mcas

From the Principal: 4/29/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! It was great to see Greenwood families at the Science Fair on Saturday morning. There was a little bit of something for everyone - that’s the joy of having kids delve into a topic that speaks to their own particular interests. Even better when you can share what you’ve learned with others!

Buying and Selling at School

An intriguing subject line, I know! On Friday during 1st and 2nd grade lunch recess, our recess monitors noticed students giving money to a student in exchange for small toy ducks. None of the students realized that this was something that could be a problem, so there were some classroom conversations after lunch about how buying and selling any items at school is not allowed. We do believe that all of the money and ducks have been returned to the proper people now (even though some students really would have liked to keep the ducks!). Please remind your child that if they have money at school for some reason, it should be kept in a safe place and not given to anyone else.

MA Safe Routes to School Event

Massachusetts Walk, Bike, and Roll to school day is Wednesday, May 1st! Many of our Greenwood families already travel to school via safe, active commutes, and this is a day when everyone in the Commonwealth is encouraged to do so as well. Wakefield police officers will be on site at each of the schools to welcome all our walkers, bikers, and rollers that morning, and we’ll have stickers, bookmarks, and music to greet everyone at arrival. Looking forward to another fun arrival activity!

Optional Class Placement Survey

This is the time of the school year when we start our process of looking ahead toward planning for the fall, and one of the most important projects we have ahead of us is class placement. On Wednesday, May 1st, families of students in grades K-3 will receive a brief optional online survey that will give you the opportunity to provide input about your child if you so choose. More details will be sent along with the survey form, but we are asking for any input to be provided no later than Friday, May 10th

For our Grade 4 families...Galvin Middle School has its own process for students entering 5th grade in the fall, and they will be in communication about that (if they haven’t already been in touch).

May Kindergarten All-School Meeting - Date Change!!!

Due to some scheduling needs, the May All-School Meeting hosted by Kindergarten will now be on Monday, May 20th at 9:00am. Each grade level is responsible for sharing about a positive attribute that we want our Greenwood community to embrace and embody. We would like to invite Kindergarten parents/guardians to attend if you are able to do so. (Seating will be up in the balcony.)

MCAS - Grades 3 & 4

Students worked really hard and while round 1 is complete, we’re not quite done with MCAS for this year yet! On Tuesday, May 21st and Wednesday, May 22nd, our Greenwood 3rd and 4th grade students will be taking the Math MCAS. Sessions will begin right at the start of the school day, and while students are given as much time as they need to finish, the recommended session time is 90 minutes per session. If you have a known conflict with these dates, please do not hesitate to reach out.

End of the Year Dates

I haven’t gotten many “What’s the date of the last day of school? emails yet, but I anticipate they’ll be coming soon! Here is a list of a few key dates for your June calendars:

● Wednesday, 6/5 - Early Release Day for Students (11:55am dismissal)

● Friday, 6/7 - Field Day

● Monday, 6/10 - All-School Meeting, 1st Grade Hosting

● Tuesday, 6/11 - Grade 4 Moving On Ceremony

● Wednesday, 6/12 - Field Day Rain Date

● Friday, 6/14 - Last day for Greenwood Kindergarten (11:55am dismissal for K only)

● Monday, 6/17 - Greenwood Incoming Kindergarten Screening

● Tuesday, 6/18 - Last day for Greenwood 1st-4th Grades (11:55am dismissal)

WEF Stars

In May, the Wakefield Educational Foundation will begin the sale of WEF Stars. This is a way for parents to show their appreciation for teachers and staff of the Wakefield Public Schools. The money raised will go towards grants for every school next year. Please see the linked flyer for more information about the program and how to purchase a Star.

Wakefield Human Rights Commission - AAPI - AAPH Month Events

Please see the linked flyer for a list of wonderful events during the month of May sponsored by the Wakefield HRC to celebrate Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage month.

GMS Drama Club Performance - “67 Cinderellas”

The folks running productions at Galvin asked us to share out the following information about an upcoming performance. This is the first play they have done at the Galvin (they generally only do musicals) and they would love to fill the theater for the student actors!

Synopsis: The king and queen throw a ball to help their son choose a bride. When a beautiful lady in a sparkling blue ball gown appears, he is certain she is his one true love. The prince sets out on a quest to find his lost love by trying the shoe on every single woman in his kingdom. More ladies try on the shoe.

More ladies & feet fit in the shoe. More weddings almost happen. 67 Cinderellas debunks ridiculous traditional storybook notions of romance and what it means to be a princess in this fun play for all ages.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/83548

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 12:00-1:10pm on school days? Or 10:30-11:50am 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 THE SCHOOL YEAR. 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

From the Principal: 4/8/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! Last week was a bit of a whirlwind around these parts, and it doesn’t look to be any less so this week! (Although it will help to not have snow and sleet!) Greenwood kids and staff had a wonderful time at the Visual & Performing Arts Day on Tuesday, the Greenwood Family Folk Dance Night on Thursday, and the Gator Gallop on Saturday. So many fun activities to be had - hopefully everyone got a chance to rest up before this new week kicks in!

April 8th Solar Eclipse Information

WPS - Solar Eclipse Resources - April 8, 2024

Art Show Open House - Monday, April 8th

Last Tuesday, we celebrated Visual and Performing Arts Day. All elementary students were transported to the Galvin Middle School to view art from students in grades K-12, followed by performances from various WMHS music ensembles. It was a great day! Families are invited to an Art Show Open House on Monday, April 8th, from 6 -7:30pm at GMS. You are welcome to stay and enjoy a jazz concert performed by students in grades 5-12 which will follow the show at 7:30pm. Hope to see you there!

Grades 3 & 4 - MCAS Testing This Week

The wait is over! MCAS testing for English Language Arts in grades 3 & 4 will take place on Tuesday, April 9th and Wednesday, April 10th. Testing begins at the start of the school day. Children who are absent or significantly tardy on the day of testing will take that day’s session during a makeup time on a different day after we return from break. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!

WEF Celebration of Learning

Congratulations to our 4th grade students, parent volunteers, and staff members who will be honored at the Celebration of Learning on Wednesday, April 10th at the Galvin! This wonderful celebration highlighting excellence in education is sponsored by the Wakefield Education Foundation, with a theme this year of Community Engagement. The following students were nominated by their peers as students that best represent our school’s core values: Lily Capozzi, Duke DePaolo, Quinn McCarthy, and Finn Mulderrig. Parent volunteers to be recognized as having made significant contributions to the Greenwood School Community are Heather McCarthy and Marlene Maier. The staff member nominated by multiple colleagues to be honored this year is 4th grade teacher Jeanine Campbell. What an amazing group!

April Break - No School

No reminder needed, I’m sure! However, just so we’re all on the same page…there is no school Monday, April 15th through Friday, April 19th for April break.

Grade 4 Ukulele Concert - Monday, April 22nd

4th grade families should have already received information from Mrs. Brighenti about the upcoming ukulele concert on Monday, April 22nd at 9:00am. We invite 4th grade families to join us for this much-anticipated performance! Your balcony seating awaits!

Greenwood Science Fair

The Greenwood Science Fair will take place on Saturday, April 27th from 9:00-10:30am in the Greenwood Gym. If your child would like to participate, please visit the website to register by April 9th. Everyone is invited to attend the Science Fair--drop by to view the presentations from our Greenwood School Scientists--ask questions, fill out comment cards, and learn something new!

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 12:00-1:10pm on school days? Or 10:30-11:50am 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