Phelps is cleaning out its book closets to make room for new books that align with our new literacy curriculum. There are also a number of books from our library that don't get as much circulation time. We have tables of books that families are welcome to have. Come with a bag and take as many books as you would like! Tables are in the Phelps lobby. Please buzz into the school and sign in as a visitor.
It's time to think about getting supplies for the 2024-2025 school year!
The link is open for families to shop!
Avoid the summer back to school lines this summer! Once again, Phelps will offer parents the opportunity to buy next year's school supplies through School Tool Box. All of the supplies needed for the classroom come in the box, with options for additional add-ons or items to donate to the classroom (i.e. bandaids, tissues). Supplies are shipped directly to the school and will be waiting in your child's homeroom on the first day of school. All items are name brand. Please make sure to purchase the box for your child's grade level for the 2024-2025 school year.
If you prefer to go shopping with your kiddo, you can find the Phelps 2024-2025 grade level supply list here.
We are excited to host our FOURTH annual Back to School Playground Party this August! Be on the lookout for an invitation that will be emailed/texted to families in July!
This annual event has grown from year to year and gives students a chance to hit the playground with their classmates and make some new friends before we start our new school year.
The Doering Transition Summer Program hopes to build on our students' passion for learning and introduce new skills to set them up for success in a new school. Over the course of the four weeks, our goal is to provide extended learning opportunities beyond the regular classroom. We are looking to improve achievement academically and beyond. The program will offer core instruction as well as classes that will aim to develop the whole student; concentrating on team building, independence, community, and character.
The free program will run at Doering school, July 8th-August 1st, Mondays-Thursdays, 8am-12pm. Students will need transportation. Use the link to register your student. Summer Transition Program Registration Form
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sable Johnson at scjohnson@agawamed.org or call 413 276 6260.
With school out for the summer, it important to keep you kids engaged physically and mentally. Here are some great ideas for you:
1. Take family field trips.
Whether you can take a day off work, or simply plan something fun in the evening, take a few hours to go to the zoo, visit a local museum, or find a baseball game to attend.
2. Volunteer locally.
Find a local charity or talk with other community organizations about ways your kid can help out during the summer.
3. Plan a family game night.
Or make it a party and invite some friends over. Most importantly, let them plan the activities and menu!! You’re busy enough during the day, so don’t feel like you need to be the family cruise director all summer. Getting them in on the planning allows you to settle back and just have fun!
4. Read a book series.
Almost every kid in school will have some type of required summer reading. But, outside of that, let them get creative and pick a longer book series to read over time. Bonus points if you read the book at the same time!
5. Plan a family dinner night.
Again, let them do the menu planning. Encourage a certain theme, whether it’s Italian, Mexican, or burgers and fries. When it’s time to cook, you can help, but you would be surprised at how many kids begin to love cooking after they first give it a try.
6. Work out together.
Invite your kids along on your morning run or when you go to the gym. You might even think about planning some kind of “30 Day Fitness Challenge” to energize them over the summer.
7. Give screen time a purpose.
Take advantage of all of the positive aspects of iPads and iPhones. Find some fun, educational apps to download (we’re sure your kid’s teacher would have suggestions) to help them continue learning over the summer. Or, find a fun app you can connect over, like Heads Up, Words With Friends, or Mad Libs.
8. Take a hike.
Literally, go for a hike. While you’re at it, find some memorable spots you can revisit—something like a waterfall, quiet creek, mountain overlook, or just the perfect spot to watch a sunset.
9. Clean out the house and have a garage sale.
Sure, they might hate this idea, but it’s their stuff, too. This will help them take ownership of things around the house and possibly help them keep their rooms and closets cleaner in the future. For even more incentive, offer to give them the money they make from selling their stuff.
10. Make puzzle time.
Grab a massive, 1,000-piece puzzle, put it on the kitchen table, and spend a few weeks putting the whole thing together.
