Fisher Family Update
May 2, 2025
Today we recognize a group that keeps Fisher running smoothly in a way that often goes unnoticed—our amazing school nutrition team. Ms. Gina Kehoe, Ms. Elizabeth Caressimo, Ms. Diana Downing, and Ms. Rebecca Bran show up every day with energy, efficiency, and an impressive ability to remember hundreds of names and preferences! Their work goes far beyond serving meals—they help create a positive, consistent part of the day for our students, and that matters. Lunch and recess is a highlight of the day for many kids, and our kitchen staff plays a big role in that experience. As we move toward the end of the school year and thank our teachers and staff, let’s be sure not to overlook the team behind the counter. They’re a vital part of what makes Fisher School a great place to learn and grow.
Thanks again to our Lunch Heroes!
Have a great weekend,
Brian
May
6 - Gr. 5 Math MCAS Session 1
7 - Gr. 5 Math MCAS Session 2
7 - District Wide Art Show - 6pm-8pm Walpole Public Library
8 - Fisher (Incoming) Kindergarten Parent Orientation 6pm
14 - Gr. 5 Science MCAS Session 1
15 - Gr. 5 Science MCAS Session 1
16 - Early Release, Dismissal at 12:25
16 - Fisher Carnival 5-7pm
21 - PAC Meeting 7pm
26 - Memorial Day NO SCHOOL
June
4 - Walpole Middle School Move Up day
6 - Fisher Field Day
10 - District Wide Grade 5 Field Day
12 - Grade 5 Moving On ceremony
13 - Last day of school, Dismissal at 12:25
District Art Show
You are cordially invited to the Walpole District Art Show!
Wednesday May 7th
6:00 - 8:00p
Walpole Public Library
Throughout the year, artwork was selected from each grade and each assignment to showcase the breadth of studio experience, range of visual expression, and depth of learning in the art room.
With drawings, painting, collage, prints, photographs, digital images, spatial design, mixed media, weavings, and sculpture, students communicate their ideas about who they are, where they live, and how they feel.
A Record-Breaking Rally: Thank You!
A special message from the Jimmy Fund:
"First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for once again championing our mission. As of today, we are on track to raise over $270,000 for cancer research and patient support through the Rally Against Cancer! In today’s evolving funding landscape, efforts like this are more important than ever—and your commitment is nothing short of extraordinary.
I am almost at a loss for words—but not quite—because I must offer the most enthusiastic congratulations and deepest gratitude to Carolyn McDonough and Fisher Elementary School for raising an incredible, record-breaking $92,934 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund! This monumental achievement is the true definition of a community rallying around one of their own. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power we hold when we come together with compassion and determination.
What happened this year is unprecedented. In the face of something as devastating as a cancer diagnosis in a child, you turned pain into purpose. You transformed fear into fuel. And you inspired hope—not just for one family, but for so many others who will benefit from the funds raised by our team. I am in awe of your generosity, your spirit, and your relentless dedication."
As a result of your amazing efforts, we’ve earned a visit from a Red Sox player! A special congratulations goes out to Kathleen Romano’s class, who, along with our Student Council members, will enjoy a private meet and greet with the player before the school-wide assembly. We’ll be working closely to coordinate a date that works with both the team and our very full school schedule—so stay tuned!
To all of you—our staff, students, and their families—thank you. Thank you for showing up, for giving generously, and for embodying what it means to be part of the Fisher’s Finest team.
And finally, I ask you to please keep our friend Peter in your thoughts and prayers. Let’s continue to hope for good news and surround him with love and strength.
Helping Your Child Visualize Math
When kids hear the word visualize at school, they often think about reading—picturing what’s happening in a story or using illustrations to understand the text. But visualization is just as important in math!
One of the key goals of our Bridges math program is helping students show their thinking. This might be through drawings, models, numbers, or words. When students can see the math by representing it in their own way, they develop a much deeper understanding—beyond just memorizing steps or rules.
As students learn new math ideas, they usually move through three stages:
Concrete – using physical objects (like blocks or counters) to explore the concept.
Representational – drawing a picture or model of the math.
Abstract – solving the problem using numbers or symbols, without needing visuals.
But learning doesn’t always follow this path in a straight line. Students might move back and forth between these stages depending on the problem. For example, they may solve a simple problem easily, but need visuals again when the numbers get more complex or involve fractions and decimals.
These days, math instruction focuses more on understanding and less on memorizing. Students are learning to break numbers apart (called decomposing) to make mental math easier. But sometimes students think this means they don’t need to show their work or use drawings. In fact, visualizing is one of the best tools they can use—especially when a problem feels tricky!
If your child is stuck on a math problem, here are two simple ways you can help:
Find something concrete they can use—like coins, Legos, buttons, or small toys—to act out the problem.
Encourage them to draw a picture of what’s happening in the problem. This helps them make sense of the situation and often leads them straight to the solution.
Bottom line: When students slow down and show their thinking, either through pictures or objects, it helps them see the math more clearly—and builds stronger understanding in the long run!
Check the Lost & Found!
As we approach the end of the school year, it’s time for a little spring cleaning—and that includes our very full Lost & Found! From jackets and sweatshirts to lunchboxes and water bottles, our collection has grown significantly.
We encourage students and families to stop by and take a look for any missing items. All unclaimed belongings will be donated after the last day of school, so be sure to check before it's too late!
Let’s wrap up the year with clear hallways—and reunited items!
From the office of Student Attendance and Support
There are now 7 weeks of school remaining. Please access the current newsletter using the link below to see our progress to date regarding the number of students who have 18 or more absences. Our numbers are still trending positively!
https://secure.smore.com/n/cf0e2
Walpole Public Schools 2025-2026 school year calendar is now available!
Please click here for all district calendar/times information
Next year, the school day will begin at 8:30am
Dismissal will be at 3:00pm
Early Release Days - dismissal will be 11:55am
Main Office Information
Absences: If your student is going to be absent or tardy, please call the absence line and let us know in advance. You may call this line at anytime and leave a message. The telephone number is 508-660-7234 and then press 1
Dismissals: Please send a hand written note with your student in the morning or fill out this form with at least 2 hours advance notice.
Afterschool dismissal changes: If your student is changing their typical way of leaving Fisher at 3:25pm, please send a note into school with the plan that morning.
We understand that there are unavoidable last minute changes, however, please be mindful that we must call the classroom and upset time on leaning with each change.
Please feel free to email the front office: fisher-secretaries@walpole.k12.ma.us
