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
