Warren School Weekly Update

Thank you to all who attended our curriculum nights. We hope you found the new format more helpful for learning about daily classroom routines, curriculum, and for strengthening your connection to your child’s teacher. As I shared, our School Council has set goals to increase parent involvement and volunteering in our school. This year, 71% of parents attended Curriculum Night. Our goal is to have 100% of our families attend this important event.

Please see the important invitation below regarding Math Night later this month, we hope you can join us for this fun and engaging event!

As a reminder, there will be an early release for staff professional development next Friday, October 10, at 1:15, with lunch provided for staff. This will also begin a long weekend for students and staff, as there is no school on Monday, October 13, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Have a great weekend,

Pete

Hi Families!

I’m Kathy Ferrecchia, the Literacy Coach at Warren! Each month, I’ll share a spotlight on what our K–2 learners are doing in reading and writing, so you can join in the excitement from home.

Our K–2 students are beginning the year by building strong foundations in reading and writing. Kindergarteners are working on letter recognition, sounds, nursery rhymes and illustrations. First graders are focusing on short vowel words and developing confidence in blending and decoding. Second graders are practicing fluency, comprehension, and writing complete, detailed sentences. These early skills will support continued growth throughout the year.

Feel free to contact me: kferrecchia@ashland.k12.ma.us

💡 At-Home Ideas:

• Read aloud together every night and let your child retell the story in their own words.

• Practice noticing letters and sounds on signs, menus, or grocery items.

• Encourage your child to write a short note, list, or label something at home.

Math News!

📣 Parent Announcement: Monster Math Night is Coming! 👾+ -

Get ready for a monstrously good time! Join us for Monster Math Night on October 23rd at the Warren School from 6:00-7:30.

This fun-filled evening will be packed with math games, puzzles, and activities for the whole family. Come explore math in a hands-on, exciting way—costumes and monster-themed outfits are welcome!

🧠 Fun for all ages
🎟️ Free admission
🎁 Prizes included

We can't wait to see you there!

Mrs. Marquez and Mrs. Freeman

Hello Families,

This month we are learning about BELONGING.

We have defined BELONING as: feeling like you are part of a group where you are accepted for who you are.

Here are some things you can do to help your child develop a sense of belonging:

• Create opportunities where your child can connect with others outside of school.
• Practice open communication, create a safe environment for them to share their feelings.
• Check out this PBS article.
• Talk about all the different groups you and your family belong to (teams, clubs, church, work/school…).
• Go to the library and check out some of the books listed below.

Books about BELONING:

• The Day You Begin by Jaqueline Woodson
• Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
• I am Human by Susan Verde
• Mina Belongs Here by Sandy Lee
• All are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

Warren School’s SEL Team

Would you like to learn more about the role of a Room Parent in your child’s classroom?

Please join us for a brief Zoom call to hear more about this great way to volunteer! During this informational session, we will share the various aspects of the role and answer your questions.

The meeting will be less than 30 minutes.

October 7: PTO Room Parent Information Meeting 6 pm

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89780628012?pwd=bIh1fAZhbunkrL6tcM4snvTb67ncHo.1

We look forward to seeing you there!

Want to join Girl Scouts? Caregivers and potential Girl Scouts are invited to a troop formation meeting on Monday, October 6 at 6:30 pm in the Warren Cafeteria. Please reach out to ashlandgsma@gmail.com with any questions.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will be hosting a Webex Webinar Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation for Parents. The webinar will take place on the evening of Wednesday, October 22nd at 6:30 pm in a partnership between the United States Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations Digital Forensics/Child Exploitation/Cyber Crime Unit. The registration flyer is attached. Advanced registration is required.

The webinar will bring awareness to the dangers children face online today and will educate parents/caregivers how to keep children safe online. The webinar will not be recorded. In the event someone is not able to attend on October 22nd, we hope to host several more throughout the school year.

Karen Legace

Community Outreach Specialist

Office of Public Affairs & External Engagement

United States Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts

(Office) 413-785-0329

(Cell) 617-821-1788

Karen.legace@usdoj.gov

Check out what our Nutrition Services department is serving up for Warren students in November! Menu items are subject to change without notice, based on current supply chain issues or other factors. If dietary concerns are an issue, please contact us.

To view a translated version of the menu, please visit ashland.k12.ma.us/Nutrition.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As the autumn season settles in, we are excited to share our October menu with you, featuring the sweet and nutritious Massachusetts Harvest of the Month: Pears!

Pears are a delicious and versatile fruit that will be prominently featured in our meals throughout October. Locally grown in Massachusetts, these pears are at their peak ripeness, providing an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.

For more information on the benefits of pears and fun recipe ideas, please visit the Massachusetts Harvest of the Month page: Massachusetts Harvest of the Month - Pears.

Our October menu will highlight some delightful dishes featuring the wonderful flavor of pears! Be sure to try our Warm Pear Crisp, Roasted Butternut Squash & Pear Salad, and Kale, Pear & Cabbage Salad.

We are committed to providing fresh, locally sourced produce to our students, supporting local farmers, and ensuring the best nutritional quality in our meals. We encourage you to incorporate pears into your meals at home to enjoy their many health benefits.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for trusting us with your children's nutrition and well-being. We look forward to a flavorful and healthy month!

Warm regards,

Regina Wilkinson
Director of Nutrition Services
Ashland Public Schools
Email: rwilkinson@ashland.k12.ma.us Phone: 508-881-0165

• October 7: PTO Room Parent Information Meeting 6 pm
• October 10: Early Release at 1:15 dismissal, lunch is served
• October 13: No School in observance of Indigenous People's Day
• October 15: Drop Everything and Play
• October 20: No Schol in observance of Diwali
• October 22: Unity Day/Wear Orange
• October 23: Monster Math Night 6:00 to 7:30 pm
• October 27: Whole School Assembly: wear BLUE for Ashland Pride
• October 28/29/30: Parent Teacher Conferences. 12:00 dismissal, lunch is not served
• October 31: Halloween Parade for students and staff only
• November 11: No School in observance of Veterans' Day

Don’t forget to visit ashland.k12.ma.us/Flyers where we feature announcements and events offered by organizations, clubs and teams throughout our community that serve to enrich the lives of our students, families, faculty and staff.