From the Principal: 3/15/26

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday!  We are looking forward to welcoming families in for our spring conferences on Thursday evening, Friday afternoon, and NEXT Friday afternoon.  These are important opportunities to connect with your child’s teacher(s) and hear updates about how things are going here at Greenwood!

Note About Electric Bicycles (e-bikes)

Recently, Galvin Middle School sent out a notice to families regarding protocols for students who are using e-bikes to travel to and from school.  While we do not have this happening at the elementary level, as the weather is improving we know we will likely see an increase in these on and around Greenwood property after the school day is over.  And we do know that we have a lot of kids riding regular bikes!  Here are a couple of relevant points from the Galvin letter that apply across schools:

• Helmet Law: Massachusetts state law requires that all bicycle and e-bike riders under the age of 16 wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet.

• Age Restrictions (Class 3 E-Bikes): Under MA law, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to operate a Class 3 e-bike (e-bikes that can reach speeds up to 28 mph). Therefore, Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted at the middle school.

• Traffic Rules: E-bike riders are subject to the same traffic laws as traditional bicycles and motor vehicles, including stopping at stop signs and yielding to pedestrians.

• Walking on Campus: For the safety of all pedestrians, students must dismount and walk their e-bikes as soon as they reach school property and sidewalks.

Even after the regular school day has ended, Wakefield Academy is still in operation and utilizing the playground and blacktop area for outdoor play.  While we love to see kids outside and active, it is very important that students on bikes or e-bikes are not creating unsafe situations for the students being supervised by Wakefield Academy.  We appreciate your support in reviewing this with your child!  

Grade 4 All-Town Concert

Besides being the official event that brings all of Wakefield’s 4th graders together on stage for the first time, the Grade 4 All-Town Concert is also a great evening of music!  There will be individual performances by the Grade 4 Chorus from each school, along with a combined group performance that also features the singers from Voices of Steel.  The show is at 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 18th at the Galvin, in case you’re able to make it!  

Early Release - Friday, March 20th

Our next early release day for students is on Friday, March 20th.  All students will be dismissed at 11:55am in order for elementary conferences to take place during the afternoon.  While there will not be a scheduled lunch block during the morning, families will have the option to sign up for a “Grab & Go” lunch.  

No Afternoon Wakefield Academy - Friday, March 20th

The subject line says it all - there is no Wakefield Academy option after school on Friday, March 20th (or Friday, March 27th).  All students must be picked up at dismissal (11:55am) on Friday.

Grab & Go Lunches - Friday, March 20th

Due to the necessary adjustments to our instructional schedules on shortened school days, we will NOT have a scheduled lunch block during the morning on early release days (kids will still have snack!).  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 any early release day.  I will be sending out a separate School Messenger with the sign-up link on Monday, March 16th.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about this!

Upcoming Conferences

Many of you have already signed up for a conference with your child’s classroom teacher!  However, I want to remind you that all of our specialists and service providers are also available via sign-up for a conference to discuss your child’s progress in that area.  In order to try and simplify things, we have created a Greenwood Conference Information document that contains ALL Greenwood staff members and their conference sign-up links.  Please note: since many specialists work in multiple buildings (that all have the same conference blocks!) conferences with those staff members will be held via Zoom unless otherwise specified.  Conference signups will be closed at the end of the school day on Wednesday, March 18th. 

From the Science Teachers

Check out the latest newsletters from our Elementary Science Teachers to see what kinds of interesting things have been going on during science classes!

Winter Science Newsletter 2026

Spanish copy of Winter Science Newsletter 2026

Portuguese copy of Winter Science Newsletter 2026

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 APRIL 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

From the Principal: 3/08/26

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday!  We’ll find out who remembered to “spring forward” this weekend for the start of Daylight Saving Time at arrival on Monday!  While I’m more of a “give me all the early morning light” type of person, you can’t deny that nearly everyone becomes a little happier when we have light into the later afternoon/early evening.  And happy people are happy learners!  

Early Release - Friday, March 13th

Our next early release day for students is on Friday, March 13th.  All students will be dismissed at 11:55am in order for WPS staff to have professional development sessions in the afternoon.  While there will not be a scheduled lunch block during the morning, families will have the option to sign up for a “Grab & Go” lunch.  See next blurb for details!

Grab & Go Lunches - Friday, March 13th

Due to the necessary adjustments to our instructional schedules on shortened school days, we will NOT have a scheduled lunch block during the morning on early release days (kids will still have snack!).  However, we WILL be offering the opportunity for children to pick up a “Grab & Go” lunch before they leave the building or go to Wakefield Academy.  While still free to access, families will have to sign up in order for their child to take a lunch on any early release day.  I will be sending out a separate School Messenger with the sign-up link on Monday, March 9th.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about this!

Upcoming Conferences

Many of you have already signed up for a conference with your child’s classroom teacher!  However, I want to remind you that all of our specialists and service providers are also available via sign-up for a conference to discuss your child’s progress in that area.  In order to try and simplify things, we have created a Greenwood Conference Information document that contains ALL Greenwood staff members and their conference sign-up links.  Please note: since many specialists work in multiple buildings (that all have the same conference blocks!) conferences with those staff members will be held via Zoom unless otherwise specified.  

Greenwood Science Fair - Saturday, March 28th

This year's Greenwood School Science Fair will be held on Saturday, March 28th! All students and families (K-4) are invited to participate in this non-competitive event. Start planning your experiment, investigation, or engineering design project. Projects will be done at home and presented at the Science Fair on Saturday, March 28th from 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM in the Greenwood gym.

We ask that everyone who plans to participate please sign up using this form by March 15th in order to be guaranteed a participation shirt. Click here for all of the details, guidelines, and resources to help you get started.

Grades 3 & 4 - MCAS Dates

Only a month until 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.

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 APRIL 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

From the Principal: 3/01/26

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday!  I’m certain I’m not alone in hoping that March both comes in and goes out like a lamb, regardless of the actual saying.  Let’s get some of this snow melted and keep moving toward spring!  

Upcoming March Early Release Days

While I’m sure folks have noticed that March has a few early release Fridays, it really sticks out when you realize that after this Friday, we won’t have another full day Friday with students until the month of April!  It can also be confusing to distinguish between days that have Wakefield Academy running and those that don’t.  Hopefully, this reference table will help! 

Spring Conferences - March 19th, 20th, 27th

If they haven’t done it yet, teachers will be reaching out directly to families with options to sign up for a spring conference.  Our first conference date is on March 19th when we will have time available from 5:00-7:00pm.  Friday, March 20th is an early release day with time slots for afternoon conferences available.  There will be another early release day on Friday, March 27th with conference time slots again in the afternoon.  Please note: the format of conferences is up to family preference.  Both in-person and Zoom conferences are options for any given time - please let your child’s teacher know which you would like to have.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about this!

Greenwood Science Fair - Saturday, March 28th

This year's Greenwood School Science Fair will be held on Saturday, March 28th! All students and families (K-4) are invited to participate in this non-competitive event. Start planning your experiment, investigation, or engineering design project. Projects will be done at home and presented at the Science Fair on Saturday, March 28th from 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM in the Greenwood gym.

We ask that everyone who plans to participate please sign up using this form by March 15th in order to be guaranteed a participation shirt. Click here for all of the details, guidelines, and resources to help you get started.

Grades 3 & 4 - MCAS Dates

We’re not there yet, but it’ll be here before we know it!  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.

WEF Annual Adult Spelling Bee:  March 13th! 

It's time again to brush up on your spelling and trivia!  And you can create clever costumes to compete for extra points!  WEF is hosting its annual Adult Spelling Bee on Friday, March 13th.  See linked flyer for more details and sign up early--tables max out at 12 at the West Side Social Club.

Wakefield Police Department’s RAD Program 

The Wakefield Police Department is running their annual RAD Program during the week of April break. This program is for children ages 8-12 years old. Please see the RAD Program flyer for more information.

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 APRIL 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

From the Principal: 2/23/26

Dear Greenwood Families,

Welcome back! I hope everyone’s February break gave them exactly what they were hoping for and has us all coming back to school ready to dive back into learning!    

Family Resources for Interpreting DIBELS & i-Ready

Whenever data reports are sent home, families often have questions about what the scores mean. As a reminder, the WPS website includes family-friendly resources to help explain and interpret this information.  Here is a direct link to these resources on the family website. Additionally, here is a handout about how to access this information: Understanding Your Child’s Assessment Results

Budget Forum for Families

Superintendent Doug Lyons and the Administrative Team are hosting a Zoom meeting on February 25, 2026 at 3:30 PM to discuss the FY27 WPS Budget Proposal. WPS families are encouraged to attend this meeting to learn more about our WPS budget and to provide feedback. There will be a question-and-answer session following a brief presentation. 

Please use this Zoom link to join. 

Time: Feb 25, 2026 03:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/96100401742?pwd=5yxVaSkurFoguVoS1ytXvVSafoQy1M.1

Meeting ID: 961 0040 1742

Passcode: 818392

Grades 3 & 4 - MCAS Dates

We’re not there yet, but it’ll be here before we know it!  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.

WEF Annual Adult Spelling Bee:  March 13th! 

It's time again to brush up on your spelling and trivia!  And you can create clever costumes to compete for extra points!  WEF is hosting its annual Adult Spelling Bee on Friday, March 13th.  See linked flyer for more details and sign up early--tables max out at 12 at the West Side Social Club.

Wakefield Police Department’s RAD Program 

The Wakefield Police Department is running their annual RAD Program during the week of April break. This program is for children ages 8-12 years old. Please see the RAD Program flyer for more information.

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 APRIL 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

From the Principal: 2/8/26

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday!  Believe it or not, we are five school days away from February break - time flies!  We’re looking forward to a busy week as we (finally) hit the 100th day of school on Thursday.  Thank goodness we didn’t have enough snow days to push that to after the break!  

February Break - No School

I’m sure this is a reminder that probably doesn’t need stating, but just in case…there will be no school from Monday, February 16th through Friday, February 20th for February break.  I will be working limited hours during this week but will respond to messages when I’m in!

100th Day of School

Thanks to the two snow days, the 100th day of school falls on Thursday, February 12th.  We are up and over the halfway point of the school year! 

Report Cards

Report cards will be emailed out to families on the afternoon of Thursday, February 12th.  In order to open the document, you will need your child’s student ID number.  A School Messenger email with more information about the report card indicators and a reminder of your child’s ID number will be sent home on Thursday morning.  

Midyear DIBELS & i-Ready Reports

We have wrapped up our midyear assessment window, and we will be sending home paper copies of your child’s DIBELS report on Thursday afternoon, along with instructions on how to digitally access iReady reports.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!

WEF Annual Adult Spelling Bee:  March 13th! 

It's time again to brush up on your spelling and trivia!  And you can create clever costumes to compete for extra points!  WEF is hosting its annual Adult Spelling Bee on Friday, March 13th.  See linked flyer for more details and sign up early--tables max out at 12 at the West Side Social Club.

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 APRIL 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

From the Principal: 2/1/26

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday!  Since I’m out of places to put additional snow, I’m choosing to side-eye any further speculation about storm systems.  I’m sure that will be effective!  

School Messenger Reminder

Gator Tales goes out through a different email list service, but any messages sent out by Greenwood or WPS are sent using School Messenger.  We have occasionally run into situations where those messages end up in people’s spam folders and then end up getting “blocked” from being delivered altogether.  If you are NOT receiving school/district messages and would like to be getting those, please email Ms. Paiva and me so that we can check the system and “unblock” if needed.

Global School Play Day & World Read Aloud Day

The first Wednesday in February brings a couple of special events that I like to encourage classrooms to take part in.  Global School Play Day asks everyone to remember “the power of play” and spend some time in playful learning activities. (My suggestion…no screens!)  World Read Aloud Day was founded by LitWorld in 2010 as “an opportunity for people all around the globe to celebrate the joy of reading aloud and advocate for literacy as a fundamental human right that belongs to everyone.” There are a number of live-streamed author events that classrooms can participate in, as well as just spending quality time with a book.  You may be hearing more from teachers about one or both of these!

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 APRIL 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

From the Principal: 1/27/26

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday!  I’m writing this on Friday afternoon, so depending on who you ask we’re either getting blanketed with snow to end the weekend or we’re once again falling prey to meteorological media hype that will amount to nothing.  That’s winter in Massachusetts for you!  We’ll see how it plays out…

Reminder - Snacks

Right before the break we noticed a slight uptick in students who were coming to the office because they did not have a packed snack for their morning break.  Please know that while school lunches are provided free of charge to any student who wants one, we do not have that same capacity when it comes to snacks.  We appreciate your assistance with making sure your child has something with them!

Midyear District Assessments

If your child happens to come home and say, “I did a reading activity with a different teacher today!” or “I logged into i-Ready to do math today,” that’s just a sign that we have entered the midyear elementary assessment window.  As a reminder, there are three times over the course of the school year where we collect benchmark information about students in reading and math to better refine our general classroom instructional needs, identify and form intervention/enrichment groups, and monitor overall student growth.  Once the data is collected, we will be sharing DIBELS and i-Ready assessment information out with families.

NOTE: For our DIBELS midyear assessments, we will be using a districtwide team model to complete testing more efficiently.  Reading specialists and literacy interventionists from all four elementary schools will be scheduled to travel to different schools in order to focus their efforts and minimize disruptions to classroom instruction.  Because of this teaming model, most literacy intervention groups will be paused between 1/26and 2/5.  After that point, midyear data will be used to determine the next round of groupings.  More information to come about that!

Report Cards - FYI

Nobody has really been asking yet, but I know the questions will come!  Report cards will be shared via email with families on Thursday, February 12th.  A letter will be sent home earlier that week with more information about the report cards and what information they provide..

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.

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

From the Principal: 1/19/26

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Tuesday!  I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend!  It seems funny to have no school Monday and an early release day on Friday, but sometimes that’s just how the calendar plays out.  We’ll have a lot to fit in during the rest of the week!

Staffing Update

WPS has a new Occupational Therapist as of 2026!  Robin Litwalk decided that the time was right for her to begin her retirement journey at the end of 2025.  She will be greatly missed!  The district has hired Jennifer Bond to work with students at Greenwood, Woodville, Walton, and WMHS, and we are excited to welcome her on board!

Early Release - Friday, January 23rd

Our next early release day for students is on Friday, January 23rd.  All students will be dismissed at 11:55am in order for WPS staff to have professional development sessions in the afternoon.  While there will not be a scheduled lunch block during the morning, families will have the option to sign up for a “Grab & Go” lunch.  See next blurb for details!

Grab & Go Lunches - Friday, January 23rd

Due to the necessary adjustments to our instructional schedules on shortened school days, we will NOT have a scheduled lunch block during the morning on early release days (kids will still have snack!).  However, we WILL be offering the opportunity for children to pick up a “Grab & Go” lunch before they leave the building or go to Wakefield Academy.  While still free to access, families will have to sign up in order for their child to take a lunch on any early release day.  I will be sending out a separate School Messenger with the sign-up link on Tuesday, January 20th.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about 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.

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

From the Principal: 1/11/26

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

From the Principal: 1/4/26

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday!  I hope that everyone had a happy and healthy winter break!  I’m looking forward to seeing many eager, excited eyes (and probably a few sleepy ones too) on Monday morning as we return to school.  While it’s always nice to turn off the alarm and be on a more relaxed schedule for a bit (and this was a significant “bit”), it does feel good to get back into a routine and see all of the exciting things happening around Greenwood each day!  

Winter Temperatures, Snow, and Outdoor Recess

Just my periodic reminder…our goal here at Greenwood is to get the kids outside for recess as much as possible even when the temperatures drop.  Kids will be outdoors at long as the “feels like” temperature is above 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  When the fenced-in playground area is snow-covered, students are only allowed on the snow if they are wearing boots (and at staff’s discretion!).  All this is to say, please make sure students come to school with the appropriate outerwear for enjoying their time outdoors! 

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

From the Principal: 12/14/25

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday!  Although it seems hard to believe, this will be my last Gator Tales letter of 2025.  Time flies!  With just five school days left until the December break, classrooms are swinging into super-high gear to wrap up lessons, units, and many other other loose ends before we head out the door for a little time off.  Of course, there will be some fun activities as well!  My hope for all of our Greenwood community over the break is simply that everyone gets to spend time relaxing and doing things that make them happy.  Let’s wrap up 2025 with a positive attitude and welcome 2026 with big smiles, full hearts, and open arms! 

Greenwood Spirit Theme Days

Greenwood will  be having some school-wide “theme days” for the week before December break.  All students and staff are invited to participate!  (And if you happen to be volunteering at all…just saying it might be festive to join the fun…!)

Monday, 12/15 - Hat Day 

Tuesday, 12/16 - Greenwood/Wakefield spirit day

Wednesday, 12/17 - Cozy Flannel Day

Thursday, 12/18 - Winter Wonderland (all things winter themed)

Friday, 12/19 - Pajama Day

Conferences Feedback

Thanks to those who have already shared some thoughts!  Now that we’re done with the first round of conferences for this school year, we’re looking for some feedback from families so that we can continue to refine and evolve our model.  If you are able to take a moment to answer a few questions about the most recent conference period on this short survey, we would greatly appreciate it!

Wakefield Academy - Friday, December 19th

Please note that there will be no afterschool Wakefield Academy on Friday, December 19th.  All students must be picked up at the regular dismissal time (2:50pm).

From the Science Teachers

Please take a moment to check out what’s been happening in science classes this month!

• December 2025 K-4 Science Newsletter

• Portuguese copy of December 2025 K-4 Science Newsletter 

• Spanish copy of December 2025 K-4 Science Newsletter

Holiday Cards for the Office!

The Greenwood Main Office LOVES to receive and display any family photo holiday cards we get, and it’s fun for both staff and students to check them out when they visit as well.  If you happen to have an extra one from your stash this year, we’d love to have our names put on the envelope!

December Break - No School

There will be no school for students from December 22, 2025 through January 2, 2026.  WPS offices will be open on non-holiday weekdays, although there may be folks utilizing vacation time during this period (like me!).

Thinking Ahead - 2025 Return

Not that anyone would wish away the December break (especially before it has even started!), but I wanted to make sure everyone is up-to-date on when we will get back to the business of learning in the new year.  Students and staff will return to school on Monday, January 5th.

A Message from WEF - WEF STARS Fundraiser

The STARS fundraiser is currently underway. We hope you will support WEF in our continued efforts to provide funding for future grants. The last day to purchase STARS is 12/15/25.

Thank you,

WEF

Lost & Found

Has your child’s jacket gone missing?  Are you wondering where their sweatshirt has gotten itself to?  We have QUITE a collection of items in the lost & found.  We have items laid out on tables in the 1st floor hallway to help you spot your items, so please check it out!   FYI - anything left in the lost & found when we head into December break will be donated.

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

From the Principal: 12/07/25

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday!  It may only be two weeks before we head off into an extended break, but these will be very busy ones as classrooms work to wrap up reading modules and math units.  And we like it when it’s busy!

Conferences Feedback

Now that we’re done with the first round of conferences for this school year, we’re looking for some feedback from families so that we can continue to refine and evolve our model.  If you are able to take a moment to answer a few questions about the most recent conference period on this short survey, we would greatly appreciate it!

Greenwood Spirit Theme Days

(No, not this week!  I thought folks might appreciate a little advance notice in order to prepare.)  

Greenwood will  be having some school-wide “theme days” for the week before December break.  All students and staff are invited to participate!  (And if you happen to be volunteering at all…just saying it might be festive to join the fun…!)

Monday, 12/15 - Hat Day 

Tuesday, 12/16 - Greenwood/Wakefield spirit day

Wednesday, 12/17 - Cozy Flannel Day

Thursday, 12/18 - Winter Wonderland (all things winter themed)

Friday, 12/19 - Pajama Day

Holiday Cards for the Office!

The Greenwood Main Office LOVES to receive and display any family photo holiday cards we get, and it’s fun for both staff and students to check them out when they visit as well.  If you happen to have an extra one from your stash this year, we’d love to have our names put on the envelope!

Reporting Absences

Part of our office routine each morning is reviewing classroom attendance and cross-checking the list of absent students with the daily phone calls to the Child Safety Line.  That can be quite the task, and it becomes much more challenging when families do not call in that morning.  Even if you have notified your child’s teacher, please leave a message at 781-245-6646 so that Ms. Paiva knows your child’s attendance status for that day.  Thank you for your support in this!

Parent University Event - Please Register!

​​Wakefield Parent University and Wakefield SEPAC invite parents and caregivers to attend a special virtual presentation on Thursday, December 11 at 7 p.m. 

Linda Murphy: An Introduction to Declarative Language: Supporting Social Information Processing Across Social Learning Styles

Are you looking for strategies to help your child better communicate and connect? It starts with how we talk. The words we choose can make a big difference. In this session, you’ll learn a simple approach called declarative language—a way of speaking that encourages kids to pause, think, and share ideas. This style helps build skills like flexible thinking, problem-solving, and perspective-taking, all through everyday conversations.

Visit the Parent University website for more information and to register for the Zoom workshop.

A Message from WEF - WEF Grants and STARS Fundraiser

Congratulations, Greenwood!

WEF is proud to support the following enrichment programs at the Greenwood School during the 2025-2026 school year with grants totaling $3,800:

• Greenwood Teacher Resource Library

• What Is Racism? (Wee the People)

WEF awarded over $40,000 in total across all Wakefield Public Schools during our 2025-2026 grant cycle. 

The STARS fundraiser is currently underway. We hope you will support WEF in our continued efforts to provide funding for future grants. The last day to purchase STARS is 12/15/25.

Thank you,

WEF

Lost & Found

Has your child’s jacket gone missing?  Are you wondering where their sweatshirt has gotten itself to?  We have QUITE a collection of items in the lost & found.  We have items laid out on tables in the 1st floor hallway to help you spot your items, so please check it out!   FYI - anything left in the lost & found when we head into December break will be donated.

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

From the Principal: 11/30/25

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday and welcome back!  I hope that everyone is feeling thankful, well-rested, and excited for the next three weeks as we move quickly toward our winter break.  It seems hard to believe that we’re already into December (even if just barely.!  So many great things ahead of us!

Early Release - Friday, December 5th

Our next early release day for students is on Friday, December 5th.  All students will be dismissed at 11:55am in order for elementary teachers to hold conferences in the afternoon.  While there will not be a scheduled lunch block during the morning, families will have the option to sign up for a “Grab & Go” lunch.  I will be sending out a separate School Messenger with the sign-up link on Monday, December 1st.

Wakefield Academy - Friday, December 5th

Just a reminder to those who access Wakefield Academy that there is NO afternoon Wakefield Academy on Friday, December 5th.  All children must be picked up at the 11:55am dismissal time.

Winter Weather & Outdoor Recess

It’s getting to be that time of year…our goal here at Greenwood is to get the kids outside for recess as much as possible, even when the temperatures drop.  Kids will be outdoors at long as the “feels like” temperature is above 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so please make sure students are dressed accordingly.  

Lost & Found

Has your child’s jacket gone missing?  Are you wondering where their sweatshirt has gotten itself to?  We have QUITE a collection of items in the lost & found.  We have items laid out on tables in the 1st floor hallway to help you spot your items, so please check it out!   FYI - anything left in the lost & found when we head into December break will be donated.

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 DECEMBER 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

From the Principal: 11/23/25

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! Although we have a short week ahead of us, there will be, as always, a lot happening in classrooms and around the building before we all take a short pause to enjoy time off with family and friends.  Whether you’re hosting a dinner, traveling to other locales, or just spending some time relaxing, I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving break!

Staffing Updates

With Lisa McCann preparing to go out on maternity leave right after Thanksgiving break, we are happy to welcome Katelyn Sartori as the Grade 4 Long-Term Substitute Classroom Teacher from December 1st through the end of the school year.

And with Katelyn Sartori heading up to join the crew on the 2nd floor, we are happy to welcome a new paraprofessional to our Greenwood team!  Rebecca Alpert started with us last Tuesday, and she will be working in classrooms in both 2nd grade and Kindergarten.  

Early Release - Wednesday, November 26th

We also have an early release day for students on Wednesday, November 26th.  All students will be dismissed at 11:55am to begin Thanksgiving break.  There will NOT be a lunch block during the school day, but Grab & Go Lunches will be available for those who sign up (survey will be sent out early on Monday, 11/24).  

Wakefield Academy - Wednesday, November 26th

Just a reminder to those who access Wakefield Academy that there is NO afternoon Wakefield Academy on Wednesday, November 26th.  All children must be picked up at the 11:55am dismissal time.

School PIctures

Did you miss school picture day?  And the makeup day?  O’Connor Studios is offering the opportunity for families to schedule a date to have their child’s school picture taken in-studio.  Please contact them directly to set up an appointment in either December or January.

• www.oconnorstudio.com

• 978-640-6250

• 1348 Main Street, Tewksbury

Lost & Found

Has your child’s jacket gone missing?  Are you wondering where their sweatshirt has gotten itself to?  We have QUITE a collection of items in the lost & found.  We have items laid out on tables in the 1st floor hallway to help you spot your items, so please check it out!   FYI - anything left in the lost & found when we head into December break will be donated.

Wakefield MCAS Presentation

If you’d like to learn more about Wakefield’s performance on the Spring 2025 MCAS Assessments, please take a moment to check out this video that was shared with the Wakefield School Committee.

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 DECEMBER 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