Anne T. Dunphy Newsletter

This week in Health & Wellness, second graders learned about hand washing and germs. They first used blue paint to understand the steps in careful hand washing, noticing the spots on their hands that the "soap" (blue paint) didn't cover."

Then, they thought about the blue paint as germs, and did some experimenting to see what kinds of actions spread germs the most. Can you guess which spreads the least germs: handshake, high five, fist bump? Ask a second grader!

It may be a little late for this clarification, but...

If the Superintendent determines that there will be a two-hour delay due to inclement weather, typically:

• Buses will run their same routes, but two hours later than their usual time.
• There will be no morning-only preschool (so half day students would not attend)
• Full day preschoolers are welcome to attend, arriving at 10:15.
• Our school day begins at 10:15. Students will come into the building and start their day at 10:15.
• Breakfast is not served, but lunch is available.
• From time to time, the menu on that day may need to shift if it required longer preparation.
• Classrooms may still hold a morning snack time as students arrive, so they are welcome to come with a morning snack,

If the Superintendent determines that there will be an early release due to weather:

• Buses will run on the schedule communicated to families
• Sometimes the call will be for a "typical half day schedule" which would be an 11:45 dismissal.
• Other times the weather may be unexpected, so a call would be for dismissal at a certain time (2:00 or something like that)
• In all cases of a weather-related early dismissal, any after school activities would be cancelled.

Please reach out with any questions!!

As you may recall, last year during the FY26 budget process, our music program was reduced by the equivalent of one day per week. This shift did not impact the amount of time each class PreK-6 was able to access general music instruction. It did, however, decrease the available time for 4th-6th band opportunities.

As we consider how to prioritize the remaining band time, we wanted to gather some additional information from our 4th-6th families.

Some of the possible scenarios we have considered are:

• offering band to returning band students
• offering band to interested 5th/6th graders
• offering band to interested 4th/5th/6th graders
• simplifying instrument choices for lesson groupings

A survey was sent to previous band families earlier in the year. Those families are welcome to complete this survey as well, although we still have your initial responses.

Interested in coaching or supporting a Girls on the Run team at ATD this spring? Check out the information below!

Prior to the Holiday Break, staff at ATD had a chance to shop at High Five Books in Florence to pick a book for their learning space! This activity was partially funded by the Williamsburg PTO through a fundraiser held there last year. THANK YOU, PTO!

If you have not checked out this area bookstore yet, we highly suggest that you do! It's a wonderful local resource providing not only quality literature, but many, many programs for kids and families throughout the month!

The Town of Williamsburg is holding a series of working sessions related to the town's Comprehensive Plan. These sessions will be held at ATD on Saturday, January 10th, and Sunday, January 11th. Please see below for more information!

Looking ahead to the Spring, SYAA (Southampton Youth Athletic Association) Little League Baseball registration is now open. Registration will only remain open until February 22, 2026 - so sign up now!

If interested in coaching, please sign yourself up additionally as a volunteer. This will require an uploaded form of ID.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns,

-Southampton Little League

SLLBaseball23@gmail.com

January 19: MLK, Jr. Day - No School

January 20: Professional Development - No School

January 21: School Committee, 5:30

January 26: School Council, 3:30

January 30: Preschool Progress Reports sent home

February 5: PTO Meeting, 3:15

February 16-20: Winter Break

SAVE the DATE!: Family Literacy Night ~ March 5th

CFCE Friday Playgroup: Fridays 10:00-11:30 in the ATD gym!

Email: sjenkins@hr-k12.org
Website: www.burgyschool.org
Location: 1 Petticoat Hill Road, Williamsburg, MA, USA
Phone: (413) 268-8421
Facebook: Williamsburg Schools