OPR Weekly Update
September 27, 2024
Dear OPR Families,
It was very nice to see so many OPR parents and guardians at our Curriculum Night/Open House on Thursday. It's a true testament to the partnership between familiies and teachers to provide the best education for your children.
Earlier this week, I held meetings with each grade level of students to discuss things that are important to us at OPR. Based on the preface that students are here for learning, we talked about the OPR three expectations of being respectful, responsible and ready (to learn). Additionally, students were able to tell me what all of the letters in Hawks (our mascot) stand for and what they mean.
H-Honesty
A-Acceptance
W-Working Hard
K-Kindness
S-Self-Control
Finally, we ended the the meeting reinforcing learning as a focus and how proud we are when we conduct ourselves like Peace Builders. Clarifying expectations for students and staff builds community so everyone fully understands the expectations and a common language is used to convey the message.
Here's the link to this week's OPR Video News.
Have a great weekend!
David N. Barner, Principal
dbarner@walpole.k12.ma.us
September
30 OPR After School Enrichment Program begins this week!
October
2 OPR School Council Meeting in the STEM Lab at 3:05
9 International Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day! Celebrate by having the whole family walk/bike to school.
10 PAC Meeting in the STEM Lab at 7:00 PM
10 Grade 4 Field Trip to Patriots STEM Program
11 Early Release at 11:55 AM. Dismissal begins at 11:49.
11 PAC Stay on the Half Day!
14 No School - Columbus Day
17 Grade 3 Field Trip to DeCordova Museum
31 OPR Halloween Parade at 8:45 AM. Families welcome!
November
5 No School - Election Day - Professional Development Day for Teachers and Staff
7 PAC Meeting in the STEM Lab at 7:00 PM
11 No School - Veterans Day
12 Parent-Teacher Conferences by Appointment, 6-8:00 PM
14 Parent-Teacher Conferences by Appointment, 6-8:00 PM
15 Parent-Teacher Conferences by Appointment, 1-3:00 PM
15 Early Release at 11:55 AM. Dismissal begins at 11:49.
16 PAC Sponsored Parents Night Out!
STEM with Mrs. Morris
What a wonderful first month of STEM/Media we have had at OPR! These first few weeks we have spent a lot of time reviewing our STEM expectations and our library procedures to prepare for another awesome year. Each class has had a chance to check out books twice now. Check out some of the activities we have done so far!
In Kindergarten students have been learning about what STEM is. We have discussed that STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We have started the year by learning how to properly use our STEM engineering tools such as legos, brain flakes, and magnatiles. We have also spent time practicing sharing these materials with our classmates and how to keep our STEM space clean and organized. Kindergarteners also have loved finding books that they get to borrow and take home.
In first and second grade we have done several exciting team building activities. First graders did a team activity where they had to build a swing for three baby chicks. Second graders did a team activity where they had to save a worm named Fred after his boat flipped. Be sure to ask them about it! Both grades also participated in Dot Day by creating 3D dots on the app Quiver. It is always a loved activity.
In the third, fourth, and fifth grades we did several team building challenges with a variety of classmates to practice cooperation and communication skills. Students’ first challenge made them stack cups with a team, but they weren’t allowed to touch the cups with their hands. They had to use a rubber band tool that was created for the purpose of working together. Students also competed in a Dot Day Challenge to build the tallest tower.
We also learned about Roberto Clemente for Hispanic Latino Heritage Month in second, third, fourth, and fifth grade. To celebrate Roberto’s favorite thing, baseball, we did different baseball activities. Second graders created a baseball game for the Indi robot to travel around and the upper grades created baseball games on Scratch.
Coming up in October all students will begin coding again with different robots and technology and we will also continue to do engineering challenges. I look forward to the next month of fun in STEM!
Digital Learning with Mrs. Milnamow
Greetings OPR Families,
This year is off to a great start in the digital world! Students are logging into and engaging with their programs including, but not limited to ST Math, Math Fact Lab, Google Classroom, Epic Books, and so much more. The teachers and I are helping to set expectations around caring for Chromebooks and how to use these devices appropriately.
Kindergarten students are almost all signed on to their Chromebooks. We are learning about the parts of the Chromebook, how to type in passwords to log in, and the importance of keeping passwords private. Students are working on powering on and off these devices and moving around the classroom safely by walking, holding the device with two hands, and keeping the lid closed. In the next few weeks, students will be enjoying ST Math and we will roll out some keyboarding games to help students become familiar and more comfortable typing.
First graders came to school well prepared to get logged in and start working on some of their favorite programs, including Lalilo, a phonics program that helps students solidify their understanding of letters and sounds. I was quite impressed with how well these students could follow directions and navigate through the progress of accessing all of these programs. Well done, grade one!
In second grade, our students are engaging with their programs to enhance their learning. Some second graders have already created QR Code recordings using Adobe Express and designed a page in a Book Creator book to celebrate their identity. We have a project planned for October. I know I can’t wait to get started!
Third graders are doing an excellent job getting back into the groove. I shared a digital citizenship lesson in one class to help students remember the enormous responsibility they have when they sign into a device. We even made some short, animated videos about our summer. We will be recording a podcast next week in another classroom. Watch for it!
Grade four and five students are already very technology savvy, so we are focusing on lessons around digital citizenship and media balance. We are surrounded with technology in our society, and sometimes we need to make the conscious choice to disconnect the devices and reconnect with the people around us and the activities we enjoy. Having a diverse menu of sports, arts, nature, board games, other activities, free play and media can help us all live lives that are full of excitement, personal connection, exercise, and fun! I know that as an adult, I need reminders to keep a balance in my world as well. Plans have already been designed for a Google Slides project to begin for grade 5 next week.
The OPR Video News is featured in Mr. Barner’s message above. Be sure to watch each week. We enjoy showcasing the hard work taking place around the building. We even have a few classrooms that plan to do monthly video news reports this year! I am looking forward to helping to make this the best year yet!
News from the Nurse
Fall school session is now in full swing! Unfortunately, so are the germs! We have seen an increase in many different illnesses in the last few weeks.
When to Keep Your Child Home Sick from School
The following criteria can be used to determine when a child should remain at home:
Has a cold in the contagious stage (first few days)
Sore throat and swollen neck glands accompanied by a fever
Undiagnosed rash or skin eruptions
Earache, red eyes or drainage from eyes
Any communicable disease (see paragraph below)
Fever of 100 degrees or higher during the past 24 hours
Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
If your student develops a communicable disease, e.g., chicken pox, whooping cough, influenza, strep throat, scarlet fever or fifth disease, please notify the school nurse. This will enable us to monitor your child's progress and other student's exposure. Students should remain at home a minimum of one day following the resolution of an acute illness. Please check your child’s temperature; a child should be "fever free" for twenty-four hours without taking a fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol or Advil before returning to school.
The school nurse should be notified by the parent/guardian of any:
Serious injury, illness, or hospitalization
Planned surgery
Communicable diseases such as chicken pox, strep throat, scarlet fever or fifth disease
New diagnosis or change in your child’s health status
Fracture, sprain, stitches, cast, or crutches (A Physician note is required for crutches and/or a wheelchair to be used on the school premises.)
New medication and/or dosing change.
Need to be excused from Physical Education.
In order to minimize the spread of infectious disease and to provide for a safe environment, the WPS Health Care Policy has been created to assist you. Please review this document as the nurses are required to adhere to these guidelines to help support the health of the entire school community. WPS Illness Protocol
It is Flu Season!
Influenza (flu) viruses typically spread in fall and winter, with activity peaking between December and February. Getting vaccinated in the fall can lower your chances of getting the flu.The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. It does not cause the flu and it helps keep kids and parents from getting sick.
AAP Recommendations for the Flu Vaccine
Please contact the Health Office with any concerns or questions! Remember that the essentials of good health are good nutrition, plentiful fluids, regular exercise and plenty of rest.
Kindly,
Bonnie Kowalsky, RN
508-660-7219 ext 5804
fax: 866.809.6567
OPR Links:
OPR ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Walpole Public Schools Links:
WPS ELEMENTARY STUDENT & PARENT HANDBOOK/CODE OF CONDUCT
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.
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
Teacher Snack Cart Donations
Click to shop from our Amazon list. Questions: Melanie.D.Taylor@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
2023 Calendar Year Total - $1210.60
January 2024 - $85.80
February 2024 - $104.10
March 2024 - $71.70
April 2024 - $83.70
May 2024 - $114.90
June 2024 - $100.50
July 2024 - $100.20
August 2024 - $115.80
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.
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.
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
