Dear Greenwood Families,
Happy Monday! And just like that, a full school week of 2026 is under our belts! It was great to see everyone settling back into routines (with some time spent reviewing and practicing, of course) and getting right down to the business of learning. We have a lot of great things ahead of us!
Reminder - Personal Electronic Communication Devices
Given that there were gifts received for the holidays…a reminder from our Elementary Handbook about devices in school.
“Personal electronic communication devices” are understood to mean any device that can send, receive, or play messages, audio, photos, videos, and/or record audio/video. This includes cell phones and smart watches, as well as earbuds and headphones not provided by WPS or requested as part of student supply lists.
Students bring devices to school at their own risk.
Personal electronic communication devices are not permitted to be used during school hours.
Once students enter the building for the school day, devices must be turned off and kept in backpacks
School staff will confiscate any device if a student is using it during the school day.
If you need to get a message to your child during the school day, you can always call the main office. I know there have been some conversations at home about this rule already because a few kids have come up to me and asked. We appreciate your support with this!
Grades 3 & 4 - MCAS Dates
While we’re still a couple of months away from the testing windows, planning and scheduling for this year’s MCAS tests is underway! Students in Grades 3 & 4 will complete computer-based testing in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. There are two sessions for each subject area, and tests must be scheduled within the window provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. We are sharing these dates now in the effort to avoid scheduling appointments that would remove your child from school on the MCAS testing days.
ELA - Monday, 4/6 & Tuesday, 4/7
Math - Monday, 5/11 & Tuesday, 5/12
If you have a known conflict with these dates, please let me know ASAP. We do have some leeway for makeup dates as long as we stay within the mandated testing window.
Fall 2026 Kindergarten Registration
Do you have a child who will be entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2026? Do you know someone else who does? It’s just about time for us to start looking ahead and thinking about welcoming next year’s crew! Here is the general plan - more information to come!
In early January, WPS will send a mailing to all families of kindergarten-age children in Wakefield. Information will also be posted on the WPS website, WPS social media and in the Wakefield Daily Item. Families will be asked to complete the online registration between January 8th and January 29th. There will be a virtual WPS District Kindergarten Information Meeting with elementary principals for families on Thursday, March 26th at 7:00pm. Kindergarten screening dates will be in June - exact dates will be finalized and shared once we know the date for the last day of school.
Wakefield Human Rights Commission - MLK Day Event
The WHRC would like to invite Wakefield school administrators, faculty, students and parents to attend the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on January 19, 2026, from 10am to 12pm at Galvin Middle School. The event will feature student speakers, beautiful music, dance performances, and more. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Freedom of Speech. Freedom of Expression.” The WHRC will also be doing a clothing drive (new or gently used winter hats, socks, and gloves) to help support those in need in our community. For more information, refer to the MLK Event Page: www.wakefieldma.gov/mlk2026
Lunchroom Volunteers
Do you have any free time between 12:00-1:15pm on school days? Looking for a way to help out at Greenwood? Come join us as a lunchroom volunteer! 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 up until the FEBRUARY break! 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
Principal, Greenwood School