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: 5/6/24

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: 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: 3/4/24

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: 12/4/23

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! Last week classrooms began to enjoy the VERY hands-on and active science workshops brought to us by the Discovery Museum, thanks to the generosity of the Greenwood PTO and the Wakefield Educational Foundation! Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade have had their turns…3rd grade and 4th grade programs are upcoming. It’s been fantastic to have parent volunteers joining us to support these workshops as well. We are so lucky to be part of a school community that provides these additional opportunities for fun and joyful learning!

Early Release - Wednesday, December 6th

Our next early release day for students is on Wednesday, December 6th. All students will be dismissed at 11:55 am in order for WPS staff to have professional development sessions in the afternoon. Please note: there will be a scheduled lunch block for students prior to dismissal.

School Safety Reminder - Doors and Visitors

You may have seen some recent news stories about unauthorized people attempting to enter school buildings in other towns. Just a reminder that for the safety of all, outer doors at Greenwood are kept closed and locked unless monitored by building staff. People wishing to access the building must ring the doorbell and be admitted by office staff. Visitors are to sign in and out of the building and wear visible during their time here. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation with these protocols!

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 (the fluctuations in temperature haven’t helped lots of sweatshirts and jackets left on the playground during recess). Feel free to drop by and check it out - let’s do some reuniting! Anything left in the lost & found when we head into December break will be donated.

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 December. 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: 11/20/23

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!

Early Release - Wednesday, November 22nd

Our next early release day for students is on Wednesday, November 22nd. All students will be dismissed at 11:55 am to begin Thanksgiving break. There will NOT be a lunch block during the school day. (See next blurb…)

Grab & Go Lunches - Wednesday, November 22nd

Last early release day for November! Once again, we will NOT have a scheduled lunch block during the morning on this day. However, we WILL be offering the opportunity for children to pick up a “Grab & Go” lunch before they leave the building. (The next blurb has a reminder - no afternoon Wakefield Academy on the 22nd!)

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, November 22nd - 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.

Wakefield Academy - Wednesday, November 22nd

The Wakefield Academy after-school program will be closed on Wednesday, November 22nd for Thanksgiving break. The Wakefield Academy before -school program will be open as usual on this day.

No School - Thursday, November 23rd and Friday, November 24th

All Wakefield Public Schools offices and school buildings will be closed on Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving break.

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 (the fluctuations in temperature haven’t helped - lots of sweatshirts and jackets left on the playground during recess). Feel free to drop by and check it out -let’s do some reuniting! Anything left in the lost & found when we head into December break will be donated.

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 December. 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: 11/13/23

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! Is it just me, or is time flying by? I keep looking at the calendar and being surprised that we’re as far into November as we are - it was just Halloween a minute ago! It’s been great seeing so many families in the building for conferences - we love our Greenwood community, and the more we can connect, the better.

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day - Tuesday, November 14th

Thanks to the efforts of a group of California elementary school students in 2018, Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day was created to honor the bravery of Ruby Bridges in integrating her elementary school in New Orleans. Here at Greenwood, we will have an assembly presented by “Wee the People” on Tuesday morning to learn more about Ruby Bridges and why she is recognized and celebrated. We’ll also have our own Greenwood School walk in honor of Ruby’s walk after the assembly. Wear purple to join in the celebration!

Early Release - Wednesday, November 15th

Our next early release day for students is on Wednesday, November 15th. All students will be dismissed at 11:55 am 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, November 15th

As mentioned in my letter last week AND the week before, this month we have three early release days in a row (11/8, 11/15, 11/22) 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 or go to Wakefield Academy.

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, November 15th - 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.

4th Grade Families - 2023 MCAS Score Reports

4th grade families should have, by now, received their child’s 3rd-grade MCAS score reports from Spring 2023 in the mail. Please let me know if you did not, and I will make sure you get a copy.

Notifications About Changes in Dismissal

Just a reminder that if your child is going to be dismissed in a way that differs from the usual plan, you should make sure their classroom teacher is aware. We’re all for playdates and social gatherings…and we’re also all for making sure children are getting to where they need to be safely! Thank you for your cooperation!

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 (the fluctuations in temperature haven’t helped - lots of sweatshirts and jackets left on the playground during recess). Feel free to drop by and check it out - let’s do some reuniting! Anything left in the lost & found when we head into December break will be donated.

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 10:30-11:50 am on 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 llinked Sign-Up Genius to select time slots through the end of December. 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

Help Wanted - WPS Food Services

Looking for some part-time work? WPS Food Services is looking for part-time help at the high school starting immediately. Please see the linked flyer for more information.

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: 11/6/23

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! After we “fall back” this weekend and gain an hour, we’re excited to start conferences this Wednesday afternoon/evening and welcome families into the building (or meet up via Zoom) to talk about our favorite topic - kids! The connection and communication between school and home is such an important part of the work we do, and we always appreciate your time and support. If you haven’t signed up for a time yet, please do!

Early Release - Wednesday, November 8th

Our next early release day for students is on Wednesday, November 8th. 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, November 8th

As mentioned in my letter last week, this month we have three early release days in a row (11/8, 11/15, 11/22) 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 or go to Wakefield Academy.

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, November 8th - 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.

5th Annual Pumpkin Collection - Wednesday, November 8th

The Wakefield Environmental Sustainability Committee is once again providing an opportunity for post- Halloween pumpkin recycling! On Wednesday, November 8th, there will be a tarp out back where pumpkins can be dropped off as families arrive at school or at the early-release dismissal. Pickup by Black Earth Compost will begin shortly after 12:30pm. Please see the flyer for more information!

No School - Friday, November 10th

Friday, November 10th is a no school day in observance of Veterans Day - all WPS schools and offices will be closed on that day.

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 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 December. 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

Help Wanted - WPS Food Services

Looking for some part-time work? WPS Food Services is looking for part-time help at the high school starting immediately. Please see the linked flyer for more information.

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: 10/30/23

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! As I said in my staff newsletter, “Halloween Month” is almost over! Tuesday will be a day full of energy and excitement at Greenwood, and we’re looking forward to balancing schoolwork with some other fun fall activities for all to enjoy. Fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate for the K-2 costume parade starting at 2:30 pm, as well as for those of you who might be venturing out on a candy-seeking mission Tuesday evening!! (FYI - our Greenwood staff loves candy, in case you’re looking for creative ways to dispose of excess goods. Personally, I’m a Kit Kat or Twix fan.)

DIBELS Family Reports

Families should have received a School Messenger on Friday afternoon regarding the WPS Early Literacy Screening and information about DIBELS reports. Please look for an envelope in your child’s folder on Monday afternoon with your child’s family report.

“Terrific Tuesday”

In case you missed it last week…let’s have some Greenwood fun to wrap up the month of October! On Tuesday, October 31st, students can celebrate a fun day together here at Greenwood by dressing up in some wacky way, which could involve wearing their costume, or simply just sporting some seasonal fall gear, crazy hair, mismatched clothes, or a fun hat.

Dress-up guidelines for the day:

● Must be school-appropriate (both for costume theme and ability to do schoolwork in it)

● No props or accessories

● No full-face masks

And we will once again bring our day to a close with the K-2 costume parade! The parade will begin at 2:30pm, and students will follow a route out the back door, around one big loop of the blacktop, walk around the Kindergarten side of the building, and go back in the front door to pick up backpacks, etc. before being dismissed. Families are welcome to come and spectate - please arrange yourself outside the cones. Our 3rd and 4th graders will join everyone outside to help cheer on our younger students. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather - we will not hold the parade if it is raining.

Upcoming Early Release Days - Change in Lunch Routines

During the month of November, we have three early release days in a row (11/8, 11/15, 11/22) 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 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 of these three days. I will be sending out a School Messenger with the sign-up link no later than the Monday before each of these days. Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility with this!

5th Annual Pumpkin Collection

The Wakefield Environmental Sustainability Committee is once again providing an opportunity for post-Halloween pumpkin recycling! On Wednesday, November 8th, there will be a tarp out back where pumpkins can be dropped off as families arrive at school or at the early-release dismissal. Pickup by Black Earth Compost will begin shortly after 12:30 p.m. Please see the flyer for more information!

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 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 December. 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

Race for All Ages 5k

Lace up for the 5K Run for All Ages on Nov 4, 2023 to benefit the Wakefield Educational Foundation! Sponsored by the New England 65 Plus Runners Club, pre-registration is open now or you can register at the event. Race starts at 10 am. Click on this link to register:

https://raceroster.com/events/2023/73577/21st-jerrys-run-for-all-ages-5k

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 10/16/23

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! I got a bit of a chuckle when I sat down to write my opening blurb this week. I was trying to avoid the same old topics…yes, time is flying by. Yes, yes, it’s been very rainy on the weekends for so long. Yes, yes, yes, fall is great. So I thought, “Maybe if I see what I was writing about last year at this time, I’ll get some inspiration!” Only to discover that I was writing about…how I couldn’t think of anything to write about. Go figure!

Early Release - Wednesday, October 18th Our next early release day for students is on Wednesday, October 18th. All students will be dismissed at 11:55 a.m. in order for WPS staff to have professional development sessions in the afternoon. Please note: there will be a scheduled lunch block for students prior to dismissal.

Talking with Children About Current Events - Resource for Families Our Greenwood community encompasses staff, students, and families from a wide variety of backgrounds, and that means that the horrific events that have taken place in Israel/Gaza over the past week will land differently for different people. That being said, social media is everywhere and it can be extremely challenging to completely control what all children are seeing and hearing. Jenny Beardslee, our School Psychologist, shared this article with staff and I thought it might be of use for families to help children process any confusing or upsetting thoughts and feelings. If you think your child needs additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Soccer Night in Wakefield On Friday, October 20th, the WMHS Soccer Teams are hosting a community event to celebrate soccer for all ages. Please see the linked flyer for more details.

WPS Parent University Wakefield Public Schools is kicking off the fall semester of Parent University with three keynote sessions for parents and caregivers. Topics will include dyslexia, childhood health and wellness, and underage drinking. Registration is now open for these three fall sessions. For more information, visit the website!

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 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 beginning of November. 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: 9/25/2023

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! It was so wonderful to see the turnout at Back to School Night last Thursday! I hope that those of you who were able to attend learned a lot about your child’s classroom and day-to-day life here at Greenwood School. Communication between school and home is extremely important to us, so please do not ever hesitate to reach out if you have questions about anything!

Early Release - Wednesday, September 27th Our first early release day for students is on Wednesday, September 7th. All students will be dismissed at 11:55 a.m. in order for WPS staff to have professional development sessions in the afternoon. Please note: there will be a scheduled lunch block for students prior to dismissal.

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 iReady to do math today,” that’s just a sign that we have entered the beginning of the year elementary assessment window. You may have heard about some of this from your child’s classroom teacher on Back to School Night - there are three times over the course of the school year where we 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. We will be sharing this assessment information out with families as well - more to come about that soon!

Smartwatches/Cell Phones in School Technology is amazing and wonderful! However, it can also be a huge distraction in our learning spaces during the school day. At the elementary level, personal tech devices (cell phones, smartwatches, etc.) are not allowed to be in use during the school day. We understand that students may need access to these devices for family communication either before the school day begins or once school is out for the day, so we ask that all cell phones and smartwatches remain off and in backpacks during the school day. We appreciate your support in this!

Science Letter Regarding Allergies In order to keep families informed about organic materials being used in science classes, the linked letter was sent out via School Messenger on Friday morning. Any questions can be directed to me or your child’s science teacher.

Updating Parent/Guardian Contacts in PowerSchool The following message was sent out to WPS families by WPS Technology last Tuesday. It’s really important that we have updated contact information for your family in our PowerSchool system, as that is how we reach you with important information!

Attached are instructions on reviewing and updating the parent/guardian contacts for your student in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

If you don’t have a logon to the Parent Portal please contact the school that your student is in. A list of who to contact at each building is on the last page of the attached document. If you can’t remember your username or password, click on the Forgot Username or Password link on the main login screen.

The URL to connect to the portal is: Wakefield.PowerSchool.com

If you have a Parent Portal Logon, you can add, delete and update contacts. You will need to email the school in order to change the order of the contacts if needed.

The technology department can not give you access codes of any students. You must go through the school that your child is attending.

Updating Parent/Guardian Contact information

Note: It may take several days before your updates/additions are approved and uploaded into Power School. Each change must be reviewed by a staff member before being approved.

Lunchroom Volunteers It’s a new year, and we are once again looking for adults to support students during lunchtime!

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