Message from Principal Costello
August 28, 2022
September 4, 2022
Good Afternoon Murphy Families,
I hope you are all enjoying the final days of summer and that you are excited to embark on a new school year together. We have some important information and reminders to share as we get ready to welcome students next week. Please see those listed below in this message.
Opening Week Schedule for Students
There will be No School on Monday 9/5 due to the Labor Day holiday.
Tuesday 9/5, we are excited to welcome all of our students in Grades 1-5. This
will be a half day of learning and our dismissal is 11:50 a.m.
Wednesday will be our first full day of school for Grades 1-5.
As a reminder, our arrival time each day begins at 8:50 a.m. Please be sure to share our arrival and dismissal procedures with everyone who may transport your child.
Kindergarten screening times for later this week were arranged with communication from our office. If you have questions or need a reminder of your time, please call our office at 781-331-2862.
Return to School Information / Reminders
Transportation:
Information regarding bus transportation can be found on our district website transportation page.
Bus routes are subject to change as we continue to add new riders and stops accordingly. Please email transportation questions to Transportation@weymouthps.org.
Food Service:
WPS will be providing free meals to all students once again this school year. Families who would normally apply for the free/reduced lunch program should still apply here to remain eligible for other district benefits, such as free bus and reduced user fees.
Technology:
If you require assistance or support with a technical issue this school year, please submit a request through the following links:
Family Technical Support - use any valid email address.
School Hours
The Elementary School day begins at 9:05 and ends at 3:15. It is very important that your child is here before 9:05 as structured learning time starts immediately after the second bell.
First Bell 8:50 A.M.
Late Bell 9:05 A.M.
End of Day 3:15 P.M.
(As a reminder, children should arrive at school no earlier than 8:50 A.M.)
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Children may bring lunch or purchase lunch in our cafeteria. A child will never be left without lunch. If forgotten, we will provide lunch. Breakfast is available each morning from 8:50 - 9:05. For the 2022-2023 school year, breakfast and lunch will be free of charge.
Please note that even though meals will be free for all, it is very important for families to still complete the household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2022-2023 school year.
We encourage you to complete the online application, or a paper application, on the food services webpage: https://www.weymouthschools.org/district/food-services/pages/free-and-reduced-application-and-information
We strongly encourage all families to submit this application as it allows us to establish eligibility for P-EBT benefits, other fees within the district, and serve families most effectively.
ATTENDANCE
A child's successful growth (academic and socially) is greatly enhanced by consistent attendance in school. We enjoy working with our students and families to form and sustain these healthy habits that will firmly plant our students on the road to success.
When a child is absent, please call the school by 9:15 am and provide a note upon return.
Massachusetts law requires compulsory attendance for all students. Chapter 76, section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws requires all children between the ages of six and sixteen to attend school. The school must uphold state laws relative to student attendance. We strongly discourage family vacations or trips abroad when school is in session. In addition to violating the attendance law, family vacations or trips abroad interrupt the educational process of each course in ways that make-up work cannot reverse. As such, WPS works with our School Resource Officers and outside agencies when there is cause for concern with attendance.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Please view this document and accompanying diagrams for our traffic flow and arrival / dismissal procedures.
Dismissal / End of Day Procedures
EARLY DISMISSALS
Please send in a note when dismissing your child. This helps to remind the office and the teacher of the dismissal time. Please do not dismiss your child early to avoid the traffic. This is extremely disruptive to the classroom when teachers are assigning homework, passing out notices, or completing other necessary tasks. When a child is dismissed by someone other than a parent/guardian, we require identification and a signature for release.
REGULAR DISMISSAL
Please send a note to the school if your child is changing their regular routine of dismissal. This includes walkers, after-school care and the bus. Please do not leave this responsibility to your child. If a note is not received, your child will follow their routine for the specific day of the week.
OFF TO A GOOD START
Research shows that having a good breakfast helps children to perform at their best. Therefore, we strongly encourage all children to have a healthy breakfast. Often children come to school without the benefit of a good breakfast and struggle through the morning. Also, a snack helps to keep the momentum going. In addition, a good night’s sleep is undoubtedly in order on school nights.
MEDICATION POLICY
The Weymouth Public Schools Health Services Department encourages that medication is administered before and after school, if possible.
When medication is needed during school hours, there must be a physician’s order and a parental permission form with the medication in the prescribed container, or it cannot be given.
Medication must be delivered to the school in a pharmacy or manufacturer labeled container by the parent, guardian, or responsible adult. (Medications are not accepted in such things as plastic bags.) Children are not permitted to bring medication to school.
Please contact Ms. Boland, our school nurse, for the proper forms, which must accompany all medications.
Parent Council
In addition to connecting with your child’s classroom staff, we encourage you to get involved with our amazing Murphy Parent Council. Our Parent Council collaborates with school staff to bring great programs and fun experiences to all of our students throughout the year. Please look for emails from our parent council, feel free to contact the parent council and check them out on Facebook to stay informed.
Important Information:
- Tech Support for Families - Submit a ticket for support. Reminder* be sure to update your child’s Chrome OS on the weekends, often and early!
- WPS Opportunities Resources - Family and community resources
- Champions Before and After School Care - 781-812-8735 or lolee@discoverchampions.com
- Blackboard Communications - Opt In and Opt Out Instructions
- Town Wide Parent Council - Meets the Second Tuesday of Each Month
- Volunteer to Become a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver ELL Immigrant Liaison
District Links:
Additional Resources:
- Champions Before & After School Care
- Aspen Family Portal
- Family Engagement Center (Registration)
- Backpack Program - Food assistance for students in need
District Calendar:
Weymouth, MA 02188
Phone (781) 331-2862