"Paw Prints"
Farley Elementary School's Weekly Family Update
THOUGHTS and THANKS
Dear Farley Families,
Well that was an exciting end to the week! Thank you all for your patience as we navigated unprecedented weather. Our students were brave troopers during the storm--make sure to tell them how proud you are of all of them. Thank you to all the staff too that stayed late!
Other thanks this weeks goes to our Home and School Board and 25 caregivers who attended (both in-person and virtually) our first Home and School Meeting of the year. Thank you to Christine Sevigny and Jenna Bergeron who volunteered and were voted in as our new Co-Presidents! I would also like to thank Kristin Charbonneau for being our Farley Teacher Rep this year. If you were unable to attend this month's meeting, mark your calendars for the October's gathering-10/4.
In addition, heartfelt gratitude goes to our committed community partners-the residents of the WestRidge Condominium Community in Hudson for continuing to support our Farley Snack Pantry. Years ago, Mrs. Mielke and I created an in-house snack pantry for students and families in need. If a child forgets their snack or a family is struggling to provide one, we have them on hand to distribute. WestRidge residents make this possible by donating oodles of snacks twice a year! They stock our shelves with a variety of delicious prepackaged treats. Our partnership with this community is strong and each year we are beyond grateful for their help. The picture below shows only a portion of what was donated. How lucky are we?
Here at Farley we recognize that in order to be successful in school, our children need support from both the home and school. We know a strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s education. As partners, we share the responsibility for our children’s success and want you to know that we will do our very best to make every school day a positive experience. Please accept this week’s Family Paw Prints as a personal invitation to Farley’s Open House/Back to School Night next week on September 14th from 6:30-8:00pm. This year, the district has decided that Open House is only for grades 1-4 because Kindergartners got to go to a Meet and Greet last week. During Open House, caregivers will:
- Meet their child’s teacher
- Experience their child’s classroom
- Get a chance to ask questions
- Give and get important contact and logistical information
- Learn how to help students at home
- Begin to form a true relationship with the school
Similar to last year, I have asked that the Reading/Math Interventionists, Specialists (Art, Technology, Physical Education, Library, and Music), EL teachers, Counselors, and Special Education teachers be located in the cafeteria for easy access. Make sure to stop by to introduce yourself and get acquainted with our support staff. Students are invited to join in the fun this year, too!
Next week, Dr. Reagan our new Superintendent, will be joining Farley for the entire week. This year, as part of his entry plan, he is doing week-long residencies at each school. Farley happens to be the first school! He will be at school from open to close, including during Open House. We are very excited to immerse him in the magic of Farley Elementary!
This Saturday, I'm going to Rhode Island to cheer on my nephew as he plays his first high school football game! Hopefully the rain will hold off until Sunday. Have a "cool" weekend!
Read Always,
Rachel Scanlon (she, her, hers)
Principal
NEED TO KNOWS:
September 14th:
- Open House for Caregivers from 6:30pm-8:00pm-This is for GRADES 1-4 ONLY
September 18th:
- Fun Run Kick-Off
September 20th:
- Half-day for students
September 27th:
- Fun Run will take place. Caregivers are welcome to come and watch-more information on class times to follow in the coming weeks.
October 4th:
- Home and School Meeting @ 6:00pm. Join in person in the library or online: meet.google.com/kyj-jsgf-abr
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
ROLE MODEL STUDENTS
COURAGEOUS STUDENTS
CAREGIVER SPOTLIGHT
FIRST FIRE DRILL SUCCESS!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
PLEASE WELCOME MS. SCZERBINSKI TO GRADE 4!
Ms. Sczerbinski is originally from Cranston, Rhode Island and spent her first three years as a teacher in Worcester, MA. She is bilingual and speaks Spanish and English. During her time with the Worcester Public Schools, she taught 3rd/4th and 5th/6th Dual Language. Ms. Sczerbinski is wrapping up her Masters studies in Social and Emotional Learning through Endicott College. This year, Ms. Sczerbinski is teaching 4th grade. In her free time, Ms. Sczerbinski loves to spend time with family/friends and travel. She is extremely excited to start this new journey at Farley!
SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT
A MESSAGE FROM MR. QUINN
In an effort to increase physical literacy and students overall well-being, Mr. Quinn will be sending along a link to an exercise calendar each month for all students to voluntarily participate at home. His hope is for students to find a time each day to practice their activities and develop an appreciation for building routines, and increase their confidence with physical activity and learning.
The calendars are tied to the National Standards for Physical Education and will hopefully help students and families fall in love with fitness.
Here are some reasons daily physical activity is important:
* Helps reduce the chances of developing obesity.
* Helps reduce the chances of developing chronic diseases that can last a lifetime, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
* Helps build and maintain healthy bones and muscles.
* Promotes mental and emotional well-being.
Email Mr. Quinn with any questions or concerns! bquinn@hudsodn.k12.ma.us Enjoy!
CAFETERIA SPOTLIGHT
Power Up with Pumpkin this September!
This month we are focused on helping students “Power Up” for the new school year with creative food and recipe ideas to help fuel their back-to-school activities. The recipe for September is Pumpkin Overnight Oats. This nutrient dense meal is perfect for busy mornings and is easy for students to prepare at home. This month’s recipe which is pictured below includes:
· Fiber rich oats to support digestion and keep students full throughout the day
· Protein packed yogurt to rebuild and repair muscle
· Canned pumpkin for an excellent source of vitamin A to support vision and boost immunity
Enjoy!
Michelle DePaul, Director of Dining Services – Hudson Public Schools
Chartwells K-12
978-567-6120 x42147
FUN RUN SPOTLIGHT
DID YOU REGISTER FOR THE FUN RUN YET?
Starting Monday 9/4, Farley families can sign up for the Farley Fun Run using the QR Code on the right or by going to MYBOOSTER.COM. "The Farley Fun Run" is our ONLY MAJOR FUNDRAISER of the year. For the past four years, Farley's Home and School has partnered with Boosterthon experts to hold an exciting, school-wide Fun Run. This Fun Run is a healthy alternative to traditional product sales that raises much-needed funds for our school. Family and friends anywhere in the world can support Farley by giving pledges to our student runners! In the past, the funds donated helped to create our amazing courtyard classroom space, upgraded our school library, and brought a dozen cultural programs to our school. Our school relies on this fundraiser to help provide exceptional opportunities that enhance student learning.
Typically held on Farley’s baseball field, the Boosterthon Fun Run event is a high-energy day, full of enthusiasm from students, staff, families, friends, and of course, Boosterthon team members. Each grade assembles on the field and has a blast running laps while our community cheers them on, waving homemade signs and snapping pictures. Upbeat music plays continuously through the speakers as Boosterthon team members join the students around the Boosterthon Speedway, dancing and running to themed laps. You may see students laughing in a conga line, whipping lassos around their heads, skipping to some country tunes, or racing a Boosterthon team member. The goal of this event is to provide an enjoyable experience that builds community and school culture, while including fitness in the students’ school day.
So, you may be wondering, “What exactly happens during the Boosterthon Fun Run Fundraiser?” Here’s a quick run-down of what you can expect as part of our fitness, leadership, and character-based fundraiser:
About two weeks before the Boosterthon Fun Run event begins, students will learn about this year’s character-based theme. This year’s theme is World Changer Workshop; it follows three kids who are faced with a huge challenge - Can they change the world? Students will learn the steps to making a difference: find a need, write a plan, rally a team, launch their plan and grit it out! Each day brings new learning and another day closer to the Boosterthon Fun Run event. Our fun, fitness event will encourage your children to let loose, be active and play with their classmates! All caregivers, staff, and community members are invited to join us by attending the event and cheering on students as they run an average of 30-35 laps around the “Boosterthon Speedway”. The Boosterthon Fun Run event is designed to celebrate every student learning valuable character and leadership principles while helping their school.
Home and School is excited to kick off our Farley Fun Run on 09/18/2022. Our goal is to raise $30,000 for playground upgrades and to support student centered events (like last year’s incredible cultural programs) throughout the school year-all of which strengthen our school community. We need YOU to make it successful.
What can you do to help?
- You can start by registering your student (register on MYBOOSTER.COM) starting on 9/4/23 and by sharing this information with friends and family.
- Mark your calendar: Farley Fun Run kicks off on 9/18/202 and the actual Fun Run Event takes place on 9/27/2023-All caregivers are welcome to come and watch the fun!
- Email Tara Sagor at tara.sagor@gmail.com if you are interested in helping to support this event in any way or if you have any specific questions!
FARLEY HOME and SCHOOL ASSOCIATION UPDATES
ALL CAREGIVERS ARE WELCOME!
Pleas join Farley's Home and School Association's next meeting on Wednesday, October 4th at 6:00pm. We will meet in the library. 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!
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.
OTHER UPDATES AND REMINDERS
PAW PRINT REWARD STICKERS!
Students get Paw Print Stickers for going above and beyond. When a staff member "catches" them doing something spectacular, they get two stickers-one to wear and one to put on their homeroom Fox poster. When their classroom Fox poster fills up with stickers, they get to have a classroom celebration. If you see a paw print on your child's clothing or backpack, please ask them why they got it.
WANT TO SIGN UP FOR CUB SCOUTS?
"ALL THINGS TECHNOLOGY"
Two weeks ago, 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.
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
NEW HUDSON RESIDENTS IN NEED
Two weeks ago, 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.
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, 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