Daniel Webster Elementary School
Weekly Update:
A Message From Mrs. MacNeil
Greetings DWS Families!
This coming week DWS will participate in the Great Kindness Challenge! The Great Kindness Challenge is one of my favorite weeks of the year, where students come together and celebrate kindness. I included more information below and a family challenge for those interested in joining us at home! I am looking forward to a great week!
Have a great week!
Mrs. MacNeil
Important Dates to Note
January
January 23 - Last day of Health classes for grades 3 and 5
January 24 - First day of Health classes for grades 2 and 4
February
February 7 - Kindergarten Registration
February 10 - Kindergarten Registration
Check out our new DWS Family Calendar! It's a live document and we will be updating it as the year progresses.
DWS After School Enrichment
Please click on the link for information regarding the DWS After School Enrichment Program.
The Great Kindness Challenge
The Great Kindness Challenge is proudly presented by Kids for Peace, a global 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Kids for Peace was co-founded in 2006 by Danielle Gram, a high school honors student and Jill McManigal, a mother and former elementary school teacher. What started organically as a neighborhood group of kids wanting to make our world a better place, has grown into an interconnected network of young peacebuilders worldwide.
In 2011, the elementary school that Jill’s children attended asked Kids for Peace to help create a more positive, unified and respectful school environment. As a result, The Great Kindness Challenge was designed and piloted with three Carlsbad, California schools. Because of our innovative approach and wildly successful results, word spread, and a kindness movement was born!
All DWS Students will receive a Kindness Checklist to complete during the week. All checklists will be sent to the office when completed for a KINDNESS RAFFLE that will take place on Tuesday, January 31 at our school-wide assembly!
I have also included a family checklist below so all DWS families can participate at home as well!
Do you love running? Would you consider coaching?
Girls on the Run (GOTR) inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. The program enhances girls’ social, emotional, and physical skills, and has reached 2 million girls across the country. We are looking for two or three parents to commit to help coach and launch the team spring at Daniel Webster. Here are specifics:
- The spring season runs for 10 weeks starting the week 3/26
- GOTR is held after school for 90 minutes, twice weekly, mostly outdoors - the school and coaches can choose which days/times
- Teams have between 8-20 girls in 3rd-5th grade
- Coaches attend a 4-hour live training session in Boston in Feb/Mar and complete self-paced national coach training modules online
- The season ends with a celebratory 5K on Sat. 6/10 with other teams from throughout eastern MA (location TBD)
- Interested? You can read more here and here's the link to the coach application to express interest and choose the option "please match me with a team and in the comments note you are interested in Daniel Webster in Marshfield. A GOTR staff member will reach out to you.
EARN MONEY FOR DWS AS YOU CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSETS!
The following can be donated as long as they are clean & dry: clothing, shoes, pocketbooks, table linens, bed linens, draperies, throw rugs, and stuffed animals. Please place your items in plastic bags so they will stay dry.
DWS earns money for every ton of textiles placed in our recycling bin!
Snack Time
Kindness Vocabulary Word of the Week
This week our vocabulary word was CONFIDENCE.
DWS All Stars
DWS staff members can award any student with a DWS ALL STAR when they see students being Dedicated, Welcoming, or Safe. All of the DWS ALL STAR awards are put on display in the front lobby. The following students were featured in the morning announcements last week for being DWS ALL-STARS!
Grade K: Caleb in Ms. Doria’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he showed a safe body and listened to the story.
Grade K: Lauren in Ms. Hastry’s is a DWS ALL STAR because she was a welcoming friend.
Grade 1: Sam S. in Mrs. Carey’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he was a nice friend at lunch.
Grade 1: Chase in Mrs. Wiedemann’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he was ready and showed expected behavior at the end of the day.
Grade 2: Dom in Ms. Mulligan’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he helped pick up cards that fell.
Grade 2: Camila in Mrs. Bertulli’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she made a great choice at the end of the day.
Grade 3: Alerandro in Mrs. Hines’ class is a DWS ALL STAR because he worked so hard on his iReady diagnostic.
Grade 3: Luna in Mrs. Hanson’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she set a good example in the cafeteria.
Grade 4: Raja in Mrs. Farrell’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she served as a kind, knowledgeable ambassador for a new DWS kid.
Grade 4: Patrick in Mrs. Farrell’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he worked as an ambassador and represented grade 4 to a new DWS kid.
Grade 5: Chris in Mrs. Auriemma’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he made the “stretch” on his iReady!
Grade 5: Anna in Mrs. Auriemma’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she detangled all of the Chromebook cords on the cart.
Congratulations!
Attention Fifth Grade Parents!
Note from the Nurse
Cold and flu ( and every other illness) season is upon us! Here are a few helpful reminders to help this season:
The best defense against illness is good handwashing, adequate hydration and regular sleep. Encourage your kiddos to stay hydrated and rest to help prevent illness and when they are unwell to shorten the duration of the illness.
Please remember that if your child has been out sick they can return to school once they have been without fever, vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours without the use of medications and their overall symptoms have improved.
Please remember that attendance is closely monitored. If your child will be absent we have a Safe to School Protocol. Please notify the school and the nurse the morning that your child will not be in school. If your child has an illness or injury that results in an absence for 5 or more days- a doctor’s note must be sent in upon returning to class with any restrictions and appropriate dates.
Please be sure students dress in layers for school- they need winter gear for outdoor play, but inside the building can be very warm. If students do not have appropriate warm weather/snow gear their outside activities may be somewhat limited so they stay warm and safe.
If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 781-834-5045 ext 42500 or by email at kAcampbeLL@mpsd.org
What's happening around DWS?
Finally a Snow Recess!
Grade 5 Student Leaders Reading to Ms. Doria's Kindergarten Class!
Grade 4 American Revolution Flip Grids
Lower Wing (PreK-1) Winter Bulletin Board Displays
Mrs. Prendergast's Winter Fun Writing!
DWS Staff Members of the Week!
In partnership with our PTO, we will be introducing you to two staff members each week in order to familiarize our families with all our amazing staff members at DWS!
Introducing... Danielle Novak
What is your role at DWS? Fifth Grade ESP
Do you have a fun fact or a favorite thing you would like to share about yourself? I like the beach, cooking, baking, gardening and listening to audiobooks.
Introducing... Mary Prendergast
What is your role at DWS? Tutor
Do you have a fun fact or a favorite thing you would like to share about yourself? I enjoy traveling with friends and family - I like to hike and find local markets in the places I visit.
Looking for DWS Swag?
DWS PTO News
Next meeting: Monday 2/6/22 @ 7pm in the DWS Library
*Please note there is no January meeting!*
Thank you all for a wonderful start to the year. We hope everyone had a relaxing Holiday break and a happy new year!
Woot Woot Tables are back! This has been a great way to show DWS staff how much we appreciate them over the past few years. If you would like to volunteer to organize a table, please use the following link to sign up. More details are on the sign up page. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4EA4A629A2FE3-staff
*NEW THIS YEAR* Teacher Wish Lists! The PTO has been collaborating with our teachers to work on wish lists for items they need or want in their classrooms. If you are looking to donate items to DWS, we suggest you use this list as a guide. Please feel free to reach out to us or your teachers directly if you have questions on items. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ncDVXoQft2ugE6mTnxO-EsflmNNck6zZEh7JIn3oGxg/edit?usp=sharing
Sand & Water has generously offered to partner with us and provide some spirit ware options year round. A large portion of the sale goes directly to the DWS PTO. Please see the flyer for more details.
Contact:
Please email yourdwspto@gmail.com with any general questions and for more information. Email dwsvolunteers@gmail.com for more details on volunteering at the school throughout the year.
Thank you for all of your support!
School Nutrition Information
One breakfast and one lunch are Free for the 2022-2023 School year for all students.
A la carte items cost extra.
A la carte items can not be charged to a student's account.
2nd Lunch - $2.75
Milk - .75 cents (milk comes with lunch) on its own, it's an a la carte item and cost
Water - .50 cents
Ice Cream - $1.25
WAYS TO PAY
Preferred method of payment:
Online: www.myschoolbucks.com
After you log in or register (if new) than you can
use your child’s Birthday for the
ID Number to add your child’s account.
Check payable to:
Town of Marshfield
(child’s First/Last name in Memo)
Cash: please put in an envelope
marked Lunch Money with your
child’s name on it.
Marshfield Community Events
SEPAC Presentation: Supporting Your Students with Executive Functioning Challenges
Information From Previous Newsletters
No Toys in School - Please!
Teachers have asked that families partner with us to keep the toys at home. Students have been bringing in Pop its, Slime, Putty, Spinners, Squishies, Legos, Rubix Cubes, Baby Dolls, Pokemon Cards, and various other toys to school. Students have been taking these toys out and playing with them on the bus, in the classroom, and at lunch. Students have also been involved in trading their items, which has caused an issue as well. These “toys” have become a disruption within the learning environment to our teachers, other students, and the learning of our children. We would also hate for items to be lost or damaged. For these reasons, we are again asking families to partner with us to keep the toys at home!
Dress Code Reminder
As the weather gets colder, please remember that students' dress should reflect this as we spend time outdoors each day for snack and/or recess time! Here is an important reminder from our Handbook. Thank you!
DRESS CODE
School is a special place and how your child dresses should reflect this. Students should come to school neat, clean, and dressed appropriately for the elementary learning environment. Student’s attire, including their footwear, should allow for their participation in the numerous physical and academic activities that comprise a school day. Hats and other head apparel, except when worn for religious or medical reasons, are not allowed in the building.
Students’ clothing should neither contain messages or images that disrupt the educational process, nor be inappropriately revealing. Students go out daily for recess unless the weather dictates otherwise. It is important to dress appropriately for the weather.
The principal and/or designee are responsible for determining whether a student’s attire meets these expectations. They will work with and contact the families of students whose dress does not meet these expectations.
Start & End Times
School Start Time - 8:50 am (students can enter the building at 8:40 am)
School End Time - 3:30 pm
Wednesday Early Dismissal - 1:15 pm
Boys and Girls Club Before School Program
The registration for the Before School Care is now available for Children in grades K-5 offered on site at each of the Marshfield Elementary Schools.
Our Before School program provides a wholesome environment that promotes social/emotional, physical and character development in addition to supporting the educational efforts of both the parent and school. We encourage children to balance learning and fun through homework help, physical activity and arts & crafts. Our focus areas give your child limitless opportunities to reach their full potential.
Hours: 7am until school day starts
Program & Activities include:
- Breakfast
- Homework Help
- Games & Activities
- Arts & Crafts
To register click here.
Driveway Dismissal Safety
As a reminder, please adhere to the DWS Dismissal Protocols if you choose to pick up your child from school (listed below). Dismissal time can be very busy and we understand that we are the late school and families are often rushing off to afterschool activities. It has been reported that some cars are pulling in and doing a U-Turn in the driveway to cut the line. Please follow the protocol and the flow of traffic pictured below so we don't compromise the safety of our children. Thank you!
Dismissal
DWS hours are 8:50am-3:30pm. Students will begin car line dismissal at 3:25 pm.
If you arrive before 3:25, please remain in your vehicle.
Please do not park your vehicle in the live line.
In the car line, students will be dismissed in order of car line up through the gym doors.
Please follow staff directions and pull all the way up to the marked location (red circle).
Please wait for the car in front of you to pull forward. Do not attempt to pass vehicles.
MPSD Has an App
The Marshfield Public Schools are thrilled to announce our new app for mobile phones! Stay up-to-date with access to events, documents, news from administrators, student stories, and even emergency notifications.
You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3yOktQ8
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3nVNlzs
DWS Security Updates
As a security measure, we will not be letting visitors into the building unless you are volunteering. Visitors who have a scheduled meeting will wait in the vestibule and be escorted by the host to the meeting.
All visitors must present a valid ID - no exceptions! We understand that we know many parents/guardians, but we will be requiring ALL visitors to present their ID when they volunteer and/or pick up a student - EVERY TIME. This will be frustrating at first, but we are working hard to maintain the safety of our students.
Arrival & Dismissal Protocols
The new policy can be found here.