Dear Greenwood Families,
Happy Monday! They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, but I feel like the “lion” was tricked by the Leap Day and showed up early with that crazy wind! We’ll see what still lies ahead, but spring is certainly on everyone’s minds. It’s a little hard to believe that we’ve only been back from February break for one week - everyone is working hard, staying busy, and having fun - let’s keep it up!
No School - Tuesday, March 5th
Due to the use of Galvin Middle School for townwide voting, there will be no school for students on Tuesday, March 5th. This will be a professional development day for all WPS staff.
Upcoming Early Release Days - Change in Lunch Routines
This should sound familiar from the fall! During the month of March, we have two early release days for conferences (3/13 & 3/20) along with some additional adjustments to our instructional schedules on those particular days. Due to this, we will NOT have a scheduled lunch block during the morning on those days. However, we WILL be offering the opportunity for children to pick up a “Grab & Go” lunch before they leave the building. While still free to access, families will have to sign up in order for their child to take a lunch on either of these days. I will be sending out a School Messenger with the sign-up link no later than the Monday before each early release day. Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility with this!
Wakefield Parent University
Wakefield’s 2024 Parent University will take place on Saturday, March 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Galvin Middle School. All parents and caregivers are invited to attend this free event featuring more than a dozen in-person workshops, a keynote session, and meet-and-greet opportunities with local organizations. Wakefield Academy will provide free on-site childcare.
The event will kick off with keynote speaker Mel Peirce. Peirce, a Certified Professional Coach and Parenting Mentor, has combined research with the most effective coaching tools to develop a parenting toolbox you can start using right away. If your child is easily frustrated, their emotions are all consuming, or if you’re often on edge because your child's emotions are unpredictable, her session will be especially insightful.
Following the keynote will be casual, interactive workshops facilitated by Wakefield Public Schools staff and community partners, that cover a variety of topics spanning all grade levels. From “Early Childhood Milestones” to “College Planning,” there’s something for everyone! Register for your sessions and sign up for on-site childcare at bit.ly/WakefieldParentU.
WEF is 35 Years Old!
Celebrate by Supporting WEF through its Online Auction! WEF’s annual auction to raise money for its annual grant process will run from March 1st (12 am) through March 15th (11:59 pm). Auction items are better than ever, including Bruins, Celtics and Patriots tickets, family fun activities in and around Boston, tickets to theater and live music, art and jewelry, gift cards to Wakefield restaurants and small businesses, and more. And new this year is lunch for your child and a friend with their elementary school principal--look in the unique experiences category! Please click this link and support WEF as it supports our school in providing additional enrichment activities for all students in Wakefield. Thank you from WEF!
Wakefield Human Rights Commission - International Women’s Day
On Thursday, March 7th, the Wakefield Human Rights Commission (WHRC) will commemorate International Women’s Day with a program that illuminates the UN Women’s 2024 theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” This will feature a panel of accomplished women who will share their experiences transforming challenges and barriers into opportunities. This special program will be presented from 7- 8:30 p.m. in the Wakefield Memorial HS theater. A reception will follow.
Lunchroom Volunteers
Thank you to all of the fantastically-dedicated volunteers who have been making lunchtime a little brighter! You are so greatly appreciated!!
Do you have any free time between 12:00-1:10 pm on school days? Or 10:30-11:50 am on regular early release days? Looking for a way to help out at Greenwood? Then join us for our lunchroom volunteer opportunities! If you’d like to come in and help support students while they’re eating lunch, please see the linked Sign-Up Genius to select time slots through the end of April. Single days, multiple days, one time slot, the whole lunch block…we welcome any and all helpers!
Lunchroom volunteers will help students with those tricky thermoses, hand out napkins and utensils, support students while they sort items into composting/food rescue/trash, and help clean tables at the end of each lunch. Oh, and the most important thing - bring smiles and laughter!
NOTE: You will need to have a CORI form completed before coming in for any lunch shifts - please contact Ms. Paiva about the process or to check if you have a current one on file
Greenwood School Social Media
We are on Facebook and Instagram, and one of my personal goals this year is to show off the fun we’re having throughout Greenwood! Check us out - @wpsgreenwood on both Instagram and Facebook!
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.
Thank you for everything you do to support your children and their learning! Let’s have a great week!
Tiffany Back