OPR Weekly Update
May 3, 2024
Dear OPR Families,
It was nice to see so many OPR families and artists at the District Art Show on Wednesday evening. Thank you to Ms. Kroll for her work throughout the year developing the artistic talents of all students and putting together the exhibit. Be sure to see the pictures below.
The OPR PAC (Parent Advisory Committee) is a very active and important part of our school community. The PAC's specific purpose is to enhance the school community and learning environment through volunteer and fundraising efforts; and connect, engage and inform parents.
The OPR PAC does incredible work with many volunteers and active supporters to add to the OPR community. The Officers of the PAC serve one-year terms from July 1st to June 30th. The PAC is currently looking for interested candidates for the following positions:
President - Develops agendas, presides over all meetings, oversees financial affairs, responsible for general PAC management, ensure that all decisions of the quorum shall be implemented, and serve as the main liaison with the Principal of OPR.
Vice President - Assist the President in developing agendas for all meetings, overseeing financial affairs, and general management of the PAC.
Secretary/Clerk - Responsible for record keeping and correspondence, record and distribute the minutes of all proceedings, provide notice of all meetings, maintain the archive of minutes and by-laws and distribute mail.
Treasurer - Overall responsibility for the funds, disburse approved funds; make monthly financial reports to the members, report bi-monthly on the execution of the annual budget, complete and file taxes and annual report.
If you are considering a position, please know that the current Board seeks to facilitate a smooth and supported transition and will be available moving forward. If you are interested or have any questions, contact the PAC through email or Mr. Barner by phone or email.
Please watch this week's OPR Video News. Everyone learned about Cape Verde : Click here to watch the OPR Video News.
Have a great weekend!
David N. Barner, Principal
dbarner@walpole.k12.ma.us
MAY
4 PAC sponsored Fun Run and Spring Fair! - Family Event!
8 PAC Meeting, STEM Lab and Virtual at 7:00 PM
11 Walpole Day
14 Grade 3 Field Trip to Lego Discovery Center
15 PAC sponsored school assembly: Mark Rothstein's World of Jump Rope
15 Incoming Kindergarten Orientation at 6:30 PM
16 PAC sponsored High Touch High Tech Grade 3 Presentation: Friction Gives Me Traction
16 PAC sponsored Grade 4 Presentation: Southwick's Traveling Zoo Program
17 Early Release; Dismissal is at 11:55 AM (beginning at 11:49)
17 Student Council Spirit Day: Students Dress Like Teachers and Teacher Dress Like Students
17 Grade 4 VIP Event - Grade 4 Students' Grandparents will be invited. More to come!
18 PAC Parents Night Out
21 Kindergarten Concert followed by Kindergarten Curriculum Walk, 9:00 - Families are invited!
21 Grade 1 Concert at 9:45 - Families are invited!
22 Senior Walk: Walpole High Seniors who were OPR Students visit OPR! 8:45
23 Grade 2 Field Trip to Southwick's Zoo
23 Incoming Kindergarten Student Screening by Appointment
23 Grade 4 Concert at 9:00 - Families are invited!
23 Grade 5 Concert at 9:45 - Families are invited!
24 Grade 2 Concert at 9:00 - Families are invited!
24 Grade 3 Concert at 9:45 - Families are invited!
27 No School - Memorial Day
29 Grade 5 Math Day in Bird Park
JUNE
1 Hot Hoppers travel to Keene, NH
3 Grade 5 Field Trip to Museum of Fine Arts
4 Grade 5 All School Field Day
6 Grade 5 Students Tour Incoming Kindergarten Families
7 PAC Meeting, STEM Lab and Virtual at 7:00 PM
7 OPR Field Day (Rain Date 6/10)
13 Grade 5 Clap Out at 8:45 - Families are invited!
13 Day 180 - Last Day of School - Early Release at 11:55 (Starting at 11:49)
Arrival: 8:15-8:25 AM
Tardy Bell is at 8:25 AM. (Students must be signed in at the office by an adult if tardy.)
Early Release Dismissal: 11:55 (Dismissal begins at 11:49)
Dismissal: 2:55 PM (Dismissal begins at 2:49)
If your child is going to be absent or tardy, please call the OPR office before school (508-660-7219) and press 1 for the absence line. The automated attendance verification system is in use. Those students marked absent and who have not called in will receive an automated phone call.
The WPS Summer Learning Program enrollment form is now open to families. The form in the link below is to enroll your current K-5 student(s) in the program. Please note: you will need to complete a separate form for each child you are enrolling. Be sure to pay attention when entering your student’s grade level and school. All enrollment forms must be completed by Tuesday, May 29th. Due to high demand and limited staffing, some grades and sessions may be limited on a first come first serve basis. As always, if there are any questions please do not hesitate to contact us by using the email provided below.
2024 WPS Summer Learning Program Enrollment Form
Enrollment Forms in other languages are below.
Thank you,
Jill Masterson,WPS Summer Learning Program Coordinator
summerlearning@walpole.k12.ma.us
2024 WPS Summer Learning Program Enrollment Form (Arabic)
2024 WPS Summer Learning Program Enrollment Form (Mandarin)
2024 WPS Summer Learning Program Enrollment Form (Creole-Haitian)
2024 WPS Summer Learning Program Enrollment Form (Nepali)
2024 WPS Summer Learning Program Enrollment Form (Portuguese)
2024 WPS Summer Learning Program Enrollment Form (Russian)
2024 WPS Summer Learning Program Enrollment Form (Chinese)
2024 WPS Summer Learning Program Enrollment Form (Spanish)
2024 WPS Summer Learning Program Enrollment Form (Ukrainian)
English/Language Arts Curriculum Review Input Needed
As part of our curriculum review process, Walpole Public Schools is actively evaluating our current and prospective K-5 Literacy Curriculum programs. Part of this process is gathering feedback from families about our current K-5 Literacy curriculum and instruction. Please take a few moments to complete this form to provide us with your insight as part of our curriculum review process. The form will close on May 10th.
Music with Ms. Yee
Grade K -
Singing: Students learned an echo song called “Wise Old Owl”. Having three verses, this is one of the longest echo songs students have learned this year. Students are excited to sing the song at their concert this month.
Rhymes: Students learned a new rhyme called, “Fishy in the Brook”. They will read the rhyme using iconic notation in the next few weeks.
Movement: Students learned a new partner dance called, “King and Queens''. This was the first time students moved in a longway set formation. Students enjoyed making music with a partner using seven different locomotor moves. Students also learned a new circle dance from England called, “All Around The Village''.
Grade 1 -
Singing Games/Movement: Students learned a folk song in AB form called, “Wishy Washy”. They had a great time working with different partners and making connections to math! Students also learned a Patriotic song in ABA form called, "Lady Liberty".
Literacy: Students are reading four beat rhythm patterns using quarter rests, quarter notes and eighth notes. Students learned to read eighteen different patterns using traditional notation!
Grade 2 -
Singing and Movement: Students learned a new gamesong from England called, “The Noble Duke of York”. The activity allowed students to improvise using a variety of locomotor movements. Students enjoyed learning a new dance move called, “casting off”.
Literacy: Students read rhythms and played classroom instruments to accompany a piece of classical music called, “In the Hall of the Mountain King”. Rhythm patterns included eighth, quarter and half notes. Students enjoyed the energetic music composed by Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg.
Grade 3 -
Instruments and Literacy: Students continue to practice four beat BAG patterns on the recorder.They were introduced to the final two karate belt songs called “Softly Falls the Rain” and “Latin Satin”. Students also learned two contemporary songs for recorder called, “Funky B” and “A is for Africa”. They look forward to sharing these songs with you at their concert later this month.
Singing: Students are singing a full eight note scale and enjoy singing upper elementary alliteration warm ups. Alliteration warm ups are a fun way to help with vocal diction. Students learned a new song called “One Bottle of Pop”. The song has different voice parts. They are looking forward to learning all parts and combining them together to create harmony.
Grade 4 -
Singing: Students learned a new song having a mix of English and Swahili (African) text called, “Amani Utupe” (Give us peace and courage). They also learned an upbeat song in Pop and Rock style called, “We Appreciate You”. Students are eager to sing these songs at the upcoming “VIP” celebration this month.
Instruments and Literacy: Students played the jazz song, “C-Jam Blues” on xylophones and began solo improvising using a traditional 12 bar blues accompaniment. The solo playing was impressive!
Movement: Students learned a fun dance from France called, “Chimes of Dunkirk”. The dance is in a longset formation and included moves called; sashay, allemande turns and casting off.
Grade 5 -
Instruments: Students continue to fine tune their ensemble playing ukuleles, xylophones, and drums. They enjoy playing in ensembles that include both folk and popular genres.
Movement: Students had a great time learning a lively dance from Belgium called, T “Smidje” (The Smithy). The tempo of the dance is quick and students were engaged while running and hopping while moving forward and backwards. Students enjoyed the contemporary folk-rock accompaniment. Students also learned a fun dance from France called, “Chimes of Dunkirk”. The dance is in a longset formation and included moves called; sashay, allemande turns and casting off.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with Ms. BIshop and Mrs. Murray
In kindergarten, we will explore healthy choices. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify healthy choices, such as washing our hands, eating healthy foods, exercising, and more. We will play a healthy choices game and then complete a worksheet
In first grade, we will be exploring handwashing and bathroom etiquette(understanding privacy, flushing the toilet, throwing away paper towels etc). Students will engage in a video and will have the opportunity to practice washing their hands in a fun and messy way! Students will be asked to review expected and unexpected behaviors in the bathrooms.
In the second grade, students will dive into healthy and unhealthy habits and engage in an interactive sorting activity through a digital PowerPoint.
In third grade we will be reading “The Smart Cookie” by Jory John. The story underscores the significance of recognizing personal strengths fostering self worth in the classroom as well as the importance of self care. Grade 3 will have the opportunity to work in small groups to create their own cookie jars and share their individual strengths.
Grade 4 will collaborate with the School Counselor, Mrs. Murray, and Nurse Mrs. Kowalsky to educate students about hygiene. Families can expect to receive a letter regarding this initiative later this week.
Grade 5 will be working with School Adjustment Counselor Ms. Bishop and our School Nurse Mrs. Kowalsky to provide students with information about hygiene and growth and development. Students will be able to interact anonymously through peardeck. As the lesson continues students will have the option to discuss and to have their questions answered. The growth and development letter will be sent home this week.
News from the Nurse
One of the most common spring health issues is SEASONAL ALLERGIES.
Children can have allergies just as severely as an adult and can develop them at ANY TIME.
Up to 40 percent of children in the United States suffer from seasonal allergies, according to Parents.com.
Look out for common symptoms which include repetitive sneezing, heavy breathing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, ears and throat.
Fever is not associated with allergies, so if your child is running a high temperature, she is likely sick versus experiencing a seasonal allergy.
Please talk with your child’s pediatrician for the best allergy treatment.
Enjoy the great outdoors, but don't forget about the threat of ticks.
While it is a good idea to take preventive measures against ticks year-round, be extra cautious in warmer months (April-September) when ticks are most active.
Ticks can carry several diseases, including Lyme disease.
Wearing tick-repellent clothing, tucking long pants into socks, having long sleeves, using insect repellent, and staying to the center of paths, is the best way for people to prevent tick bites when they venture outdoors.
An estimated three quarters of all Lyme disease cases are acquired from ticks picked up during activities around the home. Children aged 2 to 13 are particularly at risk.
For detailed information about tick prevention and control, see Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Avoiding Ticks.
The Health Office would greatly appreciate donations of gently used clothing, sizes 8-10, 11-12 both genders, as our supplies are running low. If your child may need a change of clothes during the school day, please pack some in their backpack in case of emergencies! Thank you so much!
Here is a link to the WPS Health Services website. On this site you can find links to forms (i.e. medication administration, over the counter medication consent forms), medication policies, and information regarding illnesses, concussions and injuries.
Mrs. Kowalsky
99 Old Post Road
East Walpole, MA 02032
phone: 508-660-7219 ext 5804
fax: 866.809.6567
PAC NEWS
Please join us for the OPR PAC Meeting on Wednesday, May 8th at 7:00 PM in the OPR STEM LAB or virtually via ZOOM: https://zoom.us/j/99280426008
Who loves OPR? We do! Sign up here to volunteer to coordinate one of our great events or fundraisers this year. PAC Coordinator Sign up:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/9040e49a4aa2ba2fb6-oprpac1
mabel's labels
https://mabelslabels.com/en_US/fundraising/support/
Starting to lose those water bottles? Put a label on it! Please navigate to Support a Fundraiser and select Old Post Road Parent Advisory Committee.
Box Tops
Download the App for BoxTops for Education and scan receipt within 14 days of purchase. Assign Credit by selecting the Star and entering the Teacher’s Last name before you hit submit.
PAC Socal Media / Contact Info.
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OPR.PAC
please add: Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/oprpacwalpole
Email with questions: oprpacwalpole@gmail.com
OPR Textile Bin Donations
Massachusetts no longer allows clothing to be disposed of in the trash. Clothing must be donated or recycled. RECYCLE your clothing and textiles in the OPR Collection Bin and OPR receives money.
The collections resulted in the following:
2022 Calendar Year Total - $907.50
January 2023 - $102.00
February 2023 - $83.25
March 2023 - $95.50
April 2023 - $93.00
May 2023 - $88.20
June 2023 - $126.90
July 2023 - $100.20
August 2023 - $92.40
September 2023 - $118.80
October 2023 - $90.60
November 2023 - $113.70
December 2023 - $81.30
2023 Calendar Year Total - $1210.60
January 2024 - $85.80
February 2024 - $104.10
March 2024 - $71.70
April 2024 - $83.70
Multilingual Learner PAC (MLPAC) Meeting
Please contact the Multilingual Learner Family Engagement Center at mlfec@walpole.k12.ma.us or at (508) 660-7257 ext. 5033 for further information or to request an interpreter or child care for the event.
WPS Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) MEETING
Please note the following contact information for Walpole’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Co-Chairs are Sue Pace and Deborah Mulroy. The SEPAC can be reached by email at walpolesepac@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/walpolespedpac. Notices of future events can be found in this Weekly Update as they are scheduled.
About Us
OPR Mission Statement
The Old Post Road School community educates all students to excel and become productive citizens.
OPR Vision
OPR students will be motivated to learn in a supportive and safe environment. The faculty will foster self-confidence in the students and encourage them to make positive choices. Students will learn to accept responsibility for their behavior and will mature into responsible citizens and lifelong learners. All students will appreciate that they are part of a diverse, global society.
Instagram: OLDPOSTROADSCHOOL_WALPOLE
Twitter: @oprschool
Email: dbarner@walpole.k12.ma.us
99 Old Post Road
East Walpole, MA 02032
508-660-7219
