Dear Greenwood Families,
Happy Sunday! This past week was a whirlwind, and I fully expect the action to continue next week! I had to laugh when I realized that the All-School Meeting that felt like it happened ages ago was just this past Monday. That being said, we all like keeping busy and learning interesting things together - never a dull moment!
All School Meeting Recap
Last Monday, Greenwood students and staff gathered together for our first All-School Meeting of the 2024-2025 school year. Our main message, as always, was on the importance of taking action to “Be Kind” to others. We reviewed Greenwood School Expectations (Take Care of Yourself; Take Care of Others; Take Care of Your Environment) and we talked about how the first big step you need to take when you have a conflict with someone else is to “Calm Down.” September birthdays were celebrated, and we finished our time together off with a rousing rendition of the Greenwood School Spirit Song. While this first meeting was “hosted” by me, as we move through the year different grade levels will take on the responsibility of planning and presenting. We will be sure to let families know when “their” grade level is on deck, in case you are able to join us!
School Photo Day
O’Connor Studios will be at Greenwood on Monday, October 7th to take individual student photos, class photos, and the 4th grade group photo. You should have received an email from O’Connor about photo ordering options, as well as a paper ordering form that was sent home with your child. A School Messenger was also sent out on Friday with information. The 4th grade photo will start being organized around 8:45am, so please make sure your child is on time to school.
iWalk (International Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day)
Safe Routes to School Massachusetts is once again encouraging schools to participate in this event on Wednesday, October 9th. Students and families across Massachusetts will walk, bike, and roll to school to enjoy a safe, healthy, and active lifestyle. Luckily, here at Greenwood almost every day is walk, bike, and roll to school day! We will have a table outside at arrival with stickers and bookmarks to distribute. It will be festive!
4th Grade Families - MCAS Score Reports
Sometime in the next week, 4th grade families should be receiving their child’s 3rd grade MCAS report via mail. While the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education does a great job providing a lot of helpful information in these reports, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have.
Safety Drill Practice
Like all school districts across the nation, WPS has regular conversations at the district and school level about school safety. We continue to examine our current practices, procedures, and current needs for areas of improvement. Over the first few weeks of school, each classroom teacher shared information and held a discussion with their class about safety practices and procedures that are currently in place, including the following:
Drills help us practice how to stay safe in case of an emergency. A fire drill is an example.
The outside doors of our school are locked at all times.
During the school day visitors can only enter through the main office entrance. Before they come in, they must identify themselves to office staff members and tell us why they are visiting the school.
If we see someone outside a school door, we should never let them in.
If we hear an announcement, it is important to listen to the teacher and follow directions.
We have done two fire drills already, so this week we will be doing a schoolwide drill on Thursday to practice staying safe within the school building. This will include a drill for shelter-in-place and for lockdown. We will also have an evacuation drill coming up - more information will be sent home regarding this. Again, our priority is always to make sure students feel safe and supported in school. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
No School - Monday, October 14th
Just a reminder that all WPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, October 14th in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day. Enjoy the three-day weekend!
Contacting the Main Office
Just keeping this here! Since Ms. Paiva is out on leave, anything you would normally email her about can be sent to both me (tiffany.back@wpsk12.org) and Majed Chankhour (majed.chankhour@wpsk12.org), who is filling in for Marie during this time period. And as always, don’t forget to include the classroom teacher as appropriate!
From the Wakefield Human Rights Commission: A Celebration of Indigenous Culture
On Thursday, October 10th, the Wakefield HRC invites everyone to the Americal Civic Center from 7:00-8:00pm for “A Celebration of Indigenous Culture.” Please see the linked flyer for more information.
Wakefield Fire Department Open House
In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week (October 6-12), Wakefield’s Fire Department will welcome the community to its Headquarters for an Open House event on Saturday, October 12th from 10am to 2pm. Stop by for activities, food, and fire-safety information. You can also explore fire trucks and emergency vehicles, view some antique fire equipment, and chat with members of our firefighting team.
Guests should enter the Public Safety Building though the rear garage doors on Crescent Street. All ages are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there.
Lunchroom Volunteers
Keep the volunteers coming! Kids love to see everyone at lunchtime!
Do you have any free time between 12:00-1:10pm on school days? Looking for a way to help out at Greenwood? We are finally bringing back 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 October. 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