From the Principal: 2/12/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! We’ve survived the groundhog...we’ve flown past the 100th day...how is it already time for February break? This will be a busy week at Greenwood, starting off with some special visitors from the Wakefield School Committee and Wakefield Town Council on Monday. Greenwood is the next stop on their “school visit tour,” and we’re excited to show them what makes Greenwood a great place to be!

Report Cards

Report cards were emailed out to families on Friday afternoon. As mentioned in the “student ID” email, we were advised that there may be a PowerSchool issue where only one family member, despite the selected settings, may receive the report card. We’re hoping this will be remedied before the next sending, but in the meantime, please reach out if you still need access.

Monday’s All-School Meeting - 3rd Grade Hosting

We will have our 3rd grade-hosted All-School Meeting on Monday, February 12th starting 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 3rd-grade parents/guardians to attend if you are able to do so. (Seating will be up in the balcony.)

4th Grade Reminder - NAEP Testing

4th grade families received notification toward the end of January about NAEP testing for our 4th grade students on Thursday, February 15th. While there are no individual or school score reports as a result of this assessment, the information gathered through the randomly-selected schools who participate is used to provide information for “The Nation’s Report Card” each year. More information can be found on the NAEP website.

DIBELS and iReady Family Reports

Later this week, 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!

Food Rescue Program Support Needed

Greenwood has been doing such a great job reducing food waste through our volunteer-run food rescue program, and they could use more help! If you’re able to help out by signing up to pick up food from school and/or drop off food at designated locations, that would be great! Please use the WPS Food Rescue 2024:Sign Up Genius form to select the day(s) you’re able to support. Thanks in advance!

Wakefield Police Department - RAD Kids Program

Please see the linked flyer about the WPD RAD kids program to be run during February vacation week.

WEF's Annual Online Auction

WEF's Annual Online Auction WEF's annual auction is one of its most profitable fundraisers, making it possible to provide more grant funding back to our schools. WEF is looking for items to auction from our community members. Do you have a business, or know of a business owner who might be willing to donate WEF with an item in the form of an experience, a gift card for a service, tickets to a sporting event or theater, or other item? We are collecting items from now until Feb 25th. Please send an email to either Cary Mazzone at carymazzone@gmail.com, or Melissa Holmes at melissa.holmes@rcn.com with details and any questions. Thanks for your support of WEF!

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 February. 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: 2/5/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! The groundhog was a hot topic of conversation around here on Friday, but despite what it “said,” I don’t know that anyone is really convinced of the accuracy! (I also think there are a few people still really hoping for a good old-fashioned snowstorm or two before all is said and done this winter.) We have lots to do between now and February break, so we appreciate uninterrupted stretches of time for learning!

100th Day of School

Unless something unexpected happens between now and then, the 100th day of school will be on Thursday, February 8th. (This date has been Kindergarten-approved!) Nice to have a little space between that and Valentine’s Day - it gets a little hectic around here when those dates line up! Classroom teachers will be in touch if there’s anything they need family support for regarding that day.

Food Rescue Program Support Needed

Greenwood has been doing such a great job reducing food waste through our volunteer-run food rescue program, and they could use more help! If you’re able to help out by signing up to pick up food from school and/or drop off food at designated locations, that would be great! Please use the WPS Food Rescue 2024:Sign Up Genius form to select the day(s) you’re able to support. Thanks in advance!

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 February. Single days, multiple days, one-time slot, the whole lunch block…we welcome any 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: 1/29/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! I don’t know if any other Greenwood families had the opportunity to see the Galvin Drama Club’s production of “Legally Blonde, Jr.” this past weekend. I was able to go on Thursday night, and it was a complete delight! So many Greenwood alums gracing the stage in this show! I’ve said it to a number of people, and I’ll say it again - it is wonderful to be in a school district that promotes and celebrates the performing arts at all levels the way Wakefield does. I’m not just biased because I was a music major myself - it’s a wonderful thing to see!

Report Cards - FYI

I’ve had a couple of folks asking about the date for report cards - they will be sent home via email to families on Friday, February 9th. A letter will be sent home earlier that week with more information about the report cards, as there have been some updates since last year.

Snack Milk - FYI

I know Marie has sent out messages to families already, but it never hurts to have another reminder! Moving forward, if a student’s name is not on the official list that we receive from Food Services, they will not be able to get snack milk. To order snack milk for the second half of the school year, please fill out the linked form and return it to school with payment. Order forms are due back no later than 1/31/24. The second half of the School Year Snack Milk starts on 2/1/24.

Snack Milk order form 2nd 1/2 of School Year

All-School Meeting - 3rd Grade Hosting

Get out those calendars! We will have our 3rd grade-hosted All-School Meeting on Monday, February 12th 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 3rd grade parents/guardians to attend if you are able to do so. (Seating will be up in the balcony.)

WEF Adult Spelling Bee - Friday, March 15th

WEF is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year, and we want you to celebrate like it's 1989! It's time again to brush up on your spelling and create clever costumes - WEF is hosting its annual Adult Spelling Bee on Friday March 15th. Remember, points awarded for best costumes. See linked flyer for more details, and be sure to sign up early--tables max out at 18 this year! The Bee will be hosted at the West Side Social Club.

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 February. 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: 1/22/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday!  After FAR too many days of indoor recess last week due to the cold, everyone here is hoping this week will treat us better.  It’s important to balance all that learning time in class with a chance to run around and work off some energy!  (Although there do seem to be a lot of indoor recess fans - I heard a few cheers when I would make the announcement.)  

“Vision of a Graduate” Survey

The Wakefield Public Schools invites student, family, and community partners to participate in the following survey as part of an effort in developing the district's Vision of a Graduate. A Vision of a Graduate is a collaboratively crafted statement that summarizes the skills and dispositions that graduates of the Wakefield Public Schools will have that will help them thrive in their lives. This effort is undertaken as part of the accreditation process with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).  The survey should take less than five minutes and will provide valuable data for this important work.

Snow and Outside Play

Not that we’re in a snow-filled pattern at the moment, but just a reminder…we’ve gotten some questions about what outdoor recess looks like when there is snow on the ground.  There are some parts of this we play by ear depending on the conditions, and decisions will always come down to what the adults on supervision duty believe makes more sense on a given day.  However, these are some basic guidelines that will always hold true:

• Students without boots will not be allowed on snow-covered areas.  This includes the fenced-in playground section.  

• Students are not allowed on snow banks/piles of snow during the school day.

• Snow and ice must not be thrown/tossed around.

Playing in the snow can be a lot of fun, but we don’t want anyone coming in from recess with wet clothes and/or feet.  That makes for an unpleasant rest of the school 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 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 February.  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: 1/16/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone had a lovely three-day weekend. Once again I am left wondering about a snow “event” as I’m writing my letter. You think I’d be used to this by now, but somehow it’s always a surprise!

From Wakefield Academy - Summer Camps

WoW Summer is back! We have a wonderful summer planned for your children. We’ll start with our amazing themed weeks, special programs, and many other adventures and activities! Your child will enjoy seeing their school friends, making new friends, and being surrounded by the friendly and caring Wakefield Academy staff they see at school every day. Our WoW Summer programs include WoW

Summer Camp, WoW Summer Academic Camp, and our WoW Summer PreK Program.

Do you want your child to retain, boost, or accelerate their academic skills in preparation for their upcoming grade? Join our WoW Rising 1st-6th Academic program! You can choose one or all five weeks for academic engagement, acceleration, and fun. WoW Academic Camp is geared around one-week curriculum blocks so your child gets the best educational experience. Our science curriculum will again be provided by our amazing WA enrichment vendor Wicked Cool Science. They have created comprehensive Massachusetts DESE Science Standards-based lessons to engage your child in a hands-on learning experience as they explore the scientific world around them. Our WoW Academic program starts July 8th and ends August 8th.

Does your child want the true “camp” experience without having to go away to camp? Join our WoW K-4 Summer Camp! We have our unique pick-a-day (morning or afternoon), or week-long (Monday-Thursday) options. This six-week program has been designed to engage your child in themed weeks of camp-styled activities, games, crafts, and programs. Your child will never be bored and you’ll have the joy of hearing “WoW what a fun day!” WoW K-4 Camp program runs from July 1st through August 8th.

We haven’t forgotten our littlest ones! Do you have a Pre-Schooler? Want them to have a classroom experience as well as a camp experience? Join our WoW PreK Summer Camp which is held in collaboration with our WPS Extended School Year (ESY) program. Your little one will enjoy a morning classroom experience working on their age-based social skills and learning. Want a full-day experience?

Join the WoW PreK afternoon program for your little ones to continue their camp experience and have fun playing with their friends, making new ones, and enjoying age-appropriate activities and fun! They will enjoy our PreK-themed weeks, programming, and engaging activities! All under the care of our amazing WA PreK staff! WoW PreK Camp runs from July 8th through August 8th.

We also offer extended day options to meet your scheduling needs, ensuring your family has coverage from 7:30 am to 5 pm! Please note that you do not need to create a new account if you already have a childcare contract in place. Enrichment programming will be released in February which will include programming for our K-8 population. Go to our website and click on “Camps” or use the link here to check out all that Wakefield Academy WoW Summer Camp programs have to offer your Rising K-6 or PreSchool child! WoW!

MPY Parenting Solutions Library

Just sharing this in case anyone is interested! Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce its new MPY Parenting Solutions Library. The MPY Parenting Solutions Library is offered at no charge (no login or password required), in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions, non-profit located in Mansfield, Connecticut. Peace At Home Parenting Solutions is a dynamic hub of trusted knowledge and compassionate support that inspires parents to create positive change for their children, their families and themselves. Through this new partnership, MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students’ families thrive.

Peace At Home Parenting Solutions specializes in empowering parents with evidence-based strategies to foster nurturing connections that safeguard their children's mental well-being. The trainings are presented by experts with advanced degrees and the trainings focus on child and adolescent development, including difficulties in school, mental health challenges, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ identity formation, racism, and grief. These trainings present easy-to-use strategies for long-lasting change.

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 February. 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!

From the Principal: 1/8/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! As I’m writing this, I’m still wondering which of the many weather forecasts will turn out to be the most accurate. I’m saving my shoveling for the early afternoon in hopes that the “second wave” doesn’t bring too much more snow - nobody likes Monday morning shoveling! (Okay, *I* don’t like Monday morning shoveling. Your mileage may vary.)

Greenwood All-School Meeting - Grade 4 Hosting

Just a reminder about our All-School Meeting on Monday at 9:00 am. Our 4th graders will lead us off to talk about “cooperation” and we would like to invite 4th grade parents/guardians to attend if you are able to do so. (Seating will be up in the balcony.) We look forward to seeing you!

NOTE: If there happens to be a weather-related delay, we will reschedule this meeting and notify everyone of the new date.

Early Release - Wednesday, January 10th

Our next early release day for students is on Wednesday, January 10th. All students will be dismissed at 11:55 am in order for WPS staff to have professional development sessions in the afternoon. Please note: here will be a scheduled lunch block for students prior to dismissal.

Reminder - Snacks

Right before the break we noticed a slight uptick in students who were coming to the office because they did not have a packed snack for their morning break. Please know that while school lunches are provided free of charge to any student who wants one, we do not have that same capacity when it comes to snacks. We appreciate your assistance with this!

2024 MCAS Dates - Grades 3 & 4

While we’re still a couple of months away from the testing windows, planning and scheduling for this year’s MCAS tests is underway! Students in Grades 3 & 4 will complete computer-based testing in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. There are two sessions for each subject area, and tests must be scheduled within the window provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. We are sharing these dates now in the effort to avoid scheduling appointments that would remove your child from school on the MCAS testing days.

ELA - Tuesday, April 9th and Wednesday, April 10th

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

If you already have a known conflict with these dates, please let me know ASAP.

Fall 2024 Kindergarten Registration

Do you have a child who will be entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2024? Do you know someone else who does? It’s just about time for us to start looking ahead and thinking about welcoming next year’s crew! Here is the general plan - more information to come!

In early January, WPS will send a mailing to all families of kindergarten-age children in Wakefield. Information will also be posted on WPS social media and in the Wakefield Daily Item. Families will be asked to complete the online registration between January 16th and February 2nd. (The WPS website will be updated once it’s ready to go!) There will be a virtual WPS District Kindergarten Information Meeting with elementary principals for families - this is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, March 21st at 7:00 pm.

Kindergarten screening dates will be in June - exact dates will be finalized and shared once we know the date for the last day of school.

From Wakefield Academy

The following note was sent out to all families last week by Estelle Burdick, Director of Wakefield Academy. Just in case you missed it:

“Happy New Year! We have exciting news! Our February Camp is now open for enrollment! We have such a great vacation camp scheduled for your child or children. Our February Camp is open to students PreK to Grade 4. All PreK activities take place on-site and include shows, activities, and lots of fun and games. Our K-4 students will enjoy field trips (yes, that includes our traditional trip to Altitudes and Prince Pizza!) as well as shows and activities on-site. Both camps have limited enrollment, so use the link here to see the details. Register today!

Our Winter Enrichment session filled up fast, but there are still openings in several programs such as Kids Test Kitchen at Walton, Wicked Cool Paws and Claws at Woodville, our Generals Ski Club and Art Club at Galvin...just to name a few! All of our Galvin Winter Homework Clubs grades 5 through 8 are now open for enrollment as well. Use the link here to check out our fantastic programs!

Save the date! Wakefield Academy WoW Summer Camp will be opening for enrollment soon! While we are still working out our costs, we do have the dates locked in. Our WoW summer camp will start July 1st and end August 8th. Our WoW Academic camp will begin July 8th and end August 8th. Both will be held at the Galvin Middle School. Our WoW PreK camp will run from July 8th through August 8th and will be held at the Doyle ECC. We will have lots of fun activities and themes for your child to enjoy! Thank you for your patience as we work out the final details!

Thank you for entrusting your children to us and we hope you and your family have a happy and healthy new year!”

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 February. 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: 1/2/24

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had a happy and healthy (especially after all the *things* going around throughout December) winter break. I’m looking forward to seeing many eager, excited eyes (and probably a few sleepy ones too) on Tuesday morning as we return to school. While it’s always nice to turn off the alarm and be on a more relaxed schedule for a bit, it does feel good to get back into a routine and see all of the exciting things happening around Greenwood each day!

Greenwood All-School Meeting - Grade 4 Hosting

For our upcoming All-School Meetings through the rest of the year, each grade level will be responsible for hosting an assembly to share about a positive attribute that we want our Greenwood community to embrace and embody. Our 4th graders will lead us off to talk about “cooperation” on Monday, January 8th at 9:00 am, and we would like to invite 4th-grade parents/guardians to attend if you are able to do so. (Seating will be up in the balcony.) We look forward to seeing you!

Winter Temperatures, Snow, and Outdoor Recess

Just my periodic reminder…our goal here at Greenwood is to get the kids outside for recess as much as possible even when the temperatures drop. Kids will be outdoors at long as the “feels like” temperature is above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. When the fenced-in playground area is snow-covered, students are only allowed on the snow if they are wearing boots. All this is to say, please make sure students come to school with the appropriate outerwear to enjoy their time outdoors!

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 February. 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: 12/18/23

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! With just five school days left until the December break, classrooms are swinging into super-high gear to wrap up lessons, units, and many other loose ends before we head out the door for a little time off. Of course, there will be some fun activities as well! My hope for all of our Greenwood community over the break is simply that everyone gets to spend time relaxing and doing things that make them happy. Let’s wrap up 2023 with a positive attitude and welcome 2024 with big smiles, full hearts, and open arms!

Greenwood Spirit Days

Just another reminder about our theme days for the entire Greenwood community!

Monday, 12/18 - Greenwood/Wakefield spirit day Tuesday, 12/19 - Hat Day Wednesday, 12/20 - Cozy Flannel Day Thursday, 12/21 - Winter Wonderland (all things winter themed) Friday, 12/22 - Pajama Day

Lost & Found

Come and check out all the missing items - they’ve been nicely laid out on tables in the hallway for easier viewing. Anything left in the lost & found when we head into December break will be donated.

Thinking Ahead - 2024 Return

Not that anyone would wish away the December break (especially before it has even started!), but I wanted to make sure everyone is up-to-date on when we will get back to the business of learning in the new year. Students and staff will return to school on Tuesday, January 2nd after the observed holiday on the 1st.

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. (I’ll be updating dates through January/February soon!) 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: 12/11/23

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! Given how busy we are around here, you’d think my letter to you would be longer. But then again, everyone has enough on their plates these days without me adding to it! I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing weekend - time to dive back in!

Greenwood Spirit Days

(No, not this week! I thought folks might appreciate a little advance notice in order to prepare.) Greenwood will be having some “theme days” for the week before December break. All students and staff are invited to participate! (And if you happen to be volunteering at all…just saying it might be festive to join the fun…!)

Monday, 12/18 - Greenwood/Wakefield spirit day

Tuesday, 12/19 - Hat Day

Wednesday, 12/20 - Cozy Flannel Day

Thursday, 12/21 - Winter Wonderland (all things winter themed)

Friday, 12/22 - Pajama Day

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.

MWRA Annual Poster & Writing Contest

Looking for a fun challenge? The Massachusetts Water Resource Authority’s School Program is pleased to announce their annual Poster and Writing Contests. These are two separate contests. Students in Gr. 3-8 may enter both contests but should NOT combine poster and writing into one entry.

POSTER CONTEST

Students are being asked to use their creative skills to create a poster about jobs at the MWRA. Posters will be judged in 4 categories: Gr. K-2, Gr. 3-5, Gr. 6-8, and Gr. 9-12.

WRITING CONTEST

Students are being asked to write an essay, story, or poem about jobs at the MWRA. Writing will be judged in 2 categories: Gr. 3-5 and Gr. 6-8.

All entries must be postmarked by Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Early entries are encouraged! Entries should be mailed to: MWRA School Program 2 Griffin Way Chelsea, MA 02150

All the necessary forms and information pertaining to the contests can be found here. Additional information can be found at www.mwra.com and follow the link to the School Program page.

Winners will be notified via email by mid-April 2024. All winners along with their teachers and families will be honored at an Awards Ceremony the morning of May 24, 2024 at the Deer Island Treatment Plant.

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 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: 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: 11/27/23

Dear Greenwood Families,

Happy Monday! I hope everyone enjoyed their time off - before we know it, we’ll be wrapping things up and heading into the December break! That being said, we have a lot of learning to do around Greenwood over the next four weeks. We’re excited to dive back into it!

School Picture Retakes - Wednesday, November 29th

O’Connor Studios will be at Greenwood this Wednesday to do individual picture retakes for students who were absent or would like a new photo taken. Please have your child bring their original photos with them to school on that day.

Reporting Absences

Part of our office routine each morning is reviewing classroom attendance and cross-checking the list of absent students with the daily phone calls to the Child Safety Line. That can be quite the task, and it becomes much more challenging when families do not call in that morning. Even if you have notified your child’s teacher, please leave a message at 781-245-6646 so that Ms. Paiva knows your child’s attendance status for that day. Thank you for your support in this!

Winter Weather & Outdoor Recess

Our goal here at Greenwood is to get the kids outside for recess as much as possible, even when the temperatures drop. Kids will be outdoors at long as the “feels like” temperature is above 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so please make sure students are dressed accordingly. And if any of your winter gear has already gone missing...please check the lost-and-found!

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