The Wellfleet Elementary News

We are in the midst of back-to-back events in our cafeteria, and it’s been wonderful to see our school community come together.

Last Friday’s Carnival was a major success. Our students designed and built incredible cardboard construction games that brought joy to life for everyone who attended. A special thank you to Ms. Joanne Remy-Maldacher for her leadership and effort in making this event such a memorable experience. We are hopeful this will continue as a cherished tradition in the years to come.

As we look ahead, a few important reminders: Tomorrow is a half day.

The 42nd Annual Spaghetti Supper is also tomorrow and we hope to see you there!

Thank you for your continued support,

Principal O'Shea

P.S. If you haven't signed up for your child's parent/guardian/teacher conference, then please reach out to your child's teacher as soon as possible.

A recent student visit to the 95 Lawrence Road Building Project offered an inside look at a thoughtfully designed housing development focused on sustainability, safety, and community connection.

Situated on nine acres of land, three of which have been left as trees. The site is taking shape as a vibrant neighborhood right across the street! One of the most notable design features is the layout of the homes. While the front doors are positioned close together and across from each other, each residence still maintains a small front yard. According to project planners, the homes are intentionally arranged with doors facing one another to encourage interaction and build a sense of community.

Although many of the houses appear move-in ready, there is still some final work underway. Key systems such as lighting, gutters, and plumbing are already fully operational, with remaining details expected to be completed within the next month.

The development is organized into sections referred to as “Villages,” each including shared social spaces. These areas are designed to bring residents together, with features like raised beds and open areas for recreation. The entire road is uniquely shaped like half a donut, allowing families to easily watch their children play outside—whether it’s soccer, baseball, or enjoying the ¼ mile footpath.

Inside, the homes are built with sustainability in mind. They are designed to retain heat efficiently and include multiple safety features, such as at least two fire alarms per building and peepholes on every front door. Cameras are also installed throughout the property to make it more safe.

The apartment building offers additional amenities and has been compared by students to a hotel. It includes an elevator, a pergola, and wide hallways that “look like the Sheraton,” according to Nello. There is also a large basement storage area where Katie commented, “I could store all of my surfboards, paddleboards, or anything else I wish for on my birthday” A second community center near the houses provides additional shared space for residents.

Families moving into the development will also benefit from practical features such as a mailroom, bike racks, and a playground for children. While there is currently one charging outlet in the community center, the site is planning to incorporate solar panels—enough to generate more energy than the development uses. Nello thought this may be helpful in the case of another power outage.

At this stage, about one-third of the units have been rented, another third are in the process of being filled, and the final third are still being reviewed based on income qualifications.

Two full-time staff members will be responsible for maintaining the property, supporting the long-term upkeep of the buildings and grounds. Students also noted the hard work of construction crews, with the scent of fresh paint still noticeable throughout many of the spaces.

Overall, the 95 Lawrence Road project reflects a strong emphasis on community, sustainability, and thoughtful design. As Katie simply noted after the visit, “I liked the toilets,”a reminder that even the smallest details can leave a lasting impression.

Residents of 95 Lawrence Hill will begin calling the “Hill” home starting April 15th.

We want you! (and your friends)! As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, we hope to that we will have a few more students that will call WES home. AS of right now, there are openings for students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade. You are encouraged to reach out to Mr. O'Shea to set up a school visit. If interested, simply text Mr. O'Shea (607) 423-1049. It's that easy!

We have a handful of current WES families that have children that will be joining us next year for the first time as kindergartners! We are delighted to invite families to the kindergarten orientation. Parents are encouraged to bring the entire family and learn names and faces of the WES staff. Here is a glance at the slideshow.

The Nauset Public Schools Farm to School Program is always exploring innovative and creative ways to support student access to fresh, local foods, hands-on nutrition education, outdoor learning spaces like school gardens, field trip opportunities, and more. We’re excited to share that Nauset Farm to School has been selected as a partner in the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program for March 2026!

Throughout the month of March, the NPSD Farm to School Program will receive a $1 donation for every reusable Community Bag purchased at the Stop & Shop located at 24 Route 6A in Orleans, MA. Community participation helps support Farm to School initiatives across the district.

To learn more about the Nauset Public Schools Farm to School Program, please visit the NPSD Farm to School webpage. Thank you for your continued support!

We are in the midst of our 3 year audit with DESE. As required, we are providing this information.

DESE Audit Info

If you have any further questions, you can email Matthew Kravitz at kravitzm@nausetschools.org

From Monday, April 13th through Thursday, April 16th, Wellfleet Elementary School’s 5th grade students will participate in the Seashore Program, an immersive overnight environmental education experience at the National Environmental Education Development (N.E.E.D.) Academy within the Cape Cod National Seashore. Staying in a former Coast Guard Station overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Pamet River valley, students will explore beaches, dunes, marshes, swamps, and forests while learning about the natural and cultural history of Cape Cod. Guided by lessons aligned with Massachusetts Science and Social Studies Curriculum Frameworks, they will investigate topics ranging from native ecosystems and coastal geology to the lives of Native Americans, early colonists, and the U.S. Life Saving Service. Field trips to sites like Great Island, the White Cedar Swamp, and Race Point will deepen their connection to the unique and fragile environment they call home. Evening activities such as night hikes, stargazing, and group games will foster camaraderie, while the shared the experience of living and learning together will strengthen classroom community, teamwork, and personal responsibility. For more information visit the NEED Website.

Here are the current upcoming field trips planned for this year. Check back each week for any updates!

Friday, March 20th - Early Dismissal 11:00/Parent-Teacher Conferences

Friday, March 20th - Spaghetti Supper 5:30pm

Tuesday, March 31st - ELA MCAS Grades 3-5

Wednesday, April 1st - ELA MCAS Grades 3-5

Wednesday, April 8th - All School trip to WHAT Theatre for Spring Musical "The Lorax" 10:00-11:30

Thursday, April 9th - Grade 3 trip to Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Monday, April 13th-Thursday, April 16th - Grade 5 Trip to NEED Academy *more info to come

Monday, April 27th - Grade 2 trip to NPS and White Cedar Swamp Trail

Friday, May 1st - Early Dismissal - 11:00am

Tuesday, May 5th - Science MCAS - Grade 5

Wednesday, May 6th - Science MCAS - Grade 5

Tuesday, May 12th - Grades K & 2 trip to Atlantic White Shark Conservancy 9:00am

Friday, May 15th - Grade 1 trip to Audubon & Mayo beach 9:30am

Tuesday, May 19th - Grade 1 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:00am

Tuesday, May 19th - Math MCAS - Grades 3-5

Wednesday, May 20th - Math MCAS - Grades 3-5

Thursday, May 21st - Spring Concert & Arts Night

Wednesday, May 27th - Grades K-2 trip to TCS for Author visit

Friday, May 29th - Grade 5 Step-Up Day at NRMS

Tuesday, June 2nd - Grade 2 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:00am

Thursday, June 4th - Kindergarten walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:30am

Friday, June 5th - All-School Amazing Race

Tuesday, June 9th - Grade 5 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:45am

Thursday, June 11th - Grade 3 walking to Wellfleet Historical Society 9:30am

Friday, June 12th - Field Day (rain date 6/17)

Tuesday, June 16th - Grade 2 trip to Audubon Habitat Hike

At WES we are using the Committee for Children’s Second Step program in your child’s classroom. The Second Step program teaches children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. It also helps our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn.

During the winter and early spring months, we will be teaching skills in the Second Step unit of instruction entitled: Child Protection (in grades K-5). In these lessons, students will learn three types of skills:

• Personal Safety. Students will learn important safety rules, such as safety with guns, sharp tools, and fire, and when riding on wheels or in cars. They will also learn ways to help them decide if something is safe or not.

• Touching Safety. Students will learn about safe, unsafe, and unwanted touches, and rules about touching private body parts. They’ll also learn to say no to unsafe or unwanted touches, and to tell an adult if someone breaks rules about touching private body parts.

• Assertiveness. These lessons will also give students a chance to practice asking an adult for help, telling an adult about an unsafe situation, and being assertive to get out of unsafe situations.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Mrs. Francis, our School Psychologist (francisk@nausetschools.org; 508-349-3101 x231).

Thank you for helping us to make our school a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn.

March Breakfast Menu

March Lunch Menu

Wellfleet Rec Adult Open Gym

FleetFund Info

Rental Assistance

Lower Cape Lacrosse

Truro Community Ed Registration

Truro Community Ed Classes

Lower Cape Children's Garden

Art Reach Earth Week

Free Clinic With NRHS Girls Varsity Basketball Team

Wellfleet Rec Easter Egg Hunt

Wellfleet Rec Create Club

Wellfleet Rec Summer Camp

Wellfleet Rec Hiking & Foraging

Wellfleet Rec T-Ball

Wellfleet Rec Co-Ed Softball

Homework Help is available to students in grades 2-5 after school from 2:00pm to 2:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. There is specific support available each of these days. On Mondays it will be Ms. Shuemaker and Mrs. Demeusy, Tuesdays Mr. Pursel and Mrs. Connolly, and on Thursday Ms. Lyman and Mrs. Botting. If you would like to sign up your child for Homework Help, please email Mrs. Belair in the front office at belairl@nausetschools.org.

Additionally, Mrs. Wallace will be inviting selected students mornings of Tuesday, Wednesday, and/or Thursdays from 7:00am-7:45am.

As you may know, the Nauset District has discontinued its use of ParentSquare and has transitioned to a new platform. If you download the Nauset App, you will receive all alerts, newsletters, and any other info from your child's school and the Nauset district. It’s the easiest way to stay updated with school news, alerts, and important announcements.

Similar to last year, I will continue using Smore to send out our weekly newsletters during the school year. These will begin the week before our return and will continue consistently throughout the year.

📱 Download the Nauset App:

• Apple App Store

• Google Play Store

Along with the information below, you will receive a great deal of first day paperwork. Please review it and where applicable, complete and return as soon as possible this will ensure we have the most up-to-date contact information.

• Breakfast and lunch: are free again for all students! If your child eats breakfast at home and you DO NOT want them to access the breakfast offered, please let the teacher know.
• Snack: Please send your student with a healthy snack and reusable water bottle daily. We are seeking to provide a healthy snack grant on Tuesdays and Thursday, and are awaiting if we received the grant. Plan to provide a healthy snack daily until you hear otherwise.
• School Arrival: Students may arrive at school at 7:25am. Breakfast is available, and students may otherwise sit in the cafeteria until the first bell rings at 7:45am.
• Supply Lists: All school supplies are provided to our students. Thank you Wellfleet taxpayers!

• Electronics: Upon arrival, student electronics (phone/watch) should be turned off and stowed away in their backpack. If parents/caregivers need to contact your student, please call the school at 508-349-3101, and the front office can get a message to your student.

Greetings from the WES Health Office!

I hope your children are as excited to return to school as I am! I can’t wait to see their shining faces soon. Before the year gets underway, here are a few important reminders for families:

Health Requirements & Screenings

• The state of Massachusetts requires that all students be up to date with immunizations to attend school. Exemptions include:

  • Medical: must be documented by a medical provider

  • Religious: requires an annual written statement on file

• Vision and hearing screenings take place annually. If follow-up is needed, I will send a referral letter home.

• BMI screenings are conducted in grades 1 and 4.

• Postural screenings are done in grade 5.

• Puberty education using the Our Changing Bodies curriculum is provided to grades 4 and 5. Families will receive advance notice and the opportunity to preview materials.

Medication Guidelines

• All medications require both a medical provider’s order and a parent/guardian’s written permission.

• Medications must be in the original prescription bottle with prescribing information and delivered to school by an adult. No baggies of pills in backpacks, please!

• If you’re having trouble obtaining a second inhaler for school due to insurance issues, let me know so we can problem-solve together.

• Standing orders for over-the-counter acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and Tums are included in the back-to-school forms.

Please remember—if your child’s medical situation changes during the year, reach out so we can develop an appropriate plan for their school day.

Exciting News from the Garden & Cafeteria!
Thanks to a Community Preservation Funds grant, WES will be installing new raised beds in our school gardens. This will allow us to grow, sample, and even serve more school-grown foods in the cafeteria! We’ll also be welcoming guest chefs for taste tests to inspire students to try nutrient-dense foods.

Our Fresh Fruits & Veggies Program will return this year with offerings on Tuesdays and Thursdays right outside the classrooms. We’re also excited to welcome back Farmer in the School, Stephanie Rein, for hands-on garden learning. And—our very first apple harvest from the school orchard is coming this fall!

All of this programming is designed to support the long-term health and well-being of our students, helping them build the skills to make healthy decisions for life.

Looking forward to a wonderful year ahead,
Nurse Crosen

At Wellfleet Elementary School, we pride ourselves on providing supports that will help all students be successful. WES follows a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) a framework designed to provide early intervention and support for students facing academic or behavioral challenges.

It typically begins with universal screening to identify students in need of assistance, followed by tiered interventions that increase in intensity based on the student’s response.

• Tier 1 includes classroom instruction and universal supports for all students
• Tier 2 offers additional, small-group interventions for those who need extra help, and
• Tier 3 provides intensive, individualized support for students with significant challenges.

If a student continues to struggle despite these targeted supports, the MTSS team will convene to evaluate the student’s progress and needs. If it is determined that the interventions have been insufficient and the student demonstrates significant difficulties, a referral for a special education evaluation will be made by the school.

• This evaluation assesses whether the student has a qualifying disability and requires specialized services to succeed in the educational environment, ultimately leading to the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if eligibility is established.

Here is the most recent WES Waves: A Student Run Online Publication presented by our very own Mr. Staker. This is the second edition and includes reports from all students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. It is well worth the watch!

WES School Health Services-Resource page: Contact Mrs. Cope-Crosen for more information at copec@nausetschools.org

The Lawrence Fund was established in March of 2023 by Ariana Bradford (Staff Member at WES) and Joan Zukas (School Committee member and grandmother to two students at WES). The Fund was established to honor Lawrence Zukas, father to Ariana and husband to Joan. Its’ purpose is to financially support students and their families who may be in need of funds for camps, sports equipment, shoes, coats, boots, musical instruments, school supplies including technology support, etc. Request can be made to Mrs. Ariana Bradford, Mr. Adam O’Shea, Mrs. Claudia Cope or your child’s teacher. No proof of need is asked, The Lawrence Fund is just happy to help. Any additional questions can be answered by Claudia Cope at copec@nausetschools.org or by phone at (508) 349-3101.

Throughout the school year you may want to reach out to your child's teacher, or reach out to me.

All Nauset staff follow the email formatting below:

• the staff person's last name
• then the initial of their first name
• ending with @nausetschools.org

Now there is an exception to the rule: Ms. Claudia Cope-Crosen, our school nurse, is simply copec@nausetschools.org