From the Principal: 6/17/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday, and suddenly here we are at my final Gator Tales letter for the 2023-2024 school year! This has been another amazing year together as a Greenwood community, and while everyone always looks forward to some summer fun, it can be a little bittersweet to head out the door on the last day. Our goal is to make school a place that everyone loves coming to, and it takes all of us together to make that happen. I wish each and every one of you a wonderful summer break - for those “graduating” 4th grade families, I’ve enjoyed our time together! And for those families who will be returning to Greenwood in the fall - I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Incoming Kindergarten Screening

On Monday, June 17th our newest Gators will be visiting Greenwood for Kindergarten Screening. We can’t wait to meet them all! More details have been sent out separately to families who are registered for this.

Last Day of School for Grades 1-4

The last day of school for our Greenwood students in Grades 1-4 is Tuesday, June 18th, and is an early release day. Students will be dismissed at 11:55 am, and while we will not be serving lunch before dismissal, there will be an option for a grab-and-go lunch for those who sign up for one. See the next blurb for more details!

Grab & Go Lunches - Tuesday, June 18th

We sent this out to families last Thursday, but in case you missed it…

You must sign your child up if you want them to grab lunch on the last day of school - lunches will be prepared based on the number of responses and teachers will have a list of who is signed up. Since it’s the last day, it is important that we have accurate numbers to avoid wasted food.

Lunch Signup for Tuesday, June 18th - only if a school lunch is needed

This signup must be completed by noon on Monday, June 17th.

4th Grade Walk of Fame

On Tuesday, June 18th, we will hold our 4th Grade Walk of Fame starting at 11:50am. 4th graders will take their final (official) walk through the halls of the Greenwood School to the rousing cheers of their fellow Gators. 4th-grade families are asked to create a “cheer tunnel” outside the back door to greet the kids as they exit the building. It’s going to be exciting!

Report Cards

Report cards will be available online for families on June 18th after 2:45pm - you will receive an email with more information. Please let the office know if you have any problems accessing them.

Classroom Assignments

Over the couple of days (or in the case of Kindergarten, sometime this past week), teachers will be going into classrooms to meet students who will be moving into their grade level. (1st grade teachers will meet Kindergarten students, 2nd grade teachers will meet 1st grade students, etc.) This will be an opportunity for the kids to hear a little bit about what they can look forward to for the next school year and meet the teachers. As we have done for the past couple of years, we will be sending teacher assignments/class placement out to families mid-August. This allows us the flexibility to rebalance classrooms over the summer as we receive new enrollments and/or families move out of the district.

Staffing Update

Greenwood is not a place that sees a lot of change when it comes to our amazing staff, but we do have a “farewell” to share with you for the upcoming school year. Deb Lacey has been our incredible Greenwood interventionist since before I even arrived at Greenwood, and she has worked with countless students in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades in small groups to help with literacy and math support. When the next school year rolls around, she will be enjoying her well-deserved retirement. She will be greatly missed here at Greenwood!

Lost & Found - LAST CHANCE!!

Is your child missing a coat? A sweatshirt? Or maybe even three of them? Our Greenwood lost & found is once again overflowing with unclaimed clothing, and we really want to reunite as many items as possible with their rightful owners before the end of the school year. If you’d like to come and take a peek, please contact Ms. Paiva to arrange a time. We will have tables out back on the last day - once the students are gone, all remaining items will be donated.

Lunchroom Volunteers - One More Chance!

Last call for the 2023-2024 school year!! One more day of lunches!! Our lunchroom volunteers have been amazing resources for us this year - we can’t even begin to say how much their help has been appreciated!!

Do you have any free time between 12:00-1:10 pm on school days? Or 10:30-11:50 am 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: 6/10/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! This is the time of year when “special events” seem to happen more days than not at school. Classrooms are starting their “countdown” activities, the entire Greenwood community thoroughly enjoyed every last minute of Field Day, and our 4th graders ventured out to the Museum of Science and Duck Boat Tours for a special field trip. As you can see below, this week will be even busier (and still fun)!

Monday’s Greenwood All-School Meeting - Grade 1 Hosting

The June All-School Meeting hosted by 1st Grade will be on Monday, June 10th 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 1st grade parents/guardians to attend if you are able to do so. (Seating will be up in the balcony.)

Grade 4 Moving On Celebration

There has been a LOT of planning going on behind the scenes, and it’s safe to say that everyone is ready for the Grade 4 Moving On Celebration on Tuesday, June 11th! The festivities begin at 9:30am, and we are thrilled to be able to invite all students and staff, along with invited 4th grade guests, to watch our Gators commemorate their time at Greenwood. 4th graders will also enjoy a picnic lunch, receive their yearbooks, and spend the afternoon doing some fun outside activities. It’s going to be a great day!

“Lifting Spirits” Equine Program

From 9:00-10:00 am on Thursday, June 13th, we will have some special visitors here at Greenwood School! Last fall, Mrs. Beardslee submitted and was awarded a WEF grant for “Lifting Spirits,” an organization that brings miniature therapy horses to different types of sites (including schools!) for visits.

Classes will rotate through to have a chance to visit with one of their horses. We’re very excited for this event!

Last Day of School for Kindergarten

The last day of school for our Greenwood Kindergarten students is Friday, June 14th and is an early release day for Kindergarten only. Kindergarten students will be dismissed at 11:55 am, and while we will not be serving lunch to our Kindergarteners, there will be an option for a grab & go lunch for those who sign up for one. (A survey will be sent out to Kindergarten families on Monday, June 10th.)

Please note: Wakefield Academy is not available for Kindergarten students on this day - all Kindergarten students must be picked up at dismissal.

DIBELS & iReady Reports

On Friday, June 14th we will be sending home paper copies of your child’s DIBELS and iReady reports in their folders. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the information!

Lost & Found

Is your child missing a coat? A sweatshirt? Or maybe even three of them? Our Greenwood lost & found is once again overflowing with unclaimed clothing, and we really want to reunite as many items as possible with their rightful owners before the end of the school year. If you’d like to come and take a peek, please contact Ms. Paiva to arrange a time. Once school is out for the summer, all remaining items will be donated.

JiJi’s Summer of Math

This summer, we are excited to participate in Jiji’s Summer of Math! ST Math is a PreK-8 visual instructional program that leverages the brain’s innate spatial-temporal reasoning ability to solve mathematical problems. Many of our students love ST Math because it is a fun way to learn, and they love Jiji, the program’s penguin mascot, because Jiji helps them solve problems. As educators, we think

ST Math is great because it is based on neuroscience and can help change the way your student feels about math. The ST Math team created some resources for continued summer math learning; we are excited to share them with you - there are two options here to meet different needs and preferences

Our goal this summer is to have students keep learning math - whether that be by playing math games, continuing with ST Math, or both! The “unplugged” option has weekly games that can be played with just playing cards. Alternatively, students can opt to continue playing ST Math, with a goal of 75 minutes per week. Students can play ST Math fairly independently - whenever it works best for your schedule - and we’ve included helpful prompts as well as the phone number for ST Math’s support line! We hope you will pick one of the two options in the attached document for your student(s) this summer. They can return the tracker for either option to their teacher in the fall to earn a penguin prize!

Here is the information on both options in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. All necessary materials are linked in that document, and we’ll be sending home a hard copy as well. Have fun with it!

End of the Year Dates

I’m just going to keep including this and adding to it where necessary…here is a list of a few key dates for your June calendars:

● Monday, 6/10 - All-School Meeting, 1st Grade Hosting (9:00am)

● Tuesday, 6/11 - Grade 4 Moving On Ceremony (9:30am)

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

Grade 1 Field Trip

DIBELS and iReady reports sent home to families

● Monday, 6/17 - Greenwood Incoming Kindergarten Screening

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

Report Cards shared with families

Lunchroom Volunteers

Last call for the 2023-2024 school year!! Our lunchroom volunteers have been amazing resources for us this year - we can’t even begin to say how much their help has been appreciated!!

Do you have any free time between 12:00-1:10 pm on school days? Or 10:30-11:50 am 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: 6/3/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday and Happy June! It was so much fun welcoming the graduating WMHS seniors back to Greenwood on Friday - there was so much cheering that you’d think we had a bunch of celebrities show up! Every time I thought they’d all cleared out of the building, a red cap and gown would appear from around a corner as the seniors visited all their former teachers and checked out their old classrooms. We even got them to sing the Greenwood School Spirit Song together! Such a great tradition!

Early Release - Wednesday, June 5th

We have one more regular Wednesday early release day for students on Wednesday, June 5th. All students will be dismissed at 11:55 am in order for teachers to have professional learning sessions during the afternoon. Please note: there will be a scheduled lunch block for students prior to dismissal.

Greenwood Field Day

Keep those “no rain” thoughts coming! Greenwood’s Field Day is scheduled for Friday, June 7th starting at 12:00pm. (Students will be able to access school lunch in the cafeteria as normal…but there’s a special treat at the end of the afternoon!) Our entire Gator community is looking forward to a fun afternoon of games and activities thanks to the HUGE efforts of our PTO Field Day Committee and all of the adult volunteers. We can’t wait!

Next Greenwood All-School Meeting - Grade 1 Hosting

The June All-School Meeting hosted by 1st Grade will be on Monday, June 10th at 9:00 am. 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 1st grade parents/guardians to attend if you are able to do so. (Seating will be up in the balcony.)

Report Cards - FYI

We’re still a little ways out, but in case you were wondering - report cards will be made available to families on the last day of school, Tuesday, June 18th. (Apologies to Kindergarten who will have to wait a little for theirs.)

DIBELS & iReady Reports

Kindergarten won’t have to wait for these! We will be printing and sending home the family reports for both DIBELS and iReady testing for our end-of-year assessment period on Friday, June 14th.

Lost & Found

Is your child missing a coat? A sweatshirt? Or maybe even three of them? Our Greenwood lost & found is once again overflowing with unclaimed clothing, and we really want to reunite as many items as possible with their rightful owners before the end of the school year. If you’d like to come and take a peek, please contact Ms. Paiva to arrange a time. Once school is out for the summer, all remaining items will be donated.

End of the Year Dates

I’m just going to keep including this and adding to it where necessary…here is a list of a few key dates for your June calendars:

● Tuesday, 6/4 - Cultural Arts Performance - “Down by the Riverside”

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

● Thursday, 6/6 - Grade 4 Field Trip

● Friday, 6/7 - Field Day (12:00-2:45 pm)

● Monday, 6/10 - All-School Meeting, 1st Grade Hosting (9:00am)

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

● Wednesday, 6/12 - Field Day Rain Date

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

Grade 1 Field Trip

DIBELS and iReady reports sent home to families

● Monday, 6/17 - Greenwood Incoming Kindergarten Screening

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

Report Cards shared with families

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: 5/28/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Tuesday! I hope that everyone was able to enjoy time together over the weekend. Whether you were spending time at parades and observances for Memorial Day, gathering for cookouts with family and friends, or taking a quick trip to points north or south for beach time, it’s always a treat to spend time with others. On another note, it hardly seems possible that we’re looking at 16 school days left in the school year…but it’s true! Time flies!

Reminder - Grade 3 Recorder Concert

Greenwood third graders have been working hard in music and chorus classes and are excited to invite families to their concert! The performance will take place on Tuesday, May 28th from 2:15-2:45 pm in the Greenwood gym.

WMHS Elementary School Walk

This Friday, May 31st will feature some special visitors here at Greenwood! After their graduation rehearsal on Friday, Wakefield Memorial High School seniors will be returning to their elementary schools to walk the halls one more time. Greenwood is excited to welcome back our graduating Gators and cheer them on as they head toward their next steps!

Summer Kids First Program

This program run by the Wakefield Food Pantry provides free food to Wakefield families with school-aged children who need extra help affording groceries. Please see the linked flyer for more information and to register for the program. Registrations must be received by June 15th.

End of the Year Dates

I’m just going to keep including this and adding to it where necessary…here is a list of a few key dates for your June calendars:

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

● Friday, 6/7 - Field Day (12:00-2:45 pm)

● Monday, 6/10 - All-School Meeting, 1st Grade Hosting (9:00am)

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

● Wednesday, 6/12 - Field Day Rain Date

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

DIBELS and iReady reports sent home to families

● Monday, 6/17 - Greenwood Incoming Kindergarten Screening

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

Report Cards shared with families

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 12:00-1:10 pm on school days? Or 10:30-11:50 am 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: 5/20/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! If it feels like there are a lot of repeating items in my letter, that’s because there are a lot of events going on that we don’t want anyone to miss! Happily, after this week I won’t have any MCAS reminders until next spring…

Reminder - Kindergarten All-School Meeting This Week!

The May All-School Meeting hosted by Kindergarten will 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.)

Grades 3 & 4 - MCAS Testing This Week

One more round! MCAS testing for Math in grades 3 & 4 will take place on Tuesday, May 21st and Wednesday, May 22nd. Testing begins at the start of the school day. The recommended testing time for each session is 90 minutes, but students will have as much time as they need to complete the test.

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. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

No School - Monday, May 29th

Next Monday, May 27th is Memorial Day. All WPS offices and schools will be closed in observance.

End of the Year Dates

I’m just going to keep including this and adding to it where necessary…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)

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: 5/6/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! Last weekend was science…this weekend was dancing! It was great to see so many families enjoying themselves at the Civic Center for the Greenwood Spring Dance on Friday night - I can’t believe how quickly the end of the school year is approaching! Every day brings a new adventure!

Early Release Day - Wednesday, May 8th

Our next early release day for students is on Wednesday, May 8th.. All students will be dismissed at 11:55am in order for teachers to have professional learning sessions during the afternoon. Please note: there will be a scheduled lunch block for students prior to dismissal.

Optional Class Placement Survey - Reminder

Just a reminder that if you intend to submit the optional class placement survey for students currently in grades K-3, we are asking for any input to be provided no later than Friday, May 10th.

End of the Year Dates

I’m just going to keep including this and adding to it where necessary…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.

WPD Summer RAD Kids Program

Please see the linked flyer for information about the Personal Empowerment Safety Program for kids being run this August by the Wakefield Police Department.

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 12:00-1:10 pm on school days? Or 10:30-11:50 am 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: 4/29/24

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: 4/22/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! I hope everyone was able to enjoy some (if not all!) of the April vacation week. Even though there’s still a good chunk of time left in the 2023-2024 school year, coming back from April break definitely has that “home stretch” feeling to it. Case in point - my letter next week will have items addressing the wrap up of THIS year and some that look toward NEXT year. However - we still have a lot of great things to accomplish before this year is over, so let’s go!

Grades 3 & 4 - MCAS Makeup Testing This Week

While the majority of our 3rd and 4th graders have finished up with their ELA testing, we do have a few students who need to make up one or both MCAS sessions this week. In order to ensure that we are done before the testing window closes on Friday, April 26th, we will be pulling students for makeup testing on Tuesday, April 23rd and, if necessary, Wednesday, April 24th. Please feel free to reach out tome with any questions about this.

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. 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!

May Kindergarten All-School Meeting

It will be here before we know it, so a heads up that the May All-School Meeting hosted by Kindergarten will be on Monday, May 6th at 9:00 am. 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.)

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

From the Principal: 3/25/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! How is it that we’re already at the last week of March? Didn’t we just get back from February break? When I look at the calendar for all the events taking place over the next three weeks leading up to April break, all I can say is, “Hold on - here we go!”

This Week’s All-School Meeting - 2nd Grade Hosting

We will have our 2nd grade-hosted All-School Meeting on Monday, March 25th starting 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 2nd grade parents/guardians to attend if you are able to do so. (Seating will be up in the balcony.)

Wakefield Visual & Performing Arts Day (VPAD)

On Tuesday, April 2nd, Galvin Middle School will host ALL of the elementary schools (on a rotating schedule) for an art tour and high school musical performances. Greenwood students and staff will be taking buses to the Galvin together as a school for this “in-town field trip.” We leave Greenwood at 8:45am and will return around 10:30am. Don’t worry - I’ll remind everyone again next week!

Greenwood Family Folk Dance Night

If you haven’t been to a Family Folk Dance Night before, you’re missing a good time put on by our fantastic elementary music teachers! On Thursday, April 4th at 6:00pm, families will have the chance to learn and participate in various dances from different cultures, accompanied by live music performed by the teachers and any willing community volunteers (I’ve always offered up my flute-playing skills...I’m doing it again! Musicians can sign up at the following link.). After a fun hour of dancing, snacks will be provided by the Wakefield Music Boosters. Come and join us!

WMHS Peer Leaders Visit

On Thursday, April 4th, the Wakefield Memorial High School Peer Leaders will visit Greenwood as part of their anti-bullying work at each elementary school. They will spend time in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade classrooms with small groups of students, as well helping to support some PE classes. They will also be here for the recess and lunch blocks for all grades. We always enjoy the time they spend here with us!

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 Aprill. 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: 3/18/12

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! It was great to see so many families in the building last week for the first day of conferences. Don’t forget - communication between home and school is very important to us, so if you leave your conference and suddenly think, “Oh, I meant to ask about ________,” just reach out to your child’s teacher. We’re all here to work together!

Authorfest This Week

Thanks to the efforts of the Greenwood PTO, we are very excited to welcome some authors to Greenwood this week to share their books and writing practices with our students. Each class will have a separate session with the author in the library on their assigned day.

Tuesday, March 19th - Kindergarten - Author: Sarah Lynne Reul

Thursday, March 21st - 1st grade & 2nd grade - Author: Carol Gordon Ekster

Friday, March 22nd - 3rd grade & 4th grade - Author: Kristine Asselin

Early Release - Wednesday, March 20th

Our next early release day for students is on Wednesday, March 20th. All students will be dismissed at 11:55am in order for scheduled conferences with families to take place. There will NOT be a lunch block during the school day. (See next blurb…)

Grab & Go Lunches - Wednesday, March 20th

This month we have two early release days (3/13 & 3/20) and some additional adjustments to our instructional schedules on those particular days. Due to this, we will NOT have a scheduled lunch block during the morning on those days. However, we WILL be offering the opportunity for children to pick up a “Grab & Go” lunch before they leave the building.

You must sign your child up if you want them to grab a lunch before they go - lunches will be prepared based on the number of sign-ups and teachers will have a list of who is signed up.

Lunch Signup for Wednesday, March 20th - only if a school lunch is needed

This signup will also be sent out via School Messenger and must be completed before the end of the school day on Tuesday. Because of shifting family needs, we will send a separate signup out for each week.

No Afternoon Wakefield Academy - Wednesday, March 20th

The following message was sent out by Estelle Burdick to Wakefield Academy families at the end of January: “I am writing to inform you about a schedule change regarding our Wakefield Academy program in March. After careful consideration, we have decided to close Wakefield Academy’s after-school program at all four elementary schools and our Doyle ECC on March 13th and March 20th, which are the two parent-teacher conference days. This decision has been made due to shortages in staffing, which makes it unsafe to open on these days.”

Next All-School Meeting - 2nd Grade Hosting

It’ll be here before we know it! We will have our 2nd grade-hosted All-School Meeting on Monday, March 25th starting 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 2nd grade parents/guardians to attend if you are able to do so. (Seating will be up in the balcony.)

WPS Incoming Kindergarten Virtual Information Night

Do you have a Kindergarten student beginning in the fall of 2024? If so, please join us for our WPS Kindergarten Information Session via Zoom on Thursday, March 21st at 7:00 PM. Elementary Principals and other members of the WPS administrative team will lead an important information session on everything you need to know about your student’s transition to kindergarten. Please join if you can and spread the word! Zoom link is below:

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 853 8369 0487

Passcode: 981047

WMHS Senior Night Raffle

Want to win some Celtics tickets? And help raise money for the WMHS Senior Class? Please see the linked flyer for information about a raffle fundraiser to benefit Senior Night!

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 Aprill. 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: 3/11/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! Did everyone remember to “spring forward” this weekend for the start of Daylight Saving Time? I guess we’ll know who missed it by any hour-late arrivals here at school on Monday morning…Hopefully, everyone will be back on track well before our conference days begin on Wednesday - we’re excited to welcome everyone back into the building to talk about our favorite subject - kids and learning!

Early Release - Wednesday, March 13th

Our next early release day for students is on Wednesday, March 13th. All students will be dismissed at 11:55am in order for scheduled conferences with families to take place. There will NOT be a lunch block during the school day. (See next blurb…)

Grab & Go Lunches - Wednesday, March 13th

As mentioned in my letter last week, this month we have two early release days (3/13 & 3/20) and some additional adjustments to our instructional schedules on those particular days. Due to this, we will NOT have a scheduled lunch block during the morning on those days. However, we WILL be offering the opportunity for children to pick up a “Grab & Go” lunch before they leave the building.

You must sign your child up if you want them to grab a lunch before they go - lunches will be prepared based on the number of sign-ups and teachers will have a list of who is signed up.

Lunch Signup for Wednesday, March 13th - only if a school lunch is needed

This signup will also be sent out via School Messenger and must be completed before the end of the school day on Tuesday. Because of shifting family needs, we will send a separate signup out for each week.

No Afternoon Wakefield Academy - Wednesday, March 13th

The following message was sent out by Estelle Burdick to Wakefield Academy families at the end of January: “I am writing to inform you about a schedule change regarding our Wakefield Academy program in March. After careful consideration, we have decided to close Wakefield Academy after-school program at all four elementary schools and our Doyle ECC on March 13th and March 20th, which are the two parent-teacher conference days. This decision has been made due to shortages in staffing, which makes it unsafe to open on these days.”

Wakefield STEAM Night

It’s time for STEAM Night! This fun event will take place on Thursday, March 14th from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Galvin. This interactive elementary math and science showcase will feature hands-on experiences from Curious Creatures, Caterpillar Lab, the Beebe Library, and many others, along with offerings from WPS staff members and PTO groups. It’s sure to be a good time!

Reminder 2024 MCAS Dates

Grades 3 & 4 These went out in a previous message, but just in case you missed them…MCAS testing for grades 3 & 4 will take place on the following days:

English/Language Arts - Tuesday, April 9th and Wednesday, April 10th

Math - Tuesday, May 21st and Wednesday, May 22nd

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. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

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 12:00-1:10 pm on school days? Or 10:30-11:50 am 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 Aprill. 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: 3/4/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! They say March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, but I feel like the “lion” was tricked by the Leap Day and showed up early with that crazy wind! We’ll see what still lies ahead, but spring is certainly on everyone’s minds. It’s a little hard to believe that we’ve only been back from February break for one week - everyone is working hard, staying busy, and having fun - let’s keep it up!

No School - Tuesday, March 5th

Due to the use of Galvin Middle School for townwide voting, there will be no school for students on Tuesday, March 5th. This will be a professional development day for all WPS staff.

Upcoming Early Release Days - Change in Lunch Routines

This should sound familiar from the fall! During the month of March, we have two early release days for conferences (3/13 & 3/20) along with some additional adjustments to our instructional schedules on those particular days. Due to this, we will NOT have a scheduled lunch block during the morning on those days. 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 either of these days. I will be sending out a School Messenger with the sign-up link no later than the Monday before each early release day. Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility with this!

Wakefield Parent University

Wakefield’s 2024 Parent University will take place on Saturday, March 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Galvin Middle School. All parents and caregivers are invited to attend this free event featuring more than a dozen in-person workshops, a keynote session, and meet-and-greet opportunities with local organizations. Wakefield Academy will provide free on-site childcare.

The event will kick off with keynote speaker Mel Peirce. Peirce, a Certified Professional Coach and Parenting Mentor, has combined research with the most effective coaching tools to develop a parenting toolbox you can start using right away. If your child is easily frustrated, their emotions are all consuming, or if you’re often on edge because your child's emotions are unpredictable, her session will be especially insightful.

Following the keynote will be casual, interactive workshops facilitated by Wakefield Public Schools staff and community partners, that cover a variety of topics spanning all grade levels. From “Early Childhood Milestones” to “College Planning,” there’s something for everyone! Register for your sessions and sign up for on-site childcare at bit.ly/WakefieldParentU.

WEF is 35 Years Old!

Celebrate by Supporting WEF through its Online Auction! WEF’s annual auction to raise money for its annual grant process will run from March 1st (12 am) through March 15th (11:59 pm). Auction items are better than ever, including Bruins, Celtics and Patriots tickets, family fun activities in and around Boston, tickets to theater and live music, art and jewelry, gift cards to Wakefield restaurants and small businesses, and more. And new this year is lunch for your child and a friend with their elementary school principal--look in the unique experiences category! Please click this link and support WEF as it supports our school in providing additional enrichment activities for all students in Wakefield. Thank you from WEF!

Wakefield Human Rights Commission - International Women’s Day

On Thursday, March 7th, the Wakefield Human Rights Commission (WHRC) will commemorate International Women’s Day with a program that illuminates the UN Women’s 2024 theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” This will feature a panel of accomplished women who will share their experiences transforming challenges and barriers into opportunities. This special program will be presented from 7- 8:30 p.m. in the Wakefield Memorial HS theater. A reception will follow.

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

From the Principal: 2/26/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! However you spent your time this week, I hope it involved fun, family, friends, and festive times! We’re all feeling refreshed and ready to welcome our Gators back!

Reminder - Report Cards

Report cards were emailed out as PDF documents to families on Friday, February 9th. If you’re still having trouble accessing your child’s report card, please let me know. (NOTE: The report card is accessed through the link in the email that was sent out, not by logging into PowerSchool.)

No School - Tuesday, March 5th

Due to the use of Galvin Middle School for townwide voting, there will be no school for students on Tuesday, March 5th. This will be a professional development day for all WPS staff.

Spring Conferences - March 13th & 20th

It’s just about that time again! Our first date for spring conferences is on Wednesday, March 13th, which is an early release day for students. There will be time slots for both afternoon and evening conferences on that day. Our second conference day is Wednesday, March 20th, another early release day, and time slots for afternoon conferences will be available. 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!

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 Aprill. 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