9/20/26 - The Washington Weekly

Dear Washington Families,

It's a busy week of learning here at the Washington ! Our important dates look a little empty this week, but please know that it is a busy week at school!

At this time of year, our teachers have been working hard to establish consistent school routines and expectations while also implementing our core curricula. In reading and writing, we are using the American Reading Company (ARC) program, and in math, we use Eureka².

Students are also participating in important assessments, including DIBELS, IRLA, and i-Ready. These assessments are selected because they provide us with consistent information about the skills students have developed and the skills they are ready to learn next. This information helps teachers identify students’ individual learning needs and provide targeted support and instruction.

We also use this information to help guide our overall school improvement goals. By looking closely at what our students know and what they need next, we can continue to strengthen our instruction and make sure we are growing to meet the needs of our current learners.

So, while our calendar may look a little quiet, there is a lot of important learning happening at Washington each day!

Please also check out information below on the following topics.

• Washington Site Council (Parents Needed!!)
• Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race Washington Globetrotters! Way to roll!
• Please Leash Your Dog
• If you miss your child's bus drop-off
• Our After-School Program Registration is Open
• Come Join the PTO

- Jennifer Lilley, Washington Principal

Monday, September 21st

Tuesday, September 22nd

Wednesday, September 23rd

Thursday, September 24th

Friday, September 25th

We are looking for parents who would like to participate in the Washington Site Council. Each school in the district has a site council, a group of teachers and parents who are an advisory committee to the school principal. The council is asked to oversee the school quality improvement plan, advise on the school budgeting process, and give feedback on the progress of the school as a whole. Representatives of community partner organizations are also very welcome to join site councils.

We would like at least 4 parents to serve on the council. No prior experience is necessary. Parent participants may serve in person or join us by Google Meet link. We will have meetings from 5:30 PM-6:15 PM on: October 22, December 17, January 28, and March 11 (all Thursdays). The council may agree to add additional meetings over the course of the year.

If you are interested in participating in the Washington Site Council, please reach out to Jennifer Lilley, Washington Principal by email jlilley@lowell.k12.ma.us or send a ClassDojo message stating that you are interested in participating in the Washington Site Council. Especially as a principal new to the district, I really do rely on the members of the site council to give feedback on the progress of the school and reflect the values of our community. No parents have signed-up yet! We need your voice to help guide the school. I'm happy to answer questions about participation on the site council. I hope to hear from you soon. - Jennifer Lilley, Washington Principal

On Friday, we had an incident in which an unleashed dog approached and frightened one of our students who was walking to school with their family on the sidewalk. Please know that some children may not feel comfortable around dogs or may not want to be approached by them. Attempting to avoid an approaching dog can also create an unsafe situation, particularly with traffic nearby.

As a reminder, Lowell requires dogs to be leashed when they are off their owner's property. Additionally, only service dogs are permitted in the school play yard and parking area. We appreciate your help in creating a safe and supportive arrival and dismissal environment for all of our students.

If a bus gets to a stop and there is no parent there for a student, the student is taken to Moody Elementary School, 158 Rogers St, Lowell, MA 01852. The main number at the Moody is(978)937-7673. Staff there contact parents by phone and the student needs to be picked up at the Moody if this occurs. https://share.google/ErMevlBQJhi7KFfgJ

Students will enjoy fun activities, learning opportunities, time with friends, and lots of after-school fun! Space is limited. This year, students will participate in the same enrichment club two days each week. Meeting twice each week will give students more time to build skills, complete projects, and enjoy a more meaningful after-school experience.

Program Schedule

• Grades 1&2: Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Grades 3 &4: Mondays and Wednesdays

Program Begins: Tuesday, October 13th
Registration Link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4CA5A72BA7F8C34-58414026-please
Please make sure to register using your student’s first and last name.
Open to: Students in Grades 1–4
Pick-Up: 4:40 PM
Please Note: No busing is provided and students who enroll in the program must attend both scheduled days for their grade level. Unfortunately, we cannot accept students enrolled for only one day a week. We appreciate your understanding as we make this change.

Questions? Contact Mrs. Susan McCoy: smccoy@lowell.k12.ma.us or send a message on Dojo!

PTO Meetings for the Year: October 1, November 5, December 3, January 7, February 4, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3

If you can't make all the meetings come to the meetings you can make!