"Paw Prints"
Farley Elementary School's Weekly Family Update
Dear Farley Families,
As I continually share, Farley's entire staff takes pride in working as a cohesive team, collaboratively working with families to craft an optimal educational experience for all our students. We all understand the crucial role that communication between home and school plays in achieving this objective. Caregiver Conferences provide an excellent opportunity for teachers, guardians, and, in certain instances, students, to come together and discuss both academic and social progress. These conferences serve as dedicated moments to pose questions, share pertinent information, align expectations, applaud achievements, and establish short and long-term goals.
Caregiver/Teacher conferences will be held on from 12:30-3:00 on Wednesday, March 27th and Thursday March 28th.. Both days will be an early dismissal from school for students at 11:40 am. Evening conferences will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on the night of March 27th. If you would like a conference, you need to sign-up for a specific day and time using a third party website called PTC Fast. Walk-ins are not allowed. . PTC Fast will open for sign-ups on March 11th at 3:30pm. Families will have the option for either a virtual conference via Google Meet or an in-person meeting here at Farley. If you would prefer virtual, please indicate this when signing up for your conference--there will be a space for you to type in "virtual". Your child’s teacher will then send you the Google meeting link via email prior to and closer to the conference. If you choose to be in person for your child’s conference, please be sure to be on time.
If you have a fourth grader in Mrs. Leger or Ms. Gordon's classes or a student in our Dual Language Program, please be on the lookout for an email from those teachers with additional information about conferences. As a reminder, each meeting lasts from 10-15 minutes. School staff who support your child's learning may also attend the conference, too. Also, please do not worry if you see me sitting in on your conference. I like to attend as many conferences as possible so that I can know all the ways we can support our diverse community of learners.
Here is the link: https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/C_A_Farley_Elementary_School.
Special thanks this week goes to all the caregivers, students, and staff who went above and beyond for "Rock N' Roll Friday". Students were beaming as they walked into the building this morning. They were so proud to show off their school spirit. They were wowed by their teachers all dressed up. Mrs. Strauss would like me to share that the winner of Rock Week is "Livin’ On a Prayer" by Bon Jovi! Below, I've attached only a few of the amazing pictures taken today. Mrs. Strauss is putting together an entire slideshow of pictures to share with families. Be on the lookout for a link from her. Next week will be Country Week. Start planning your outfits for next Friday and check the bracket to see which songs and artists will be matched up in the tournament.
This weekend my nephew is making his Confirmation. So I'm headed back to RI to celebrate with him. Don't forget to turn your clocks back on Sunday! Have a lovely weekend.
Read Always,
Rachel Scanlon (She, Her, Hers)
Farley Principal
NEED TO KNOWS
NEED TO KNOWS:
March 15th:
- Music March Madness Country Dress up: Week 2: Country - Ideas of What to Wear
March 22nd:
- Music March Madness Classical Dress Up: Week 3: Classical - Ideas of What to Wear
March 25-28th:
- Scholastic Book Fair-More information located below.
March 27th:
- Half- day for students-Dismissal is at 11:45am-Caregiver Conferences (more information to follow next week)
March 28th:
- Music March Madness Jazz Dress Up: Week 4: Jazz - Ideas of What to Wear
- Half- day for students-Dismissal is at 11:45am-Caregiver Conferences (more information to follow next week)
March 29th:
- No School
April 5th:
- Music March Madness-Dress like the music you want to win or your favorite style
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
COMPASSION IN ACTION
Last week, I witnessed an incredible example of "Compassion in Action"-one of the four pillars of "Choose Love". On the first day back after school breaks, I always go to every classroom to say hello and welcome everyone back. While in a third grade class, I noticed a student who was quietly crying and sad sitting in the reading corner. Without any prompting, Griffin Pelland, his classmate, approached him and gently put his hand on the student's shoulder. He then quietly checked in with him and asked if he was alright and if there was anything he could do to help. I must say, I shed a tear as I watched this. Later, in the week, I went to Griffin's class to tell him how proud I was of him for showing so much compassion and kindness. Now Griffin's picture and story of what he did is up on our "Compassion in Action" Bulletin for all to see!
CONGRATS TO OUR NEWEST FARLEY FOX!
FARLEY STUDENTS RIDE IN STYLE
Today, Walker Stickles and Noah Sagor made quite the entrance when they arrived at school. Officer Chad picked them up from their homes and chauffeured them in style to Farley. A ride to school with Officer and Officer Murf was a prize that Walker Stickles had won at a benefit for the RF Wood Foundation. What a fun experience!
BOOK FAIR SPOTLIGHT
THE BOOK FAIR IS ALMOST HERE!
SAVE THE DATE for March 25-28 and get ready to empower your reader with book choice. Home and School knows that giving all students a chance to choose and "purchase" their own books inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers.
Start exploring together: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/farleyelementaryschool1
Here’s some more additional information you need to know about the big event:
The fair will take place from March 25-28 during the school day and also during caregiver conferences.
You can choose to say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, you can set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases (don’t forget the tax!).
Of course, you are more than welcome to send your student in with cash.
Classroom teachers will be sharing with families the days when students will be going to the book fair. We set it up so that each class gets to go twice. One the first day, students can either preview or purchase. On the second day, they should plan to purchase.
ALL STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO PICK A BOOK TO TAKE HOME EVEN IF THEY DON'T HAVE MONEY.
Visit our Farley's Book Fair homepage by using the QR Code to the right or by clicking this link: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/farleyelementaryschool1
RF WOOD FOUNDATION SPOTLIGHT
The RF Wood Foundation’s mission is to foster positive youth development by providing all kids equal opportunity of youth and high school sports and physical activity. Their goal is to provide funding to local youth organizations and schools, to be used for families with financial need as well as local youth organizations and schools who need funding to provide adequate opportunities of physical activity.
In addition to providing funding, the RF Wood Foundation offers programs to guide our youth in becoming positive role models and influential leaders within our community. For more information on this wonderful foundation click the link: https://rfwood.org/programs/
DIRECTORY SPOTLIGHT
THE FARLEY FAMILY DIRECTORY HAS BEEN UPDATED!
Home and School has finished doing their mid-year update to our Farley Family School Directory. The most recent 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. Thank you to caregiver Sarah Tracy for creating the directory!
FARLEY HOME and SCHOOL UPDATES
PLEASE JOIN OUR NEXT HOME & SCHOOL MEETING!
Below are the dates for the remainder of our 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
April 3rd
May 1st
June 5th
OTHER UPDATES AND REMINDERS
HERE IS ANOTHER EXCITING SUMMER OPPORTUNITY
Offer Chad wanted administrators to share information on the Middlesex Sheriff's Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) that is now enrolling children ages 8-12. Click on the fliers below for more information.
THE READING INTERVENTIONISTS ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!
Farley's Reading Team is looking for family and community members who would like to read with students during the school day. There are a variety of small group and individual support opportunities available at all grade levels and for differing lengths of time. Please contact Mrs. Zinner, one of our Reading Interventionists, at lzinner@hudson.k12.ma.us for more details if interested!
WANT TO PLAY SOCCER THIS SPRING?
My name is Shaun Chambers, I’m currently serving as the VP of Hudson Youth Soccer. Would you be willing to place this registration flyer in your next weekly newsletter to parents? While we do reach out via email and Facebook, getting the information out to all families in Hudson would be very helpful. I’ve included both a .png image and a PDF, if another format works best please let me know and I’ll generate in the desired format.
Website: www.hysa.org
While not noted in the flyer, we do offer assistance for families that can’t afford the full registration fee, if anyone reaches out please send them my way.
INTERESTED IN FLAG FOOTBALL OR CHEERLEADING?
Hudson Youth Football and Cheer is ready for you to register!
SPRING CHEER: Interested in Cheerleading, but not sure about the commitment? Are you a current or former cheerleader looking for something fun to do in the Spring? Join our Spring Cheer program. A very low key, minimum commitment program. No special equipment required. The goal is to have F-U-N!
FLAG FOOTBALL: Our flag football program is a non-contact passing league, geared towards teaching fundamentals. Participants do not need to have any prior football experience. Game days include short practices followed by a scrimmage style game. Shorts, cleats, and a mouthpiece is required.
Online registration: https://hudsonyouthfootball.sportngin.com/register/form/407667024
The cost is a total of $60 for the 6 week session. Sunday mornings for 1.5 hours, April 28 – June 9 (no games or practices on Memorial Day weekend). All events are held at Sauta Field in Hudson. Both programs open to boys and girls currently in grades K-8.
SPRING CHEER:
7U – For ages 4 to 7 (K – 2nd Grade)
12U – For Ages 8 to 14 (3rd – 8th Grade)
*Note – Once registrations close, Cheer will be broken up into three age groups. Grades k – 2, 3 – 5, and 6 – 8.
FLAG FOOTBALL: (Current Grade in Spring 2024)
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
3rd – 5th Grade
6th – 8th Grade
Games and Practices are held on the same day during the 1.5 hour session. Sessions usually begin at 8:30am Sunday, starting with the lowest grades first. Times will be confirmed once the teams are set. Please visit our website or follow us on our Facebook Page. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at: info@hudsonyouthfootball.com
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!
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