"Paw Prints"
Farley Elementary School's Weekly Family Update
Dear Farley Families,
This week's thanks goes to our Math Interventionists, Mrs. Williams and Mrs. L. Leger for organizing our upcoming Farley Family Math Night. As shared last week, this year's theme is "Let’s Celebrate Math!". Farley Family Math Night is an opportunity for students to bring their families to school in the evening to participate in different, hands-on math activities. As students travel around the building, they will get to build, solve, create, and calculate using their mathematical minds. Last year, we had over 350 attendees. So much preparation and planning goes in to make this night a success.
Math Night is being held next week on Thursday, February 15th from 5:30 to 7 pm. This event is "Open-House Style" which means you can come and go as you please. You do not have to get there for 5:30pm or stay for the entire duration of the event. All students are welcome but they must be accompanied by an adult. Click HERE to sign up!
Next week, there will be no Farley Family Weekly Paw Prints because I will be on a flight to Sarasota to be with my wife for her final show. It's been over a month since I've seen her and can't wait to see her in the flesh. It will be a quick trip that brings me back to Massachusetts on Monday morning. If you are looking for some kid-friendly things to do over February break click the links below. As many of my students know, I share a love of dinosaurs with them. The Worcester Ecotarium has a dino exhibit that opens during break. Click the first link to find out more about the Ecotarium.
https://ecotarium.org/event/prehistoric-planet-vacation-week-2024
https://worcestercentralkidscalendar.com/february-school-vacation-fun/
https://www.discovercentralma.org/event/february-vacation-kids-week-activities-at-klems/22051/
https://www.worcesterart.org/events/free-day-presidents-day/
https://www.worcesterart.org/events/art-cart-knights-armor/2024-02-21/
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/february-vacation-week-free-family-friendly-programs
Read Always,
Rachel Scanlon (She, Her, Hers)
Farley Principal
NEED TO KNOWS
NEED TO KNOWS:
February 9th:
- Hudson's Got Talent (Junior) -7:00pm at Hudson High
February 10th:
- Ms. Susana's "Travel With Books" Free Read Alouds at the Hudson Public Library from 10-11:00am
February 14th:
- Half-Day for students
February 15th:
- Math Night from 5:30-7:00pm More information located below. Click HERE to register!
February 19th-23rd:
- Winter break-No school
Mark Your Calendars Now: SPRING MCAS DATES
ELA
- Gr 3 April 2 and 3
- Gr 4 April 4 and 5
Math
- Gr 3 May 7 and 9
- Gr4 May 14 and 15
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
CONGRATS TO OUR NEWEST FARLEY FOXES!
Congrats to Elianna, Remi, and Mackenzie for being such superb role models!
YEARBOOK SPOTLIGHT
GRADE 4 YEARBOOK COVERS HAVE BEEN SELECTED!
For the past handful of years, all grade 4 students participate in a "Yearbook Cover Competition". Each student, with the help of Mrs. Maguire our art teachers, is tasked with drawing a cover that represents Farley. Once completed, staff at Farley vote for two covers that they feel represent Farley the most. One is selected for the front cover and the other for the back. Students' names are not visible during the staff voting. Only Mrs. Maguire knows whose is whose. This year's artist winners are Isaiah Resendes and James Harrington. Bravo boys!
100th DAY SPOTLIGHT
WE MADE IT TO DAY 100!
Can you believe we just celebrated the 100th day of school? This year is flying by in the blink of an eye. On the hundredth day, many classes did activities to celebrate. Some classes had students do projects like poster or decorating shirts. This year, I chose to put 100 rainbow hearts on my shirt. Shockingly, these stickers stayed on all day! I loved visiting classrooms to see their creations or participate in their math and writing activities all inspired by our first 100 days.
DIBELS ASSESSMENT SPOTLIGHT
PLEASE READ THE DISTRICT MESSAGE ABOUT DIBELS
Dear Caretakers,
As shared earlier this year, all K-3 students in Massachusetts are screened in early literacy skills 2-3 times a year. In Hudson, we believe that consistent communication between home and school regarding students' academic progress is essential to ensure that we are all working together, so that all students can make continued growth toward their reading goals. Classroom teachers will be sending home letters to caretakers of all K-3 students showing how their student performed on this screener, called DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills). K-2 student reports show the change from the beginning to the middle of the year. Grade 3 reports show the mid-year results.
While DIBELS is a valuable tool for screening, it is just one data point we consider when forming literacy goals for each child. Teachers monitor progress throughout the year, and meet every 6-8 weeks to set new goals for students based on a range of assessments. If you have any questions about your child's performance on this screener, please feel free to contact your student's teacher or reading interventionist. Here is another resource that further explains each assessment.
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VALENTINE'S SPOTLIGHT
MAKE SURE TO READ ABOUT VALENTINE'S EXPECTATIONS
FARLEY HOME and SCHOOL UPDATES
PLEASE JOIN OUR NEXT HOME & SCHOOL MEETING!
Here are the dates for the remainder of Home and School Meetings this year. All are welcome to join! The meetings will start at 6:00pm. We will meet in the library. Free childcare will be provided! You can also attend virtually using this link: https://meet.google.com/kyj-jsgf-abr
March 6th
April 3rd
May 1st
June 5th
SPIRIT WEAR IS BACK!
Farley is excited to announce that all new spirit wear is back just in time for the holidays! Spirit Wear is clothing that celebrates and represents Farley Elementary. Click here to place an order or use the QR Code. Choose your own style and color. Items are shipped directly to you!
OTHER UPDATES AND REMINDERS
WANT TO PLAY BASEBALL OR SOFTBALL?
Baseball registrations ages 4-16
(including T-ball for young softball players):
https://hybs.sportngin.com/register/form/957714472
Softball registrations ages 6-14*:
https://hybs.sportngin.com/register/form/790397597
*Softball includes players who turned 15 on or after September 1, 2023.
We KNOW you have questions! Click here "FOR PARENTS" for more information.
NEW PROGRAM TO HELP SUPPORT ALL STUDENTS!
Click the links below to find out more information about this new opportunity and free webinars that support students' and families' mental health!
WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME FROM SCHOOL
As we enter cold and flu season, Farley nurses wanted to remind families of when students should be kept at home when they are sick. Please read the list below.
When to keep your child home from school
- If a child is unable to fully participate fully in all school activities because of illness or injury, has a contagious condition, or has a rash with an unknown cause.
- Child must be fever-free (oral temperature of less than 100° F) for at least the last 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.
- Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours or unable to eat normally.
- A diagnosis of strep throat unless your child has received antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours.
ONLY PRESCHOOL FAMILIES CAN DROP OFF IN THE PLAYGROUND PARKING LOT
Over the past few months, numerous caregivers have been pulling into that playground parking lot and dropping off their kids so that they do not have to go into the actual car drop-off line. Because of this, it has become increasingly dangerous for our students who walk and their families who accompany them. Administration, teachers, our custodian, interpreters, Officer Chad, and fellow caregivers who walk their children to school have repeatedly been outside and asked families not to drop off there. I have also contacted specific families directly and still they continue to not follow protocol. Please remember, the ONLY families who get to use that lot for drop off and pickup are PRESCHOOL families. In order for everyone to be safe, please refrain from parking in that lot and dropping or picking up your children there. We thank you in advance your cooperation.
YEARBOOK PICTURES NEEDED
Grade 4 caregivers, Meghan Freitas and Lainie Dougherty, are heading up the 4th grade yearbook this year! In order to have the most colorful yearbook possible, they needs lots of pictures! They are hoping to get a jump start on collecting pictures from the teachers and caregivers. They have created an email where pictures can be sent. If you have any pictures, both past and present, that would be great for the yearbook, please email them to: farleyfox2024@gmail.com. Thank you Lainie and Meghan for donating your time to this!
FARLEY FAMILY DIRECTORY IS COMPLETE!
Home and School has finished compiling all the contact information voluntarily submitted by Farley families for our school directory. The directory is linked below. Please note that this directory is published for the private use of Farley Elementary School Families only. This directory is for the personal use of the authorized reader and cannot be shared (including on social media), duplicated, or used for commercial purpose.
If you need to make any changes, would like to be added to the January edition please use the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSff1IG-Xt95f2rCz0YhdinmH1fHLsZ8DZcdVdfbSqP1N8qFgg/viewform.
Thank you to caregiver Sarah Tracy for creating the directory!
2023-2024 Home and School Farley Family DirectoryPAW 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.
"ALL THINGS TECHNOLOGY"
At the beginning of the year, Ellen Schuck, the Head of Technology for the district, sent out one of her Technology Newsletters. 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 has filled all of their paraprofessional positions but is still in need of substitutes. We are looking for both day-to-day subs and permanent building subs. Day-to-Day subbing offers employees a flexible schedule. Our Permanent Building Substitute works every day but in a variety of classrooms. The permanent building substitute job is a salaried, benefit eligible position. If you are interested or would like more information, please feel free to email Mrs. Scanlon @ rscanlon@hudson.k12.ma.us or Mrs. Duke @ amduke@hudson.k12.ma.us directly to set up an interview. You can also apply online using the link below:
https://www.hudson.k12.ma.us/departments/human_resources/employment_opportunities
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.
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