Sheehan Elementary

Dear Sheehan Families,

I hope you've had a wonderful summer and have been able to enjoy some time together. It's hard to believe we're already thinking about backpacks, class placements, and the start of another school year! As we get ready for the first day, I wanted to share a few updates, answer some of the questions that tend to pop up this time of year, and help everyone feel ready for a great start. Please note that you will receive additional details for some of the information below closer to the first day.

I'm especially excited for this school year. As the new principal at Sheehan, I've spent much of the summer meeting staff, getting to know families, learning the traditions of our school, and (my favorite part) listening. Every conversation has reminded me that the best way to begin is by learning from the people who already make Sheehan such a special place.

If there's one thing I've learned this summer, it's that Sheehan is more than a school, it's a community that brings people together. Nearly everyone I've met has shared a story, a favorite tradition, a teacher who made a difference, or a memory that makes them smile. It's clear that Sheehan is a place that means so much to so many of us, and I already feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this community.

Whether your family has been part of the Sheehan community for years or you're joining us for the very first time, welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read this update. I hope this newsletter answers many of your back-to-school questions and helps everyone feel ready for a wonderful year ahead.

Enjoy these last few weeks of summer. We'll be ready for you when you get here, and I can't wait to welcome everyone back to Sheehan.

This week's newsletter includes information on the following:

• Important Dates
• Staff Updates/ Meet Our Team
• Arrival and Dismissal
• Transportation
• Breakfast and Lunch
• School Supplies

Respectfully,

Stacy Mahoney and the Sheehan Team

A one-page printout of the updated 2026-2027 school calendar, including school hours, is available on the district website.

Friday, August 21: Teacher assignments and class lists sent to families (3:00 p.m.)

Monday, August 24: New-to-Town Student Tour (2:00–2:30 p.m.)

Wednesday, September 2

First Day for Students in Grades 1–5
Kindergarten Open House (9:30–10:30 a.m.)

Thursday, September 3
Kindergarten Transition Day -Kindergarten Dismissal at 12:00 p.m.

Friday, September 4: No School

Monday, September 7: No School

Thursday, September 10: PTA Back-to-School Family Picnic (5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.)

Wednesday, September 16: Early Release (12:00 p.m. Dismissal)

Thursday, September 17: PTA Meeting (hybrid Zoom/ Sheehan Library 7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.)

Friday, September 18: Picture Day

Monday, September 21: No School

Thursday, September 24: Curriculum Night

Wednesday, September 30: Early Release (12:00 p.m. Dismissal)

Friday, October 2: Fun Run

Monday, October 12: No School

Wednesday, October 14: Early Release (12:00 p.m. Dismissal)

Wednesday, October 28: Early Release (12:00 p.m. Dismissal)

Kindergarten: Mrs. Monteiro and Mrs. Truman

1st Grade: Mrs. Carpenter and Mrs. Petrucci

2nd Grade: Mrs. Isabella/Mrs. Michel and Mrs. Starsiak

3rd Grade: Mrs. Blair, Mrs. Lazazzero, Mrs. McGuire

4th Grade: Mrs. Cusick and Mrs. DeMatteis/ Mrs. Fiore

5th Grade: Mrs. Dunn, Ms. Gillis, Ms. Splendore

Art: Mr. Hagel

Digital Literacy: Mrs. Kress and Mr. Murphy

Instrumental Music: Mr. Yennior, Mrs. Labetz

Library: Mrs. Krass

Music: Mrs. Yennior

PE: Mrs. Cook

Learning Center: Ms. Drury and Ms. Walsh

Lower Star: Ms. Anamisis

Upper Star: Mr. McNabb

LEAP: Ms. Magazzu and Mrs. Conley

School Psychologist: Ms. Smith

Speech and Language Pathologist: Mrs. Gotschall

Adjustment Counselor: Mrs. O'Connell

BCBA: Meghan Gerdanoglu

Occupational Therapist: TBA

Students may arrive beginning at 8:40 a.m., when staff supervision begins. For the first several days of school, all classroom teachers will be outside on the playground greeting and helping our students. During inclement weather, students report to the gym/cafeteria.

The school day begins promptly at 8:55 a.m., so we appreciate your help in getting students to school on time.

For information on Extended Day, please navigate HERE.

Bus routes will be available later this month through Aspen and on the district website.

If your family still needs to register for transportation, please visit this site.

This school year, Westwood Food Services will once again provide free breakfast and lunch to all students enrolled in Westwood Public Schools. Breakfast is served daily from 8:40–8:55 a.m. A variety of choices will be available at each school, including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options.

View the menu here: Sheehan Lunch Menu

Most classroom supplies are provided by the school.

Please send your child with:

• Backpack
• Refillable water bottle
• Healthy snack