Goodyear Elementary School

Dear Goodyear Families,

As we close the book on another incredible school year, we want to thank our students, families, and staff for making Goodyear such a special place to learn and grow.

At Goodyear, kindness is more than a slogan painted on our walls. It is who we are. It is the way students welcome new classmates, support their friends, encourage younger students, and show respect to teachers, staff, and one another. Throughout the year, our students have shown what it means to be Respectful, Responsible, and Safe, and we could not be prouder of our Goodyear Lions.

As summer begins, we encourage all students to continue learning through the Goodyear Summer Reading Program created by Ms. Ross and Ms. Pappagianopoulos, complete the summer math calendar activities, and take advantage of the many opportunities offered through the Woburn Public Library. A few minutes of reading and learning each day can make a big difference.

We are excited to welcome our newest kindergarten students to the Goodyear family this fall, and we send our very best wishes to our fifth graders as they move on to middle school. While they may be leaving our halls, they will always be part of the Goodyear community.

Once a Lion, Always a Lion! 🦁

Thank you for a fantastic year filled with learning, laughter, growth, and kindness. Have a safe, relaxing, and joyful summer. We look forward to seeing our returning Lions in the fall.

Keep Being Kind Lions!

Warmly,

Amanda Williams, Assistant Principal
&
Meg Patrissi, Principal

There were smiles, cheers, high-fives, and a few tears as our fifth graders participated in the annual Goodyear Lion Clap Out. Students and staff lined the hallways to celebrate this special milestone, giving our oldest Lions one final walk through the school they have called home for the past six years. The clap out tradition is a meaningful way to recognize students as they transition from elementary school to middle school.

As they made their way through the building, our fifth graders were applauded by younger students, teachers, and staff who wished them success in their next chapter. We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and all they have accomplished during their time at Goodyear.

Once a Lion, always a Lion. We wish our fifth graders the very best as they begin their middle school journey!

Ms. D'Amato, our Speech and Language Pathologist, had a special fan club! Just look at those girls posing in the photo. Their excitement and smiles say it all. Such a sweet moment that captures the joy and connection our students feel with the caring adults in our school community.

Congratulations to Sophie, whose artwork was selected to be displayed on a commemorative flag celebrating Woburn's 250th anniversary in Woburn Center! We are incredibly proud of her creativity and talent.

Be sure to check out the display and celebrate this special recognition of one of our Goodyear Lions.

A special thank you to the Woburn Historical Society and Ms. Hanna for organizing this wonderful event that highlights our students' talents while celebrating the rich history and community of Woburn. What a great way to honor both our students and our city!

A colorful group of M&M's stopped by for a sweet visit. They were so sweet, we weren't sure if they came to see Scary Larry or just melt our hearts! One M&M even asked, "Why did we come to Goodyear?" The others replied, "Because we heard this school is choco-full of amazing students!"

Thank you, Mr. Gore, for bringing a little extra sweetness and fun to our day!

A big thank you to the Woburn Public Library for visiting Goodyear and promoting summer reading! Our students loved the energy and enthusiasm, and who doesn't love an inflatable dinosaur? 🦖

We encourage all families to keep reading this summer. Be sure to visit the library, sign up for the summer reading program, and get a library card if you don't already have one. Reading all summer long helps students stay engaged and ready for a great start to the new school year!

We are so proud of our Goodyear students and their reading progress this year! School may be out of session, but reading should still be a part of your child’s daily routine. Children who don’t read over the summer can lose phonics skills they have learned this year. They also miss out on the pleasures of a good book which can teach them vocabulary, background knowledge, and strengthen their empathy skills. Parents can do many things to help their children stay on top of their reading. We invite you to try out some of these suggestions:

• Have students read! They can read to you, themselves, family members, and pets! You can read to them. Try both! Reading can be such a beautiful and natural way to connect with your children and can help make difficult conversations easier. You will learn a lot about each other when you read together.

• Think about visiting the library every week or two for new material. Create an excitement for reading by allowing your child to choose their own books. If you can’t make it to the library download the Libby and Hoopla apps to bring digital and audio books into your home. These are great to listen to as you travel near and far this summer. Visit the Woburn Public Library website to learn more. You will need a library card to get started.

https://woburnpubliclibrary.org/

• Visit a Little Free Library and look for books for your whole family to read. We have one here at the Goodyear School. Did you know that when kids see adults read it increases the likelihood that they will read? Visit their website to find a LFL near you or download their app to find little libraries wherever you visit.

https://littlefreelibrary.org/

• Participate in the Woburn Public Library Summer Reading program. Information went home this week with your child.

• Come to the Goodyear Book Swap on July 29th from 6:00-7:00. Students will bring gently used books to swap. We will have an adult table as well.

• Give the Barnes and Noble Summer Reading program a try and earn a free book.You don’t have to purchase books there to participate but you do get to choose a free book when you complete their reading log.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/shop/summer-reading-free-book-giveaway

• Grab some of your children’s friends and parents and have a book club. You can each bring the name of a book you loved, read the same book, or read some books together. The Woburn Public Library is a great way to beat the heat and has a lot of nooks and crannies for families and friends to meet in and chat.

• Enjoy the process! Let your child choose what they want to read. Don’t worry if it’s only graphic novels. They have a lot to offer! When kids choose and are intrigued by a specific title that is what is going to keep them invested in reading this summer and beyond. Happy Reading!

What an amazing morning at the Goodyear Talent Show! Our students wowed the audience with their creativity, confidence, and incredible talents. From singing and dancing to musical performances, comedy, and unique acts, our Lions demonstrated the courage to step on stage and share their gifts with others.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff members who helped make this event possible, including Ms. Murphy, Mr. Gore, Ms. D'Amato, Ms. White, Ms. Watros, Ms. Kapstad, and the many other staff members who supported rehearsals, organization, and the event itself. Your dedication provided our students with a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talents and build confidence.

We are so proud of all of our performers and grateful to the families who joined us to celebrate. The Talent Show was a wonderful reminder of the creativity, courage, and spirit that make Goodyear such a special place.

Congratulations to all of our talented Goodyear Lions on a fantastic show!

All year long, our students worked hard to build their literacy skills through Lexia, and we were excited to celebrate their accomplishments with our Lexia Llama incentive program!

A special thank you to Ms. Pappagianopoulos for tracking student progress and Lexia data throughout the entire year. Your dedication helped keep our students motivated and focused on their reading growth.

We would also like to thank the staff volunteers who were willing to be "pie'd" as a reward for reaching schoolwide goals. The excitement and laughter made for some unforgettable memories!

Congratulations to the students who achieved the highest Lexia levels this year. Your perseverance, dedication, and commitment to learning are truly impressive. We are proud of the growth shown by all of our students and look forward to seeing them continue to soar as readers.

Keep up the great work, Goodyear Lions!

A Special Thank You to Deb

At Goodyear, we are fortunate to have many wonderful families and caregivers who help make our school community such a welcoming place. Today, we'd like to recognize someone who brightens our mornings in a special way-Deb!

As she arrives each day to drop off her grandson, Deb greets students and staff with a warm smile, kind words, and a positive spirit that is truly contagious. Whether it's a cheerful good morning, an encouraging comment, or simply her uplifting presence at the gate, Deb helps set the tone for a great day ahead.

Recently, Deb surprised our staff with a sweet treat as a gesture of appreciation. While we are incredibly grateful for her thoughtfulness, we want her to know just how much we appreciate her. The kindness, positivity, and sunshine she brings to our school community each morning do not go unnoticed.

Thank you, Deb, for being such a bright spot in our days. Goodyear is a better place because of people like you!

22 Grade 5 - Cyber Safety Presentation in the Library

23 Woburn Public Library Summer Reading Presenatation

23 Goodyear Talent Show

23 Report Cards

25 5th Grade Clap-out

25 Last day of school - dismissal 12:00 - grab and go lunch

Good morning, families, staff, and most importantly, our incredible fifth-grade students.

Today is a day filled with celebration, reflection, and a little bit of bittersweet emotion. As you prepare to leave Goodyear Elementary and begin your middle school journey, we want you to know just how proud we are of each and every one of you.

For many of you, these hallways have been your second home since kindergarten. You arrived carrying backpacks that seemed almost bigger than you were. You learned your letter sounds, practiced sharing and taking turns, tied your shoes, and discovered what it means to be part of a community.

Principal Kessaris had the privilege of watching many of you during those early years, and over the past two years, Ms. Williams and I have had the honor of seeing you grow into the thoughtful, capable, and compassionate young people sitting before us today.

You have truly embodied our school theme: "Kindness Starts with Me."

At Goodyear, kindness is more than a slogan painted on our walls. It is who we are. It is the way you welcome new classmates, support your friends, encourage younger students, and show respect to teachers, staff, and one another.

You have been role models who demonstrate what it means to be respectful, responsible, and safe.

You have filled this school with unforgettable memories. We have watched you shine on the stage during the Talent Show and our first Drama Club production. We have shared the excitement of Canobie Lake Park, enjoyed visits with Lilly, our therapy dog, and celebrated countless moments of learning, laughter, and friendship.

Your visit to Wonder was the start of how you came together as a class; for some, it was their first experience at a show. The way you supported one another and represented Goodyear with pride showed us just how much you have grown. You carried yourselves with confidence, kindness, and leadership both in and out of the classroom.

As you move on to middle school, remember that the qualities that made you successful here will continue to guide you. Stay curious. Be brave enough to try new things. Stand up for others. Include everyone. And never underestimate the power of a simple act of kindness.

Most importantly, enjoy being young.

Laugh loudly. Make memories with your friends. Stay curious about the world around you, and do not rush to grow up too quickly. Childhood is a little like recess on a sunny day. It moves faster than you think, so treasure these moments.

While we will miss you dearly, we know you are ready for this next chapter. Take the spirit of Goodyear with you wherever you go. Carry our values in your hearts and continue showing the world that kindness starts with you.

Remember, you will always have a home here. Do not be strangers. Once a Goodyear Lion, always a Goodyear Lion.

Congratulations, 5th grade. We cannot wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish.

Go Lions!

Our 5th graders had an amazing day at Canobie Lake! Students had fun, made lasting memories, and represented Goodyear with pride by being respectful, responsible, and safe throughout the trip. This is a day they will always remember with their fellow Goodyear Lions!

Our students were excited to see Mr. Paladino, our wonderful crossing guard, at the Woburn 250th Celebration! As an active member of the Woburn community, he enjoyed connecting with our Little Lions outside of school. We are so lucky to have such a caring and dedicated crossing guard keeping our students safe each day

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Community Night! Despite the warm weather, it was wonderful to see so many Goodyear families and staff members come together for a fun evening. A special thank you to our PTO for all of their hard work in planning and hosting this event. We are grateful for such a strong and connected school community!

Stay tuned for an exciting new feature coming to Goodyear next school year! Several staff members recently partnered with the Woburn Public Media Center to create videos that will support both whole-group delivery and individual student needs.

Goodyear is a special place because of our incredible educators, who go above and beyond to support every learner. We can't wait to share these videos with our students at the start of the school year.

A special thank you to the Woburn Public Media Center for transforming our office into a TV studio with an amazing backdrop, generously gifted by our 5th grade team!

While our 5th graders celebrated their move to middle school, the rest of our students participated in Move-Up Day! Students spent time with their grade-level peers and had the opportunity to experience what next year may look like.

Please note that class placements have not been finalized or shared at this time. Move-Up Day is designed to help students become familiar with the next grade level and build excitement for the year ahead.

It was wonderful to see students eagerly moving from the first floor to the second, and from the second to the third, as they looked ahead to their next chapter at Goodyear!

As we close out another incredible school year, we are proud to celebrate the tremendous literacy growth demonstrated by our students across all grade levels.

This year, our students showed what is possible when hard work, perseverance, excellent instruction, and strong family partnerships come together. Schoolwide, the number of students performing above benchmark expectations doubled from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. At the same time, the number of students performing well below benchmark decreased by more than one-third, reflecting meaningful progress for many of our learners.

Some of the most exciting growth occurred in our youngest grades. Kindergarten students more than doubled the percentage of students meeting or exceeding benchmark expectations as they built the foundational reading skills that will support their future success. Our first graders demonstrated exceptional growth, with half of all students finishing the year above benchmark expectations in literacy.

We also saw impressive gains in our upper grades. Nearly half of our fifth-grade students finished the year performing above benchmark, a testament to their dedication and the strong instructional foundation built throughout their years at Goodyear.

While we are proud of these outcomes, what excites us most are the stories behind the numbers: students who discovered confidence in themselves as readers, students who set goals and worked to achieve them, and students who learned that growth comes from perseverance and effort.

These accomplishments are the result of a school community committed to helping every child succeed. We are grateful for our talented teachers, dedicated support staff, and supportive families who work together each day to create meaningful learning opportunities for our students.

Thank you for being part of another successful year at Goodyear. We look forward to building on this momentum and celebrating even more growth in the year ahead!

We are proud to celebrate Goodyear students Ali Kligerman and Amalia Clemente for their outstanding community service efforts!

As members of Girl Scout Troop 84204, Ali and Amalia recently completed their Bronze Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can earn. For their service project, the troop created The Big Book of Woburn for Kids, a resource designed to help children and families who are new to our community.

The book introduces readers to Woburn through a child-friendly lens and highlights local resources, activities, and places throughout the city. It is available in both print and online formats, with online versions offered in multiple languages to better support families from diverse backgrounds.

The troop is generously donating copies to each of Woburn’s elementary schools and other community locations so that new families can access the book wherever they connect with city services.

Thank you, Ali, Amalia, and Troop 84204, for helping make Woburn an even more welcoming place for all!

Goodyear staff recently celebrated this year’s recipients at the WPS Above and Beyond Awards. While we know that every member of our Goodyear team goes above and beyond each day, these honorees are a few of the shining examples of the dedication, compassion, and commitment that make our school so special.

Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, and thank you to all of our staff for everything you do for our students and families every day.

Ms. Kristin Borselli - Goodyear Paraprofessional (missing from photo)

Morale Pals were revealed today, and there were lots of happy faces as staff discovered who had been their secret morale booster throughout the year!

The thoughtful notes, small gestures, and acts of kindness did not go unnoticed. Thank you to everyone who helped spread positivity and support across.

June

12 Goodyear Community Night 6:00 - 8:00

15 Change is Simple 3/4/5 Grades

15 5th Grade Canobie Lake

16 5th Grade Graduation 9:00 - 10:00

17 Change is SImple 3/4/5 Grades

18 Change is SImple 3/4/5 Grades

19 No School - Juneteenth

23 Goodyear Talent Show

Class supply lists for the 2026-2027 school year are now available! As you enjoy the summer, keep an eye out for back-to-school sales and stock up on supplies when you find a good deal. A little planning now can make the start of the school year even smoother. We can't wait to welcome our Goodyear Lions back in the fall!

Ms. Newman outdoes herself every year, and this year's Spring Show was amazing! From Ms. Hanna's stunning art installation that transformed the gym to Mr. Tully and Ms. Meile's leadership of the Goodyear Band, every detail made the event special. The band rocked the gym, families filled the audience, and red, white, and blue could be seen everywhere. Our students wowed the crowd with their energy, talent, and hard work. Take a bow, Goodyear Lions. You put on a fantastic performance and made us all proud!

Ava Napoli arrived at school in style on Field Day, riding in a fire truck as a reward for being the top fundraiser in the Turkey Trot! Ava's fundraising efforts helped support enrichment opportunities for all Goodyear students, making this special arrival a well-deserved celebration. Thank you, Ava, for your hard work and generosity, and thank you to our community for supporting programs that benefit all of our Lions!

Field Day was a huge success and a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the school year! A special shout-out to Mr. Slagmolen for organizing a fun-filled day packed with engaging games and activities that kept students smiling from start to finish. Thank you to our parent volunteers and former Goodyear students who helped everything run smoothly throughout the day. Students especially enjoyed rotating through the activity stations, cooling off in the gym, and taking a break with refreshing treats. We are also grateful to Lily, our therapy dog, and Paul for providing a calm and welcoming space where students could relax, connect, and enjoy some extra comfort during the excitement of the day. It was truly a memorable day for our Goodyear Lions!

Thank you to Change is Simple for providing such an engaging and meaningful enrichment experience for our students! Through hands-on lessons focused on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and making positive choices for our planet, students were actively involved in learning how small actions can create big changes.

Our classes had a blast participating in the activities, discussions, and investigations led by the Change is Simple team. Ms. Weir is especially excited about the new environmental library resources, which will provide students with ongoing opportunities to explore topics related to nature, conservation, and sustainability.

We are grateful for our partnership with Change is Simple and feel fortunate to have such a valuable resource supporting environmental education at Goodyear.

Our students were all smiles as they flipped through this year's yearbook, reliving special moments and celebrating the memories made throughout the school year. From classroom activities and field trips to schoolwide events and friendships, the yearbook beautifully captures what makes Goodyear such a special place. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated 5th grade PTO parent volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every student was represented and had their moment to shine. The amount of time, care, and attention that goes into creating a yearbook is immense, and we are incredibly grateful for their efforts. Thank you for preserving these memories that our students will treasure for years to come!

Our fifth graders recently visited the middle schools they will be attending next year as part of their transition to sixth grade. The visits provided students with an opportunity to tour their new schools, meet staff members, and learn more about what to expect in the fall. We are excited for all of our students as they begin this next chapter of their educational journey. Here is a photo of our future Joyce Middle School Lions during their visit!

On Monday, June 8, Goodyear Lions gathered for our final character assembly of the year to celebrate students who exemplified the traits of Trustworthiness and Integrity. Students were recognized for being honest, dependable, responsible, and for making positive choices even when no one is watching. In addition to honoring our character award recipients, we celebrated our PAW Award winner, ROAR Award recipient, and students recognized by our specialist teachers. The assembly also included a special recognition of longtime educator Peggy Billings, whose impact on generations of Goodyear students was highlighted through heartfelt tributes, a student rap performance, and a schoolwide dance celebration. It was a joyful morning that showcased the character, community, and spirit that make Goodyear such a special place.

After the Bell, students had a wonderful time creating paper dragons! The room was filled with creativity as students designed colorful dragons using a variety of materials and artistic techniques. Each dragon was unique, showcasing students' imagination, attention to detail, and artistic talents. It was exciting to see their creations come to life, and the finished dragons brightened the room with their vibrant colors and personalities.

Mr. Paladino and Sammy recently ran into each other in the community! We love seeing our Goodyear Lions make connections beyond the school day. These special moments remind us that our school community extends far beyond our classroom walls and helps strengthen the relationships that make Goodyear such a welcoming place for everyone.

The cast of 10 Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse gathered for one final celebration together. Throughout the production, these students built strong friendships, developed their talents, and created memories that will last long after the final curtain call. It was wonderful to see the bonds formed within this theater crew and to celebrate all of their hard work and success.

A special thank you to Mr. Gore for creating this exciting new opportunity at Goodyear and for inspiring our students through the performing arts. We look forward to seeing the theater program continue to grow!

Our 2nd and 3rd graders made the most of recess with a fun and adorable train of friends! It was wonderful to see students laughing, working together, and enjoying time outdoors. The train of fun they created brought smiles to everyone's faces and was a great reminder that some of the best memories are made during playtime with friends.

What a fun way to learn the states! Students used music to help memorize all 50 states, making geography engaging and memorable. The song may be a little different from the one many of us learned in school, but it certainly got everyone singing and learning!

The future is looking bright for our first graders! From teachers and doctors to engineers, athletes, and artists, our students proudly dressed up as the careers they dream of pursuing one day. It was wonderful to see their excitement, creativity, and big aspirations on display. We can't wait to see all the amazing things they accomplish in the years ahead!

Goodyear staff celebrated our final staff meeting of the year with our annual Paper Plate Awards! Each staff member was assigned a colleague to recognize and celebrate, creating a fun experience similar to yearbook superlatives. From heartfelt compliments to humorous observations, it was wonderful to see the positive qualities and unique strengths that others notice in one another. The activity brought lots of laughter, smiles, and appreciation as we reflected on another great year together. What a meaningful way to celebrate our amazing staff and the strong community we have built at Goodyear!

The Woburn Teachers Association recently honored its retiring members, and Goodyear was proudly represented as we celebrated Ms. Peggy Billings and her incredible career in education. Staff members joined together to recognize her years of dedication, commitment, and lasting impact on generations of students and families.

Our students have been working hard preparing for this year's Spring Show, and Ms. Newman has been busy getting everything ready for a wonderful performance!

This year's theme celebrates America's 250th Anniversary, and we are asking students to wear red, white, and blue for the event.

All families are welcome to attend. There will be two performances, and students will attend based on their last name. Please refer to the schedule below for your child's assigned show.

We are excited to showcase our students' hard work and talent and look forward to seeing you there!

After 26 years of dedicated service in education, we congratulate and celebrate a beloved Goodyear educator as she begins her well-earned retirement!

Her journey in Woburn Public Schools began at the White School, where she spent two years as a Title I teacher. She then joined the Goodyear community, teaching 1st grade for five years, 2nd grade for fourteen years, and finishing her career in 3rd grade for the past five years. A graduate of the University of Maine and Cambridge College, she has touched the lives of countless students and families throughout her career.

One of her favorite traditions was the annual "All About Me Jamboree." After writing autobiographies, her second-grade students would celebrate as published authors, welcoming parents, grandparents, and classmates to share in their accomplishments. It became a cherished event that families looked forward to each year.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Billings has been a driving force behind the positive culture that makes Goodyear such a special place. She led Goodyear Goodies, organized memorable staff culture-building events such as March Madness Bowling and many other celebrations, and served as a valued member of our Instructional Leadership Team. This year, she spearheaded our MCAS positivity efforts, piloted Reveal Math, and mentored many young educators as they developed their craft. Ms. Billings has a gift for putting smiles on the faces of both students and staff. Whether she was planning a celebration, offering support to a colleague, or showing off an occasional Irish jig in the hallways around St. Patrick's Day, she brought joy, energy, and laughter to our school community.

When asked for advice to future educators, she shared, "Work hard, but play just as hard!"

As she reflects on her career, she says she will miss the students and staff she has come to know over the years. Looking ahead, she is excited to spend more time with her family and is especially looking forward to escaping New England winters by spending part of the season somewhere warm and snow-free.

Thank you, Ms. Billings, for your years of dedication, leadership, kindness, and commitment to the children and families of Woburn. Your impact on Goodyear School will be felt for years to come. We wish you endless adventures, relaxation, and happiness in retirement!