Boyden Weekly Update
November 7, 2025
Dear Boyden Families,
On behalf of the Boyden staff and students, I'd like to thank all Veterans, past and present, for their service to our country and for protecting our freedom.
Please remember there is no school Tuesday, November 11th in observance of Veteran's Day.
Have a nice weekend!
Brendan
Picture Retake Day
Monday, November 10th is Picture Retake Day at Boyden!
Picture retakes will take place for any students who were absent on the original picture day or for families who would like a new photo taken. If you would like a retake, please send in the original photos of your child on Monday. Orders can be placed on the Inter-State website using code 0335FPC.
Math Corner
During family conferences next week, you will be hearing about your students’ progress in our Bridges math curriculum, which is designed to build deep number sense around key grade-level standards. A crucial component of this progress is fact fluency. You might wonder what exactly is fact fluency and how does it change across the elementary grades?
Fact fluency is the ability to recall basic math facts (like 5+3 or 7x4) accurately, efficiently, and with flexibility. This skill is essential because it provides the foundation for higher-level mathematical thinking and problem-solving. When students develop fluency with their basic math facts they can complete complex tasks more efficiently and with greater confidence.This fluency allows students to focus their mental energy on understanding new concepts and applying strategies rather than struggling to compute simple facts. Moreover, strong fact fluency supports number sense, pattern recognition, and mathematical reasoning, all of which are critical for success in later math learning. Building fluency through engaging practice and conceptual understanding helps ensure that students develop flexibility, precision, and logic in their mathematical work.
Our district uses a systematic and strategic approach to ensure that all students have opportunities to develop fluency. Our kindergarteners focus on building number sense and the foundation for facts through hands-on activities in Number Corner and Bridges as well as spatial-temporal activities in ST Math. In Grades 1-5, students use Math Fact Lab, an online program that utilizes a systematic approach with visual models to master facts. We suggest students complete at least three sessions per week (each session closes after 8-15 minutes). Once students complete a certain number of activities they have an opportunity to pass a “level lifter” which will then move them on to the next level of facts. Our students are doing an amazing job passing their level lifters on the path to becoming Math Fact Masters! Here are the core facts students are expected to master by the end of each grade level:
- Kindergarten: Fluently add & subtract within 5
- Grade 1: Fluently add & subtract within 10
- Grade 2: Fluently add & subtract within 20
- Grade 3: Fluently multiply all products up to 10x10 and related division facts
- Grade 4: Fluently multiply all products up to 12x12 and related division facts
- Grade 5: Keep practicing all facts for fluency!
We encourage you to visit our district’s Family Math Site which has resources about fact fluency for parents and caregivers as well as a whole page of fun practice ideas for students to use at home (online and printable). Thank you for your partnership in helping our students become confident and flexible mathematicians and supporting your child’s fact mastery at home.
Elementary Homework
Click on the document below to learn about homework at the elementary level across Walpole.
News from the Nurse
Please be aware of our injury policy if your child should have an injury or a concussion!
Always review safety measures with your children with the changing seasons.
Activity Restrictions and Injuries
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school nurse of any activity restrictions for a child. A note from the health care provider is required if a student is to miss physical education classes.
The physician's note should include the kind of activity restriction and duration of the restriction.
Any student who returns to school, for any reason, with a cast, sling, ace wrap, or crutches must be seen by the school nurse before the start of classes.
Students who have a cast, hard splint, air boot, or other protective covering to promote healing of an injury may not participate in active recess or physical education classes.
Limitations on student participation in recess and physical education are imposed in order to avoid further injury to the student and / or their classmates.
Students may return to active participation once a physician has determined that the student is sufficiently healed and the cast, hard splint, air boot, or other protective covering have been removed.
At this time the student must provide a note from a physician stating that the student may participate in all activities without restrictions.
Calling All Nurses!
Are you a nurse looking for a unique way to get involved at school? The WPS nursing team is seeking nurses to join us as field trip nurses. This is a wonderful opportunity to accompany your child's class on a field trip while helping our school!
If you are interested in this paid substitute role, please apply using the link below.Thank you for your consideration. WPS Substitute Opportunities
Saarah Syed, BSN, RN, CPN
phone: 508-660-7216 ext 5404
fax: 866.308.4231
ssyed@walpole.k12.ma.us
School Store
The next School Store for grades 1-5 will be on Friday, November 21st. Look for a list of items on sale to come home earlier that week.
Walpole Community Food Pantry
The Walpole Food Pantry continues to support local families in need throughout the year. Donations of non-perishable food items, household essentials, and grocery store gift cards are always appreciated. You can help by dropping off contributions at the pantry during open hours or at one of the collection boxes located around town. Every donation—big or small—makes a meaningful difference for our neighbors in need.
If you are in need of support please click the link below and/or reach out to us here at Boyden to provide additional resources.
Important Dates
November 11th - No School (Veteran's Day)
November 12th - Parent Teacher Conferences (5:00 - 7:00 PM) (More info to follow)
November 14th- Early Release(11:45 Dismissal) and Parent Teacher Conferences(12:45 - 2:45 PM)
November 18th - Parent Teacher Conferences (5:00 - 7:00 PM)
November 21st - School Store
November 26th - Early Release (11:45 Dismissal)
November 27th & 28th - No School (Thanksgiving)
About Us
Email: bdearborn@walpole.k12.ma.us
Website: http://walpolebs.ss5.sharpschool.com/
Location: 1852 Washington Street, South Walpole, MA, USA
Phone: 508-660-7216
Instagram: @BoydenBuzz