (max 25 students)
Price per student: $60
6 week class
Tuesday and Wednesday - April 15, 16, 29, 30 May 6, 7 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
Are you interested in musical theater? Join Miss Sullivan and Miss Burke and become part of the production of Matilda the Musical. This enrichment will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. We will be singing, dancing and acting. At the end of our time, we will perform a full production of Matilda Jr. on May 30th.
Wednesday Classes
Run Club with Mr. I
Grades: K-5 (max 50 students)
Price per student: $40 (includes run club t-shirt)
5 week class
Wednesdays - April 30 May 7, 14, 21, 28
Spring has sprung so let's have fun and RUN! Run club will be held on Wednesday for five weeks. We are also looking for volunteers to make this a safe event for our students. If you are interested in volunteering (no running experience is necessary) please click on the slot for volunteers and sign up as soon as possible. We look forward to another fun Run Club! *** Please note Run Club has its own sign up genius.***
Friendship Bracelets
Grades: 2-4 (max 20 students)
Instructor: Miss Sarkis and Miss Stewart
Price per student: $50 (includes supplies)
6 week class
Wednesday: April 16, 30 May 7, 14, 21, 28
Come join Miss Sarkis and Miss Stewart to create friendship bracelets. We’ll create using embroidery floss, beads, gimp and loom elastics and learn different styles and techniques.
Thursday Classes
Gym Games with Miss Sullivan and Miss Burke
Grades K-2 (max 20 students)
Price per student: $45
6 week class
Thursdays – April 17 May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Join Miss Sullivan and Miss Burke 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!
Bead Creations
Grades 3-5 (max of 14 kids)
Instructor: Miss Perron
Price per student: $55 (includes materials)
6 week class
Thursdays – April 17, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Come join Miss Perron to create beaded items, like keychains, bead pets, ornaments, friendship pins, and bracelets! We’ll create using pony, seed, perler, heishi beads and more!
Robotics
Grades 2-5 (max of 12 kids)
Instructor: Scott Carpenter
Price per student: $50
6 week class
Thursdays – April 17, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
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!
Tie Dye T-Shirts with Miss Torigian and Miss Sarkis
Grades 3-5
This class will have 6 separate signups for each week (10 students per week)
Price per student: $25/class (includes supplies)
Grades 3-5 dates – Thursday - May 8, May 22, May 29
Spring is here and it's time to get creative with tie-dye! This fun and colorful workshop offers students the opportunity to design their own vibrant tie-dye t-shirt using a variety of colors and techniques.They'll explore the art of fabric dyeing, experiment with mixing colors, and learn about patterns and design. It's a hands-on, engaging activity where kids will create their very own wearable masterpiece. Please note, this may get a bit messy! We’ll head outside on days with nice weather to make the most of the fun. At the end of each session, every child will take home their unique tie-dye t-shirt to show off to family and friends.*** This program includes 3 different sessions, and you can sign up for as many as you want! Each session is $25 and includes all materials.***
Art Club
Grades 3-5 (max 16 students)
Instructor: Miss Fundinger
Price per student: $50 (includes supplies)
6 week class
Thursdays – April 17, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Art Club is for everyone as long as they have a passion for art!. The purpose of the art club is to provide students who have an interest in art an opportunity to explore art and craft forms beyond what is offered in the curriculum. It gives students the opportunity to work individually and in groups. Students will have the opportunity to explore different mediums and techniques including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, sewing, etc.
After reviewing the class descriptions please click below to sign-up. Space is limited for each class.
Student v Staff Handball Game
It's time for our annual Student v Staff Handball game! On Thursday April 17th some of our grade 5 students will attempt to defeat the reigning champion staff team in a friendly handball match. The event will take place during the school day and all students will be invited to watch in the gym. Alternative spaces and activities will be provided for students who may not want to watch in the gym and/or find the space too overstimulating.
On April 17th we are inviting all students to wear orange to help cheer on our student team!
Elm Street School Outing at the WooSox
Please join us on Sunday, April 27th, 1:05pm at Polar Park for an Elm Street outing at the WooSox game! The WooSox are Boston's AAA baseball team.
Tickets can be purchased here and are $20 each. Each ticket comes with $5 toward concessions. If you are in need of financial assistance, please speak with Mrs. Buller. PAC is committed to providing tickets for any family who would like to attend!
If you've never been to Polar Park, it's a fantastic and family-friendly place. There's even a playground for when the younger fans need a break! We look forward to seeing many families there.
Nest Connections
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