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The Penguin Post

The Penguin Post
The PenguinPost

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

Week of March 3 - Read Across America Week (pictured below)

Week of March 3 - Scholastic Book Fair

Week of March 3 - National School Breakfast Week

Thursday, March 6 - Kindergarten information night (6:00pm at Sapelli School)

Tuesday, March 11 - PTO Meeting (6:00pm in the Phelps Library)

Wednesday, March 12 - Half day for students (district PD day)

Monday, March 17 - PBIS wear GREEN to school day

Wednesday, March 19 - 1st Grade Field Trip to Eric Carle Museum

Thursday, March 20 - PTO Bingo for Books Event (6:30-7:30pm)

Thursday, March 27 - STEAM Fair (6:00pm in the Phelps Gym)

Friday, March 28 - Trimester 2 report cards issued

Friday, March 28 - Stick to Reading Night at the Springfield Thunderbirds (7:00pm)

March Lunch Menu

National School Breakfast Week National School Breakfast Week

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National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) celebrates the importance of a nutritious school breakfast in fueling students for success. This special observance during the first week of March celebrates the national School Breakfast Program and the many ways it gives kids a great start every day.

Pioneer Valley Distinguished Teacher Award Pioneer Valley Distinguished Teacher Award

We are thrilled to announce that a dedicated and inspiring teacher at Phelps School has been honored with the Pioneer Valley Distinguished Teacher Award!


This prestigious recognition celebrates his unwavering commitment, compassion, and ability to empower students of all abilities.


Each year, the Pioneer Valley Distinguished Teacher Award recognizes more than 100 outstanding educators across Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties, inspiring excellence in teaching. Since its inception, over 2,000 educators have been honored, and we are proud to see another exceptional Phelps teacher join this esteemed group.


Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor for Mr. Viens! πŸŽ‰πŸ‘

Congratulations Mr. Viens

Craft Fair Craft Fair

🎢 The Friends of Agawam Music Education is hosting a craft fair on Saturday, March 1 from 10am-3pm at Agawam High School. 🎢

From the Counseling Team From the Counseling Team

Our virtual mental health partner Cartwheel regularly offers articles and/or webinars designed to empower parents/caregivers in offering support, guidance, and tools to navigate various student challenges. The attached free webinar on "Raising Resilient Kids in the Age of Achievement Culture" provides tips on how to support kids and teens who might be struggling due to pressures related to achievement culture. We hope you find the information helpful. If you need more information on our virtual mental health partner, Cartwheel, please reach out to us!

Raising Resilient and Confident Kids in the Age of Achievement Culture - Cartwheel

Raising Resilient and Confident Kids in the Age of Achievement Culture - Cartwheel

Watch for tips on how to support kids and teens who may struggling due to pressures related to achievement culture.

launch cartwheel.org

Agawam Public Library - March Events Calendar Agawam Public Library - March Events Calendar

Interactive PDFs from the Agawam Public Library:

Agawam Public Library Kids Calendar (March 2025)

Stick to Reading Stick to Reading

We have completed our annual Stick to Reading program. A representative from the Springfield Thunderbirds will be reaching out to families that completed the reading log with instructions on how to claim your child's free ticket. All Phelps students are welcome to join us for Phelps night at the Thunderbirds on March 28! Some Phelps students will also go on the ice to sing America the Beautiful during the opening ceremony.

Phelps School DESE Report Card Phelps School DESE Report Card

Every year, each public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school is doing in different areas. A link to our school’s report card is available at https://reportcards.doe.mass.edu/2024/00050020.

Here is a brief letter with more information about the Phelps report card.

Knitted Winter Hats Knitted Winter Hats

Darcie's Creative Crafts in Agawam donated a couple bags of knitted winter hats to Phelps. If you are in need of a winter hat (or two!) please reach out to the main office at Phelps and we would be happy to send some home with you or your child. There are many different colors and sizes.

Thank you so much to our friends at Darcie's Creative Crafts!!!

More UPGRADES!!! More UPGRADES!!!

In case you missed it... In case you missed it...

Cafeteria Tables

We LOVE making Phelps a better place for our students! Our Student Government held a top-secret vote back in November and finally revealed an exciting new upgrade to the Phelps community at our January all-school meeting! In the coming months, Phelps will have all new cafeteria tables, including some that are ADA compliant and have places for wheelchairs. Students voted on the designs and colors. We can't wait to see our new tables!

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Classroom Cruisers

Phelps is excited to have two Classroom Cruisers!


The new Self-regulation Classroom Cruiser is designed to provide opportunities for students to self-regulate through movement without having to leave or disrupt the class. It is ideal for inclusive environments and helps kinesthetic learners and any student who needs to get the wiggles out so they can refocus and engage in learning. In just a ten-minute ride, students can become more engaged and ready to learn.



  • "Studies show that after a 5-minute movement break, second-grade students exhibited greater concentration and demonstrated higher math fluency." (Education I. P., 2010, p. 22)
  • "Eight of nine studies found that offering physical activity breaks during standard classroom instruction have favorable associations with concentration, appropriate behaviors, and academic achievement." (Education I. P., 2010, p. 29)

Girls on the Run Girls on the Run

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Girls on the Run is coming back this spring to Phelps! Be on the lookout for more information. This is an amazing program for girls in grades 3 & 4.

GOTR is a youth development initiative focused on empowering girls through physical activity, where participants in grades 3-8 will engage in a curriculum designed to build social, emotional, and physical skills while culminating in a celebratory 5K race, with the aim of inspiring confidence and healthy habits in young girls. The program goes beyond just running, incorporating lessons on self-esteem, body positivity, conflict resolution, and healthy decision-making through interactive activities and discussions alongside physical exercise.

MCAS MCAS

MCAS testing is right around the corner. Students in grades three and four are required to take this state test in the areas of English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. It is important that all students are present and on time for these tests. Here is the testing schedule for this spring.

Road to Kindergarten Road to Kindergarten

We are getting ready to begin screening our incoming Kindergarten students for the fall of 2025.

There will also be a Kindergarten information night for all Agawam families on Thursday, March 6 (snow date of March 12) at 6:00pm at the Sapelli School.

Invitations for screenings will be mailed home. Phelps will be screening on March 19 and March 20. This round of screening will be for students that do not attend the ECC. Students that attend the ECC will be invited for a special event at Phelps later this spring.

From the Nurse From the Nurse

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Flu and Norovirus Season is Still Here!

As many of you have probably noticed, illnesses appear to be at an all time high. I receive many questions on when kids can return to school after illness and what the current Covid policy is for the school district. Covid is treated as any other respiratory disease. There is no specific timeline on when to return to school, however, students should remain home until symptoms are improving and they are fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medicines for at least 24 hours. Additionally, students with tummy issues should also remain home until they are free from vomiting and/or diarrhea for at least 24 hours. Students should wash their hands often and remain hydrated and hopefully we can all stay healthy!

Phelps Attendance Update - End of February Phelps Attendance Update - End of February

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We know that showing up matters, and that when students show up to learn, they are more likely to be able to stay on-track, stay engaged and meet major educational milestones.


We are at 95.2% average daily attendance as a school.


What you can do...Work with your child and his/her teacher to develop your child’s strong attendance. Talk about it – sing about it – make it an adventure!



  • Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
  • Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
  • Share ideas with other parents for getting to school on time.
  • If you are concerned your child may have a contagious illness, call your school or health care provider for advice.
  • Ask family members or neighbors for assistance if you need help.
  • Try to schedule non-urgent medical appointments and extended trips when school is not in session.
  • If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to the counselor, teacher, your doctor or other parents for advice.

February Bulletin Boards Around Phelps February Bulletin Boards Around Phelps

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Crystal Apple Award for February 🍎 Crystal Apple Award for February 🍎

I am excited to announce that Mrs. Solivan is the February Crystal Apple Award winner in recognition of her exceptional contributions to our school community. As our elementary school administrative assistant, she consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. Mrs. Solivan is the first friendly face that greets students, parents, and staff each day, creating a warm and welcoming environment for everyone. Her helpfulness is unmatched; whether it's assisting with administrative tasks, answering questions, or providing support to both students and teachers, she handles everything with efficiency and a positive attitude. Her dedication, kindness, and positive energy make her an invaluable part of our school, and she truly helps create an atmosphere where everyone feels supported and valued. We are lucky to have her as a member of our Phelps family.


Students of the Month for February ⭐ Students of the Month for February ⭐

Here are the students of the month for February! This month our teachers focused on students who were modeling CARING at Phelps.

From the PTO From the PTO

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Classic Burger Give Back Night! And a huge thanks to Mr. Serra who joined us dressed as the school mascot!


Next week is the Spring Scholastic Book Fair. We are looking for parent volunteers who are CORI checked to help assist with each classroom. Please click on the link below if you’re available!


Save the date for BINGO FOR BOOKS! March 20th from 6:30-7:30 in the Phelps cafeteria. This is a free family event and all are welcome! PTO is collecting new or gently used books for this event. We are specifically looking for chapter books! If you have any that you are willing to donate, please drop in the bin outside of the main office! We hope to see you there.

Book Fair Volunteers

Book Fair Volunteers

Benjamin Phelps Elementary School is getting ready for our SPRING book fair. Children will be visiting the book fair during their library time the week of March 3rd - 7th. We are looking for 3 parent volunteers to assist with each classroom.

launch signupgenius.com

Phelps School Yearbooks on sale now!!!

Check out the link below to order this year’s Phelps Yearbook.

Order Your 2024-2025 Yearbook

From the 4th Grade Committee From the 4th Grade Committee

  • Fourth grade photos needed! We are creating a slide show to celebrate our 4th grade class. Please send in one current photo and one baby photo of your 4th grader. Please include your child's first and last name and what your they want to be when they grow up! E-mail photos to: PHELPS4THGRADECOMMITTEE@PROTONMAIL.COM

Thanks for Reading! Thanks for Reading!

πŸŒŸπŸ“šπŸ“šπŸ“šπŸŒŸ πŸŒŸπŸ“šπŸ“šπŸ“šπŸŒŸ

Mr. Villamaino & Mrs. Domina Mr. Villamaino & Mrs. Domina

Benjamin Phelps Website
Head over to the Phelps website to find more events, updates, documents, previous newsletters, and much, much more!
Previous Penguin Post Newsletters
Check out previous editions of our Penguin Post monthly newsletters for families.
Benjamin Phelps Monday Morning Broadcasts
Did you miss an episode of our Monday Morning Broadcast?! You can find all previous episodes here!

Phelps has Google Sites! Phelps has Google Sites!

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We’re excited to announce new grade-level and content-specific websites designed to enhance the connection between school and home! These online resources will provide students and families with helpful tools, activities, and important updates to support learning both in and outside of the classroom. Be sure to check out your child’s grade-level page to explore all the great resources we’ve made available to help foster a fun and engaging learning experience at home. Stay tuned for more updates!

To find your website - head over to https://www.agawamed.org/o/bjp and click on MENU. All of our new sites are published here!

Our new sites are a work in progress and will continue to be updated throughout the year.

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Benjamin Phelps Elementary School


Email: avillamaino@agawamed.org
Website: https://www.agawamed.org/o/bjp
Location: 689 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001 USA
Phone: (413) 821-0586

Andy Villamaino
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