Winthrop Wednesday Weekly
August 26th, 2026
Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!
Here we are, just one week away from the first day of the new school year! I imagine some of you are counting down the days, while others are surprised to learn how little summer is left. No matter your feelings about the transition to fall, you can rest assured we are happy, excited, and ready to welcome your children back to school next Wednesday, September 2nd!
It's been a busy summer "break". Winthrop’s incredible custodial team has prepped, repaired, and made our building gleam, and much of the Winthrop staff collaborated throughout July and August on a variety of projects. Teachers have worked to update and enhance curriculum and teaching practices, and one committee worked to streamline school-wide policies and procedures. We will be rolling out new school-wide expectations this year, which will support student success during the school day, as well as modified arrival and dismissal plans to support the beginning and end of each day.
FRIES has also played a big part in preparing to welcome students and staff back to school. They already have some really exciting events and fundraisers planned and there will be many opportunities throughout the year for parents and caregivers to join in the fun! Last week, FRIES co-hosted our Kindergarten Tours, featuring 1st Grade tour guides ❤️ This week, FRIES is working to decorate our façade and front lobby so students enter a building that is warm and welcoming each day.
Speaking of a warm welcome, I am so grateful for the encouraging and congratulatory messages I have received from many of you. It was wonderful to see so many faces, both new and familiar, at our playground popsicle parties. And I appreciate how many folks I was able to meet during open office hours and just around town! I am so happy to be here to serve as the new principal of Winthrop School, and look forward to meeting EVERYONE this year!
With excitement,
Jamie Norton
NutriKids School Lunch Program
Ipswich Public Schools uses the NutriKids program to centralize the Food Service management system in order to streamline the school lunch purchasing process and provide parents with an easy method of tracking their child’s food purchases.
How the NutriKids System is Used
Students in all schools use the NutriKids system to purchase food items from the cafeteria by either entering their student ID on the keypad or providing their name to the cashier. Parents are able to create a free online account to keep track of their child’s transactions and maintain their account balance. Food Service personnel in all schools use the centralized database to track food transactions, generate reports and communicate with parents.
This year, we will be encouraging all students to memorize their lunch PIN numbers so they spend less time in the lunch line and more time eating and chatting with their friends. We may be asking for your help with this- stay tuned!
How to access the NutriKids system
NutriKids uses an online payment system called “MySchoolBucks”. (There is also a mobile app available)
- To create an account with access to your child’s account:
- Click on the "NutriKids Online Payment" link on this page
- Then click on “Sign up Today”
- Follow the screen prompts to create your new account.
- Once your account information has been submitted, you will be able to add your child’s account by entering the child’s name, birthdate and student ID.
More Information on NutriKids
Personal Digital Devices
I have received several questions from families regarding whether or not personal devices are allowed at Winthrop School...
To help students stay focused, connected, and engaged during the school day, non-school-assigned digital devices are not permitted during school hours. This includes cell phones, smart watches, and other personal electronic devices.
We understand that students who walk or ride their bikes to school may need to carry a device so they can communicate with their families before arriving at school or after leaving for the day. Personal devices are welcome at school for this purpose; however, once students arrive, devices must be turned off and kept safely in their backpacks for the entire school day.
Exceptions may be made for medical reasons or other circumstances approved by the school.
Please note that the school is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal electronic devices brought to school.
A Note from Alicia Merry, Director of EDP
Hello Winthrop Families,
I hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with family, friends, and special memories. We are so excited to welcome our returning and new students and families to EDP this year!
As we prepare for the school year, remember to update the School Dismissal Manager to reflect your child’s EDP dismissal plans and review your EDP schedule. If you need to make a schedule change, reach out by September 1st. We currently have a waitlist for both our morning and afternoon programs.
As always, feel free to reach out by email or phone with any questions. We are looking forward to seeing you all soon!
My best,
Alicia Merry, Director of EDP
School Supply "Store"
We have a received a donation of school supplies from J Barrett & Co. These gorgeous backpacks and other items are available for pick-up in our main lobby. Come "shop" at the School Supply Store today through Friday!
We have a LOT of backpacks for smaller children. Pre-K and Kinder kids who do not yet have a pack should definitely stop by 😀
@winthropschool
We have a brand new Instagram page, created to share the wonders of Winthrop School with our community- check us out!
Please note that we will not share any photos of children without caregiver permission. If you are open to having your child featured on our Instagram page, or in this Wednesday Weekly newsletter, there is a photo permission form you can sign that will be sent home in your child's classroom folder on the first day of school.