"Paw Prints"
Farley Elementary School's Weekly Family Update
THOUGHTS and THANKS
Dear Farley Families,
Special thanks this week goes Oliver Watt's caregiver, Beck Collins, carpenter extraordinaire who took time this summer to refurbish our outdoor reading chairs pictured below. These reading benches were purchased (by Home and School with funds from the Fun Run) as part of our courtyard renovation a few years ago. Although we were told they could withstand New England weather, over time, the wood started to splinter and the finish started to tarnish. One day, while I was having lunch with Oliver and a couple of their classmates, Oliver mentioned that their dad had recently started their own woodworking and home repair business. That afternoon, I reached out to Beck to see if they could lend their expertise and see if these benches could be salvaged. Lucky for us, Beck said they could be made new again AND that they would be happy to donate their time, energy, and talents to bringing new life to this furniture. Currently, they are with Beck being refurbished (see picture below). We are so grateful to Beck for their help with this. If you ever need anything done around the house, feel free to reach out to BeckWorks @ Beckworksnow@gmail.com.
This week, our "Welcome Packets" which included class placement letters were sent in the "snail" mail. We are very proud of our thoughtful, careful process in considering best placements for students. Considerations regarding learning styles, social emotional development and students’ needs were carefully balanced in support of all students. Our class lists are thoughtfully and carefully made with input from teachers and support staff given their thorough knowledge of their students. While we acknowledge that at times, there are surprises regarding a placement, we respectfully appreciate your support in encouraging your student in having a positive start to the new school year. If by August 21st, you have not received your letter or Welcome Packet, please email our office administrator Heather Paquette at hapaquette@hudson.k12.ma.us
The administrative staff for all of Hudson Public Schools met this week at the New England Botanical Gardens for a three-day leadership conference. We worked as a team to discuss and plan for the year ahead. We began creating the District Improvement Plan, learned more about the results of the Equity Audit and DESE Comprehensive Review Report, and explored ways we can provide applicable professional development for our staff this upcoming year. Anne and I feel super energized and inspired!
This weekend, I will be making some goodies for our "Coffee with the Principals" next week. I hope you can join our in-person or virtual gatherings. We also have our Home and School Association's Playground Meet-Ups on the 21st and 22nd. Detailed information about each of these upcoming events is located below in the "Need to Knows" section. Have a relaxing weekend!
Read Always,
Rachel Scanlon (she, her, hers)
Principal
NEED TO KNOWS:
August 21st:
- In-person Coffee Hour with the Principals @ 7:45am in the cafeteria. Coffee will be provided.
- Grades K, 1, and 2-Home and School Summer Playground Meet-Up @ the Farley Playground from 6-7pm
August 22nd:
- Virtual Coffee Hour with the Principals @ 7:45am online. Join us from home or work using the following link: meet.google.com/bxi-nrrv-ntw
- Grades 3 and 4-Home and School Summer Playground Meet-Up @ the Farley Playground from 6-7pm.
August 24th:
- "End of Summer" Welcome Back Virtual Dance Party with Mrs. Scanlon and Mrs. Duke. Join us online from 6:00-6:45pm. To join the Google Meet type or copy and paste this link into your browser: meet.google.com/dub-faqv-oda
August 28th:
- Kindergarten Teacher Meet and Greets @ Farley from 3:15-5:00.
August 30th:
- First Day of School for Students-Drop off starts at 8:20am. School ends at 2:55pm.
TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT
"ALL THINGS TECHNOLOGY"
Last week, Ellen Schuck, the Head of Technology for the district, sent out her Technology Newsletter. This publication has essential information about all things related to HPS technology, including how caregivers can access the "ASPEN Parent Portal". Below is the link to her newsletter.
TOWN SPOTLIGHT
NEW HUDSON RESIDENTS IN NEED
This week, all Hudson residents were notified by the Director of Public and Community Health of some families in need in town. Click HERE to read an entire copy of the letter from the town. Many Farley caregivers have reached out to me this week to see how they can help. These families are so fortunate to have been placed in this town.
To aid these families in need, as of Monday, August 14, 2023, in-kind donations can be dropped off at the Hudson Fire Headquarters located at 296 Cox Street 7 days/week 8:00 AM –8:00 PM. Please see the list below for the most critically needed items. Monetary donations can be made in-person at the Hudson Health Department office at Town Hall, 78 Main Street, during normal business hours (Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM). Monetary donations can also be made electronically via the Town’s website: https://www.townofhudson.org/.
For in-kind donations, the following items are the most critically needed at this time: (Only new items can be accepted at this time.)
• Baby Wipes and Diapers-Most needed diaper sizes: Newborn, 1, 3, 4, 6 Pull-ups
• Personal Care Items: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes & toothpaste
(adult & child), lotion, Chapstick, shaving cream, razors, baby soap & lotion
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Laundry Detergent (pods only)
• Ziploc Bags
• NEW Adult & Child Clothing for ages infant – adult (undergarments, socks,
shoes, etc.)
• Over-the-Counter Medication for adults, children and infants (Tylenol, Motrin,
Advil, Pedialyte)
• Bottled Water
• Shelf-Stable Juice (ex. apple juice)
• Individually-Packed Snacks (ex. chips, Gold Fish, animal crackers, etc.)
• Microwaveable/Cup Mac & Cheese
• Activities for adults & children (ex. decks of cards, Uno, Mancala, chalk, Play-
Doh, books)
• Liquid Hand Soap & Hand Sanitizer
• Gift Cards: Market Basket, Walmart, Panera Bread, Qdoba
To learn more about how you can help, please contact the Hudson Health Department at
Health@townofhudson.org or (978) 562-2020 option 6.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
THE FARLEY FAMILY IS EXPANDING!
PLEASE WELCOME GRADE 4 TEACHER EMILY GORDON!
HUDSON IS HIRING!
Farley is looking for one new paraprofessionals for this year! Paraprofessionals work with special education students both inside and outside of the classroom. Para positons are full-time, salaried jobs that come with benefits. If you are interested in becoming a para please email Mrs. Scanlon @ rscanlon@hudson.k12.ma.us or Mrs. Duke @ amduke@hudson.k12.ma.us directly to set up an interview. Also please apply online using the link below.
https://www.hudson.k12.ma.us/departments/human_resources/employment_opportunities
NURSE'S SPOTLIGHT
A Note from the School Nurse:
Mrs. Hill, Farley's school nurse wanted to share a few reminders:
- Any new students and all incoming grade 4 students need to provide the nurses with a physical.
- Any medication, both prescribed and over-the counter, must be brought to the nurse by the legal caregiver with a medical doctor's order.
- For your child's comfort, feel free to provide a complete change of clothes to be left in student lockers in case of spills, accidents, etc.
- Please make sure to email or call Mrs. Hill if there are ever any medical changes that occur throughout the year.
- Vision, Hearing, and Height/Weight (Grades 1 and 4) will take place in September. Email Mrs. Hill if you do not want your child to participate in the screening.
- Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast (at home or at school) and gets lots of sleep!
Nurse's Contact Information:
- Tina Hill, tmhill@hudson.k12.ma.us
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
STUDENT SUPPLY LISTS
Please click the link below for the specific lists. Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1heXt0pjusR7gfUQu8zjhYFT4d_OcEmpkHY5a3LGhv1E/edit?usp=sharing
HELP WITH BACK TO SCHOOL SCARIES
If your child starts to struggle a bit with coming back to school, try using some of these books to help. I have found an online library full of picture books related to the beginning school. Click the link below to be directed to the library document Then click each book. This will bring you to a YouTube video of each book read out loud! I hope you enjoy the selections.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1D1nUfAz_M4N-OWxDcFDE0XFdluJv8Kvv5xI61oZCjTk/edit?usp=sharing
FARLEY HOME and SCHOOL ASSOCIATION UPDATES
WANT TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FAMILY DIRECTORY?
Now that the Welcome Packets have been mailed home, you should know who your child's teacher is and can now sign up to be part of Home and School's Farley Family Directory! A directory comes in handy when trying to connect with other families outside of school. If you would like your contact information included in the directory please use QR Code to fill out the Google Form online. This is the easiest way to get your information to Home and School.
There was also a hard copy form in your Welcome Packets mailed home. Just fill in the information and return the hardcopy to the main office. Remember, you will need your child's teacher's name so please wait to fill out the form until after you receive the placement letter. Special thanks to Lauren Grover and Fabiana Hummel for creating the forms and to Sarah Tracy for putting the directory together.
If you have any questions or need last year's information revised please email Sarah Tracy @ sarah.tracy97@gmail.com.
ALL CAREGIVERS ARE WELCOME!
Pleas join Farley's Home and School Association's first meeting on Wednesday, September 6th at 6:00pm. Meet in the lobby and we will head down to a classroom. Free childcare is provided! You can also attend virtually using this link: meet.google.com/kyj-jsgf-abr
What is the "Home and School Association?
The Home and School Association is an organization made up of students’ caregivers for the purpose of supporting the education of children at Farley Elementary by fostering relationships among the school, families, and teachers. The Home and School Association provides a vital and much-appreciated service to school leadership and the entire school community. The activities sponsored by the Home and School are designed to build community and enhance learning.
As a caregiver of a Farley student, you automatically become a member of Home and School and are welcome to attend our monthly meetings (either in person or virtually) as well as take an active role as a volunteer in our school.
Here are some of the amazing ways the Home and School Association (HASA for short) has supported our school in the past:
· The HASA has hosted numerous events and provided volunteers when needed. Here are are just a few examples of the events: the Scholastic Book Fair, the Farley Fun Day, the Valentine's Dance, Farley Gives Back Bingo Night, the Ice Cream Social, and so many more.
· The HASA has provided funds for field trips and sponsored cultural assemblies
· The HASA puts on the Farley Fun Run-our only fundraiser of the year which has provided funds to upgrade our library and create an outdoor classroom in our courtyard. This year, some of the funds will go to enhancing our playground!
HOME AND SCHOOL SPONSORED PLAYGROUND "MEET-UPS"
Just like last summer, Home and School is hosting "Grade-Level Meet and Greets" in August. Mark your calendars with the dates below! These are for students and families. Farley teachers will not be in attendance.
Monday, 08/21 @ 6:00 pm – K, 1st & 2nd grades
Tuesday, 08/22 @ 6:00 pm – 3rd & 4th grades
OTHER UPDATES AND REMINDERS
FARLEY BUILDING SUMMER IMPROVEMENTS
- Repair the stone wall up the hill near the Farley staff room
- Painting of upstairs classroom hallways
- Installation of new washer/dryer
FARLEY AWARDED $3,000 from McGovern Subaru!
IN NEED OF FOOD ASSISTANCE?
For help with food throughout the year, head to the MetroWestFoodCollaborative.org. In addition, "The Find Food Menu" on the MWFC website offers information about other food resources, where to find SNAP & HIP retailers, local farmer's markets and CSAs. Lastly, click the link or pictures below to get specific information about food options/distribution for Hudson residents.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GgOhaseQU4WCfjeKki-oMRrG_xQ3e7D4/view?usp=sharing
DON'T FORGET TO #EXPLAINYOURBRAIN
Farley's Instructional Focus is getting all students to "explain their brains" across all content areas. Whenever possible this summer, don't forget to ask your child to explain their thinking and reasoning.
Last Year's Farley Family Directory
Farley Elementary School
Email: rscanlon@hudson.k12.ma.us
Website: https://cafarley.hudson.k12.ma.us/
Location: 119 Cottage Street, Hudson, MA, USA
Phone: 978-567-6153