The Wellfleet Elementary News

What a week at Wellfleet Elementary School! Last week, the talented performers from Payomet Circus took over our PE classes and brought energy, creativity, and excitement to our students. From balancing acts to teamwork challenges, students had an unforgettable experience learning new skills while having fun.

Our youngest learners in grades K–2 also enjoyed a special trip to Truro to hear a story presentation by local author, Brian Lies, who provided a hard cover copy of his book. Meanwhile, our grade 5 students are preparing for an exciting milestone tomorrow as they head to the middle school alongside the other Nauset elementary schools for Step-Up Day. This annual event helps students build confidence and excitement as they prepare for the transition to middle school.

Step-Up Day also signals the unofficial kickoff to the many end-of-year traditions and celebrations that make this season at WES so memorable. Next week brings our annual Amazing Race event, where students will parade around town in the spirit of community, service learning, and pure fun! We invite families and community members to join us at Town Hall at 1:15 p.m. on June 5th to celebrate our amazing WES students.

In addition, our annual Farmers Market trips are scheduled, and the always-popular Hyannis Sound performance is coming next week as well. And yes!!! Dune Tour season is right around the corner! We are still in need of booster seats for student transportation. If you are able to lend one, two, or more booster seats, we would greatly appreciate your support.

So many traditions, so little time.... and we wouldn’t have it any other way at WES!

Cheers!

Principal O'Shea

The Wellfleet Selectboard and the Wellfleet Elementary School Committee will hold a joint public meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Wellfleet Elementary School. During the meeting, consultants will present the Nauset Elementary and Middle Schools Efficiency and Regionalization Study to both boards for review and discussion. The presentation will focus on the findings and recommendations related to school efficiency and potential regionalization efforts within the Nauset district. Following the presentation, members of both boards will engage in discussion, and votes may be taken regarding this agenda item. Here is the link for additional information. Your attendance is encouraged!

The Spring Concert and Art Show was a smashing success! The evening began with a display of masterful artwork that was creative, unique, and a wonderful reflection of how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated, determined, and imaginative art teacher. Under the leadership of Alex Roberts, students proudly showcased pieces that captured both their creativity and their joy in learning through the arts. Mr. O'Shea boasted, “You batter believe it people , we have the best art renditions in all the land! It takes the cake!” The incredible display set the tone for an evening filled with celebration, talent, and school pride.

Not far away, Mr. Staker and Ms. Shuemaker collaborated on a wonderful kindergarten production that delighted the audience from beginning to end. The students shined on stage, demonstrating confidence, joy, and tremendous enthusiasm. If you were not able to catch a performance, take a look now as it is certainly worth your time. And if you already saw the show, it is absolutely worth another viewing! The teamwork, preparation, and care that went into the production were evident throughout and made for a memorable experience for all. Here is the link!

The “Around the World…Cup” theme of the Spring Concert was an absolute hit and created a memorable evening for students, families, and staff alike! We are so fortunate to have such a dynamic music teacher whose enthusiasm and dedication make these experiences possible for our students each year.A special thank you as well to Alex Hay for supporting us last Thursday and for the many years of keeping us on beat. You'll come back again, right?!

Dear WES Families,

Please complete this transportation form to let us know whether or not your student will be riding the bus for the 2026-2027 school year. This information will be used to create efficient and accurate routes and stops. Additionally, this will help us obtain accurate contact and address information as we move into a new school year. Please note that you must submit one form for each student in your household.

This form is required to be completed in order to ensure your student(s) are assigned a bus for FY27 school year

**Link for bus verification here: WES

Starting in Fall 2026, we are excited to introduce a new K-3 Instrumental Foundations Program taught by Mr. Staker. Your child will have the opportunity to sign up for an optional 25 minute small group instrumental lesson in addition to their regular general music class. The Foundations Program will focus on three core instruments which students will play concurrently throughout each grade.

• Irish Tin Whistle - Fingering, Breath Control, Melody and Pitch

• Ukulele - Rhythm, Coordination, Harmony and Accompaniment

• Diatonic Tongue Drum - Patterns, Visual Pitch Relationships

Grade 3 serves as a transition into Band, where students will also have opportunities to try instruments such as violin and marimba and begin exploring band instruments for the following year. The goal is to build a strong musical foundation so students can enter the 4th grade Band program with confidence, skills, and musicality already in place.

Expanded Opportunities for Grade 4-5 Band

We are also excited to expand our Grade 4-5 Band program! Next year we will be adding: Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Piano.

Students will continue to have the opportunity to play traditional band instruments, including saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, violin, cello, and percussion. Each week, students will attend a 25 minute small group lesson during the school day, as well as a full Band rehearsal before school on Tuesdays at 7:00 AM.

Please note that guitar, bass guitar, and piano are not available through the district rental program. Families who choose these instruments will need to own or purchase the instrument for their child. If that is not possible financially, the school will be able to provide assistance procuring an instrument.

Grade 4-5 Chorus rehearsals will continue to take place before school on Thursdays at 7:00 AM.

How to Join

If you are interested in Band, Chorus, or the Foundations Program, please register online through my WES Music Website. You will also find information about instrument rentals and purchasing options. In addition, I have included a link to an Amazon list of recommended affordable Foundations instruments. Instruments will be available at school, so purchasing is not required, but is recommended for home practice. Also, please note that financial assistance for 4-5 Band instruments is available upon request.

We are so excited to offer this new opportunity to strengthen long term participation and success in the school’s instrumental music program and to help students build readiness for future participation in band.

With Great Excitement,

Mr. Staker

I recognize that the desire to have gum and squishies at school was initially intended to help alleviate anxiety and reduce anxiousness during stressful moments. Unfortunately, we have watched firsthand the opposite transpire.

Let’s face it, gum has changed! What once was a simple five-pack of Big Red has now been replaced with long-lasting bursts of flavor packaged in containers that sound like a baby’s rattle. Additionally, the recent destruction of squishies, combined with the sheer volume of them being brought to school, has created an atmosphere that at times feels more like a juggling camp than a learning environment.

Therefore, the decision has been made to remove gum and squishies from our school unless they are authorized through a formal IEP or 504 process.

Please understand that this decision was not made lightly, but we found it necessary in order to better support all students and maintain a focused learning environment.

With the help and generosity of our PTO, we are excited to share that we are planning another all-school field trip on June 15th! This time, we will be heading out on a Dune Tour adventure. Pack the Suburbans as we journey to the “tip of the world” for a memorable day together.

Students of all ages will enjoy a bumpy ride along the ocean shoreline while exploring the beauty, history, and unique landscape of the Outer Cape. This experience will provide opportunities for discovery, connection, and plenty of fun as we learn more about the incredible environment that surrounds our community.

For our youngest riders we will need to have booster seats on call. If you have one to spare please consider letting us borrow it. Please let Adam know if you have one to offer.

The Amazing Race is back again this year and is scheduled for Friday, June 5th! This exciting event will provide students with a full day of adventures focused on community service learning, building stronger connections within our community, and engaging in hands-on project-based learning experiences.

We will revisit a few favorite stops from last year while also introducing many new experiences as we continue to make this adventure fresh, meaningful, and memorable for our students.

For a glimpse into last year’s adventure, be sure to check out the link!

We want you! (and your friends)! As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, we hope to that we will have a few more students that will call WES home. AS of right now, there are openings for students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade. You are encouraged to reach out to Mr. O'Shea to set up a school visit. If interested, simply text Mr. O'Shea (607) 423-1049. It's that easy!

Mrs. Roberts is offering another session of Inside Out Art Club! It is open to students in grades 3-5 and will start 5/5 and end 6/16 from 2:00-3:00. If you are interested in signing up your child please email Mrs. Belair to register belairl@nausetschools.org

Here are the current upcoming field trips planned for this year. Check back each week for any updates!

Friday, May 29th - Grade 5 Step-Up Day at NRMS

Tuesday, June 2nd - Grade 2 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:00am

Tuesday, June 2nd - Band Day at EES

Wednesday, June 3rd - Grades 1 & 2 walking to Farmer's Market 9:30am

Thursday, June 4th - Kindergarten walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:30am

Friday, June 5th - All-School Amazing Race

Tuesday, June 9th - Grade 5 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:45am

Wednesday, June 10th - Farmer's Market Trips; Kindergarten 9:35am, Grade 3 8:15am, Grade 4 7:50am, Grade 5 8:40am

Thursday, June 11th - Grade 3 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:30am

Friday, June 12th - Field Day (rain date 6/17)

Friday, June 12th - Flag Day Assembly 8:00am

Monday, June 15th - All-School Dune Tour Trip

Tuesday, June 16th - Grade 2 trip to Audubon Habitat Hike

Thursday, June 18th - Grade 5 Celebration 5:30pm

Thursday, June 18th - Grade 1 Bird Museum 8:45 Families Welcome

Monday, June 22nd - Grade 2 Sunshine & Success 9:30am Families Welcome

Friday, June 26th - Closing Ceremony 1:00pm

Friday, June 26th - Last Day of School - FULL DAY

At WES we are using the Committee for Children’s Second Step program in your child’s classroom. The Second Step program teaches children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. It also helps our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn.

During the winter and early spring months, we will be teaching skills in the Second Step unit of instruction entitled: Child Protection (in grades K-5). In these lessons, students will learn three types of skills:

• Personal Safety. Students will learn important safety rules, such as safety with guns, sharp tools, and fire, and when riding on wheels or in cars. They will also learn ways to help them decide if something is safe or not.

• Touching Safety. Students will learn about safe, unsafe, and unwanted touches, and rules about touching private body parts. They’ll also learn to say no to unsafe or unwanted touches, and to tell an adult if someone breaks rules about touching private body parts.

• Assertiveness. These lessons will also give students a chance to practice asking an adult for help, telling an adult about an unsafe situation, and being assertive to get out of unsafe situations.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Mrs. Francis, our School Psychologist (francisk@nausetschools.org; 508-349-3101 x231).

Thank you for helping us to make our school a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn.

June 2026 Breakfast Menu

June 2026 Lunch Menu

FleetFund Info

Rental Assistance

Wellfleet Rec Summer Programs

Wellfleet Rec Hiring Tennis Instructor

Wellfleet Rec Road Race

Origami Jumping Frogs at Wellfleet Public Library

Community Outreach in Wellfleet

Summer Circus Camp

As you may know, the Nauset District has discontinued its use of ParentSquare and has transitioned to a new platform. If you download the Nauset App, you will receive all alerts, newsletters, and any other info from your child's school and the Nauset district. It’s the easiest way to stay updated with school news, alerts, and important announcements.

Similar to last year, I will continue using Smore to send out our weekly newsletters during the school year. These will begin the week before our return and will continue consistently throughout the year.

📱 Download the Nauset App:

• Apple App Store

• Google Play Store

Along with the information below, you will receive a great deal of first day paperwork. Please review it and where applicable, complete and return as soon as possible this will ensure we have the most up-to-date contact information.

• Breakfast and lunch: are free again for all students! If your child eats breakfast at home and you DO NOT want them to access the breakfast offered, please let the teacher know.
• Snack: Please send your student with a healthy snack and reusable water bottle daily. We are seeking to provide a healthy snack grant on Tuesdays and Thursday, and are awaiting if we received the grant. Plan to provide a healthy snack daily until you hear otherwise.
• School Arrival: Students may arrive at school at 7:25am. Breakfast is available, and students may otherwise sit in the cafeteria until the first bell rings at 7:45am.
• Supply Lists: All school supplies are provided to our students. Thank you Wellfleet taxpayers!

• Electronics: Upon arrival, student electronics (phone/watch) should be turned off and stowed away in their backpack. If parents/caregivers need to contact your student, please call the school at 508-349-3101, and the front office can get a message to your student.

Greetings from the WES Health Office!

I hope your children are as excited to return to school as I am! I can’t wait to see their shining faces soon. Before the year gets underway, here are a few important reminders for families:

Health Requirements & Screenings

• The state of Massachusetts requires that all students be up to date with immunizations to attend school. Exemptions include:

  • Medical: must be documented by a medical provider

  • Religious: requires an annual written statement on file

• Vision and hearing screenings take place annually. If follow-up is needed, I will send a referral letter home.

• BMI screenings are conducted in grades 1 and 4.

• Postural screenings are done in grade 5.

• Puberty education using the Our Changing Bodies curriculum is provided to grades 4 and 5. Families will receive advance notice and the opportunity to preview materials.

Medication Guidelines

• All medications require both a medical provider’s order and a parent/guardian’s written permission.

• Medications must be in the original prescription bottle with prescribing information and delivered to school by an adult. No baggies of pills in backpacks, please!

• If you’re having trouble obtaining a second inhaler for school due to insurance issues, let me know so we can problem-solve together.

• Standing orders for over-the-counter acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and Tums are included in the back-to-school forms.

Please remember—if your child’s medical situation changes during the year, reach out so we can develop an appropriate plan for their school day.

Exciting News from the Garden & Cafeteria!
Thanks to a Community Preservation Funds grant, WES will be installing new raised beds in our school gardens. This will allow us to grow, sample, and even serve more school-grown foods in the cafeteria! We’ll also be welcoming guest chefs for taste tests to inspire students to try nutrient-dense foods.

Our Fresh Fruits & Veggies Program will return this year with offerings on Tuesdays and Thursdays right outside the classrooms. We’re also excited to welcome back Farmer in the School, Stephanie Rein, for hands-on garden learning. And—our very first apple harvest from the school orchard is coming this fall!

All of this programming is designed to support the long-term health and well-being of our students, helping them build the skills to make healthy decisions for life.

Looking forward to a wonderful year ahead,
Nurse Crosen

At Wellfleet Elementary School, we pride ourselves on providing supports that will help all students be successful. WES follows a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) a framework designed to provide early intervention and support for students facing academic or behavioral challenges.

It typically begins with universal screening to identify students in need of assistance, followed by tiered interventions that increase in intensity based on the student’s response.

• Tier 1 includes classroom instruction and universal supports for all students
• Tier 2 offers additional, small-group interventions for those who need extra help, and
• Tier 3 provides intensive, individualized support for students with significant challenges.

If a student continues to struggle despite these targeted supports, the MTSS team will convene to evaluate the student’s progress and needs. If it is determined that the interventions have been insufficient and the student demonstrates significant difficulties, a referral for a special education evaluation will be made by the school.

• This evaluation assesses whether the student has a qualifying disability and requires specialized services to succeed in the educational environment, ultimately leading to the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if eligibility is established.

Here is the most recent WES Waves: A Student Run Online Publication presented by our very own Mr. Staker. This is the second edition and includes reports from all students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. It is well worth the watch!

WES School Health Services-Resource page: Contact Mrs. Cope-Crosen for more information at copec@nausetschools.org

The Lawrence Fund was established in March of 2023 by Ariana Bradford (Staff Member at WES) and Joan Zukas (School Committee member and grandmother to two students at WES). The Fund was established to honor Lawrence Zukas, father to Ariana and husband to Joan. Its’ purpose is to financially support students and their families who may be in need of funds for camps, sports equipment, shoes, coats, boots, musical instruments, school supplies including technology support, etc. Request can be made to Mrs. Ariana Bradford, Mr. Adam O’Shea, Mrs. Claudia Cope or your child’s teacher. No proof of need is asked, The Lawrence Fund is just happy to help. Any additional questions can be answered by Claudia Cope at copec@nausetschools.org or by phone at (508) 349-3101.

Throughout the school year you may want to reach out to your child's teacher, or reach out to me.

All Nauset staff follow the email formatting below:

• the staff person's last name
• then the initial of their first name
• ending with @nausetschools.org

Now there is an exception to the rule: Ms. Claudia Cope-Crosen, our school nurse, is simply copec@nausetschools.org