Fitzy's Flyer
April 1, 2022
Weekly Principal Update
Greetings FitzGerald Community,
We hope that everyone had a wonderful week! Grades 2-5 Report Cards came home today. Please look for this in your child's backpack. Additionally, MCAS begins for Grades 3-5 next week. The dates of each test session are at the bottom of this newsletter.
Please see below for some school updates:
1. Meal Changes- Starting on Monday 4/4, the Waltham Public Schools will be moving back to former meal time protocols. Teachers prepared students for this change today.
2. Drop Off/Pick Up Routine Changes- At the upcoming PTO meeting on Tuesday 4/5 at 6:30pm, I will be sharing some changes in our drop off and pick up routine that will begin on 4/11. I will communicate out about these changes throughout the week next week as well.
3. FitzGerald's After School Enrichment Program- Our after school enrichment program had a very successful first week! There is no full program on Wednesday 4/6, due to a staff meeting after school, however, the 3-5 Dance Group will still meet with Ms. Grimes on that day. The other groups will not meet.
4. Spring Donation Drive- Thank you for the many donations we received for the Spring Donation Drive! We truly appreciate it!
Thank you for your continued partnership!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Santillo and Mrs. Lamoly
Update from Ms. Bernard, FitzGerald School Adjustment Counselor
Good Afternoon Fitzy Families!
I hope everyone enjoyed what was hopefully the last blast of Winter this year!!
I write to share that today we introduced our new Core Value for the month of April which is Individuality. Individuality means being your own unique self. Being proud of who you are, and accepting others' individuality. Students hear this definition every morning as a school community during announcements. Ms. McKeever, our librarian has gathered many literary selections that students can take out during their circulation time that highlights this Core Value.
During Open Circle the past few weeks, students learned about “Double D’s” which are Dangerous and Destructive behaviors. We use this definition to help students recognize the difference between a “Double D” which is when someone is being hurt with actions, damaging property or being unsafe versus when a friend might be doing something that is bothering them. We are working together as class communities at ways to solve problems together with friends or when we need an adult to help. We invite you to talk to your child(ren) about this very important topic.
Lastly, students are continuing to work on making positive choices and recognizing the impact their behavior and actions have on others. Students have been earning Paw Prints and having their name read over the loudspeaker each day for demonstrating their Core Values and showing their Panther Pride throughout our school community. Students are also earning stickers for showing their Panther Pride by being a positive role model, being extra kind to others and going above and beyond demonstrating school wide expectations. If you notice your child(ren) with one of these stickers, be sure to ask them how they showed their Panther Pride that day!
We continue to be so proud of all the ways students are showing their Panther Pride and Core Values as we head into the Spring and MCAS testing for Grades 3-5. We will be working with those grades on positive thinking, helping them remember how much they have grown their brains this year and how ready they are for these assessments!
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with me at any time if you would like any resources or if I can support your family in any way.
In health,
Ms. Bernard
Lost and Found Items- Do any items belong to your child/family?
Additional School Updates
Voluntary Weekly At Home COVID-19 Testing Procedures
Participating students will receive a new test kit next week to be used on April 6th and April 13th. Please only report positive results to Mrs. Young, FitzGerald School Nurse. Negative results do not need to be reported. Thank you!
Voluntary Weekly At Home COVID-19 Testing Opt In Form
COVID Vaccine Clinic- 4.9.22
Daily COVID-19 Attestation Form
Please review the attestation form below each morning before your child departs for school. Please contact the School Nurse if you have any questions on symptoms.
REMINDER
1. 1 extra mask for your child's backpack in case it is needed at any time
2. A filled water bottle clearly labeled with your child's name
3. A warm jacket, gloves, and a hat
Thank you!
Fitzy Parent University Workshop Update
This month, Ms. Bernard, the FitzGerald School Adjustment Counselor, presented on Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness strategies. Please see her presentation links below:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1kfQzGt2otiOJ5SOQoLV7mhkAoGXka2n5lyzo9_yqjDQ/edit?usp=sharing
Next Month's Virtual Presentation: TBD
Date: Tuesday April 5, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:30pm
PTO News
1. FitzGerald Science Festival: April 10th, 1-4pm. Please click on these links if you are able to donate supplies to support this free event
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a044fa9af2ea2fb6-science
Or your time to help out on the day of the event
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A044FA9AF2EA2FB6-fitzgerald
Thank you so much for your help!
2. Save the Date: Fitzy Fun Run, June 16th
3. PTO Parent Directory: View the directory at https://www.fitzgeraldpto.com (password: FitzPanthers138). If you would like to share your information for our parent directory, please send an email to fitzgeraldpto@gmail.com
4. Fitzy Wear: Our school Fitzy Wear store is open! Please see information in English and Spanish. Here is the ordering website: fitzgeraldelementaryspiritwear.com
5. Shop with Scrip Program Information: Please see here for a gift card fundraiser for our school.
6. Next PTO Meeting Date: April 5th, 6:30pm
"Fitzy Fridays" at FitzGerald!
FitzGerald School Council Information
Our FitzGerald School Council meets monthly to discuss school-related items such as our School Improvement Plan, the overall budget, etc. We have a representation of parents (5), faculty/staff (5), and a community member, on our School Council. Each month, our meeting minutes that have been approved by the School Council will be shared in this monthly update section.
Meeting Minutes from February 2022
(minutes approved 3/1/22)
Next School Council Meeting: 4/5/22
Virtual Coffee Talks
Mrs. Santillo will host virtual Coffee Talks every Monday (on school days only) to answer questions parents/guardians may have. The times each Monday will be:
9:00am
12:00pm
Here is the virtual meeting link:
April Lunch Menu
https://www.walthampublicschools.org/files/1116/4874/2390/Elementary_-_April_2022.pdf
*Lunch Monitor Help- We are looking for a lunch monitor at FitzGerald School for 3 days per week. The hours are 10:15am-1:15pm. If interested, please contact Mrs. Santillo.
Upcoming Dates
4/1/22- Grades 2-5 Report Cards Sent Home
4/5/22- MCAS Begins at FitzGerald (see specific grade level dates below)
4/5/22- School Council, 5:00pm
4/5/22- Fitzy Parent University, 6:00pm
4/5/22- PTO Meeting, 6:30pm
4/15/22- No School
4/18/22- April Vacation
4/29/22- Early Release Day, 1:00pm
5/2/22- Spring Picture Day
5/30/22- No School
6/20/22- No School
UPDATED- 6/21/22- Last Day of School (subject to change if additional snow days are needed)
Waltham Public Schools 2021-2022 Calendar
FitzGerald MCAS 2022 Dates
James FitzGerald Elementary School
Email: jennifersantillo@walthampublicschools.org
Website: https://www.walthampublicschools.org/fitzgerald/
Location: 138 Beal Road, Waltham, MA, USA
Phone: 781-314-5680