3 Tiger Drive

978-897-6700

Principal- Keith Kinney kkinney@maynard.k12.ma.us

Assistant Principal-David Snyder dsnyder@maynard.k12.ma.us

Administrative Assistant- Joanne Lochiatto jlochiatto@maynard.k12.ma.us

Administrative Assistant- Marie Roche mroche@maynard.k12.ma.us

Nurse Amy Jamieson: ajamieson@maynard.k12.ma.us

Good Afternoon,

I hope your summer is going well! As we approach the new school year, there’s an abundance of important information and reminders to share, which is why we’re getting this out early. This newsletter is designed to offer quick reminders and key updates. It doesn’t mean summer is over—there’s still plenty of time to enjoy some sunshine! A follow-up message will be sent in mid-August.

Welcome, Rising Grade 4 Students and Families:We are excited to welcome you on August 20th at 10:00 AM. This event aims to offer our new students a relaxed opportunity to explore their classrooms and tour the building one last time before the school year starts. While teachers will not be available, there will be an informational session for caregivers, and our older student leaders will guide the students on the tour.

Schedule Release: The excitement surrounding the release of schedules is always palpable. We aim to publish the schedules to ASPEN by August 15th at the latest. Once everything is finalized and posted, we will send out a confirmation email. Please be aware that ASPEN may sometimes display an incorrect student schedule. Until you receive communication from Mr. Snyder or myself, we strongly advise against sharing any of this information with your student, as changes are likely to occur after what we refer to as "the rollover."

Administration Availability- I want to remind you that I’m usually at Fowler throughout the week, with the occasional day off. My family’s summer vacation has ended, so please feel free to contact me if you need anything.

Traffic Patterns:The entrance to Tiger Drive from the Green Meadow side has been closed. Occasionally, it may be accessible, but I highly recommend using the high school entrance to reach both MHS and Fowler. In the upcoming weeks, I will work with Principal Lindquist (GM) to understand how the construction impacts Fowler. Once I have more clarity on the situation, I will provide important updates. Please keep an eye out for this information.

Supply Lists (2025-20265 School Year)

Grade 4 Supply Link

Grade 5 Supply Link

Grade 6 Supply Link

Grade 7 Supply Link

Grade 8 Supply Link

Summer Reading and Math Information Reminder:

Please see this link

Cell Phones: Fowler is a cell phone-free school for numerous reasons, several of which are highlighted in Jonathan Haidt's book "The Anxious Generation." The first two chapters offer compelling insights into how social media addiction can be detrimental to many students. "Anxious Generation" provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by our children, including my own, as well as the difficulties we encounter as caregivers. This summer, I had the privilege of joining a school/community book group led by Fowler grade 8 math teacher Melissa Graham and Green Meadow Assistant Principal Kate Murray. They will be organizing another group this Fall, so be sure to watch for this opportunity.

Below is a copy and paste from our student handbook.

Cell Phones at the Fowler School: To improve the education environment and overall well-being for all students and staff while at school, Fowler administrators and educators must rely on our school-to-home partnership in support of a “Phone Free Fowler”. Students may use cell phones before and after school. It is understood that many families need to be in touch with students beyond school hours. Cell phones are not to be used during the school day for any reason. Fowler expects students to keep their cell phones powered off and in their locker or backpack during the school day or placed into the pocket holders provided in the classrooms.

If a Fowler student has an emergency and needs to contact family members, the student should alert their teacher and request permission to go to the Main Office to call home. The student at that time may use their cell phone or utilize the phone in the Main Office.

Parents/Caregivers who need to contact their child(ren) during an emergency or urgent matter should call the school [(978) 897-6700] and have the student come to the Main Office.

Students who choose not to follow the steps regarding cell phone use at Fowler may receive a Disciplinary Referral and risk disciplinary consequences such as those outlined below:

• 1st Infraction: Student will be asked to turn off their phone and place it in their locker, backpack, or a designated area in the classroom.

• 2nd Infraction: Student will be asked to turn off their phone and bring it to the office where it will be locked in a cell phone holder. Student can retrieve their phone at the end of the day. Caregivers will be notified.

• 3rd Infraction and Beyond: Student will be asked to turn off their phone and bring it to the office where they will be locked in a cell phone holder. Caregivers will be notified and will be asked to pick up the phone and attend a meeting with the administration.

Cell phones and other devices must be either kept in lockers and turned off during school hours or placed in teacher designated holding ( ie pocket holders) within the classroom.

School Attendance: Regular attendance and punctuality at school are essential. While we understand that students may fall ill and we do not expect contagious illnesses to be brought to school, it is our legal obligation to categorize each absence. In recent years, there has been some uncertainty regarding what constitutes an absence and whether it is excused. Below is an excerpt from our handbook for your reference.

Types of Absences

Certain absences may be excused, meaning they will not be considered as they relate to a referral to truancy court by a supervisor of attendance under Massachusetts law (see Massachusetts General Law c.119). However, all missed instructional time has the potential to negatively impact student outcomes. In addition, all absences are included as they relate to chronic absenteeism, regardless of whether the absence is excused or unexcused.

For an absence to be excused, students must bring in a note after each day they are absent.

Excused Absences:

• Death in the family

• Verified doctor visit

• Documented illness or injury

• Nurse dismissal

• Religious holiday

• Court/legal matters

• Extenuating circumstances (at the discretion of the administration)

Unexcused Absences:

All other absences are considered unexcused.

BUS REGISTRATION STARTS Monday JUNE 9TH FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR!

Online bus registration in Aspen for the 2025-2026 school year will open the morning of June 9th beginning at 8am.

Who Needs to Register?

· Students in grades K – 6 who live 2 or more miles from school who want transportation (Must register to receive a bus pass)

· Any other students who need transportation

ANYONE who needs their student to take the bus MUST register each year, even if you receive the bus for free and/or live more than 2 miles from school. It’s the only way we know if you need to take a bus. Buses fill up fast!

For information on how to register for the bus, pay for the bus online, or request a fee waiver, please go to https://www.maynard.k12.ma.us/page/bus-information

Maynard Power Choice to Provide 26 Months of Stable Electricity Supply Prices Starting in September 2025

The Town of Maynard is pleased to announce the September 2025 launch of Maynard Power Choice, a new community electricity buying program from the Town for residents and business owners.

The town is joining more than 200 other Massachusetts cities and towns with similar programs, including the communities of Acton, Sudbury, Lincoln, and Wayland. Through the program, electricity customers in Maynard will have three new options for the supply charge on their Eversource electric bills, including two that provide increased electricity from renewable sources. All Maynard Power Choice options will provide savings compared with Eversource at launch, and prices are fixed for 26 months.

Participants in Maynard Power Choice will automatically receive an additional 5% of their electricity from renewable sources for a price of 13.800 ¢/kWh, which is below Eversource’s August 1 residential price of 14.884 ¢/kWh. That translates to a savings of more than $5/month for an average Maynard household. Two additional options are available by request: Participants can receive electricity that is 100 percent from renewable sources for 14.810 ¢/kWh or just the minimum amount from renewable sources required by law for 13.590 ¢/kWh. Both prices are also below Eversource’s August 1 residential price.

There will be two public information sessions:

• Thursday, July 24 at 7 PM | Maynard Public Library, Roosevelt Room | 77 Nason St, Maynard, MA 01754 and on zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88491331114?pwd=RqUog3zsxOWuEfYmfGtNaRWArR3anW.1)
• Tuesday, July 29 at 1 PM | Maynard Senior Center | 50 Brown St, Maynard, MA 01754

Additionally, representatives from Maynard's Sustainability Committee will be at the Maynard Farmers Market on Saturdays throughout the month of July to answer your questions about Maynard Power Choice.

Answers to many common questions can be found on the Maynard Power Choice website (https://maynardpowerchoice.com/). You can also call customer support at 1-844-202-6266.

The Maynard Food Pantry is open every Monday unless it is a holiday. Maynard residents are welcome to shop 2x a month (out-of-town residents are asked to keep it to 1x a month).

1. Adult and Youth Mobile Crisis Intervention: Call 800-640-5432

2. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat

3. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

4. Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline: Call 800-327-5050 or visit helplinema.org

5. OUT Metrowest for LGBTQ Youth: Call 508-875-2122 or visit outmetrowest.org

6. Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth: Call 866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or visit thetrevorproject.org

7. Planned Parenthood: Call 888-258-4448 or visit plannedparenthood.org

8. National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233, text LOVEIS to 22522, or visit thehotline.org

9. Eating Disorder Hotline: Call 800-931-2237, or visit nationaleatingdisorder.org

10. Seize the Awkward: text SEIZE to 741741, or visit seizetheawkward.org

ELPAC (English Learner Parent Advisory Council) Resources

SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) Resources

Maynard Music Association (MMA)

Interested in learning more about the Maynard community and the many wonderful things happening around town? Check out the monthly Maynard Advantage Newsletters by subscribing at maynardadvantage.org

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to the next level.

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questions or comments related to the service at your location.

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