Winthrop Wednesday Weekly

Our Tie-Dye events have been so much fun! If the weather cooperates and everyone has a chance to dye their shirts this week, I plan to invite all students to wear their colorful creations next Friday, October 30. If we aren’t able to finish every shirt in time, don’t worry- we’ll find another way to show our school spirit! We’ll likely go with orange and black or even “dress like a pumpkin” to celebrate the Big Pumpkin Smash, which is also happening on the 30th. Either way, it’s sure to be a festive Friday at Winthrop! I'll keep you posted.

You may have noticed that the temperatures are dropping! While we’re toasty warm inside the building, our students head outdoors at least twice a day (and sometimes more on PE days). Even if you have a kiddo who proudly wears shorts all year long, please send them to school with warm clothing options on colder days. Hats, mittens, sweaters, and jackets can make all the difference in helping everyone stay comfortable while enjoying time outside!

Speaking of jackets, our Lost and Found is overflowing with items! If your child has misplaced a sweatshirt, water bottle, lunchbox, or any other belongings, it may be worth taking a look. Families are welcome to stop by the school office and check out the Lost and Found at any time that is convenient. You might just find a missing treasure or two!

Check 'em out!

Our front lobby Crayon Friends have costumes!

Mr. Falconieri's 5th Grade Workout program EVERY THURSDAY!

No need to register.

This is a drop-in program exclusively for 5th Graders!

Thursday Mornings

Drop off any time between 8:00-8:15

(Doors close at 8:15)

Children will be dismissed from the gym to their classes at 8:35 a.m.

We maintain a safe and supportive school environment at Winthrop School. Each school year, staff receive training in our emergency procedures in collaboration with our School Resource Officer, Detective Joe Perna. Our procedures now incorporate the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), developed by The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, which provides shared language and clear actions for responding to a variety of situations.

Student safety presentations are conducted annually and are tailored to our students’ developmental ages. Detective Perna will visit classrooms this week and next to review these procedures with students.

The Standard Response Protocol includes five actions:

1. Hold — In Your Room or Area. Clear the Halls.
   Students and staff remain in their classrooms or designated areas while hallways are kept clear. Classroom activities may continue. A Hold may be used during a medical emergency so responders can move through the building and the person receiving care has privacy.

2. Secure — Get Inside. Lock Outside Doors.
   Students and staff come inside, and exterior doors are locked because of a concern or hazard outside the school. Activities inside may continue as usual. For example, a Secure action may be used during police activity in the surrounding neighborhood.

3. Lockdown — Locks, Lights, Out of Sight.
   When there is a threat inside the school, classroom doors are locked, lights are turned off, and students and staff remain quiet and out of sight. Students follow the directions of the adults supervising them.

4. Evacuate — To the Announced Location.
   Students and staff move to a designated location, inside or outside the building, under staff direction. An evacuation may be needed during a fire or another situation requiring people to leave an area.

5. Shelter — State the Hazard and Safety Strategy.
   Students and staff follow directions appropriate to a specific hazard, such as severe weather. The announcement identifies the hazard and the protective action to take, which may include moving to a designated shelter area.

You can find a 5 Minute Video about SRP by clicking on the image above.

Regular practice helps students and staff become familiar with these procedures. Students have already completed one fire drill and one real evacuation due to smoke today. Later this month, we will conduct an emergency drill using student-friendly language and age-appropriate procedures. Our goal is to help students feel prepared, supported, and confident in following directions from trusted adults.

Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Mr. Clark and I, alongside our school community, are here to offer help and support. Thank you for your partnership in keeping Winthrop a safe and caring place to learn.