Anne T. Dunphy Newsletter

In an ongoing effort to provide stakeholders with platforms on which to share feedback, input, concerns, needs, and questions, I generated this Mid-Year Form. Qualitatively I am looking to give you voice, identify themes, and generate fodder for reflection, review, and response. One question that drives my work in the Central Office is "How can I help?" (allay your concerns, redress your needs, and answer your questions).

Kindergartners made movable creatures in visual Art class with Mrs. Dias. The pieces were prepared with the help of Mr. Gilman using our new laser cutter. The students were very excited to put them together and use them as toys.

As part of their unit of study of cultural heritage and the many groups of people who have contributed to the culture of the United States, fourth grade held a Family Cultural Potluck this week. They had fun sampling foods representing their own cultural heritage!

Third grade students are showing up in the newspaper left and right! Be sure to keep an eye on the Weather Today tiles to see if more of our 3rd grade meteorologists show up!

This week, Kindergarten students visited various stations during music class in which they explored different kinds of instruments!

Our upper wing is feeling a little "spacey" thanks to the display from this year's fourth and sixth grade students! Check it out when you're at ATD!

At Anne T. Dunphy, we try to get outside as much as possible, even in the winter months! Our policy is that if the temperature (including the wind chill) is 15 degrees or above, we'll head out! We use data from a local weather station located right near our school, so we are sure to get accurate information.

When it's below 15 degrees outside, we hold indoor recess. Classes rotate through the gym throughout the week if we are inside, and classrooms have many games and choice materials for students to pick from! On indoor recess days, screen time is not typically a choice for students.

Next week looks like we'll have some very cold days, but we'll get outside when we can!

The HRHS Administration and Counseling Department are excited to invite all 5th and 6th grade families to an information night on January 22, 2024 at 6 pm in the HRHS auditorium. Parents and guardians are invited to learn about the elementary to middle school transition, middle and high school programming, extracurriculars, athletics, and more about Hampshire Regional! Tours will also be led by the high school Student Council. While this event is for parents and guardians, we will offer many other transition activities for 6th-grade students in the spring. We look forward to meeting you!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Middle School Assistant Principal Kara Sheridan at ksheridan@hr-k12.org.

We look forward to seeing you!

Sixth grade families, mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 16th for HRHS' Middle School Expo Night. More information to come soon!

Earlier this year, members of the Williamsburg School Committee were excited to attend the ATD Community-Wide Open House, where the entire Williamsburg community was invited to visit in celebration of the beautiful building's 10th year! We greeted attendees and encouraged them to write down some things they love about ATD. We also got to show off the basketball signed by NBA Championship Team, the Boston Celtics, which was awarded to ATD by DESE for being an "Attendance All-Start School." We even got to distribute Willi the Owl temporary tattoos!

The School Committee meets monthly, typically on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, at 5:30. these are open meetings, and all are welcome! In the coming months, the School Committee will be working to develop the FY2026 budget that will be voted on during Annual Town Meeting in June.

If you see any of us around town, feel free to say Hi!

Glenda Cresto (chair), Kathaleen Emerson, Collin Black, Nicole Farach, Stephen Turner

Mark your calendars!

• Chess Club will be starting again with Andy Friedman on Tuesdays 6-7:30pm
• Reading to Dogs on January 25th at 11am (This is a great monthly program for hesitant readers)
• Stuffed Animal Sleepover - Drop-off: Friday, January 31st 5-6pm; Pick-up: Saturday, February 1st 9-11am.

January

January 20th ~ MLK, Jr. Day, No School

January 21st ~ No School, Professional Learning for staff

January 22nd ~ 5th/6th grade Family Information Night at HRHS, 6:00

Friday CFCE Playgroup

Caregivers and children ages 0-5 are welcome!

Fridays ~10:00-11:30

Email: sjenkins@hr-k12.org
Website: www.burgyschool.org
Location: 1 Petticoat Hill Road, Williamsburg, MA, USA
Phone: (413) 268-8421
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063877785225