Growing By Leaps and Bounds

Martha Jones Motto:

Be Kind. Be Curious. Be Respectful. Be Responsible.

Westwood Public Schools | Martha Jones School | Martha Jones PTO

September 25, 2026 - Issue 2

We have guest Leaps & Bounds authors this week:

Dear MJ Community,

As Equity Leaders at MJ, we are proud to continue a longstanding District Equity Team initiative: a bulletin board highlighting the diverse histories, heritages, and stories of individuals within our community and the world beyond. This year, we are especially excited to expand our focus to celebrate the unique backgrounds of our own MJ community members.

We warmly invite your family to be a part of this project! If you would like to participate, you are welcome to create a slide highlighting your family heritage, a special cultural celebration, or a meaningful tradition. Participation is completely optional. You may share something that aligns with one of our monthly spotlights, or create a general slide for January featuring a story, tradition, experience, or reflection. This gives us an opportunity to celebrate the many unique and meaningful ways our MJ families contribute to and enrich our school community as we kick off the new year.

To ensure our display remains student centered, inclusive, and consistent with an elementary school community aligned with district guidelines, all submitted slides will undergo a brief review by Mr. Kuklentz before being printed and posted on the bulletin board.

Monthly Spotlight Calendar

• September: National Hispanic Heritage Month

• October: Filipino American History Month & Italian American Heritage & Culture Month

• November: Native American Heritage Month & National Adoption Month

• December: Inclusive Schools Week (Disability Awareness)

• January: MJ Community Stories

• February: Black History Month

• March: Women’s History Month

• April: Arab American Heritage Month

• May: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month & Jewish Heritage Month

• June: LGBTQ+ Pride Month & Immigrant Heritage Month

How to Submit Please send your completed slide to Erin Aaron (eaaron@westwood.k12.ma.us) and Beth Swinning (bswinning@westwood.k12.ma.us).

We have included two sample slides below as inspiration—please feel free to format yours however you’d like!

Thank you,

Beth & Erin

My daughter recently became a newly minted driver with her learner’s permit. When I sit shotgun, I’ve found it best to stare intently out the side window so I don't give a running commentary on how her braking is a little too gradual or her speed a little too cautious. (My philosophy: if we’re going to crash, we’re going to crash.) I share this because learning to drive with her has been a humbling mirror—she has made it abundantly clear that I am an aggressive driver who lacks patience for anyone else on the road.

I admit this up front because I am asking for your help in the morning drop-off line.

Thursday morning’s unanticipated fire alarm closed our usual bus lane, forcing both cars and buses into the same line and causing an unusual backup. During the crunch, several cars dropped off their children and then attempted to pull around the other stopped cars and buses.

I completely understand that patience runs thin when the caffeine hasn't kicked in yet and work deadlines are looming—believe me, I get it. But for everyone's safety, I am asking that you please stay in line and exit only as the line moves forward.

To keep things running smoothly for everyone, we need a bit of teamwork:

• Pull up as far as possible: Please pull all the way forward in the morning, even if it means your child has to walk a few extra steps from the top of the drop-off to the median cutout.

• Park if you need extra time: If you need to step out of the vehicle—whether to unbuckle a car seat, load a backpack, or give a lingering hug—please park in a designated spot rather than holding up the active drop-off line.

My top priority will always be keeping your children safe, and I truly appreciate your help and patience in making that happen every morning.

Matt

We will be doing the MJ Walk A Thon on October 6. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the PTO and helps to fund our enrichment and field trips. It will mirror the one we had two years ago.

Walkathon will occur from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM during the school day at MJ. Our Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders will walk the baseball field from 9:30-10:00 and the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will do the same from 10:00-10:30. Classes will walk around the field for their assigned time, there is no "laps goal".

Coming to school every day is one of the most important ways students can build strong learning habits and feel connected to their school community. Students who attend school regularly and arrive on time establish routines and habits that are conducive to learning and success in school. When students are at school regularly, they have more chances to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition, tardiness to class is disruptive to the student, the teacher, and classmates. We expect that students will make every effort to be present and on time to school.

As a district, we have made a change to the way that we code absences. In the past, every absence was automatically coded as excused. Moving forward, the only absences that will be coded excused will be:

• An illness documented by a medical provider

• Bereavement or serious illness in family

• Absence due to attendance at a school-sponsored activity

• Observance of a religious holiday

• Suspension from school

• An absence excused by an administrator for other exceptional reasons

Functionally, this change does not impact the vast majority of students. It will allow us as a district to better support the very small number of students who have extremely high number of absences.

Dear WPS Families,

The WPS School Engagement Committee wants to make sure every family feels connected, supported, and included in our school community! We are working to help families build meaningful connections with one another and easily tap into existing initiatives across our schools.

Please take 2 minutes to fill out our quick Families in WPS - Get Connected interest form. By sharing your contact info and checking off the programs or efforts that interest you, we can help keep you connected and up to date on:

• Community & School Engagement: School/district committees, Welcome Clubs, and grade-level WhatsApp groups to connect with other parents.

• Special Education Support: Westwood SEPAC updates, events, and community resources.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Inclusive Read-Aloud programs in elementary classrooms.

• Cultural & Language Connection: Language Affinity Networks and coalition updates.

Checking a box simply signals your interest to the WPS School Engagement Committee and the WPS Equity Office. We will share your contact info and specific interests with the appropriate committee chairs or project coordinators so they can follow up with details and meeting links.

Click here to fill out the form

Thank you for helping us build a welcoming, connected community for all of our students and families!

Sincerely,

Lateefah Franck, Director of Equity, Integration, and Community Partnerships

Please see this form for more information about the Westwood Community Coalition to Combat Hate Speech.

• Wednesday, September 30th - Early Release, 12:00pm

• Tuesday, October 6th - Walk-A-Thon, 9:30-10:30

• Monday, October 12th - No School - Holiday

• Wednesday, October 14th - Early Release, 12:00p

• Wednesday, October 28th - Early Release/Parent Teacher Conferences, 12:00pm

• Friday, October 30th - PTO Haunted Hallway

• Wednesday, November 4th - Early Release/Parent Teacher Conferences, 12:00pm

• Wednesday, November 11th - No School - Holiday

• Wednesday, November 26th - Special Early Dismissal Day, 12:10pm

• Thursday, November 26th - No School - Holiday

• Friday, November 27th - No School - Holiday

• Monday, November 30th - No School - Professional Development

• Wednesday, December 9th - Early Release, 12:00pm

• Wednesday, December 23 - Early Release

• Thursday, December 24 - Friday, January 1st - No School - Vacation

• Monday, January 4 - School Resumes

Pictures from picture day were delivered to MJ on Friday afternoon so they will be going home in your child's backpack on Monday, 9/28. With this news we are happy to confirm Picture Retake Day has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th.

If families have any questions regarding portraits, payments, or ordering images, please contact the CoffeePond Customer Care department directly. They will have faster answers for any question about ordering. Contact Customer Care at Lifeguards@coffeepond.com or 508-907-6633 ext. 0.

MJ PTO MiniCourses will begin next week. If you have signed your child up for a MiniCourse please be sure you are updating your child's dismissal in SDM.

For dismissals directly to MiniCourses:

You can set up all dates automatically by using the "Recurring Dismissal" feature. Follow these directions:

1. Click on Recurring Dismissal

2. Select student name

3. Select "Mini Courses" under Dismissal Instructions and add the Mini Course name in the "notes" field

4. Select your mini course day(s)

5. Apply to: Every Week

6. Include the Start Date & End Date

For dismissals to MiniCourses from Extended Day:

Please note if your child is going to MiniCourse from Extended Day the Release Form for Extended Day needs to be completed and the only dismissal note in SDM should be EXTENDED DAY.

If your child is not returning to Extended Day at the end of a MiniCourse you must change the dismissal instruction in SDM to reflect MINI COURSE (as listed in the "dismissals directly to MiniCourse" instruction)

Please understand we are all striving for student safety, delineating a clear chain of custody for your child.

All children will be dismissed per the parent instruction in SDM.

It is District policy that children do NOT switch buses. All bus numbers are listed in SDM so parents can select the appropriate bus for their child but switching buses is still not allowed.

Below please find the link to bus registration and information on the district website along with the section noting the non-switching of bus policy.

https://www.westwood.k12.ma.us/o/wps/page/bus-transportation

Can children be dropped off at a different stop on the way home?
Students may only ride their assigned buses. Transporting students to an alternative, yet existing, stop on the student’s same route may be granted if done so on a regular basis (example: three days per week). Requests for alternative stops should be made in writing to Scherie Ciarrocchi, Bus Coordinator (sciarrocchi@westwood.k12.ma.us) and sent to Westwood Public Schools, 220 Nahatan Street, Westwood, MA 02090. Transporting students for play dates, lessons, or other reasons is not permitted.

Please be sure your child's items are labelled with a name or initials. Here in the office we do our best to get labelled items back to their forever homes. Items without labels get sent to the donation bin after 3 weeks.

(For those who remember Ms. Santangelo uses the old Filene's Basement method - date and check 😉)

Student safety is one of our utmost concerns. We kindly ask that you are mindful in the carline and parking areas when you are coming to MJ to drop off and collect your child. The safety of all students depends on all drivers obeying the rules and speed limits.

Thank you

We have been building a classroom community in KF! Students have been getting to know one another, and this week we shared our favorite colors. Together, we created our own class graph and practiced counting how many friends chose each color. We also used math words like most, least, more, and fewer to talk about our graph. It was a fun way to build our classroom community while practicing our math skills!

Students in 5th Grade have been learning all about money, investing, and how the stock market works by participating in the national Stock Market Game. Students have been working in small groups to invest a simulated $100,000 in stocks and bonds. Based on their investments, the groups have been tracking their stock holdings, selling underperforming or over-performing stocks, and reinvesting funds in other companies. Popular investments have included Nike (NKE), Microsoft (MSFT), and Visa (V). Alongside math and technology skills, students have also been learning collaboration and decision making skills in real life situations

Here in the Learning Center, we are excited to be back and ready for a great school year! We kicked off the year by hosting Lunch Bunches with all of our students. These informal gatherings give students an opportunity to connect with one another and with Learning Center staff in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Our goal is to build strong relationships, foster a sense of community, and help every student feel comfortable, supported, and connected in the Learning Center. We look forward to continuing these opportunities throughout the year to check in with students, celebrate their successes, and create a positive space where every student feels known, valued, and supported.

PTO News

Support Martha Jones Today! From enrichment programs and family events to teacher appreciation and school spirit, there’s so much ahead—and we can’t do it without you. Your donations support valuable programs, and events, and provide essential resources that enhance the educational experience of every student.

We recommend a contribution of $50 for families with one student and $100 for families with two or more students. Please feel free to donate based on what feels comfortable for your family. Every amount, big or small is greatly appreciated

We can't make the PTO work without your support. Your involvement, time, and donations are greatly appreciated.

As a reminder, we also have a Corporate Match option. Many employers offer matching donations because MJS PTO is a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Donate based on what feels comfortable for your family and your financial situation. Every amount, big or small, is greatly appreciated.

Participate in the PTO Birthday Book Program! Ms. Swinning has selected some fantastic books that students have requested, but the Martha Jones library does not currently have. During their birthday month, participating children are invited to the library to pick a brand new book from this collection. A bookplate commemorating your child’s birthday will be placed inside the front cover and they will be the very first student to borrow this book! Once they’ve finished reading it, the book will be returned to the library’s collection, where it can be enjoyed for years to come. The cost of this program is $20 per student.

DO YOU FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM?

Love the reminders about all things MJ when you’re scrolling? Take a minute and like or comment to keep us showing up in the feed! Join our Facebook group or follow us on Instagram @marthajonespto

PTO CONTACT FOR EVENTS, NOTICES:

Have an event or notice for our PTO update? Email it to: PTO Secretary - Erika Gauthier

Martha Jones PTO Board 2025-2026

Lisa Lennon, Co-President

Lauren Maffei, Co-President

Monisha Dabek, Co-Treasurer

Nicholas Banov-Quiroz, Co-Treasurer

Erika Gautheir, Co-Secretary

Gina Ciampolillo, Co-Social Media

Lauren (Tumas) Wegner, Co-Social Media

Eileen Siegel, SEPAC

Please see the Westwood Special Education Parents Action Committee (SEPAC) website with all upcoming events. Join us on September 30th, 7:30 PM, Professional Development (PD) Conference Room

Westwood Schools District Offices, 200 Nahatan Street

Click this link for the Westwood 2026 - 2027 school calendar

Links to Westwood Community Resources. The link will take you to the Interface Referral Service for Mental Health Supports. This service helps to facilitate access to outpatient services. Additionally, on the page there are links to Westwood Youth and Family Services, the Food Pantry, Council on Aging, Westwood Community Chest, and many more.

Throughout the school year, there may be family, community, or broader world events that are impacting your family and child(ren). If you need some support with how to talk with your child about violence, loss, or scary events, please reach out to your child’s teacher, me or our School Psychologist, Ms. Annie Plummer. Additionally, I have found the following resources to be valuable:

How to talk to children about violence (1 page), (full) - NASP

How to talk about natural disasters and help children cope - NASP

Helping children cope with terrorism - NASP

Talking to Children about hate crimes and anti-semitism - National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Interface Referral Service is like a match.com for counseling providers. You contact them with insurance and presenting problem and they try to match you with an available provider.

Westwood Youth & Family Services Website has been supporting and advocating for the children and families in our community since 1986.

Westwood Community Chest is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity dedicated to helping Westwood residents in need through temporary financial assistance. Single parents in need of safe summer activities for their children through our “Campership” program. Children who need school supplies or medical treatment. Families who have experienced job loss or other financial crisis and are struggling to make ends meet.

The Westwood Food Pantry, located in Westwood, Massachusetts, is committed to providing essential provisions to individuals and families in our community who need temporary assistance.

Resources for Grief Support

Westwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation.

If you need this document translated, please call the Westwood Public Schools’ Student Services Department at 781-326-7500 ext. 1346 or email your request to lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.us. Thank you.

如果您需要翻译本文档，请致电Westwood的公立学校的学生服务部在781 326-7500 ext. 1346 或电子邮件您的要求 lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.us 谢谢你。

اذا بحاجة الى هذه الوثيقة المترجمة ، يرجى الاتصال على إدارة المدارس العامة ويستوود 'الخدمات الطلابية في 781 326-7500 ext. 1346 أو على البريد الالكتروني الخاص بك lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.usلك. لطلب كنتشكرا

Если вам нужен этот документ переводится, пожалуйста, позвоните Вествудгосударственных школах "Студенческие службы Департамента по 781 326-7500 ext. 1346 или по электронной почте запрос на lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.us Спасибо.