Coyote Newsletter

Dear Families,

We wanted to let you know that our recent ABCs of ALICE lessons went extremely well. The students listened attentively as we presented the lessons; they asked thoughtful questions and contributed well to this important part of our intruder safety program. Thank you so much for trusting us with your children. Your support and collaboration have allowed us to teach these lessons successfully in our classrooms year after year. You are raising incredible children, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support them on their journey.

Warmly,

Ruby C. Maestas

We are working on the Family Directory for the school year, and we need your help. This directory is a compilation of participating families and includes their home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and children’s names. This information allows families at Carver Elementary School to connect with one another. Your participation is voluntary, but only families who submit a completed form are listed in the directory and receive a copy. Please complete the form by Friday, 10/30/26.

Friday, 10/23/26 - Trunk or Treat, 5-7 pm

Thursday, 10/29/26 - Early Release Day - Parent Teacher Conferences - PTO Book Fair

Thursday, 10/29/26 - Volunteer Training - 3:00 pm

Friday, 10/30/26 - Pumpkin Parade - Grades 1 & 2

10/30/26 - Picture Retakes by Hayward Photography (see more information below)

Tuesday, 11/3/26 - Election Day - No School

Wednesday, 11/11/26 - Veterans' Day - No School

Thursday, 11/12/26 - Veterans' Day Assembly

Wednesday, 11/25/26 - Early Release Day - 11:45 am dismissal

Thursday and Friday, 11/26&27/26 Thanksgiving Recess

To help students stay focused on learning, we kindly ask that students not wear Halloween costumes to school. On October 30th students can wear the colors of the fall season (orange, brown, black, etc.) instead. Students are more than welcome to wear costumes to the Annual PTO Trunk or Treat will be held this evening, 10/23/26 from 4:30-7 PM.

Thank you for your generous donations to our school community. Your donations fund field trips for students and were put towards our new playground equipment for all to enjoy!

The Lost and Found Area is filled with clothing and other student items. Please have your student check the area for any items they may be missing.

Allison Siroky, PhD

Children can feel stressed by being away from their caregivers. It is a normal part of development, and you can help ease their nerves with a few simple steps.

Whether you’re facing a new school year, a daycare or camp, or just leaving children with a babysitter, children can feel stressed by being away from their caregivers. This stress or fear is a normal part of development. You can help ease their nerves and feelings of separation anxiety with a few simple steps.

How can I help my child cope?

Most separation fears can be resolved with some practice. Before an anticipated separation – before is key, because some of these techniques are not as successful once a child is already upset during separation – discuss and practice a separation and reunion routine with your child. A few techniques to try:

• Practice small separations to help your child learn they can cope when you are away. You might try setting a timer for a few minutes while you go a short, safe distance away out of sight.

• Coach them on specific ways they can cope. You may explain what you plan to do when you start missing them!

• After the practice, praise them for their bravery and check-in on how it felt for them.

• Small rewards such as stickers, toys or special treats can be paired with separation practice for extra motivation.

You can practice by talking to your child who doesn’t like to separate by saying something like: “<Child’s Name>, I know having a new classroom is exciting, but you might feel nervous until you get used to it. I am sure you will be brave so you can have fun and learn with your friends and new teacher. I am excited to see you after school and hear all about your day! We’ll practice now and at the end of the day, we can have a special snack for doing great at drop-off.”

Then you can practice saying goodbye. You may let your child decide if they want a hug or kiss, a wave or another hand sign to help them as you leave.

This practice helps a child get used to their feelings when separation happens, and it also reinforces your belief they will be successful, as most children will be.

When children do well with parting, offering small rewards and praise will also help them grow more comfortable with the routines you’ve practiced.

When should I worry?
Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear of separation from a caregiver that substantially limits a child’s (and family’s) ability to engage in activities.

It typically isn’t diagnosed in children younger than age 3, since hesitation around separation and reunions with caregivers are expected before that age. This pattern of excessive distress must be ongoing for about a month before it reaches a clinical level.

Some signs of excessive worries include:

• Intense or tearful emotions before, during and/or long after the separation

• Repeated attempts to avoid separating from you (begging, hiding your keys, etc.)

• Repeatedly checking in or asking for reassurance about when you will return

If you’re seeing these signs in your child, contact your pediatrician or a mental health provider.

Separation worries are common, but there are steps you can take to help children who are struggling with being apart from a parent or caregiver.

Sometimes, your children may be more excited than you are to start these new chapters in their lives and you may be the one with a little hesitation to separate! If that’s the case, make sure to give yourself a little extra self-care.

If you have an interest in chaperoning a field trip or being a classroom volunteer, it is required to have attended a Volunteer Training. The Volunteer Training and CORI background check are valid once every three years. If you have questions about the validity of your Volunteer Training or CORI status, please call the school.

For your convenience and planning, the dates of the Volunteer Trainings for this school year are listed below:

Thursday, 10/29/26 3:00 pm

Tuesday, 12/8/26 9:00 am

Friday, 1/22/27 5:00 pm

Wednesday, 2/3/27 3:00 pm

Tuesday, 5/4/27 at 9 am

Thursday, 5/20/27 at 5:30 pm

Please call the main office (508-866-6220) to RSVP.

SCHOOLSTATUS CONNECT RESOURCES:

• Step by Step How To Guide for Carver Families (revised 8/2024)
• School Connect Overview for Parents
• App Link for Apple / iOS: https://apple.co/2rLaibd
• App Link for Android: https://goo.gl/Bu5dWT

Wear your favorite sports team t-shirt or gear. Whether your child is a fan of the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, Red Sox, Crusaders, the list goes on...we aim to make fan days easier for the kids to join in.

Tuesday, 11/10/26

Tuesday, 12/1/26

Thursday, 1/21/27

Thursday, 2/11/27

Tuesday, 3/16/27

Thursday, 4/1/27

Breakfast and lunch is free for all students this year.