Plympton Family Update
January 12, 2024
From the Plympton Admin Team
Hello, Families!
Today we hosted a Math and Coding Morning. If you were not able to attend, more information and pictures have been included in this update.
This week the PTO brought two amazing opportunities to our students. On Tuesday, our Kindergarten students were treated to a presentation from the Mass Audubon Society. They listened to a favorite children’s book and meet a wild character from the story! They learned about where the animal lives, what they eat, and their unique adaptations that help them to interact with their environment.
On Wednesday, our 2nd grade students took a step back in time to the age of the dinosaurs. They acted as paleontologists and worked to uncover the mysteries of the dinosaurs. They even made a fossil to take home! Thank you, PTO!
We have welcomed many new families to our school community recently. Here are some reminders that help keep our school safe and running smoothly:
- Students are not allowed to share food. This includes on the bus, in the classroom, and in the cafeteria. Please refrain from sending family size/full size bags of chips to school. Individual, snack-size are fine for lunch.
- When your student's after school dismissal arrangements change, please send a note to your child's homeroom teacher. If you prefer to email, please also include our fabulous secretary, Mrs. Conneely, at meghanconneely@walthampublicschools.org. Mrs. Conneely and Officer Dani double check every bus list every day and cross check with the attendance for the Champion after school program to be certain kids are getting to correct location after school. Please make every effort to communicate any changes as early as possible. Calls after 2:30 slow down our dismissal process.
- All student must ride the bus they are assigned. Students may not switch buses for playdates or appointments, etc.
As we continue our quest to clear the "Lost and Found" table, we would like to highlight the Mabel's Labels fundraiser - please check out the PTO section for more information!
This week two outstanding students created a bulletin board to brighten up the hallway. A picture is below. We love to see students taking ownership of the school space and working together to help spread positive messages.
On a personal note, I am so happy, grateful, and humbled to be continuing as part of the Plympton community. Thank you for welcoming me! This is a very special place and I'm honored to be a part of it.
Be kind and go Penguins!
Sincerely,
Adrienne Norris and Amanda Brennan
Student Leaders
Gabriella and Gracie created a new bulletin the help brighten up the hallways.
Wild Tales
Wild Tales
Breakfast Menu Week of January 15, 2023
Monday: No School
Tuesday: Confetti pancakes
Wednesday: New!! Breakfast pizza (*flatbread with eggs, cheese, and bacon)
Thursday: Dutch Waffle
Friday: Breakfast Burrito - (a wrap with eggs, cheese, and bacon)
Plympton Math and Coding Morning 2024
Thank you for joining us this morning for Math and Coding News!
Below is information about many of the websites and products we use at Plympton.
Links and Information
All resources below are free and can be used to get children programming!
Scratch
Scratch is a block-based programming language invented at MIT and spun off into the standalone Scratch Foundation. It is a coding language with a simple visual interface that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations. It is designed for students ages 8+
ScratchJr
ScratchJr is a spin-off of Scratch designed for younger students, ages 5-7. It is tablet-based and runs on iPads, Android, and Kindle tablets.
Math + C Microworlds
elementarymath.edc.org/programming
Developed by the Education Development Center with funding from the National Science Foundation, the Math + C project is a collection of “microworld” programming environments that each focus on a specific mathematical topic. The microworlds are based on Snap!, a block-based programming language similar to Scratch.
WoofJS
WoofJS is a Scratch-inspired JavaScript library for making games. It helps students who are familiar with blocks-based programming languages translate their skills into JavaScript.
ROBOTS
Finch
Plympton Grade Levels: K-1
Recommended ages: 6-18+
Manufacturer/more info: Birdbrain Technologies - birdbraintechnologies.com
Finch offers lots of flexibility for learners of all ages, supporting many programming languages including text-based options like JavaScript, Python, and Java.
However, pairing it with some types of devices can be more complicated than the other two robots below.
Dash
Plympton Grade Levels: 2-5
Recommended ages: 6-11
Manufacturer/more info: Wonder Workshop - wonderworkshop.com
Root
Plympton Grade Levels: 4-5
Recommended ages 6-14
Manufacturer/more info: iRobot Education - edu.irobot.com
Have questions or want more information?
Evelyn Gray - Math Coach - evelyngray@walthampublicschools.org
Zak Kolar - Digital Learning Teacher- zacharykolar@walthampublicschools.org
Nava and Gabriella showing math Scratch games they created!
Roberto and Gabriel demonstrating Makey Makey creations!
Benny explaining his favorite Dash Robot project.
Spring Girlstart!
Online registration forms for the spring are here: English Registration Form Spanish Registration Form
PTO NEWS
New Plympton T-shirt!
You must email to order a shirt. You will be contacted via email with payment options.
This version of shirt is in Spanish!
The Wizards Are Coming Back!
Join the Declan Hawkstars as they battle the Harlem Wizards on February 2 in the Kennedy Gym.
This fun-filled game of hoops, tricks and laughs is popular with all ages. Students will get to see some of their favorite staff play against the world famous team. Come out and support our teachers in a great game of basketball.
The Wizards will also be visiting Plympton on February 2 at 10:50 to get the kids pumped up!
To buy tickets visit: tinyurl.com/DeclanHawkstars. Select Plympton from the drop down as your school of choice so that our PTO receives a portion of the ticket price.
Check out the PTO website: www.plymptonpto.org
Link to PTO meetings: Click here!
PTO Venmo: @plymptonpto
E-Mail: walthamplymptonpto@gmail.com
Upcoming Meetings via Zoom:
2/13 at 7pm
3/12 at 7pm
Mabel's Labels - PTO Fundraiser
Plympton PTO is now partnering with Mable's Labels! If you are looking for secure labels for your kids water bottles, clothes, supplies, etc. - these are a great option and even wash well!
When checking out, just pick Plympton PTO under the fundraisers and 20% of your purchase will be sent PTO!
https://mabelslabels.com/
School Store - New Fundraiser!
Our school will be participating in the SchoolStore program this year. To shop and support our school, simply go to www.schoolstore.com and select our school.
Envelopes with paperwork have gone home with students. If you would like to participate, you can follow the instructions to sign up online for program. You will receive a code to record on the envelope. Write the code, student's name, and teacher name on front of folder and return the folder to the school. Students who return the envelope will get a prize. The School Store will be open all year. Most importantly, this is completely voluntary.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the PTO directly: walthamplymptonpto@gmail.com
Superbowl Squares - New Fundraiser!
Here is another PTO-led fundraiser!
Plympton Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts Troop 64769 will be hosting a cookie booth outside of the school from 1:00 until 3:00 on Wednesday's early release day. Both cash and Venmo payments are accepted.
If you'd like to purchase cookies but can't make it to Wednesday's cookie booth, you can purchase here:
https://digitalcookie.girlscouts.org/scout/troop64769-117?fpkp=1
Or, feel free to reach out directly to one of our Plympton Girl Scouts:
Fourth Grade:
Faith T
Gianna N
Mia W
Raven F
Third Grade:
Ruby N
Second Grade:
Olivia W
Rosie B
First Grade:
Brianne F
Gemma N
Community Events
5th Annual Parenting Awareness Conference
We have opened up the registration for the 5th Annual Parenting Awareness Conference. This year it will be held on Saturday, March 9th from 8:00 - 1:30 at Kennedy Middle School.
Here is the link.
Waltham SEPAC January Newsletter
Haga clic aquí para la versión en español
Monthly Parent Meeting
Who are the members of the Waltham SEPAC? YOU! Anyone who is a parent or guardian of a child with a disability, or any interested party is automatically a member. A SEPAC is a vitally important entity for the wellbeing of any public school district in Massachusetts, but we are only as strong as the parents who actively take part. This can be by becoming a SEPAC officer, or by simply attending the meetings and adding your thoughts, suggestions, and concerns to the group. ALL are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Parent meetings will consist of updates from the Office of Pupil Services, as well as SEPAC business, parent input, concerns, and questions. Meeting agendas will be posted/shared ahead of time. We will hold monthly virtual parent meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:00pm. Please come say hello! Link can be found at walthamsepac.com
- January 17
- February (date TBD)
- March 20
- April (date TBD) May 15
As always, please feel free to contact us anytime!
Facebook: WalthamSEPAC
Important: New IEP Forms Coming!
DESE (MA Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education) released the final version of the state’s new IEP form on Friday, March 24, 2023.
It is expected that WPS will begin using the new forms in Fall 2024. You can read more about the changes in a March 2024 news article featuring one of our own WPS special education teachers, Meredith Lee!
The new forms can be found here in multiple languages: https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/ImproveIEP/iep-form/
For general special education parent information, please visit: https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/parents.html
Upcoming community presentations!
Navigating Special Education: Transitional Period (virtual)
Transitional Period: Prepare for post-graduation options; whether it's higher education, employment, or increased independence.
Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 6:00-7:30pm
Presented by Collaborative Parent Leadership Action Network in Boston
Sessions can be provided in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, based on the language needs of registered participants.
Free but registration is required!
Navigating Special Education: Q & A (virtual)
Q&A: Ask questions directly to a special education specialist about your child. An interactive workshop designed to help families navigate the special education system.
Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 6:00-7:30pm
Presented by Collaborative Parent Leadership Action Network in Boston
Sessions can be provided in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, based on the language needs of registered participants.
Free but registration is required!
Supporting Your Child's Mental Health as They Transition to College (virtual)
College is an exciting time! However, it can also come with unique challenges that can affect your students’ mental health and overall wellbeing. By attending Supporting Your Child's Mental Health as They Transition to College you'll learn what we know about who contemporary U.S. college students are, and the rates with which they are experiencing mental health difficulties in this post-pandemic era. It will also discuss what educators, caregivers, and students can expect during their first semester of college and what you and other people there to help your student can do to support students academically, socially, and psychologically.
Thursday, January 25, 2024, 7:00-8:30pm
Presented by the Chris Walsh Center
Free but registration is required!
Anxiety in Relation to Learning/Developmental Disabilities and How to Address in the IEP (virtual)
Anxiety disorders are becoming increasingly common among children and adolescents, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Given the rising numbers of affected children and adolescents, it has become increasingly important that a student’s emotional health is addressed both at home through private counseling, as well as through the provision of school-based services. When students experience a high level of unmitigated anxiety throughout the day, they are less able to learn and meet their potential. This presentation will discuss the overlap between anxiety and learning challenges and how to seek services for anxiety through the school district.
Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 7:00-8:30pm
Presented by NESCA
Free but registration is required!
Save the Date
No School: January 15
Early Release: January 17 for conferences
Early Release: January 24 for professional development
Plympton Elementary School
When your student's after school dismissal arrangements change, please send a note to your child's homeroom teacher. If you prefer to email, please also include our fabulous secretary, Mrs. Conneely, at meghanconneely@walthampublicschools.org. Mrs. Conneely and Officer Dani double check every bus list every day and cross check with the attendance for the Champion after school program to be certain kids are getting to correct location after school. Please make every effort to communicate any changes as early as possible. Calls after 2:30 slow down our dismissal process.
All student must ride the bus they are assigned. Students may not switch buses.
Email: Adriennenorris@walthampublicschools.org
Website: https://www.walthampublicschools.org/o/plympton
Location: 20 Farnsworth St, Waltham, MA, USA
Phone: (781) 314-5760