"Paw Prints"
Farley Elementary School's Weekly Family Update
Dear Farley Families,
Special thanks this week goes to Farley caregivers, who really outdid themselves these past few weeks. First, thank you Gilma DeFranzo and Lainie Dougherty for making our Home and School sponsored "Give a Gift Event" a huge success. This experience is no small feat. From the balloon columns to the thousands of little gifts offered, Gilma and Lainie truly knocked it out of the park. Immense gratitude also goes to the two dozen other caregivers and family volunteers that helped out on both "shopping days". Students were beaming as they picked out gifts for their loved ones. Some pictures are below.
Other huge thanks this week goes to Farley caregiver Julie Nolet for writing and securing another grant to support Farley's cultural programming. Again this year, because of Julie, the Hudson Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Coalition have selected Farley as one of their grant recipients. We are so honored and excited to have been picked! Thank you to Julie for taking time out of her busy life to help our Farley community. This year, we received $3,050 which will help us bring more enrichment events to Farley. In fact, next week, students will be experiencing one of these events! The Planetarium is coming back to Farley School next Friday, December 22nd! This was a Farley favorite last year. The planetarium dazzled our budding astronomers as they travel on a tour of the solar system. Similar to last year, students will be transported into space as they enter a huge inflatable dome with a "star-filled" sky. Together they will identify planets/constellations, be introduced to Greek Mythology and see how heroes of the past can be witnessed every day in the night sky. Thank you to the Farley Community, Hudson Cultural Council and Mass Cultural Council for helping make these experiences possible.
Don't forget that next week we have our "December 'Round the World" Concert on Thursday, December 21st. See below under "Winter Concert Spotlight" for all the details about this incredible student-centered event. I hope to see you there!
Read Always,
Rachel Scanlon (She, Her, Hers)
Farley Principal
NEED TO KNOWS:
December 21st:
- Mrs. Straus' December 'Round the World Concert-Important details located below.
December 25th-January 1st:
- No School-Winter Break-Students return on January 2nd
January 5th:
- Home and School Association Meeting 6pm in the library. You can join virtually as well:
January 15th:
- No School-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 16th:
- Ms. Susana's Travel with Books at the Hudson Public Library. Scroll all the way down for more information.
January 24th:
- Half-day for students
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Here are our newest Farley Fox Role Models! Keep up the great work!
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT
MRS. FREITAS' CLASS "CHOOSES LOVE"!
CAREGIVER SPOTLIGHT
THE PERCUOCO'S SHARE THEIR FAMILY TRADITIONS
This year, DL Grade K is hosting "Fun Fridays" where students' families come in to share a little something about themselves with the class. This week, Simon's caregivers Michael and Anna Lee, surprised him and joined his class. His caregivers even created a detailed, and personalized Power Point to share their traditions with the class. Students oohed oohed and aahed when they saw pictures of Simon as an infant and were awe-struck when they saw a picture of Simon's parents' wedding. It was truly adorable.
WE LOVE GUEST READERS!
This week, Tara Sagor, caregiver to Isaiah and Noah, came in to be a guest reader in Mrs. White's classroom. Students learned about some of the traditions the Sagor family celebrates. If you are a caregiver and would like to be a guest or "mystery" reader in your child's class, just email the classroom teacher to arrange it!
NURSE SPOTLIGHT
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.
HUDSON POLICE DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
OFFICER MURF MERCHANDISE NOW FOR SALE!
WINTER CONCERT SPOTLIGHT
DECEMBER 'ROUND THE WORLD CONCERT IS DECEMBER 21ST!
In case you missed last week's Paw Prints, here is some important information from Mrs. Strauss our Music teacher:
This year, Ms. Strauss would like to invited all caregivers to the "December 'Round the World" performance on Thursday, December 21st. Because we have so many students, we cannot fit all caregivers in the gym at one time. Therefore, there will be two concerts that day that are IDENTICAL. That means, the whole-school will perform at BOTH performances (with the exception of preschool since they are only all here in the morning). The reason for doing two concerts is so we can ensure there is space for all caregivers to enjoy the show.
If you have a child in Preschool, K, 1st or 2nd grade please join us at 9:25am.
If you have a student in Dual Language or grades 3rd & 4th please join us at 1:30pm.
Caregivers who have children in multiple grades should only attend ONE of the concerts (as it the same concert and we have limited space). The concert will take place in the gym. Caregivers should enter the school via the gym doors. Staff will be there to greet guests.
After the morning concert, we are discouraging early release of students because all students will be part of the afternoon concert as well. After the afternoon concert, all caregivers who are picking up their child will be asked to return to their cars and join the PPU line. If you plan to change your child's transportation on this day, PLEASE SEND IN A NOTE or CONTACT THE SCHOOL PRIOR TO 12:00pm -NOON TIME ON THE DAY OF THE CONCERT.
If you plan to sing along, feel free to practice using this slideshow of all the songs that will be performed at the shows. Mrs. Strauss isn't 100% sure all audio files with share with everyone outside of Farley, but if you get a message that asks for permission feel free to click yes and she will give you permission. Please email Mrs. Strauss clstrauss@hudson.k12.ma.us with any questions.
FARLEY HOME and SCHOOL UPDATES
WANT TO SHOW FARLEY STAFF SOME GRATITUDE?
Every year, Home and School hosts an enormous Cookie Extravaganza in an effort to show our staff how much they are appreciated at this time of year. Home and School is asking caregivers to donate cookies and baked goods of their choice. The Cookie Extravaganza is set for Friday, December 22nd-the last day before winter break. Caregivers can drop off cookie donations anytime that week. You can hand them to a staff at drop-off in the morning or pick-up in the afternoon. You can even bring them to the "Winter 'Round the World" concert on Thursday! Home and School will have a cart ready and waiting.
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!
PLEASE JOIN OUR NEXT HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING!
Please join Farley's Home and School Association's next meeting on Wednesday, January 5th 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/fne-musi-rmi
OTHER UPDATES AND REMINDERS
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.
REPORT CARDS ARE AVAIALBE ONLINE!
In case you missed the important report cards information in past Paw Prints, here is it again. . Last year, report cards were placed online for the entire district. Therefore, in order to access your child's report card, caregivers will need to have an Aspen Parent Portal account. Paper copies of report cards will only be sent home if specifically requested. Directions on how to get your Aspen Parent Portal account or access your account were shared in my earlier this year in my Paw Prints and in Ellen Schuck's (the District's Head of Technology) newsletters as well. In case you missed it, here is the information from Ms. Schuck:
"Caregivers must have an Aspen Parent Portal account to view electronic report cards. To access the Aspen Parent Portal Account click HERE. You can also access the portal from the main Hudson Public's School Homepage. Aspen Parent Portal accounts are automatically created using your child's first contact email account. Caregivers should have received an email from "Aspenhelp" at the beginning of the school year with your account information. If an additional account is needed, please create an Incident IQ ticket using this link. If you need help with your login credentials, please fill out an Incident IQ ticket. Mrs. Schuck and her technology team will be happy to assist you.
Once in your Aspen account, report cards will be available under the "Published Reports" section on the "Pages" top tab. HPS suggests downloading the report card, saving it to your computer, and printing out a few hard copies for your files or for when students sign up for football or other sports."
As with all things technology, there may be issues that arise. Please do not hesitate to fill out an Incident IQ or reach out to your child's teacher for help.
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!
STUDENTS CAN SHARE THEIR TALENTS
Please see the updated message from community member Kelly Haley about Hudson's Got Talent Jr.
Do you have a special talent (dance, sing, play an instrument, take karate lessons or gymnastics, etc.)? Do you like to perform? WE WANT YOU! Forest Ave is hosting the 14th Annual Hudson’s Got Talent Jr.!! HGT Jr. is open to Forest Ave, Farley & Mulready 3rd & 4th grade students.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Registration closes: 1/6/23
Performance Previews - NEW DATES 1/8/24 or 1/9/2024 from 6-8PM at Forest Ave (you only need to attend one date)
Dress Rehearsal - 2/8/24 in the HHS Auditorium
Show date: 2/9/24 in the HHS Auditorium
Complete the registration form HERE by January 6, 2024. Detailed information will be emailed to parents after registration closes. Acts should be no more than 3 minutes long. All music should be in a MP3 (Youtube videos are OK). Music should be able to be shared. ITunes songs cannot be shared, however, Amazon sells MP3's and they can be shared. Please contact Kelly Haley with questions - kellyannhaley@gmail.com or 508-577-5869.
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 DirectoryWHAT IS RTI?
All students at Farley take part in an RTI block. Response to Intervention (RTI) at Farley refers to the reading and math support given to students as a part of the regular education curriculum. It aims to make sure every child gets the help they need to succeed in math and reading. During the RTI block, students work in small groups of 3-4 students to achieve the goals determined by the literacy and math assessments as well as teacher observations. Regular education RTI may be provided by classroom teachers, math or reading interventionists, ESL teachers, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals. Small groups, instructors, and goals change over the year, as students’ skills develop. If your child is receiving intervention services you will get an email that explains your child’s reading and/or math goal. We monitor student progress every 6-8 weeks and will keep you updated on your child’s progress. For more information about RTI, go to What is Response to Intervention (RTI)? | RTI Action Network.
ATTENDANCE LETTER RECAP
We are now almost three full months into the 2023-2024 school year and I know that you have many hopes and dreams for the days to come. To make sure those hopes and dreams are realized, I want to ask for your commitment to making sure your child attends school every day possible this year. The evidence is clear: children with good attendance are more likely to be successful in school and in life. Research shows that high attendance rates in elementary school are directly linked to high student achievement in high school and college.
Every day counts. Missing school even 10% of the time has a significant impact on reading and math achievement as children progress through school. Good attendance starts early. Attendance habits established Kindergarten through Grade 2 have lasting effects on students throughout their education: students with low attendance in the early grades are more likely to have low attendance—and lower academic performance—throughout middle and high school. Irregular attendance is also associated with higher high school drop-out rates.
As caregivers, you are your child’s most influential teacher, I am asking for your support in helping your child get to school every day and to get to school on time-by 8:35 every day. We realize that every family faces challenges. Please let your child’s teacher know if your family needs help dealing with a challenge to your child’s good school attendance. We will do our best to help you and your family ensure that your child’s school attendance stays on track.
Like last year, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has mandated that families, whose children have 5 or more absences or 5 or more tardies be formally notified, in written form, of their child’s attendance. While Farley keeps accurate records of which absences are “excused” and “unexcused” the DESE does NOT distinguish between “excused” and “unexcused” absences.
Every school in the Hudson district will be sending these letters home twice month. Please do NOT worry or panic if you receive one of these notifications. We understand that kids, especially elementary age, get sick more often, have medical appointments, etc. We also understand that Covid-19 and the flu are still an issue. Farley staff always reaches out personally-via email or phone if attendance or tardies are a true concern. We like to work one-on-one with families to help rectify any attendance issues that arise. So, again, if you receive a letter in the mail, do not fret.
DON'T FORGET TO ATTEND MS. SUSANA'S PORTUGUESE STORY HOUR!
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.
"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