Harrington Happenings

We’ve completed our first month of the 2025–2026 school year, and I want to thank you for your support in helping us start strong! From day one, our students have shown curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to learn. Classrooms are settling into routines, and the energy in our hallways is both focused and joyful.

We’re already seeing students grow academically, socially, and emotionally — and that’s thanks to the combined efforts of our amazing teachers, supportive families, and motivated learners.

📚 What’s Happening in Classrooms?

This past month, students have:

• Built strong classroom communities and practiced daily routines

• Reviewed key skills and started new grade-level learning

• Engaged in our benchmark assessments to help guide instruction

• Revisited and learned about the 3'rs in all areas of the school

We’re proud of the hard work happening across all grade levels!

🗓️ Upcoming Dates to Remember

• Walk-A-Thon - October 3rd (Rain date October 10)
• School Picture Day – October 18th

• No School – Columbus Day – October 13th
  
• Half Day PD Day - October 23rd
• Costume for Kindness - October 31st (More information to come)

👨‍👩‍👧 Working Together: Home-School Connections

Here are some ways you can support your child at home:

• Establish consistent routines for bedtime, reading, and homework.

• Ask about their day using open-ended questions like, “What was something that made you smile today?”

• Check backpacks or folders regularly for important papers or teacher notes.

• Stay in touch via ClassDojo, email or phone call.

Together, we make a powerful team!

🧠 Social & Emotional Focus: Belonging and Responsibility

This month, we've emphasizing Roar with Safety as part of our school-wide Strong Start. We discussed with student:

• Reinforcing expected behaviors that help everyone stay safe in all our school spaces. From walking in the hallways to playing at recess, we'll be reviewing how our actions contribute to a secure environment for all.

💬 A Message from Me

The beginning of the school year sets the tone for everything that follows, and I couldn’t be more proud of how this year has started. I’ve enjoyed visiting classrooms, chatting with students, and watching the school community come alive.

Thank you again for your partnership. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Warm regards,

Rob and Karen

Last year, our teachers worked together to create a Student Expected Behavior Matrix. This tool was designed to support a positive school culture and provide students with clear, consistent expectations across all areas of the school.

The matrix highlights what safe, respectful, and responsible behavior looks like in different settings such as classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and the playground. By defining and teaching these expectations, we help students:

✅ Expected Behaviors (What We Aim For)

Level I – Taking Care of Yourself

• Be ready to learn

• Sit appropriately

• Use materials responsibly

• Do your work and stay on task

• Listen respectfully

• Use kind words and tone

Level II – Taking Care of Others

• Listen quietly when others are speaking

• Raise your hand and take turns

• Follow directions, even if others aren’t

• Work as part of the group plan

• Use respectful language and actions

Level III – Taking Care of Our School

• Take responsibility for your actions

• Help others when asked

• Keep belongings neat and organized

• Use conflict resolution skills with teacher support

• Follow the 3Rs (Respect, Responsibility, Ready) in all school areas

Level IV – Going Above and Beyond

• Help others without being asked

• Keep shared spaces clean and orderly

• Solve problems peacefully with peers

Throughout the year, teachers and staff will model, teach, and reinforce these behaviors so that students have the support they need to meet expectations. Families play an important role too — you can support your child by discussing the matrix at home and celebrating when they show these positive behaviors.

We’re excited to use this matrix as a guide to help every child grow as a learner and as a member of our community. Thank you for your partnership in supporting your child’s success both in and out of the classroom.

On Friday, October 3 students will be participating in the Harrington School Walk-a-thon during their specialist block. The kids will have 50 minutes to complete as many laps as possible around the CHS track. Students can choose to walk or run during our event. The funds raised will go to our annual Harrington School Field Day earlier in May, to ensure a more seasonable Field Day opportunity for students. The rain date will be Friday, October 10.

Please find the attached pledge sheet to help raise funds. Sponsors can pledge an amount per lap or a flat donation for completing the walk. All donations can be cash or check. Checks should be made out to Chelmsford Public Schools. Any donations will be greatly appreciated!

This year, the class that raises the most money will get to enjoy an extra PE Class! The student in the school that raises the most money will get to be PE Teacher for a day!

All pledge sheets and donations are due back to classroom teachers by Friday, October 10 after the walk has been completed. If the rain date is used, donations will be due Friday, October 17.

Volunteers are not needed for this event. However, parents can help out by making sure students come prepared with sneakers, comfortable clothing, and a water bottle.

If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Cormier our Physical Education teacher at cormierk@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Hello from Harrington PTO!

‼️ Attention Fourth Grade Parents: Although it’s only September, we will be looking to establish the Fourth Grade Parent Committee to plan a great end of the year for your students!

From creating a yearbook and t-shirts to organizing a class gift and party planning, the committee consists completely of fourth grade parent and guardian volunteers.

Sign up now to help create a memorable end-of-year experience for your fourth grader!

Follow the instructions using the link below! The HPTO will hold an information session for those interested at our October 8 meeting.

Simply click the link below to fill out the volunteer survey:

https://tinyurl.com/3sdp6x32

➡️ Select Fourth Grade Parent Committee

➡️ Select the area/role you are most interested in!

Pride Wear Sales began Saturday, September 20 🐾

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re teaming up once again with Center Sports, Chelmsford, for our annual Pride Wear shop! Our online store will open Saturday, September 20 and run through midnight Sunday, October 5. Access the store here: https://harringtonfallonlinestore2025.itemorder.com/

10% of every order will support your HPTO. Happy shopping!

National Custodial Worker Appreciation Day Thursday, October 2 👨‍🔧

Thank you to Nico who goes above and beyond for our school everyday!

Say Cheese! It’s Picture Day! Wednesday, October 8* 📷

Dress up or dress down, just say cheese - it’s picture day! Harrington’s picture day ID is EVTH39PDF.

Did you know school photos are actually utilized as a fundraiser for our schools! Each K-8 school's PTO will receive 20% of sales. This is one of the largest fundraisers for our district.

Please contact cpsphotoinfo@gmail.com with any K-8 school photo related questions or concerns, as well as any feedback (both positive and negative) with your school photo experience.

*Retake date is scheduled Friday, November 14 Harrington’s retake id is EVT8CV97N

HPTO Monthly Meeting Wednesday, October 8 📅

Please join us Wednesday, October 8 at 6:30 in the Harrington library. We will be holding the Fourth Grade Parent Committee information session during this meeting.

Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 18 4pm-6pm 🎃

We are excited for our sixth annual Trunk-or-Treat event this year! Invite your friends and family to come enjoy Tacos Los Campos food truck, bake sale, crafts, face painting, and more!

Be on the lookout for this flyer going home in your child's folder this week, as well as information on the Candy Monster!

***We're in need of volunteers to make this event possible***

Use the links below if you're interested in decorating a trunk, providing something for the bake sale, or volunteering for the event.

Trunk: https://tinyurl.com/3jw9pus8

Bake Sale: https://tinyurl.com/bdfn38u6

Volunteer: https://tinyurl.com/3a2nxezj

📅 Save the Date & more information to come!

Thursday, October 23 - 11am-8pm - Dine to Donate at Papa Gino’s, Chelmsford

Monday, November 3 - Readathon begins

📧 Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at harringtonpto@gmail.com with any questions.

Thank you for your support!

HPTO

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SAVE THE DATE - UPCOMING HPTO MEETINGS

All meetings are held in person only in the Harrington Library

Wednesday, October 8 @ 6:30pm

Wednesday, November 5 @ 6:30pm

Wednesday, December 3 @ 6:30pm

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Contact Us: HarringtonPTO@gmail.com

Like Us: HPTO Facebook

Find Us: Harrington PTO Website OR Link Tree

Earn Box Tops for Harrington

Email: asselinr@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
Website: https://harrington.chelmsfordschools.org/
Location: 120 Richardson Road, North Chelmsford, MA, USA
Phone: 978-251-5166
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harringtonelementarychelmsford/