Anne T. Dunphy Newsletter

Great fun was had at the PTO Family Dance last weekend - a perfect way to spend a cold winter night! Thanks to all of the volunteers who helped make this fun event possible!

I mentioned a school-wide Spirit Week in an email last night, but many classrooms have special events planned next week for the 100th Day of School, the 103rd day of school (ask a 4th grader!!!), and other classroom celebrations.

So we'll save our school-wide Spirit Week for one of those long weeks in the month of March!

However... next Thursday, February 12th, we do need everyone to come to school prepared for a winter theme! Which means that everyone needs to be prepared to be outside in the snow - with boots, snow pants (or some other change of pants), coats, and mittens/gloves. (We'll tell you why later!!)

This year, third graders are learning about the Mill River and its important role in our community—past, present, and future. This study connects to the Massachusetts History and Social Science Curriculum Frameworks for third grade, which focus on Massachusetts cities and towns today and throughout history. Our visiting artists and special programs are made possible in part by Williamsburg’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Action Grant.

As part of this unit, students will take part in “Water Wednesdays” throughout the winter. This Wednesday, our class welcomed two special visitors: Nancy Meagher and Carol Berner. Nancy is an artist, author, and former elementary school art teacher. Carol is a Smith College professor who has worked with students from kindergarten through college across the Pioneer Valley to study the Mill River and other local rivers.

During the visit, Nancy read her picture book Millicent and the Day It Rained Buttons. The story shares the history of the Mill River Flood of 1874 through the eyes of Millicent, a fish who lives in the river. After the reading, students created river necklaces using buttons—representing the button factories that once operated in the area—and small vials of water collected from the Mill River.

Next week, we look forward to welcoming Eric Weber from the Williamsburg Historical Society, who will share artifacts from the Mill River Flood. We will also be joined by Daria D’Arienzo from Meekins Library, who will present the Collins Graves Medal, awarded for heroism during the Mill River Flood.

It's so nice to dream of spring... and planting! Check out the PTO seed fundraiser so you can be ready to plant when it's time!

Paper order forms were sent home, or you can feel free to use the link below to order (and share with family and friends!)

Orders are due by February 13th!

I am Collin Black, school committee member since 2020. Working in the field of audio, video, and computers as a technician, I have enjoyed living in Williamsburg almost all my life. As a student, father of, son of, grandson of, and great grandson of students of Williamsburg schools I have a great reverence and commitment for the history and tradition to the excellence of education in our community. As a committee we welcome your input and participation with our school. We are still looking to fill two open positions on our committee. Another seat will be opening this spring as one of our members will not be seeking re-election. If you are interested in joining the school committee, please join us at our next meeting and/or reach out to the Selectboard.

Looking ahead to the Spring, SYAA (Southampton Youth Athletic Association) Little League Baseball registration is now open. Registration will only remain open until February 22, 2026 - so sign up now!

If interested in coaching, please sign yourself up additionally as a volunteer. This will require an uploaded form of ID.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns,

-Southampton Little League

SLLBaseball23@gmail.com

February

February 12: HRHS Band & Chorus Perform for ATD!

February 16-20: Winter Break

February 18: School Committee, 5:30

February 26: Family Feast Lunch (12:00 4th-6th, 12:30 K-3rd)

February 27: All School Meeting (led by 5th & 2nd grades)

March

March 5: Family Literacy Night (info above)

March 5: PTO Meeting, 3:15

March 9: HRHS Musical Preview (grades 4-6)

March 13: 1/2 day for students (11:45 dismissal)

CFCE Friday Playgroup: Fridays 10:00-11:30 in the ATD gym!

Email: sjenkins@hr-k12.org
Website: www.burgyschool.org
Location: 1 Petticoat Hill Road, Williamsburg, MA, USA
Phone: (413) 268-8421
Facebook: Williamsburg Schools