Anne T. Dunphy Newsletter

Happy New Year! We hope that all of our families had some time to enjoy each other during the break.

Our students have all transitioned back into school well on our first full week in a bit, but we are anxiously awaiting some fluffy snow on our playground to change the landscape a bit!

Our musical rehearsals are in full swing, and our January Enrichment session has started! A gentle reminder for families that if a student is absent during the school day, or arrives after 10:30, then they cannot participate in after school activities on that day. If you have questions or concerns about a specific situation, please feel free to reach out.

As the holidays sometimes bring new treasures, we would also offer a reminder from our Family Handbook - that if cell phones or other electronic devices come to school, they need to be turned off and in backpacks for the day. If they are on or used, then the device comes to the office where a caregiver can pick it up. Thanks!

After the fun and excitment of the holidays, January is often a time when schools can settle in to predictable routines and really dig into curriculum. Be sure to check out your child's classroom newsletters to see what's brewing in each learning space!

One day each week, Ms. Dias opens her classroom space for students during the older grade recess for Art Studio. There are all kinds of creative projects taking place during this time! Below, two 5th graders are painting their F15 Model Airplane.

For the next few months, we are partnering with our bus drivers to acknowledge the efforts of students who are working to make safe choices on the bus. In preparation for this, we have all reviewed bus expectations together so we are all clear what the drivers will be looking for. Each week, a driver will select one student to be recognized for their adherence to these safety rules. Each student selected will get a special ribbon and have a chance to select an item from Mrs. Jenkins' box of treasures.

Congratulations to Violet, Daniel, Lucia, and Abigail who were our first group of bus riders selected to be recognized by their bus drivers!

Last month, preschool and 6th grade buddies went on a hunt for the Gingerbread man all through the school! They looked for a read clues to help them solve the riddle!

Thanks to all for supporting our Winter Music Sharing last month! It is such an important experience for students to perform in front of an audience - and it's exciting for them to show off their hard work!

For one of our December Staff Meetings, staff were invited to High Five Books in Florence where they enjoyed some snacks and drinks, and were able to select a book for their learning space. Thanks to Lexi from High Five for hosting us!

Students (and families, we hope!) had fun with our spirit week before break. We saw lots of creativity with the "Anything But a Backpack" day! Thanks, 6th grade, for all of your Spirit Week ideas!

The HRHS Administration and Counseling Department are excited to invite all 5th and 6th grade families to an information night on January 22, 2024 at 6 pm in the HRHS auditorium. Parents and guardians are invited to learn about the elementary to middle school transition, middle and high school programming, extracurriculars, athletics, and more about Hampshire Regional! Tours will also be led by the high school Student Council. While this event is for parents and guardians, we will offer many other transition activities for 6th-grade students in the spring. We look forward to meeting you!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Middle School Assistant Principal Kara Sheridan at ksheridan@hr-k12.org.

We look forward to seeing you!

Sixth grade families, mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 16th for HRHS' Middle School Expo Night. More information to come soon!

Mark your calendars!

• Chess Club will be starting again with Andy Friedman on Tuesdays 6-7:30pm
• Reading to Dogs on January 25th at 11am (This is a great monthly program for hesitant readers)
• Stuffed Animal Sleepover - Drop-off: Friday, January 31st 5-6pm; Pick-up: Saturday, February 1st 9-11am.

January

January 13th ~ School Council 3:30

January 15th ~ School Committee 5:30

January 20th ~ MLK, Jr. Day, No School

January 21st ~ No School, Professional Learning for staff

January 22nd ~ 5th/6th grade Family Information Night at HRHS, 6:00

Friday CFCE Playgroup

Caregivers and children ages 0-5 are welcome!

Fridays ~10:00-11:30

Email: sjenkins@hr-k12.org
Website: www.burgyschool.org
Location: 1 Petticoat Hill Road, Williamsburg, MA, USA
Phone: (413) 268-8421
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063877785225