Boyden Weekly Update
November 14, 2025
Outdoor Recess
This week we got our first taste of cold weather. As this becomes more regualr aroudn New England, this is a friendly reminder to have all students wear the appropriate outdoor winter clothing. As long as the temperatures allow, we will continue to have students go outside for recess. It is extremely important for students to wear boots, hats, mittens/gloves, and winter coats on cold winter days. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to provide these to students regularly.
What are the Students Learning in PE?
K: Kindergarteners have worked hard on games that use hand-eye coordination this month. Our classes enjoyed learning about cup stacking, which focuses on hand-eye coordination, bilateral proficiency and speed. Students also worked on a variety of stations that use balance, throw and catch, coordination and levels all while having fun!
1st: First graders also had an opportunity to work on cup stacking. Students that had
opportunities to work on larger stacks while practicing coordination and speed. It is amazing
seeing my first grade students learning the importance of hand-eye coordination through these
types of games!
2nd: Second grade started the month working on cup stacking. Students have an opportunity to
work on the cycle of cups that requires coordination and speed. After cup stacking, we changed
our focus towards pillow polo hockey, which is hockey using a foam ball and foam stick. The two
lessons tied nicely when we talked about how the hands work together in a variety ways during
the games.
3rd: Third grade also started the month off with cup stacking. My third grade students then
transition over to pillow polo hockey for the rest of the month. Students worked on passing, stick
handling and offense & defense over the course of the hockey unit.
4th: Fourth grade also worked on cup stacking as a way to focus on hand-eye coordination and
speed. We quickly transitioned to pillow polo hockey to work on skills and small game situations.
5th: Fifth grade started the month with cup stacking, which is amazing to see how well they
have learned the cycle over the years. Then fifth grade made the switch to pillo polo hockey to
work on situational drills and small game play!
School Store
The next School Store for grades 1-5 will be on Friday, November 21st. Look for a list of items on sale to come home earlier that week.
Notes from the Music Room
November Edition – with Mrs. Cassani
What are we learning in music? Enjoy some photos from the music room
Kindergarten
Our youngest musicians have been delightfully busy singing pumpkin songs and exploring a variety of instruments. They played boomwhackers, frogs, egg shakers, rhythm sticks, and even the triangle. The room has been full of rhythm, laughter, and fall fun!
- 1st & 2nd Grade
First and second graders explored the families of the orchestra. We talked about how instruments can sound alike or different while learning key ideas like timbre (tone color) and pitch. Ask your child: Which family does your favorite instrument belong to — strings, brass, woodwinds, or percussion?
3rd Grade
Third graders received their recorders and music books and are excited to begin their recorder journey. For now, recorders will stay in the music room while we focus on producing a pleasant, beautiful tone. Soon they’ll be ready to practice at home and share their progress!
4th Grade
Fourth graders presented wonderful soundscape stories using soundboard apps. Their creativity and confidence were impressive — each presentation was unique and imaginative. They’re now continuing recorders and beginning festive pieces for the holidays. Stay tuned for performance details!
5th Grade
Fifth graders began learning the ukulele and its Hawaiian roots. We also discussed Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and his memorable performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Ask your child where the ukulele originated — they’ll be proud to tell you!
Additional Information
If your child brings home music materials in the future (recorders, books, or ukulele handouts), please check their backpack and encourage regular, short practice sessions — even five minutes a day makes a big difference.
I welcome questions or requests for simple at-home activities to support your child’s learning. If you’d like suggestions tailored to your child’s grade, please send a quick note and I’ll share ideas you can do together.
Important Announcements — Keep the Music Going!
Encourage your child to share what they’ve learned this week. Simple activities you can try at home:
Sing a classroom song together at dinner.
Tap a rhythm with spoons or use a small shaker and count the beat.
Listen to one of our classroom pieces and talk about what you hear.
Action item: Ask your child to show one musical thing they did in class this week (a rhythm, a short melody, or an instrument sound).
Why it matters: Music at home reinforces skills learned in class and builds confidence. Music is everywhere — let’s keep it playing!
Elementary Homework
Click on the document below to learn about homework at the elementary level across Walpole.
News from the Nurse
Please be aware of our injury policy if your child should have an injury or a concussion!
Always review safety measures with your children with the changing seasons.
Activity Restrictions and Injuries
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school nurse of any activity restrictions for a child. A note from the health care provider is required if a student is to miss physical education classes.
The physician's note should include the kind of activity restriction and duration of the restriction.
Any student who returns to school, for any reason, with a cast, sling, ace wrap, or crutches must be seen by the school nurse before the start of classes.
Students who have a cast, hard splint, air boot, or other protective covering to promote healing of an injury may not participate in active recess or physical education classes.
Limitations on student participation in recess and physical education are imposed in order to avoid further injury to the student and / or their classmates.
Students may return to active participation once a physician has determined that the student is sufficiently healed and the cast, hard splint, air boot, or other protective covering have been removed.
At this time the student must provide a note from a physician stating that the student may participate in all activities without restrictions.
Calling All Nurses!
Are you a nurse looking for a unique way to get involved at school? The WPS nursing team is seeking nurses to join us as field trip nurses. This is a wonderful opportunity to accompany your child's class on a field trip while helping our school!
If you are interested in this paid substitute role, please apply using the link below.Thank you for your consideration. WPS Substitute Opportunities
Saarah Syed, BSN, RN, CPN
phone: 508-660-7216 ext 5404
fax: 866.308.4231
ssyed@walpole.k12.ma.us
Walpole Community Food Pantry
The Walpole Food Pantry continues to support local families in need throughout the year. Donations of non-perishable food items, household essentials, and grocery store gift cards are always appreciated. You can help by dropping off contributions at the pantry during open hours or at one of the collection boxes located around town. Every donation—big or small—makes a meaningful difference for our neighbors in need.
If you are in need of support please click the link below and/or reach out to us here at Boyden to provide additional resources.
Important Dates
November 18th - Parent Teacher Conferences (5:00 - 7:00 PM)
November 21st - School Store
November 26th - Early Release (11:55 Dismissal)
November 27th & 28th - No School (Thanksgiving)
December 6th - Holiday Breakfast/Shoppe (see above)
December 12th - Early Release (11:55 Dismissal)
December 23rd - Early Release (11:55 Dismissal)
December 24th through January 2nd - No School
January 5th - School Reopens
January 14th - PAC Meeting (7:00 pm in the Media Center)
January 16th - No School (Professional Developement Day)
January 19th - No School (MLK day)
January 30th - Sdchool Store
About Us
Email: bdearborn@walpole.k12.ma.us
Website: http://walpolebs.ss5.sharpschool.com/
Location: 1852 Washington Street, South Walpole, MA, USA
Phone: 508-660-7216
Instagram: @BoydenBuzz