Warren School Weekly Update

As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, October 20th in observance of Diwali.

This weekend marks Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, one of the most widely celebrated holidays in India and around the world. Diwali is a joyful time when families and friends come together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Homes are decorated with colorful lights, candles, and small oil lamps called diyas. People often wear new clothes, exchange sweets and gifts, and enjoy delicious food with loved ones. Fireworks and festive music are also part of the celebration.

This photo shows our lobby decorated with beautiful rangoli artwork. Thank you to the Warren community members who dedicated their time and talent to create these stunning displays for everyone to enjoy: Ruchi Pathak, Saanvi Pusala, Roopa Gakkula, Pratibha Potluri, Rakhi Shah, Friya Jamshedji, Carol Ferrier, Susan Faranda, and the EDP student helpers.

While traditions vary among different cultures and religions, Diwali is rooted in themes of hope, kindness, renewal, and community, values that connect beautifully to our Warren School core values of being kind, safe, respectful, and responsible. To all who celebrate, we wish you a Happy Diwali!

Thank you to the Ashland High School students who joined us for Community Service Day on Wednesday! It was an exciting day for our students as the high schoolers played with them during both recesses, and worked in some of our classrooms (hopefully you heard about it!). This visit also coincided with our Drop Everything and Play event. Photos below show a few of our students and AHS volunteers.

The statement “play is the work of the child,” often credited to Maria Montessori and Fred Rogers, reminds us that play is essential for learning. Wednesday was not only a fun day, but also an opportunity for students to practice important skills, explaining rules to friends, negotiating, cooperating, and most importantly, having fun together!

Next Friday, all students will participate in another safety drill at school. This drill will involve safely evacuating a school bus through the rear door. Practicing these procedures helps ensure that students know what to do to stay safe in any situation.

Have a great long 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

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 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 24: Bus evacuation drill
• 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
• November 26: Early Release at 12:00, lunch is not served
• November 27/28: No School in observance of Thanksgiving

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.