The Wellfleet Elementary News

I wish everyone a safe and relaxing break, and a Happy Patriot’s Day. We are excited to share that we will be welcoming three new students on Monday, with additional students expected in the near future joining us from across the street. Since construction first began on the new development at 95 Lawrence Road, we have been looking forward to the opportunity to welcome new families into our school community and that moment has arrived.

We are proud to continue growing our WES community and look forward to ensuring that each new student and family feels a strong sense of belonging from day one.

With appreciation,

Principal O'Shea

Earlier this week, Dr. Brand visited classrooms across Wellfleet Elementary School. Throughout his time in the building, he naturally gravitated toward engaging with students at their level, joining them on the rug (see picture below).

In Mrs. Demeusy’s class, students were immersed in a partner reading activity using Fundations Geodes—nonfiction science texts designed to build both content knowledge and literacy skills. As students read together, they were actively examining the text, discussing key ideas, and supporting one another in making meaning from the material. It was a strong example of how structured literacy practices can foster both engagement and collaboration in the classroom.

The third graders had an unforgettable experience during their visit to Plimoth Patuxet Museums. They began the day with an engaging and immersive presentation on Colonial life led by Goodwife Snow, who immediately set the tone by addressing the group’s behavior and calling the students “rude” by 1627 standards, helping them understand the strict expectations for children during that time. She then modeled proper manners, teaching students how to respectfully greet Pilgrims by saying “Good day” and practicing a bow or curtsy. As her presentation continued, she vividly described daily life in 1627 and aboard the Mayflower, giving students a deeper understanding of the Pilgrims’ journey and challenges. Following this, our tour guide Tim, who is a member of the Cherokee tribe and has worked at the museum for over 25 years, shared his deep knowledge of Indigenous history and culture. His insights into Wampanoag life provided students with a meaningful and well-rounded understanding of the people and perspectives that shaped early American history.

Students returned to WES to the open arms of their loved ones after an incredible week away. NEED Academy Director Ellie Moody described the experience as an overwhelming success—students learned a great deal, built strong connections, and supported one another throughout the trip. By the end of the week, they were certainly ready for a well-earned hot shower!

For current Grade 4 parents and guardians, if you have any questions or reservations about your child participating next year, we encourage you to connect with our current Grade 5 families. Their insights and experiences can provide a helpful and reassuring perspective.

Many families have shared how much they value the support provided during “Homework Help” on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons from 2:00–2:30 PM. Moving forward, we will continue to offer this time, but we will be renaming it “After School Assistance” to better reflect its purpose.

This time is not just about completing homework, it is also an opportunity for students to strengthen their understanding and build proficiency in key skills, particularly in math. Our goal is to ensure this support block is meaningful, targeted, and responsive to student needs.

Adjustments to the CURRENT 25-26 School Year Calendar:

We received notification yesterday from the Commissioner’s Office at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) that our waiver request (related to what would have otherwise been our final school day) has been approved.

The last day of school for students this year will be Friday, June 26, 2026.

Additional Impacts on the Current School Year:

Approval of this waiver was contingent upon the district meeting the required number of instructional hours. To ensure we meet this requirement, the following adjustments to this year’s school calendar are necessary:

• The Early Release Day for professional development previously scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026 has been canceled. This day will now be a full day of school for students.

• The last day of school (Friday, June 26, 2026) will remain to be a full day of school for students.

SUN Bucks, the federal food benefit program once known as Summer EBT, is returning for summer 2026. SUN Bucks provides a $120 lump-sum summer benefit per school-aged child for income-eligible families. The program is administered by the state Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) in partnership with DESE and with assistance from schools.

SUN Bucks income eligibility standards are the same as those for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). As such, all enrolled students identified as meeting the income eligibility standards for free or reduced-price lunch during school year 2025-26, either through an NSLP household paper application or direct certification, are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks. Students identified as homeless, migrant, runaway or participating in Head Start are also automatically eligible. Students who do not meet the aforementioned criteria can apply for SUN Bucks benefits through DTA by visiting www.DTAConnect.com.

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!

Monday, April 27th - Grade 2 trip to NPS and White Cedar Swamp Trail

Tuesday, May 5th - Science MCAS - Grade 5

Wednesday, May 6th - Science MCAS - Grade 5

Tuesday, May 12th - Grades K & 2 trip to Atlantic White Shark Conservancy 9:00am

Friday, May 15th - Grade 1 trip to Audubon & Mayo beach 9:30am

Tuesday, May 19th - Grade 1 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:00am

Tuesday, May 19th - Math MCAS - Grades 3-5

Wednesday, May 20th - Math MCAS - Grades 3-5

Thursday, May 21st - Spring Concert & Arts Night

Wednesday, May 27th - Grades K-2 trip to TCS for Author visit

Friday, May 29th - Grade 5 Step-Up Day at NRMS

Tuesday, June 2nd - Grade 2 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:00am

Thursday, June 4th - Kindergarten walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:30am

Friday, June 5th - All-School Amazing Race

Tuesday, June 9th - Grade 5 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:45am

Thursday, June 11th - Grade 3 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:30am

Friday, June 12th - Field Day (rain date 6/17)

Tuesday, June 16th - Grade 2 trip to Audubon Habitat Hike

Thursday, June 18th - Grade 5 Celebration 5:30pm

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.

FleetFund Info

Rental Assistance

Lower Cape Children's Garden

Art Reach Earth Week

WHAT Theatre Camp - April Vacation

The Neverending Story at Harwich Jr Theatre

April Breakfast Menu

April Lunch Menu

Banana Bash at WHS

Wellfleet Rec Running Rascals

Wellfleet Rec Summer Programs

Wellfleet Rec Tennis

BUC Brazilian Soccer Clinics

Wellfleet Rec Hiring Summer Program Staff

Wellfleet Rec Hiring Tennis Instructor

Wellfleet Rec Road Race

Wellfleet Rec T-Ball

PAAM Little Artists

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.

Here is the most recent WES Waves: A Student Run Online Publication presented by our very own Mr. Staker. This is the second edition and includes reports from all students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. It is well worth the watch!

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 and grandmother to two students at WES). 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