Lilja Lions

Dear Families,

We’re excited to share about a beautiful, hands-on project happening at school next week to celebrate our core value of Inclusivity—the String Art Installation! Each grade will create a vibrant piece of string art shaped like a letter from our core values acronym (PRIDE), symbolizing how every person’s unique thread contributes to our strong and colorful school community.

What’s Happening?

• Students and staff collaborate by wrapping colorful loops around nails on wooden boards to form letters, showing how we all connect and belong.

• Everyone is invited to participate, no matter their age or skill level, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity.

• Visuals and guided discussions will help students understand how this art represents respect, belonging, and shared pride—just like our Pajama Day and Read Across Lilja events.

• This creative teamwork reminds us that every person’s contribution is important and valued.

How You Can Reinforce Inclusivity at Home

• Talk about how everyone’s unique “thread” or story adds to your family’s special tapestry.

• Read together books like The Patchwork Quilt, The Invisible String, or All Are Welcome to explore themes of connection and belonging.

• Encourage your child to share how they felt working with others on the project and what inclusivity means to them.

• Create your own family art or storytelling project that celebrates everyone’s unique contributions.

• Use family conversations to highlight kindness, acceptance, and respect for differences.

Questions to Ask at Home, by Developmental Level

Early Childhood (Ages 3-6)

• How did it feel to wrap the string with your friends?

• What do you think the strings on the board represent?

• Can you tell me about a time you helped someone feel included?

Elementary (Ages 7-11)

• How does the string art show how we’re all connected?

• Why is it important that everyone has a “thread” in our school community?

• How is this project like our Pajama Day or reading celebration, where everyone’s participation mattered?

Extension

• What does inclusivity mean after working together on the string art?

• How can we keep showing inclusivity every day at school and beyond?

• How do stories like The Invisible String or We’re All Wonders help us understand belonging and acceptance?

We hope the String Art Installation inspires creativity and meaningful conversations about inclusivity at school and home. Thank you for supporting your child in embracing kindness, respect, and community!

February 13th: Whole School Pajama Day

February 16th-20th: No School, February Break

Early Risers/ASAP 2026-27 New Family Registration March 2 - March 31:

• New Family Registration Flyer
• Registration Hub - Detailed information including the timeline for each phase of registration, instructions, frequently asked questions, etc.

Please see the Registration tab at natickps.org/asap.

Questions should be emailed to asap@natickps.org. Due to the high volume, we do not handle inquiries by phone.

Note:

• We typically have a wait list after school. However, families should still apply. This will grant access to priority registration next year. There is no fee to apply.
• For equity, we use a lottery to assign space after registration ends. Families who register anytime between March 2 and March 31 have equal access to space.

DESE SCHOOL REPORT CARDS AVAILABLE:

Each year, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) publishes a school report card that shares information about student learning, school climate, and other key indicators.

Please read the attached letter for a link to our school’s report card and additional information. If you have questions after reviewing the report, please contact the school office.

LOST AND FOUND:

Please remind your student to check the lost and found for missing items. All remaining items will be donated over February Break.

An evening packed with games, prizes and great company. Bingo, cornhole, raffles and more! Come join the fun, reserve your spot today.

*** Registration Required as there are limited seats in the Lilja Cafe ***

Donations welcome and gratefully accepted the night of the event to make more community events like this possible.

Link to register: https://liljapto.org/new-products/individual-ticket

Want to learn more about the PTO? Have a question or suggestion?

Contact our team at pto@liljapto.org
Visit us online at liljapto.org
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
Donate to the PTO

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5