The Wellfleet Elementary News

Well, we are ending the school year with a bang!

Exciting events are one after another, including Flag Day and Field Day activities, our Dune Tour, and the Grade 5 Celebration as we honor our graduating class.

Let's not forget our Closing Ceremony, which will take place this Friday at 1:10 p.m. Families and community members are welcome to join us as we celebrate another successful year at Wellfleet Elementary School.

As an extra incentive for students to attend, the Lewis Brothers will be providing ice cream beginning at 11:45am.

I wish the entire Wellfleet Community a wonderful summer break! Thank you for your collaboration!

Ciao!

Principal O'Shea

As previously shared, we have been interviewing candidates and are in the final stage of selecting a new Grade 5 teacher.

This change is driven by our commitment to strengthening differentiated instruction in both English Language Arts and Mathematics while ensuring our students are well prepared for the academic expectations that lie ahead. Similar to many elementary schools, and especially middle schools, our Grade 5 program will adopt a departmentalized approach next year.

Under this model, Mr. Pursel will teach Mathematics and Science, while our soon-to-be-announced Grade 5 teacher will provide instruction in English Language Arts and Social Studies. Science instruction will also be enhanced through the support of our new Science Specialist, Jennifer Shuemaker.

This structure will allow us to create two, and in some cases three, smaller instructional groups based on student needs. Smaller group sizes will provide greater opportunities for targeted instruction, enrichment, intervention, and personalized learning experiences. Most importantly, this model will help ensure that students are challenged appropriately and supported at their individual academic levels as they prepare for the transition to middle school.

While students will have separate homeroom assignments, there will continue to be significant opportunities for the entire Grade 5 class to come together throughout the school day. Students will share lunch and recess, participate together in many Physical Education and Music classes, attend school-wide events, and collaborate during a variety of Grade 5 activities and experiences. Maintaining a strong sense of class community remains an important priority as we implement this model.

We anticipate sharing classroom placement during the third week of August. Because all Grade 5 students will receive instruction from both teachers, classroom placement will have a minimal impact on the overall educational experience. Class lists will be thoughtfully developed based on social-emotional considerations and heterogeneous academic groupings to create balanced learning communities that support the success of all students.

Dear WES Families,

Please complete this transportation form to let us know whether or not your student will be riding the bus for the 2026-2027 school year. This information will be used to create efficient and accurate routes and stops. Additionally, this will help us obtain accurate contact and address information as we move into a new school year. Please note that you must submit one form for each student in your household.

This form is required to be completed in order to ensure your student(s) are assigned a bus for FY27 school year

**Link for bus verification here: WES

Dear WES Families~

June 23, 2026

I couldn't imagine that I'd ever feel like it was time to call it quits, but that time has indeed arrived. I've been a teacher in one way or another for most of my life. I feel like I'm having an out-of-body experience, writing this for someone else rather than for myself. But, here I am, composing a letter to bid you farewell as I close one more chapter in this amazing life and open yet another. I'm excited about the adventures that await me! Who knows what's in store? But I do know one thing: there will be no more 3 AM alarms, although I must admit that I’ll miss the glorious show the sky put on for me as I drove east every morning!

It's been a pleasure and an honor getting to know the many families who have made this school such a gem. It’s been a joy and a privilege working with your children who have enriched my life in innumerable ways as I have followed them through their years at our wonderful little school. Thank you for sharing them.

Parting is such sweet sorrow...

Kathleen

The newest episode of this year's WES Wave News is now available on the WES Wave website! This edition features student reporters from all grade levels highlighting what’s been happening at Wellfleet Elementary School and around town throughout the Winter and Spring. Students collaborated to research, write, and film their segments, recording in front of a green screen, to create a fun and informative broadcast for our school community. Please enjoy the Spring 2026 Edition of WES Wave Breaking News! WES Wave

Welcome to Nauset Regional Middle School,

We will meet with the new 6th graders and their parents/guardians late in the summer, prior to the start of school. At these meetings, you will learn about the start of school, review our technology and cell phone* procedures, and receive the Chromebook that will be assigned to you for the three years at NRMS. We will also provide tours of our school led by the middle school student ambassadors known as The Crew.

In order to receive your device, you must attend one of these meetings where parents will sign off on the Chromebook agreement. If you have a conflict at your scheduled time it is OK to attend one of the other sessions.

Last name begins with A through F = Tuesday August 25 at 4pm in the Nauset Room at NRMS.

Last name begins with G through O = Tuesday September 1 at 9am in the Nauset Room at NRMS.

Last name begins with P through Z = Thursday September 3 at 3:30pm in the Nauset Room at NRMS

Please enter through the technology department entrance near the Firebirds Baseball Field.

*Please note, we do not allow students to have cell phones powered on or carried with them during the school day. Please do not purchase a smartphone for students until high school. The Massachusetts House or Representatives recently sent a bill to the State Senate that bans cell phones in schools. While we wait to see if this bill will become law, some parents have asked me for information about the "dumb phones" that I recommend if you must provide your child with a device to be able to reach them and or track their location. Without endorsing any single product, here are some "dumb phones" that are alternatives to smartphones. These products allow you to track your children without providing them access to social media.

Gabb Phones

Pinwheel Phones

Troomi Phones

Bark Phones

If you feel it is important to provide your child with a phone that can call and text, but do not want to expose them to the dangers of social media, I encourage you to explore these alternative options. And, it is OK to wait until high school to provide any cell phone to our children. Just blame the principal when you say "No!" when they beg for a phone.

Peter Cohen, Ed.D

Principal

Nauset Regional Middle School

A well-attended community meeting was held to review the Efficiency and Regionalization Report, during which representatives from the architectural firm presented a range of scenarios intended to support ongoing district planning. Some of the options shared included configurations that prompted thoughtful concern about the potential impact on our school and community.

The discussion that followed was deeply engaged and respectful. Community members expressed both strong emotions and measured perspectives, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring that decisions are made with care, transparency, and a full understanding of local priorities. Many speakers highlighted the value of the school as a central part of the community; educationally, socially, and culturally.

Importantly, the report was recognized as an initial step in a broader conversation about operational efficiencies within the Nauset School System. Participants acknowledged that additional discussions, analysis, and community input will be essential as the process continues.

Overall, the meeting reflected a clear and consistent theme: a deep appreciation for the school and a strong desire to preserve and strengthen its role within the community while thoughtfully exploring future possibilities. For more information, click the link.

Starting in Fall 2026, we are excited to introduce a new K-3 Instrumental Foundations Program taught by Mr. Staker. Your child will have the opportunity to sign up for an optional 25 minute small group instrumental lesson in addition to their regular general music class. The Foundations Program will focus on three core instruments which students will play concurrently throughout each grade.

• Irish Tin Whistle - Fingering, Breath Control, Melody and Pitch

• Ukulele - Rhythm, Coordination, Harmony and Accompaniment

• Diatonic Tongue Drum - Patterns, Visual Pitch Relationships

Grade 3 serves as a transition into Band, where students will also have opportunities to try instruments such as violin and marimba and begin exploring band instruments for the following year. The goal is to build a strong musical foundation so students can enter the 4th grade Band program with confidence, skills, and musicality already in place.

Expanded Opportunities for Grade 4-5 Band

We are also excited to expand our Grade 4-5 Band program! Next year we will be adding: Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Piano.

Students will continue to have the opportunity to play traditional band instruments, including saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, violin, cello, and percussion. Each week, students will attend a 25 minute small group lesson during the school day, as well as a full Band rehearsal before school on Tuesdays at 7:00 AM.

Please note that guitar, bass guitar, and piano are not available through the district rental program. Families who choose these instruments will need to own or purchase the instrument for their child. If that is not possible financially, the school will be able to provide assistance procuring an instrument.

Grade 4-5 Chorus rehearsals will continue to take place before school on Thursdays at 7:00 AM.

How to Join

If you are interested in Band, Chorus, or the Foundations Program, please register online through my WES Music Website. You will also find information about instrument rentals and purchasing options. In addition, I have included a link to an Amazon list of recommended affordable Foundations instruments. Instruments will be available at school, so purchasing is not required, but is recommended for home practice. Also, please note that financial assistance for 4-5 Band instruments is available upon request.

We are so excited to offer this new opportunity to strengthen long term participation and success in the school’s instrumental music program and to help students build readiness for future participation in band.

With Great Excitement,

Mr. Staker

We want you! (and your friends)! As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, we hope to that we will have a few more students that will call WES home. AS of right now, there are openings for students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade. You are encouraged to reach out to Mr. O'Shea to set up a school visit. If interested, simply text Mr. O'Shea (607) 423-1049. It's that easy!

Here are the current upcoming field trips planned for this year. Check back each week for any updates!

Friday, June 26th - Closing Ceremony 1:00pm

Friday, June 26th - Last Day of School - FULL DAY

At WES we are using the Committee for Children’s Second Step program in your child’s classroom. The Second Step program teaches children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. It also helps our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn.

During the winter and early spring months, we will be teaching skills in the Second Step unit of instruction entitled: Child Protection (in grades K-5). In these lessons, students will learn three types of skills:

• Personal Safety. Students will learn important safety rules, such as safety with guns, sharp tools, and fire, and when riding on wheels or in cars. They will also learn ways to help them decide if something is safe or not.

• Touching Safety. Students will learn about safe, unsafe, and unwanted touches, and rules about touching private body parts. They’ll also learn to say no to unsafe or unwanted touches, and to tell an adult if someone breaks rules about touching private body parts.

• Assertiveness. These lessons will also give students a chance to practice asking an adult for help, telling an adult about an unsafe situation, and being assertive to get out of unsafe situations.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Mrs. Francis, our School Psychologist (francisk@nausetschools.org; 508-349-3101 x231).

Thank you for helping us to make our school a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn.

June 2026 Breakfast Menu

June 2026 Lunch Menu

FleetFund Info

Rental Assistance

Wellfleet Rec Summer Programs

Wellfleet Rec Hiring Tennis Instructor

Wellfleet Rec Road Race

Community Outreach in Wellfleet

Wellfleet Youth Film Summer Camp

End of Year Bonfire

Circus Camp

As you may know, the Nauset District has discontinued its use of ParentSquare and has transitioned to a new platform. If you download the Nauset App, you will receive all alerts, newsletters, and any other info from your child's school and the Nauset district. It’s the easiest way to stay updated with school news, alerts, and important announcements.

Similar to last year, I will continue using Smore to send out our weekly newsletters during the school year. These will begin the week before our return and will continue consistently throughout the year.

📱 Download the Nauset App:

• Apple App Store

• Google Play Store

Along with the information below, you will receive a great deal of first day paperwork. Please review it and where applicable, complete and return as soon as possible this will ensure we have the most up-to-date contact information.

• Breakfast and lunch: are free again for all students! If your child eats breakfast at home and you DO NOT want them to access the breakfast offered, please let the teacher know.
• Snack: Please send your student with a healthy snack and reusable water bottle daily. We are seeking to provide a healthy snack grant on Tuesdays and Thursday, and are awaiting if we received the grant. Plan to provide a healthy snack daily until you hear otherwise.
• School Arrival: Students may arrive at school at 7:25am. Breakfast is available, and students may otherwise sit in the cafeteria until the first bell rings at 7:45am.
• Supply Lists: All school supplies are provided to our students. Thank you Wellfleet taxpayers!

• Electronics: Upon arrival, student electronics (phone/watch) should be turned off and stowed away in their backpack. If parents/caregivers need to contact your student, please call the school at 508-349-3101, and the front office can get a message to your student.

Greetings from the WES Health Office!

I hope your children are as excited to return to school as I am! I can’t wait to see their shining faces soon. Before the year gets underway, here are a few important reminders for families:

Health Requirements & Screenings

• The state of Massachusetts requires that all students be up to date with immunizations to attend school. Exemptions include:

  • Medical: must be documented by a medical provider

  • Religious: requires an annual written statement on file

• Vision and hearing screenings take place annually. If follow-up is needed, I will send a referral letter home.

• BMI screenings are conducted in grades 1 and 4.

• Postural screenings are done in grade 5.

• Puberty education using the Our Changing Bodies curriculum is provided to grades 4 and 5. Families will receive advance notice and the opportunity to preview materials.

Medication Guidelines

• All medications require both a medical provider’s order and a parent/guardian’s written permission.

• Medications must be in the original prescription bottle with prescribing information and delivered to school by an adult. No baggies of pills in backpacks, please!

• If you’re having trouble obtaining a second inhaler for school due to insurance issues, let me know so we can problem-solve together.

• Standing orders for over-the-counter acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and Tums are included in the back-to-school forms.

Please remember—if your child’s medical situation changes during the year, reach out so we can develop an appropriate plan for their school day.

Exciting News from the Garden & Cafeteria!
Thanks to a Community Preservation Funds grant, WES will be installing new raised beds in our school gardens. This will allow us to grow, sample, and even serve more school-grown foods in the cafeteria! We’ll also be welcoming guest chefs for taste tests to inspire students to try nutrient-dense foods.

Our Fresh Fruits & Veggies Program will return this year with offerings on Tuesdays and Thursdays right outside the classrooms. We’re also excited to welcome back Farmer in the School, Stephanie Rein, for hands-on garden learning. And—our very first apple harvest from the school orchard is coming this fall!

All of this programming is designed to support the long-term health and well-being of our students, helping them build the skills to make healthy decisions for life.

Looking forward to a wonderful year ahead,
Nurse Crosen

At Wellfleet Elementary School, we pride ourselves on providing supports that will help all students be successful. WES follows a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) a framework designed to provide early intervention and support for students facing academic or behavioral challenges.

It typically begins with universal screening to identify students in need of assistance, followed by tiered interventions that increase in intensity based on the student’s response.

• Tier 1 includes classroom instruction and universal supports for all students
• Tier 2 offers additional, small-group interventions for those who need extra help, and
• Tier 3 provides intensive, individualized support for students with significant challenges.

If a student continues to struggle despite these targeted supports, the MTSS team will convene to evaluate the student’s progress and needs. If it is determined that the interventions have been insufficient and the student demonstrates significant difficulties, a referral for a special education evaluation will be made by the school.

• This evaluation assesses whether the student has a qualifying disability and requires specialized services to succeed in the educational environment, ultimately leading to the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if eligibility is established.

WES School Health Services-Resource page: Contact Mrs. Cope-Crosen for more information at copec@nausetschools.org

The Lawrence Fund was established in March of 2023 by Ariana Bradford (Staff Member at WES) and Joan Zukas (School Committee member). The Fund was established to honor Lawrence Zukas, father to Ariana and husband to Joan. Its’ purpose is to financially support students and their families who may be in need of funds for camps, sports equipment, shoes, coats, boots, musical instruments, school supplies including technology support, etc. Request can be made to Mrs. Ariana Bradford, Mr. Adam O’Shea, Mrs. Claudia Cope or your child’s teacher. No proof of need is asked, The Lawrence Fund is just happy to help. Any additional questions can be answered by Claudia Cope at copec@nausetschools.org or by phone at (508) 349-3101.

Throughout the school year you may want to reach out to your child's teacher, or reach out to me.

All Nauset staff follow the email formatting below:

• the staff person's last name
• then the initial of their first name
• ending with @nausetschools.org

Now there is an exception to the rule: Ms. Claudia Cope-Crosen, our school nurse, is simply copec@nausetschools.org