Greetings DWS Families!

What a week! I was so impressed at how our DWS kids came back on Monday ready to learn after a week of vacation! On Tuesday during our monthly end-of-the-month assembly we recognized student achievement and gave out awards for students who have been working really hard! On Wednesday, we all shared a "One Book One School" called "Noticing" by Kobi Yamada. On Thursday, we celebrated Read Across America Day and welcomed MHS Principal Keuther to speak to us about "Noticing" but also about the importance of reading. After the assembly, each classroom welcomed a guest reader. It was a pretty amazing week around here at DWS!

Mrs. MacNeil

March

March 6 - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Meeting at 6:00

March 6 - DWS PTO Meeting at 7:00

March 6-10 - The DWS Read A Thon

March 9 - Mad Science Presentation (in school)

March 14 - School Site Council at 4:00

March 16 - Town Wide Volleyball Game

March 17 - Term 2 Report Cards Issued

March 21 - Evening Conferences

March 22 - Afternoon Conferences

March 29 - Grade 5 Puberty Discussion

March 30 - MCAS

March 31 - MCAS

Check out our new DWS Family Calendar! It's a live document and we will be updating it as the year progresses.

DWS Family Calendar

DWS Families,

Monday is the start of the DWS Read-A-Thon! Paperwork was sent home last week (Tuesday, February 28th). We are asking for students in K-2 to read 20 minutes each night at home and students in grades 3-5 to read 30 minutes each night at home. Our goal is for each DWS student to raise $15!

Thank you for your participation!

Girls on the Run is coming to DWS! Registration is underway and the program will begin on March 27!

Thank you to all the families who participated in the Penny War which benefited our fifth-grade fund! The students loved adding their money day after day! The fifth grade won and participated in an extra recess today! Overall, over $650 was raised to support our fifth grade in their last year at DWS!

Does your child receive Title I Services?

Please take a few moments to complete a brief Mid-year Parent Survey.
Your feedback is appreciated!

Click this survey link: https://tinyurl.com/yckvvaa8

As many of you know, breakfast is served daily for all students in our cafeteria from 8:40-8:50. We have seen an increase over the year of the number of students who are coming to get breakfast. We have also seen an increase in students who are coming and getting breakfast for the "social" aspect and throwing the food away. We want to continue to provide breakfast for those in need, however, we want to limit the amount of food waste.

Please talk to your student about breakfast and remind them that they must come as soon as they arrive. Some students are unsure if they should come - so please make sure it's clear! Thank you for your support!

We are pleased to share with you information about our 2022 school report card from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Please see the attached flyer and letter for more information and a link to our school and district report card. The links can also be found on our website under the "Our School" tab or on the District home page under "Our District".

Each week, our DWS Kids are introduced to a vocabulary word of the week related to kindness and building social-emotional capacity. The words are introduced during the daily morning announcement and throughout the week the DWS staff challenges students to use these words in activities and conversations, whether it be during a classroom discussion, writing assignment, or speaking with a friend. We ask that families partner with us to continue the work of inspiring and challenging our DWS Kids to continue using these words!

This week our vocabulary word was ADVOCACY.

DWS staff members can award any student with a DWS ALL STAR when they see students being Dedicated, Welcoming, or Safe. All of the DWS ALL STAR awards are put on display in the front lobby. The following students were featured in the morning announcements last week for being DWS ALL-STARS!

Grade K: Lauren in Ms. Hastry’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she did a great job with Mrs. Sheehan.

Grade K: Gui in Ms. Hastry’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he did a great job with Mrs. Sheehan.

Grade 1: Austin in Ms. Lewis’ class is a DWS ALL STAR because he was a lunchroom ALL STAR!

Grade 1: Izzy in Ms. Lewis’ class is a DWS ALL STAR because she came back into the classroom silently during phonics.

Grade 2: Skyla in Ms. Mulligan’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she was a DWS Kid!

Grade 2: Aine in Mrs. Redman’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she got right to work in the morning.

Grade 3: Maddy in Mrs. Hanson’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she helped Mrs. Hanson teach a syllabication strategy.

Grade 3: Daniel in Mrs. Hines’ class is a DWS ALL STAR because he taught his classmates a new decoding strategy.

Grade 4: Stella in Mrs. Farrell’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she showed amazing dedication to reading complex texts.

Grade 4: M.E. in Mrs. Robatzek’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she worked hard on her iReady goals.

Grade 5: Amelia in Ms. LaForest’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she persevered through learning the multiplication standard algorithm.

Grade 5: Alex in Mrs. Auriemma’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he was respectful and polite in Library class.

Congratulations!

A HUGE thank you to Ms. McBride, Mr. Patota, and Mrs. Breton for organizing a fantastic celebration! The day began with a motivational speech from MHS Principal Keuther who is retiring this year and is a former DWS parent! Next, special guest readers surprised classrooms and shared stories. It was a wonderful day and time well spent rediscovering the joys of reading!

DWS PTO News

Next meeting: Monday 3/6/22 @ 7pm in the DWS Library

• Enrichment:Mad Scientist will be presenting to the school on 3/9!

• Board positions: Much of the current board positions are open for the next school year applications are being accepted and will vote in May.

Open at the end of this year:

○ President ○ Vice President ○ Volunteer Coordinator○ Publicity ○ Treasurer ○ Secretary

• Girls on the Run! National program for girls in grades 3-5 to learn about running and self. Possible Wednesday and Friday practices, but need feedback on time (possibly

right after school). Wednesdays after school may be a challenge. Monday and

Friday may work. They Finish the year with a regional 5k in Medford (buddy runner needed for each girl) Sounds like an amazing way to be active, meet new friends and get some exercise!

• Teacher Wish Lists! Teachers are very thankful for all of you that have contributed to donating to the classrooms from their wish lists found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ncDVXoQft2ugE6mTnxO-EsflmNNck6zZEh7JIn3oGxg/edit?usp=sharing

• Sand & Water has generously offered to partner with us and provide some spirit ware options year round. A large portion of the sale goes directly to the DWS PTO. Please see the flyer for more details.

• Woot Woot Tables are back! This has been a great way to show DWS staff how much we appreciate them over the past few years. If you would like to volunteer to organize a table, please use the following link to sign up. More details are on the sign up page. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4EA4A629A2FE3-staff

Contact:

Please email yourdwspto@gmail.com with any general questions and for more information. Email dwsvolunteers@gmail.com for more details on volunteering at the school throughout the year.

Thank you for all of your support!

~DWS PTO

When you enter DWS, please do not hold the door for those behind you! I know you are all polite but for safety reasons, please close the door behind you and let the next visitor ring the bell! We must ask each individual visitor to buzz and state the reason for their visit. Thank you!

Grades K-5 students may be dropped off between 8:40 am-8:50 am (cell phone time). Please do not arrive earlier than 8:40 am. If you arrive before 8:40, please stay with your child. We do not have staff supervision until 8:40. Students should not be let out of the cars to stand with the walkers from the Eavesment.

Thank you for your attention to this important safety reminders!

Cold and flu ( and every other illness) season is upon us! Here are a few helpful reminders to help this season:

• The best defense against illness is good handwashing, adequate hydration and regular sleep. Encourage your kiddos to stay hydrated and rest to help prevent illness and when they are unwell to shorten the duration of the illness.

• Please remember that if your child has been out sick they can return to school once they have been without fever, vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours without the use of medications and their overall symptoms have improved.

• Please remember that attendance is closely monitored. If your child will be absent we have a Safe to School Protocol. Please notify the school and the nurse the morning that your child will not be in school. If your child has an illness or injury that results in an absence for 5 or more days- a doctor’s note must be sent in upon returning to class with any restrictions and appropriate dates.

• Please be sure students dress in layers for school- they need winter gear for outdoor play, but inside the building can be very warm. If students do not have appropriate warm weather/snow gear their outside activities may be somewhat limited so they stay warm and safe.

• If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 781-834-5045 ext 42500 or by email at kAcampbeLL@mpsd.org

One breakfast and one lunch are Free for the 2022-2023 School year for all students.

A la carte items cost extra.

A la carte items can not be charged to a student's account.

2nd Lunch - $2.75

Milk - .75 cents (milk comes with lunch) on its own, it's an a la carte item and cost

Water - .50 cents

Ice Cream - $1.25

WAYS TO PAY

Preferred method of payment:

Online: www.myschoolbucks.com

After you log in or register (if new) than you can

use your child’s Birthday for the

ID Number to add your child’s account.

Check payable to:

Town of Marshfield

(child’s First/Last name in Memo)

Cash: please put in an envelope

marked Lunch Money with your

child’s name on it.

Please click the link below to access the announcement that includes additional information!

As the weather gets colder, please remember that students' dress should reflect this as we spend time outdoors each day for snack and/or recess time! Here is an important reminder from our Handbook. Thank you!

DRESS CODE

School is a special place and how your child dresses should reflect this. Students should come to school neat, clean, and dressed appropriately for the elementary learning environment. Student’s attire, including their footwear, should allow for their participation in the numerous physical and academic activities that comprise a school day. Hats and other head apparel, except when worn for religious or medical reasons, are not allowed in the building.

Students’ clothing should neither contain messages or images that disrupt the educational process, nor be inappropriately revealing. Students go out daily for recess unless the weather dictates otherwise. It is important to dress appropriately for the weather.

The principal and/or designee are responsible for determining whether a student’s attire meets these expectations. They will work with and contact the families of students whose dress does not meet these expectations.

DWS will be a late school for the upcoming year. Please make note of the following changes.

School Start Time - 8:50 am (students can enter the building at 8:40 am)

School End Time - 3:30 pm

Wednesday Early Dismissal - 1:15 pm

The registration for the Before School Care is now available for Children in grades K-5 offered on site at each of the Marshfield Elementary Schools.

Our Before School program provides a wholesome environment that promotes social/emotional, physical and character development in addition to supporting the educational efforts of both the parent and school. We encourage children to balance learning and fun through homework help, physical activity and arts & crafts. Our focus areas give your child limitless opportunities to reach their full potential.

Hours: 7am until school day starts

Program & Activities include:

• Breakfast
• Homework Help
• Games & Activities
• Arts & Crafts

To register click here.

As a reminder, please adhere to the DWS Dismissal Protocols if you choose to pick up your child from school (listed below). Dismissal time can be very busy and we understand that we are the late school and families are often rushing off to afterschool activities. It has been reported that some cars are pulling in and doing a U-Turn in the driveway to cut the line. Please follow the protocol and the flow of traffic pictured below so we don't compromise the safety of our children. Thank you!

Dismissal

• DWS hours are 8:50am-3:30pm. Students will begin car line dismissal at 3:25 pm.

• If you arrive before 3:25, please remain in your vehicle.

• Please do not park your vehicle in the live line.

• In the car line, students will be dismissed in order of car line up through the gym doors.

• Please follow staff directions and pull all the way up to the marked location (red circle).

• Please wait for the car in front of you to pull forward. Do not attempt to pass vehicles.

The Marshfield Public Schools are thrilled to announce our new app for mobile phones! Stay up-to-date with access to events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications.

You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.

Download for Android https://bit.ly/3yOktQ8

Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3nVNlzs

A double door entry system with a security window was added to the DWS.

As a security measure, we will not be letting visitors into the building unless you are volunteering. Visitors who have a scheduled meeting will wait in the vestibule and be escorted by the host to the meeting.

All visitors must present a valid ID - no exceptions! We understand that we know many parents/guardians, but we will be requiring ALL visitors to present their ID when they volunteer and/or pick up a student - EVERY TIME. This will be frustrating at first, but we are working hard to maintain the safety of our students.

Please review the most up-to-date arrival and dismissal protocol. We have made some changes to the existing policy in order to keep students, drivers, and staff safe.

The new policy can be found here.

As part of our Positive Behavior and Incentives Plan, our DWS Kids are taught how to be Dedicated, Welcoming, and Safe in all areas of our building and throughout their day. These posters are reviewed on the morning announcements, by classroom teachers, and are hung around the school for visual reminders. Students are then recognized for following these expectations and given All-Stars!