Anne T. Dunphy Newsletter
August 28, 2025
Boo Hoo Breakfast
Thanks to the PTO for planning and hosting our annual Boo-Hoo Breakfast. This is an opportunity for our new families to get to know each other, and to stay close by for a bit as they get used to the idea of letting go! A special thanks to Monica Bhwomik and Amy Pagano for organizing this year's event!
Toys & Stuffies
During the COVID pandemic and the transition following that, we became a bit 'looser' in terms of our approach to special items from home being part of the classroom and recess (toys, stuffies, etc.). This felt important during that period of time, as there was such uncertainty all around, and we were not encouraging sharing of school toys/equipment.
A couple of years ago, we shifted back to asking that toys, stuffed animals, and playing cards remain at home (grades K-6). This shift proved to be positive for our school community, and will remain part of our school community.
We do know that often a comfort item can be really helpful for a student to have close by. If they come to school, they should remain in students' backpacks. This helps the items to remain safe and avoid heartbreak for lost/broken treasures. Thanks for your support with sharing this message at home! Please know that our staff is always willing to work with families during periods when a child might benefit from an individual plan around a comfort item.
(Please note: We understand that some classrooms have 'sharing' as part of their classroom routines and this doesn't apply to those instances!)
Each week, Mrs. Harvey will create and post a menu for the following week. This menu isn't sent home in paper copy, but will be posted online. It can be found on our website www.burgyschool.com. Just look for the "button" that says "Menus."
On the weeks a newsletter is sent home, a link to the menu will also be included at the bottom of the newsletter. Scroll down to check out next week's menu!
Williamsburg School Committee Corner
Spotlight on School Committee member: Nicole Farach
Nicole Farach is happily embarking on her third year on the Williamsburg School Committee, which she joined hoping to make connections and contributions as a newer member of the Williamsburg community. Her kid, Carmela, just started Kindergarten in Miss Wildman's class and is loving it!
Nicole happens to work in education- but you don't have to :) In her free time she enjoys hiking, biking, and cooking. Please reach out if you have questions about what a school committee role entails, or to express interest, as we are actively recruiting new members!
Congratulations!
Before we welcomed our students back to school, our staff had two days to work together to prepare for a wonderful year! During our time together, we acknowledged some special milestones for our staff.
Five Years
Erika Wildman
Ten Years
Steve Romanowski
We also acknowledged Mike O'Brien who has worked in our schools for 29 years, and Tina Baker who is entering her 43rd year of service to the schools in Williamsburg!!
We are grateful that ATD is a community in which people want to stay! Congratulations to these special staff members!
"Willi"
This is "Willi" our mascot. His name comes from his hometown of Williamsburg, of course!
Later this fall, we will open an on-line Willi-wear store if families would like to purchase additional gear for the kids or families!
Contact Us
Email: sjenkins@hr-k12.org
Website: www.burgyschool.org
Location: 1 Petticoat Hill Road, Williamsburg, MA, USA
Phone: (413) 268-8421
Facebook: Williamsburg Schools