OPR Weekly Update
March 1, 2024
Dear OPR Families,
Happy first of March! Parent-Teacher Conferences are beginning next week. The links to sign up are below. If you haven't opened your child's mid-year report card, you can do so by clicking on the Aspen Family Portal link below. We value the home-school partnership to provide your child(ren) with the most effective educational experience to enable all students to excel. Feel free to reach out to school staff anytime you have questions or want to talk about learning.
Reminder: Friday, March 8th is an early release with dismissal at 11:55 (starting at 11:49).
Be sure to watch the OPR Video News this week. Click here to watch today's OPR Video News.
Have an excellent weekend!
David N. Barner, Principal
dbarner@walpole.k12.ma.us
MARCH
6 Grade 1 Field Trip to Moose Hill
6 Parent Teacher Conferences from 6:00-8:00 PM by Appointment
8 Early Release at 11:55
8 Parent Teacher Conferences from 1:00-3:00 PM by Appointment
18 PAC sponsored visit from the Discovery Museum to Grade 2 for Physical Changes of Matter
13 PAC Meeting, STEM Lab at 7:00 PM
14 Parent Teacher Conferences from 6:00-8:00 PM by Appointment
15 PAC sponsored Harney Dance Irish Step Assembly for All Students
19 OPR Talent Show Dress Rehearsal in the OPR Cafeteria from 3:00-4:30
21 Gr. 5 walks to Bird Middle School to see Willy Wonka preformance
21 OPR Student Council Talent Show at Walpole High School Auditorium at 6:00 - FREE Family Event!
22 Early Release at 11:55
22 Student Council Spirit Day: Wear Your Clothes: Inside Out - Backwards - Mismatched Day
26 PAC sponsored Author Visit to Grade 3: Author David Biedrzycki
26 OPR School Council Meeting at 3:05 in the STEM Lab
29 No School - Day of Low Attendance
APRIL
5 PAC sponsored OPR Spring Dance!
10 PAC Meeting, STEM Lab at 7:00 PM
11 PAC sponsored visit from Discovery Museum to Grade 1: Dinosaurs
12 OPR Student Council Spirit Day: Favorite Sports Team Colors Day
15-19 April Vacation - No School
Arrival: 8:15-8:25 AM
Tardy Bell is at 8:25 AM. (Students must be signed in at the office by an adult if tardy.)
Early Release Dismissal: 11:55 (Dismissal begins at 11:49)
Dismissal: 2:55 PM (Dismissal begins at 2:49)
If your child is going to be absent or tardy, please call the OPR office before school (508-660-7219) and press 1 for the absence line. The automated attendance verification system is in use. Those students marked absent and who have not called in will receive an automated phone call.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
The Parent-Teacher Conference scheduler is now open. It will remain open for your convenience until Monday, March 4th at 5:00 PM. Please be sure to sign up as soon as possible as each day only has limited slots available.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on March 6th, 8th and 14th. We encourage all families to attend conferences as communication and collaboration are essential for your child(ren) to continue to have a strong school year. Conferences may be held in-person, virtually using Google Meet or by phone. If you are a parent with more than one child at OPR, please allow for at least 10 minutes between your conferences. We have found that back-to-back conferences do not allow for travel from classroom to classroom or transition between teachers.
Click on the day you would like to attend and sign up with each teacher. All classroom teachers and specialists are listed.
Wednesday, March 6th (6-8:00 PM) In-Person Conferences Only
Friday, March 8th (1-3:00 PM) In-Person Conferences Only
Thursday, March 14th (6-8:00 PM) In-Person, Virtual, or Phone Conferences
If you have questions or need help scheduling a conference please call the main office for assistance.
Student Report Cards
Families are now able to access to their child's Term I Elementary Standard Based Report Cards and Special Education Progress Report (if applicable) in the Aspen Family Portal
The Term I report card communicates student progress toward meeting end-of-the-year learning standards. The slight, but important, change we made last year to the descriptors of the Academic Performance Levels this year is the phrase “at this time”. The purpose of adding this phrase is to share with families where their students are academically, at this time of the year.
Teachers assess student performance against these learning standards, which are specific and observable grade-level skills. Our report cards reflect the learning standards as outlined in the current Massachusetts State Frameworks. Teachers assess by measuring individual student performance against the identified concrete learning standards, rather than in relation to the performance of other students.
Please check out the Parent/Guardian Guide by CLICKING HERE
Music with Ms. Yee
Grade K/1
Students have been learning about Lunar New Year and some of the traditions that are involved in this unique and beautiful celebration. Students learned that the dragon and color red are symbols of luck in Chinese culture. Students enjoyed moving around the room playing the “Dragon Dance”. They also enjoyed learning a song called “Gung Hay Fat Choy” (Best Wishes). Students added creative movements using scarfs to show high and low pitches in the melody.
Singing/Movement/Picture Books: In celebration of Black History Month students learned an African American game song called “Black Snake''. The catchy chase game between two players was in the jazz style. Students will add xylophones to the song later in the year. Grade K students watched the read aloud, “What a Wonderful World”, by G.Weiss and B.Thiele. Students learned that African American Jazz great Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) was the first musician to record the song. Students enjoyed learning about Armstrong and created movements using colorful scarves to accompany this beautiful song. Grade 1 students watched the read aloud, “Mary Can” by African American musician Mary J. Blige (1971-). They enjoyed listening to Blige's song, “Just Fine” and learning a few hip hop moves!
Grade 2/3
Singing/Movement: In celebration of Black History Month students learned two songs created by African American children called “Amasee” and “Green Sally Up”. Both learning activities involved partners in scattered and set formation. Students watched the read aloud, “Charlie Parker Played Be-Bop”, by Chris Raschka. Students learned about the famous alto saxophonist (1920-1955) and how he played a major role in developing a jazz style called Be Bop. Students were introduced to scat singing and learned that it was all the rage in Jazz music during the 1940’s!
Instruments/Literacy: Grade two students enjoyed adding body percussion patterns to a song called “Sign, Sealed, Delivered” by African American musician Stevie Wonder (1950-). Third graders were introduced to the next two recorder songs called “Go To Sleep” and “Theme of Beethoven”. Please have your child continue to practice as much as they can.
Grade 4/5
Singing/Movement/Picture Book: In celebration of Black History Month students learned a song created by African American children called “Draw me a bucket of water”. Students learned the history of the song and played the game song in groups of four. They were eager to play the game a second and third time! Students watched the read aloud, “To Be a Drum”, by Evelyn Coleman. The story was narrated by one of the greatest actors in history; James Earl Jones (1931-). The story tells of how the drum has always been a powerful symbol of African culture.
World Music Drumming: Students were introduced to instruments that are traditionally associated with West African culture such as the tubano, shekere and gankogui bell. They experienced playing in a traditional drum circle while exploring a variety of rhythms and colors of sound. Students learned a popular folk song from Ghana called “Obwisana” and added a simple ostinato using quarter and eighth notes. They are looking forward to learning a traditional stick game to accompany the song next class.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with Ms. Bishop and Mrs. Murray
As we transition into March, we're gearing up for a month filled with learning and growth under the theme of "The Power to Choose." Throughout March, our students will be diving into essential life skills such as decision-making, conflict resolution, responsibility, test-taking strategies, understanding consequences, and honesty.
We're enthusiastic about guiding our students as they develop these crucial skills, empowering them to make informed choices and navigate life's challenges with confidence.
In Kindergarten, we're excited to introduce our students to the delightful book "Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal: A Tale of Tattletales" by Jeanie Franz Ransom. This engaging story, filled with warmth and humor, provides young grade-schoolers with simple yet valuable guidelines on when to communicate with each other and when to seek help from adults. Through this story, children will learn important lessons about navigating social interactions while having fun along the way. After the book, the students will engage in role-play.
In first grade, we will be reading a humorous yet inspirational story “We Do Not Eat Our Classmates!” by Ryan T. Higgins. This book explores the power of empathy, rule-following, accountability, and getting along with others! Our little learners will be involved with a “think, pair, share” activity in which they will describe 5 ways to be a good friend to others! Students will be allowed to share their work with the class!
In second grade, we're thrilled to dive into "A Little Spot of Honesty: A Story About Trust and Integrity" by Diane Alber. This captivating tale explores the concept of honesty in a way that's both relatable and enriching for young readers. Did you know that honesty extends beyond simply telling the truth? It's about demonstrating integrity, earning respect, and nurturing strong relationships. Through the adventures of A Little Spot of Honesty, students will discover how to stay true to themselves and others. Additionally, we'll engage in meaningful discussions about the difference between white lies and the importance of the kind truth. It promises to be an enlightening and thought-provoking journey for our second graders.
Third graders will be diving into resolution strategies when peer conflicts may arise. The goal is to promote independent problem-solving. Each class will be divided into teams in which they must work together to discuss appropriate problem-solving strategies based on task cards they receive. They will be applying their conflict resolution skills by engaging in a role-play of different scenarios.
In fourth grade, we're delving into the thought-provoking book "Just Kidding" by Trudy Ludwig and Adam Gustavson. This powerful story provides a realistic portrayal of bullying behavior, specifically focusing on the use of hurtful words and the avoidance of consequences by the bully. However, it also offers hope by highlighting the potential for children to break this harmful pattern, especially when supported by aware and competent adults. As we explore this narrative together, we'll discuss the importance of recognizing and addressing bullying behavior, and we'll reflect on ways to create a supportive and respectful environment for all. Additionally, the book concludes with a helpful list of "Teasing Dos and Don'ts" for kids, providing practical guidance for navigating social interactions with kindness and empathy.
Our fifth-grade learners will be working on creating personal boundaries. The class will open with a meditation about empathy and understanding. Students will be engaging in classroom discussions and interactive small group activities to express why maintaining boundaries is vital to the development of friendships and personal values.
News from the Nurse
Here is a link to the WPS Health Services website. On this site you can find links to forms (i.e. medication administration, over the counter medication consent forms), medication policies, and information regarding illnesses, concussions and injuries.
Our substitute nurse is Mrs. Karen Laracy.
Mrs. Laracy's email is: klaracy@walpole.k12.ma.us
99 Old Post Road
East Walpole, MA 02032
phone: 508-660-7219 ext 5804
fax: 866.809.6567
PAC NEWS
Please join us for the OPR PAC Meeting on Wednesday, March 13th at 7:00 PM in the OPR STEM LAB or virtually via ZOOM.
Who loves OPR? We do! Sign up here to volunteer to coordinate one of our great events or fundraisers this year. PAC Coordinator Sign up:
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/9040e49a4aa2ba2fb6-oprpac1
mabel's labels
https://mabelslabels.com/en_US/fundraising/support/
Starting to lose those water bottles? Put a label on it! Please navigate to Support a Fundraiser and select Old Post Road Parent Advisory Committee.
Box Tops
Download the App for BoxTops for Education and scan receipt within 14 days of purchase. Assign Credit by selecting the Star and entering the Teacher’s Last name before you hit submit.
PAC Socal Media / Contact Info.
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OPR.PAC
please add: Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/oprpacwalpole
Email with questions: oprpacwalpole@gmail.com
OPR Textile Bin Donations
Massachusetts no longer allows clothing to be disposed of in the trash. Clothing must be donated or recycled. RECYCLE your clothing and textiles in the OPR Collection Bin and OPR receives money.
The collections resulted in the following:
2022 Calendar Year Total - $907.50
January 2023 - $102.00
February 2023 - $83.25
March 2023 - $95.50
April 2023 - $93.00
May 2023 - $88.20
June 2023 - $126.90
July 2023 - $100.20
August 2023 - $92.40
September 2023 - $118.80
October 2023 - $90.60
November 2023 - $113.70
December 2023 - $81.30
2023 Calendar Year Total - $1210.60
January 2024 - $85.80
February 2024 - $104.10
Multilingual Learner PAC (MLPAC) Meeting
Please contact the Multilingual Learner Family Engagement Center at mlfec@walpole.k12.ma.us or at (508) 660-7257 ext. 5033 for further information or to request an interpreter or child care for the event.
WPS Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) MEETING
Please note the following contact information for Walpole’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Co-Chairs are Sue Pace and Deborah Mulroy. The SEPAC can be reached by email at walpolesepac@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/walpolespedpac. Notices of future events can be found in this Weekly Update as they are scheduled.
About Us
OPR Mission Statement
The Old Post Road School community educates all students to excel and become productive citizens.
OPR Vision
OPR students will be motivated to learn in a supportive and safe environment. The faculty will foster self-confidence in the students and encourage them to make positive choices. Students will learn to accept responsibility for their behavior and will mature into responsible citizens and lifelong learners. All students will appreciate that they are part of a diverse, global society.
Instagram: OLDPOSTROADSCHOOL_WALPOLE
Twitter: @oprschool
Email: dbarner@walpole.k12.ma.us
99 Old Post Road
East Walpole, MA 02032
508-660-7219
