Anne T. Dunphy Newsletter

Some may be celebrating, and others quietly crying... but snowy days have arrived! A couple of notes about how ATD does SNOW!

2 hour delays

On two hour delays, students arrive at school anytime between 10:15-10:30. Students will head right down to their classrooms starting at 10:15, so families don't need to worry about dressing kids for snow play for the start of the day.

If there is a 2 hour delay, there will be no preschool for half-day kiddos. Preschoolers who typically stay the full day can arrive at 10:15-10:30.

There will be no breakfasts on 2-hour delays, but lunch will still be available. From time to time, the lunch menu may need to shift that day, depending on the time needed to prepare the meal.

Winter Recess

At ATD, we get outside as much as we can! If the temperature is above 15 degrees (taking into account the wind chill), then we will head out! That means that our students will need to be prepared for the weather of the day!

We have lots of play spaces for snow building and sledding. However, students need to have snowpants and boots in order to play off the blacktop when there is snow cover. If this is something with which your family needs support, please reach out to us. Our list of Winter Recess Guidelines is included below if you're wondering what recess is like in the winter for us!

ATD's Winter Music Sharing will take place on Tuesday, December 17th at 2:00. Families are welcome to join us to enjoy some pieces from our band members, as well as some musical selections from our classes! Families are welcome to dismiss their students at the end of the sharing.

Preschool tried out weaving in Art with Ms. Dias! They used looms, needles, and combs that were all created on our new laser cut machine with the help of Mr. Gilman.

Vocabulary Hat Day was a success! We had so much fun all gathered together in the gym to show off our creations! Each class walked across the stage as their words were called out. After that, students formed mixed- grade groups to share their individual words and meanings. Check out some of the hats still on display in our front hall!

In Health & Wellness, Kindergarten is learning how to recognize an angry feeling and cool it down with a slow belly breath. Mr. O taught us to breath in for 1, 2, 3, 4 - hold it for 1, 2, 3, 4 - breath out for 1, 2, 3, 4 - hold it for 1, 2, 3, 4.

We practiced using long and slow breaths by blowing through a straw and trying to get a cotton ball all the way to the other end of the table! You can support your child's learning by labeling your feelings and modeling taking deep breaths when you are feeling frustrated.

The PTO is looking for an ATD family to take the lead on organizing our annual Winter Family Dance. This event usually takes place in late January or February. This would involve communicating with the folks who do the sound, organizing snacks, organizing decorating, and delegating tasks to family volunters. PTO provides all necessary funds, and can help by providing support, notes, and a checklist from previous years' planning. Please let the PTO know soon if you would like to head this event - or even grab another family to co-chair it with you! Please reach out to the PTO if you're interested or have questions at williamsburgpto@gmail.com .

Each year, the PTO asks families if they would like their contact information to be shared in the PTO directory. This is a great resource to connect with other families outside of the school day - to plan play dates, birthday parties, etc! Please print or bookmark this document so you can access it when you need it!

This is a "live" document, so please let the PTO know if you would like to have your information updated or added! You can email them at: williamsburgpto@gmail.com .

Drop your holiday gifts off to be wrapped, and support the HRHS Class of 2027 (which includes kids from the ATD Class of 2021!)

Have you heard the big reveal!! This year's musical has been announced!

We will be presenting "The Sponge Bob Musical!"

"When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!"

This musical features songs written by artists such as Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, They Might Be Giants and David Bowie! Mark your calendars for performances on March 28th & 29th!

Auditions for students in grades 4-6 will be held on Wednesday, December 11th! Then all of the hard work begins!

ATD now has a collection of COVID tests to be available to our school community if a need arises. Unfortunately, what was sent was intended to be used within one facility, so there is one container of activation liquid. (oops!) However, we are happy to provide the testing materials to families for use. Please reach out to us if we can help.

The Meekins event above is open to ATD 6th graders!

December

December 9th ~ Theater Camp

December 11th ~ Musical Auditions

December 13th ~ 1/2 day for students, 11:45 dismissal

December 13th ~ Report Cards home

December 16-20 ~ Spirit Week - stay tuned for details!

December 16th ~ Musical roles announced

December 17th ~ Winter Music Sharing, 2:00

December 18th ~ School Committee, 5:30

December 20th ~ 1/2 day, 11:45 dismissal

Friday CFCE Playgroup

Caregivers and children ages 0-5 are welcome!

Fridays ~10:00-11:30

Mrs. Harvey has been out for a bit so the website link has not been updated. Below is next week's menu! Thanks for your patience.

Email: sjenkins@hr-k12.org
Website: www.burgyschool.org
Location: 1 Petticoat Hill Road, Williamsburg, MA, USA
Phone: (413) 268-8421
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063877785225