Fisher Family Update

Dear Fisher Families,

At Wednesday night's PAC meeting, attendees were provided with an overview of the safety procedures of the Walpole Public Schools and Fisher School. Resource Officer Tommy Hart, Sergeant Patrick O'Connor and Sargeant Mike Benner from the Walpole Police Department discussed our critical incident protocols and how we implement them at Fisher School. In addition to these safety measures, at Fisher School

• All entrances are locked before, during and after the school day.

• All visitors to the school are admitted through the main entrance, only.
  
  

• Security cameras allow office staff to visually screen any visitors to the school prior to admitting them into the building.

• The intercom system allows secretaries to question who is visiting and their purpose for the visit

• Visitors enter the school using a buzzer system, unlocking the door momentarily

• Please DO NOT hold the door for anyone behind you. They need to also check in before entering

• Visitors sign in and wear a sticker that identifies them as having checked in at the main office
  
  

• Security cameras are installed throughout the building

• All classrooms have a telephone

• All classrooms have a “go bag” with class rosters, first aid supplies, door jams and other resources

• Walkie talkies are strategically located throughout the building

• Walkie talkies taken outside with students to enhance communication

• Emergency alert buttons are strategically placed for staff to contact Walpole Police and summon help immediately
  

• Fisher School crisis/response team that convenes in the event of a school-based emergency.

• Fisher has a Threat Safety Assessment Team that monitors the well-being of our students.
  
  

• Fisher staff work closely with the Walpole Police Department and Walpole Fire Department in the development, review, and implementation of emergency procedures.

• Police, Fire Department and DPW officials walkthrough our school and make safety recommendations

• All staff members have been asked to maintain heightened vigilance in monitoring our school environment

The safety of our students and staff members is always our number one priority. We are confident that we have comprehensive and effective plans in place should an emergency situation ever arise. Please contact Resource Officer Hart thart@walpole.k12.ma.us or me if you have any further questions or concerns regarding school safety.

Thank you and have a great weekend,

Brian

Click the picture below to listen to new "Off The Hook" episodes!

January

12 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Development

15 - NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

17 - Fisher PAC Meeting 7pm

25 - 5th Grade Celebration Meeting 7pm

February

9 - Early Release (12:25pm dismissal)

19-23 Febrary Vacation

26 - School Resumes

Hello Families and Happy New Year!

We hope that you all had a wonderful winter break. We are glad to be back and to see all of our students! In SWIM lessons for the month of January, students will focus on the topic of Growth vs. Fixed Mindset. Growth Mindset is a positive way of thinking about challenges, set backs, and making mistakes and how taking on these challenges, persevering, and learning from our mistakes will grow our brains and make them even stronger than they already are. Having a Growth Mindset can open up endless opportunities. Fixed Mindset is more of a “stuck” way of thinking, believing that one is either good or bad at something, with no room to practice or expand their way of thinking, skills, or abilities. Students will understand that their brain is a muscle and they can work hard to grow their brain and reach their goals! Students will also learn about the “Power of Yet” which is in connection with Growth Mindset. The word “yet” is a powerful key word and a great way to practice having a growth mindset. For example, “I can’t tie my shoes yet, but I will keep practicing!” We are off to a great start for 2024 here at Fisher!

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to a counselor at any time!

Thank you,

Fisher School counselors

Visit our website for more information and resources: https://sites.google.com/walpole.k12.ma.us/counselorscorner-callaghan/home

Fisher 5th Grade Parents, Please join us Wednesday January 24th at 7 pm in the Media Center to kick off our first meeting of the new year. During this meeting we will discuss planning for the 5th grade yearbooks, as well as start planning for the following events:

* 5th Grade Ceremony at the end of the year

* End of Year party

* Gifts for students and more!

Extended Day February Break Camp Information

Where: Boyden Elementary School
When: February 20-22, 2024 (Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursday)
Cost: $80/day (10% discount for educators or siblings)
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/TujRsqvz3vsMHzw39

Group 1: Beatty, Blake, Hughes, Barend, Fomenko, Brogan, O'Neill

Dates: Jan 10, Jan 24, Feb 7, Mar 6, Mar 20, Apr 3, Apr 24, May 22

Group 2: Penfield/Vose, Winer, McDonald, Sullivan, Terranova, Wesinger

Dates: Jan 17, Jan 31, Feb 28, Mar 13, Mar 27, Apr 10, May 15, Jun 5

With cold weather upon us, it might mean a little more time for indoor activities and of course one great indoor activity is reading. But wait, this is the math section, not the reading section! Well, there are so many wonderful children’s books that highlight math concepts and promote critical mathematical thinking, that we wanted to share some book lists that highlight math and how to make the most of your reading time together. DREME (Development & Research in Early Mathematics Education) has identified a list of 40 books that promote a love of math. It is important when looking for books that include math to use the same indicators you would for any good story. Vivid illustrations, an interesting story line and fun characters will keep your child engaged and excited to read. A few tips when reading with your child:

• Keep it a bonding moment, don’t make it a lesson!

• Point out math words or concepts through repeating what is happening or asking questions.

• Engage your child in conversation about the book with questions like:

• How did you know that?

• What clues helped you figure that out?

• Bring out your inner actor/actress when reading-have fun with it!

• If your child loves the book, read and reread.

Another list of great books with math connections can be found at We Are Teachers, and our Family Math Website has other resources, games and activities that will engage your children when they come in from playing out in the cold!

During a science lesson 3rd and 4th graders debate whether a volcano could pop up here in Walpole

Cady M., of Mrs. Fomenko's class visited Mrs. Penfield's class to teach them all of the skip counting songs she had learned.

Ms Kelley's students reading their non fiction books to their stuffies on PJ/Stuffy Day, a day they were rewarded for earning all of their stars!

The Walpole Public Schools Music Department is pleased to announce the spring session for our Private Lesson Program for students in grades 4 - 12. If your child is interested in taking private instrument or voice lessons, here is your chance. Lessons are offered in flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, tuba, piano, percussion, violin, viola, cello, guitar and voice. All lessons are taught by accomplished performers on their respective instruments. Some lessons are currently being taught virtually.

Session 2 will run February 5 to June 14. Registration is open Friday, January 12th through Monday, January 29th.

For more information, visit:

https://sites.google.com/walpole.k12.ma.us/wpsmusic/private-lesson-program/overview

To register, visit:

https://students.arbitersports.com/walpole-public-schools/private-music-lessons-2023-2024-session-ii

For questions, email:

Tim Fleming (K-12 Music Coordinator) at tfleming@walpole.k12.ma.us

Please consider creating a poster, there have been several winners from Walpole. A little warning...pay specific attention to the rules, because entries are disqualified if they are not specifically followed (including if a name is placed in the wrong corner and not formatted as instructed - - i.e. first name and last initial in the lower right-hand corner). The theme is "Healthy Trees, Healthy Towns" and it must be on the poster. The deadline is March 1, 2024. Any questions can be emailed to cekerle@yahoo.com

The link to this contest can be found here.

Schools are not at liberty to provide student contact information for outside of school activities. If you would like to provide your child (ren)'s information for others to see please click the link below and complete the form.

Fisher School Friendship Directory