Lowell News
February 12, 2024
Dear Families,
Happy Lunar New Year! I hope you enjoyed your weekend and the Super Bowl. I wanted to provide you with some important updates since our latest newsletter.
Firstly, I wanted to inform you that a rather large winter storm is forecasted for the upcoming week. To stay informed about any closings, delays, or canceled events, I recommend tuning in to [news channel/website] for the latest updates.
In addition, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Galdston has announced three finalists for the position of Assistant Superintendent. Their names will be shared in the newsletter, along with more information about their qualifications and experience.
Lastly, I would like to direct your attention to our DESE Report Card. Please take a moment to review the report, as it provides valuable insights into our school's performance and achievements.
I hope you find these updates helpful and informative. It promises to be an exciting week before we all head off for our winter vacation.
Thank you for your attention, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
With gratitude,
Stacy
In the event of inclement weather or emergency school closures, information regarding school closures will be provided. Stay tuned for updates.
- Posted on the District’s website (www.watertown.k12.ma.us), the WPS Facebook page (@watertownpublicschools) and the WPS X feed (@watertownschool)
- Emailed to parents and staff from the Superintendent’s office via the District’s messaging service
- Broadcast by the following stations:
WBZ Television (Channel 4)
WCVB Television (Channel 5)
WHDH Television (Channel 7)
NBC Boston (Channel 10 and NECN)
WFXT Television (Channel 25)
WBZ Radio (AM 1030)
In most occurrences, the decision to open, delay, or close school is made between 5:30 and 6:00 AM.
Delayed Openings
A delayed opening may be announced to allow the District and/or Department of Public Works to adequately prepare streets, walkways, and parking lots for safe travel. Delayed openings will be for one (1) hour to two (2) hours after the schools’ regular scheduled start times. Before-school programs are canceled on days with delayed openings. Lunch will be served at the regular time and school will close at the regular time.
Preschool
Preschool classes are canceled on days of school closure. Delayed opening may impact some of the partial-day programs. Please check the closure announcement for more details.
Extended Day
Extended Day programs are canceled on days of school closure. On days with delayed openings, before-school Extended Day programs are canceled and after-school Extended Day programs begin as usual.
On occasion, the District may call for an early release or cancel PM and evening activities including after-school Extended Day programs. Please check the aforementioned television and radio stations for notifications of PM closures.
Watertown Public Schools is pleased to announce that PreKindergarten and Preschool classes will be tuition-free for children who turn 4 by August 31, 2024. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year have already begun, and we are excited to be able to offer up to 40 additional spaces for Watertown children in our prekindergarten and preschool classrooms.
Hello from the FTO!
Please join us over Zoom, next Tuesday, February 13th for our Monthly Meeting, from 6:30-7:30. We encourage any Lowell families interested in learning more about the FTO to attend. The meeting will include a school update, updates on recent FTO events and a conversation about the upcoming Lowell Book Fair.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://dartmouth.zoom.us/j/95320311173?pwd=aE16OTZqUVM3aGhiQjN5dEdlTHJOQT09
Meeting ID: 953 2031 1173
Passcode: 927443
We hope to see you there!
Brooke Burke
YardArt 2024:
YardArt is a uniquely Watertown event that celebrates creativity during the entire month of April! Everyone can participate, including families and individuals, by making art for their front yards, porches, or windows. For more information, go to https://www.mosesianarts.org/YardArt
Thanks so much. Let me know if you have any questions.
Community Kingian Training:
A free course on Kingian Nonviolence principles and actions is being offered on March 2 + 9 at the Watertown Police Department Community Room. Use the QR code below or the link bit.ly/kingian2024 for more information and to register.
Announcement: Parents’ Recreational Softball League, Season 3 (Spring 2024)!
We are currently in the process of organizing season 3 (Spring 2024) of the Watertown Parents Softball
League. Seasons 1 and 2 were super fun, and we are expecting season 3 to be even better! For those
who haven’t played before, the Watertown Parents Softball League is a recreational softball league for
parents of kids in the Watertown schools. It is very relaxed and social and open to players of all skill
levels. If we get enough players signed up, teams will be school-based to give parents a fun opportunity
to socialize and build community with other parents at their kid’s school.
If you might be interested in participating, please fill out the Google Doc below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc9a3issvFaYU-
2KPYYG6Lp1b5n60Uq9rfc4ATn95gojVkbPA/viewform?usp=sf_link
For additional information please contact Jesse Fenichel at jfenichel@gmail.com
Spring 2024 Courses For Kids Registration Is Now Open!
Registration is open and will run until Sunday, February 25, 2024. Please use the catalog link below to view an electronic version of flier. Paper fliers will be distributed to students beginning next week.
Courses for the fall session include:
Thursdays 2:30-3:30 PM
Artemis Yoga (grades K-2)
Minecraft Coding and Design Studio (grades K-5)
Chess Wizards (grades 1-5)
Coding and Game Design wit Scratch, Python, and JavaScript (grades 2-5)
Fridays 2:30-3:30 PM
Buildwave | A Hands-On Building Game (grades K-5)
Karate (grades 1-5)
Lego Challenges (grades 3-5)
Board Games in Spanish (grades 3-5)
Use the links below to see the full course catalog and to register online. Please note that there is a max capacity for each course and registration does not guarantee confirmed enrollment. Registration is open until Sunday, February 25th. A lottery will be held for spaces in any course that exceeds its maximum capacity prior to the deadline. Please view the catalog link below for more information.
Lowell CFK Spring ‘24 Catalog
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jShFJbsE7j1tG6IcmOWYM9YPGB_wKpRY/view?usp=sharing
Lowell CFK Spring ‘24 Online Registration Form
Contact Us
J.R. Lowell Elementary School
123 Lowell Ave.
Watertown, Ma 02472
Phone: 1-617-926-7770