Dear Greenwood Families,

I hope that you are all healthy and safe as we head into Week #2 of the most unusual school experience of my 20-year career. For those of us who have made careers out of borrowing your children every day for 180 school days, an unexpectedly-empty school building is the last thing we want to see. While I’m hearing a lot of great stories about teachers connecting online with their classes, we all know it’s not the same as being together in person as a classroom and school community. As we continue to navigate this new current reality, please know that the most important thing right now is the well-being of all of the children and adults in our Greenwood community. While teachers and staff are working hard to help provide some sense of structure and a variety of activities to help children practice skills while at home, we in no way want to increase anyone’s levels of stress. Everyone is doing the best they can in uncertain times, and we all need to remember to be kind to each other as we create systems and find our footing. As I often say, in a variety of situations, “It’s a process.” We can do this together as a Greenwood family! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need support.

Updated Information About School Closure

In my previous communication, Governor Baker had not yet given the order for Massachusetts public school closures. Wakefield is currently scheduled to reopen buildings on Monday, April 6, 2020. If there are any updates to this plan based on state guidance, WPS will communicate with families as soon as possible.

Greenwood Spirit Week

You know what we need? We need a way to stay connected as a school! So we’re going to have a Greenwood Virtual Spirit Week! Each day has a social distancing-respectful theme, and we’d love families to share pictures of their participation to help everyone feel a little more connected. I’m going to post on the Greenwood Instagram (@wpsgreenwood), and the Greenwood PTO is going to have a daily thread on Facebook for family pictures. If you send pictures to me, I’ll create Insta-Collages to share out! Let’s see what everyone’s doing!

Monday - Sports & Hobbies! Put on those outfits, gear, and accessories for your favorite sport/hobby!
Tuesday - Reading Party! Share what you’re reading right now!
Wednesday - Wacky Wednesday...will you have wacky hair? Wacky headgear? Wacky clothes? Be creative!
Thursday - Dress in your favorite color. Will anyone be able to do it head to toe???
Friday - Go Gators!! Wear your Greenwood & Wakefield Spirit Gear!

Greenwood School Instagram Account

If you aren’t following the Greenwood School Instagram account (@wpsgreenwood), it’s time! I’ll be posting quick updates and check-ins each day during the closure as my own way to stay connected. Maybe...just maybe...I’ll even post a video or two! You’ll have to follow to find out…

From the School Nurse—Talking with Children About COVID-19

I know you have received many communications from WPS Central Office and this may have been shared before, but Mrs. Doherty, our School Nurse, wanted to make sure that this document didn’t get lost in the shuffle. It provides some helpful guidelines and language to use when talking about what is currently happening. Please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Doherty or Mrs. Beardslee, our School Psychologist, if you have any questions or concerns that you’d like to discuss.

Thank you for everything you do to support your children and their learning—let’s have a great week!

Tiffany Back