Wood End Wildcat News
May 16, 2021
Dear Wood End Families,
We had our first FULL all-school meeting on Friday where we came together as a community to watch more than 300 boxes of cereal fall like dominoes! The boxes of cereal will be delivered to the Reading Food pantry this week. Thank you to every family who donated to this important cause!
Students also received information (a packet) about our new community project, Diversity Interviews. This project will provide our students with opportunities to share their families’ cultures, traditions, and history in meaningful ways with their peers and other families. We are excited to see the creative ways our students will showcase their work, and we encourage every family to participate.
Information about this project is also available in your child's google classroom, so be sure to check out all the details. We provided samples as well as some interview questions to help get you started. Projects are due in your child's grade-level google classroom by June 11th. Please reach out to your child's classroom teacher with any questions.
Another wonderful story you may want to share with your family is Where Are You From? written by Yamile Saied Méndez. The story tells of of a young girl who is constantly asked what seems a simple question, yet does not have a simple answer. You can hear the read aloud HERE.
Enjoy this beautiful week ahead,
Dr. King
Wildcats Collected 306 Boxes of Cereal!
Thanks to the efforts of all our families, we collected 306 boxes of cereal for the Reading Food Pantry! Our Student Council members had a very busy morning setting up all the boxes to make a "chain of kindness" before knocking them down like dominos during our FIRST full in-person all-school meeting! It was quite the celebration! All of the collected items will be donated to the Reading Food Pantry. Thank you for helping us give back to our community!
Spring Book Fair is Here!
Great chance to stock up some books for your summer reading!
Follett Book eFair
Monday 5/17-Monday 5/24
We are once again offering a virtual Book Fair for our families. To make a purchase please use this LINK and code ZYY74 to access the online Wood End spring book fair. All purchases help support the Wood End library. Books will be shipped directly to Wood End, where they will be sorted and sent home with your child. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Kerry Giordano or Kelly Mahoney.
Girls On the Run 5K
Girls on the Run is getting ready for their 5K road run to celebrate the end of their 8-week program. Running Buddies must be 18 years or older. The girls and coaches already participating in this group have been registered. All buddies need to register at this LINK by May 24.
Race Information:
When: June 5th
Where: Wood End Sign
Time: Arrive at 8:45 AM
Ends at approx. 10:30 AM
The race will start at the Wood End sign, continue down Roma, Sanborn, and Lilah Lane and then reverse back to Wood End
Please do not park on these streets. We ask that you park at Wood End.
5th Grade Celebration, June 16th!
Save the Date! We are excited to announce an outdoor "Moving On" ceremony honoring our 5th grade students on Wednesday, June 16th at 8:45 a.m. The ceremony will last approximately 30 minutes. Attendance is limited to 3 guests per 5th grade student. Younger siblings will not be allowed to leave their classes to attend. Following the ceremony on the field, 5th grade students will participate in their field day and a picnic lunch on the field before heading back to their classrooms to watch the 5th grade DVD. Rain date is Thursday, June 17th. More information to come!
If you would like to offer a helping hand, please reach out the committee members below.
- Co-chair of Committee - Lisa Caraviello and Cristina Prior
- Yearbook - Cassie Dealy and Amy Croot
- Photo Collection - Susan Stathoulopoulos
- T-Shirts - Nicole Barletta and Michelle Mini
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Reading Public Schools is offering the following community and staff trainings to promote mental health and wellness.
Thursday May 20th: Managing Emotional Health During Uncertain Times
Presented by Lynn Lyons 6pm-7pm
Tuesday May 25th: Stress, Resilience and Self Care.
Presented by Windi Bowditch 4pm-5pm Stress, Resilience and Self Care
Book Drive at Whitelam Books
In an effort to bring more books that represent diverse perspectives into our schools, Understanding Disabilities has put together a book drive with Whitelam Books. Understanding Disabilities teaches our students that even though we may be different in many ways, we are all the same inside. To help our kids see through the eyes of people with diverse abilities, UD has created a wish list of books for our school, chosen by our library staff, that feature characters with disabilities.
Starting on Monday May 10 and running through June 13, stop into Whitelam Books on Main Street here in Reading, or call (781) 779-1833, to purchase one or more of these books for our school library, and while you are there, check out the full list of books and consider picking one up for your child as well! Many of these books are past MCBA book honorees, and Whitelam has books from picture books through young adult books selected for all five elementary schools and the two middle schools in town.
The books for Wood End will be delivered to our library in June after the drive is complete, and will be ready for students to start reading in the fall. Please share this information with loved ones and friends who might also like to support our school and Understanding Disabilities.
- The Snow Rabbit Hardcover by Camille Garoche
- My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Cari Best and Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illustrator)
- Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant
- A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin byJen Bryant, Melissa Sweet (Illustrator)
- Completely Me byJustine Green
- The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game by Nancy Churnin, Jez Tuya (Illustrator)
- Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
- Farah Rocks Fifth Grade by Susan Muaddi Darraj
- Show Me A Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte
- What the Wind Can Tell You by Sarah Marie Jette
Incoming Kindergarten Updates
We are excited to welcome our new kindergarten students this fall to the Wood End! As we begin to put our classes together with our goal of creating balanced classrooms that meet our students’ needs, we are reminding families to complete the online survey. Please click here to gain access to the Google Survey entitled “Wood End Incoming Kindergarten Parent Input Form 2021-22.” This is a questionnaire that allows you to provide insight about your child. You know your child best and we will use this information when thinking about each kindergartener. Because we work to create balanced classrooms, we do not accept specific teacher requests. If you would like to provide information, the survey will be open until Friday, May 28th.
You will receive information about your child’s classroom, including the teacher assignment, over the summer. With this information, we’ll provide a welcome packet, including information about ways you can best support your child during the summer months.
Kindergarten screening will take place on September 1-2 with specific times sent to each family. There will be no kindergarten classes held on those two days. Because of the Rosh Hashanah holiday on September 7 and 8, the first day of Kindergarten classes will be held on Thursday, September 9th. This change in the first day of school for kindergarten students is consistent with School Committee Policy IMDA on Religious Holiday Accommodations.
We look forward to welcoming your child and family to the Wood End community! If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. King directly.
School Council - Are You Interested?
School Council members serve a two-year term. We typically hold elections for School Council members in the spring of each year. We plan to hold 4-5 School Council meetings throughout the school year which will occur remotely through Zoom or another online platform, and meetings will be scheduled in the evenings, typically 7-8 p.m.
During this school year, the School Council will be involved in developing the School Improvement Plan with a particular focus on anti-bias and equity education, planning and carrying out action steps related to these goals, and reviewing academic and behavioral data for Wood End School. If you are interested and would consider being a part of this important team, please reach out to Dr. King.
Student Services Office Hours
Dear Families,
Below, please find the Student Services Office Hours for the second half of May and for the month of June. If you are interested in meeting with Dr. Jennifer Stys, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Allison Wright, Director of Special Education, please utilize this Doodle Poll to reserve a time. The purpose of the office hours is to provide time to connect with families regarding any questions or concerns regarding your students and their experiences. Prior to your designated time, you will receive a ZOOM link for your meeting time.
OFFICE HOURS:
- Monday, 5/17/21 @ 12-1pm
- Tuesday, 5/25/21 @ 2-3pm
- Wednesday, 6/2/21 @ 9-10 am
- Thursday, 6/10/21 @ 11-12 pm
- Tuesday, 6/15/21 @12-1 pm
Please reach out to Allison Wright, Director of Student Services with any questions or concerns.
PTO Needs Your Help!
Help keep enrichment, author visits, resources & professional development coming to Wood End! Please consider volunteering for one of the following:
- President: This Board level position may sound daunting, but is very rewarding. This role can be shared! The President attends and presides at all PTO meetings, and oversees the work of the many talented subcommittees. The President makes sure that events are moving forward, and works with our school Principal to help address the needs of the school and our WE community.
- Secretary: The Secretary attends all PTO meetings and records the minutes. The Secretary helps draft PTO announcements and agendas. As a member of the Board, the Secretary votes on fundraising, spending, events, enrichment and other opportunities presented to the PTO.
- Assistant Treasurer: This committee-level position involves supporting the Treasurer in reviewing transactions and reconciling bank accounts to monthly statements. Your voice at PTO meetings would be greatly appreciated.
- Adult Fundraiser Events: Our community includes parents and caregivers, not just students! This committee-level position coordinates events for adults, which could include Zoom cooking/crafting events for the pandemic world, or has included Trivia Night and Musical Bingo in the past.
Attendance at PTO meetings is beneficial, especially during our event planning, but not consistently required. Do as much or as little as your schedule allows, but please help out.
If you are interested in serving in any of the following board positions (two-year commitment), please reach out to one of the current co-presidents, Melissa Moran or Cristina Prior. To learn more about the PTO, check out our bylaws HERE.
Spirit Wear Still Available
If you missed our winter spirit wear sale, we have t-shirts & sweatshirts in stock! This is a great way to show your school spirit! Check out our Square site to order. https://wood-end-elementary-pto-inc.square.site/
PTO Updates
Last PTO Meeting
We have scheduled our last PTO meeting of the year, along with elections for new board members. The meeting takes place on Wednesday, June 9th at 7:30 p.m. and we hope you can join us. All meetings will take place on Zoom and a link to this meeting will be sent to all families. We encourage you to come and bring a friend!
Amazon Smile
When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to the PTO. Bookmark in your browser for every time you shop Amazon. Save this link as a shortcut on your phone desktop!
Shutterfly
Be sure to use our school's Shutterfly & TinyPrints Storefront when ordering cards, photos, gifts, invitations, etc. Did you know that 8% of your purchase gets donated back to Wood End for our kids? Please feel free to share our storefront with family members and friends.
Stop and Shop A+ School Rewards - FINAL YEAR
Once registered, Stop and Shop will donate to the school when you use your card and shop, sign up now! Go to: https://stopandshop.com/school-rewards/
Field Day Fridays Are Here!
We have begun our field days for our students beginning with 4th grade. The students were so eager to participate and had a great time working with friends as they traveled to various stations. We have lots more fun coming up over the next several weeks with each grade level having their own event. Please see below for the remaining dates.
- Friday, May 21 – 2nd Grade
- Friday, June 4 – 1st Grade
- Friday, June 11 – Kindergarten
- Wednesday June 16 – 5th Grade (date is confirmed)
- Friday, June 18 – Rain Date
Time and location: Field Day will take place from 10:30 – 11:30 on the above-mentioned dates down on the main field. (5th grade time will look a bit different)
Dismissal: Teachers will have students pack up before their field day so they have all their belongings for dismissal.
Materials: Please be sure your child is prepared for the day with sneakers, a refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sun block, extra mask, etc. depending on the forecast for that day.
Grade Level Colors: Please remind students to wear their colors to show their team spirit.
- K = white, 1 = red, 2 = blue, 3 = orange, 4 = green, 5 = yellow/tie-dye (there have been student requests for 5th grade tie-dye)
Parent Volunteers: We will be asking 4-6 parents (per grade level) to volunteer to help with these outdoor activities. Chris Bauer will be providing this communication and will select the volunteers. All volunteers must have an active CORI on file.
Questions/Concerns: Please talk to Chris Bauer for any additional information.
1st Days School Supplies for 2021-22
We have been working with 1st Days School Supplies to once again create grade-level supply kits for next year! By ordering through this vendor, families are able to do their back to school shopping risk free from the comfort and safety of their own home. Get the exact supplies our teachers are requesting without the hassle and aggravation of shopping at big box retailers.
Emails from 1st Day School Supplies with this link were also sent directly to all families who purchased a kit in prior years.
Connect with SEPAC by clicking these links:
- Join SEPAC's mailing list by emailing SEPACREADING@gmail.com
- Follow SEPAC on Facebook (please adjust settings so that you are sure to see our posts)
- Visit SEPAC’s website
The mission of the Reading Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of, all children with special needs in the community.
FREE Meals for Students - In & Out of School
Through the extension of the Seamless Summer Meal program, started in response to COVID-19, we are able to offer ALL Reading Public School Children FREE meals until the end of June.
What does this mean for your family?
- Your school-age children will receive a healthy breakfast (at Coolidge, Parker and RMHS only,) and lunch every school day, at no cost, in a safe and welcoming environment. This applies to students who are attending classes in school.
- Our other option for FREE meals for children, ages 0-21, in your home is meal distribution. This may include remote learners, participating in a hybrid learning mode, or any other children in your home. These meals will provide breakfast and lunch for each day, including weekends, at the bridge of Reading Memorial High School on Wednesdays from 2:30 – 3:30 pm or Friday from 11:00 am – 12:00 noon.
- Your family may participate in BOTH options. Students can eat at school and receive Meal Distribution for the remote days and weekend meals that your family is entitled to.
This program allows Reading School District to provide the most nourishing and appetizing meals possible for your children. When your children eat school meals, it helps the school system by providing federal funds to the district. The more meals we serve, the more funding we receive, allowing us to focus on providing wonderful, nutritious meals for your family.
If your children have never participated in school meals, consider trying the program this year!
If you have any questions please contact Danielle Collins, School Nutrition Director, or call 781-670-2822.
Technology Help
If you have any technology issues with your student's laptop, please contact our IT department HELP DESK or by calling 781-670-2888.
MCAS Dates for Wood End
The remaining testing schedule for Wood End is below:
- May 17 - English Language Arts - Grade 3 and make-ups
- May 18 - Mathematics - Grade 5
- May 25 - Mathematics - Grade 4 (DATE CHANGE!)
- May 26 - Mathematics - Grade 3
- May 27 - Science, Technology, Engineering - Grade 5
DESE is making adjustments to the number of sessions due to the shortened testing window. Please keep these testing windows in mind when scheduling appointments or other school absences for your child.
About These Services...
The Town of Reading contracts with William James College to offer a special service for our residents. The William James INTERFACE Referral Service maintains a mental health and wellness referral help line Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843 (toll free). This is a free, confidential referral service for individuals across the lifespan living in Reading. Callers are matched with licensed mental health providers from our extensive database. Each referral meets the location, insurance, and specialty needs of the caller. Click here to learn more!
Family Resources
Please be reminded of these amazing resources, if your family is in need:
- RPS Behavioral Health Resources linked here.
- Town of Reading: compiled resources linked here.
- RCASA and Mental Health Support linked here.
- St. Vincent de Paul linked here.
- Free & Reduced lunch access: sign up here.
- Reading Food Pantry linked here.
- Project Bread link here.
- Residential Financial Assistance (Rent/Mortgage) link here. (New resource! Check it out!)
Upcoming Events:
May
17: Grade 3 MCAS-ELA
18: Grade 5 MCAS-Mathematics
24: School Council Meeting via Zoom, 7-8 p.m.
25: Grade 4 MCAS - Mathematics (NEW DATE!)
26: Grade 3 MCAS-Mathematics; Spirit Day
27: Grade 5 MCAS-STE
28: Teacher In-Service; no school for students
31: Memorial Day; no school
About Us
Email: joanne.king@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: http://www.reading.k12.ma.us/woodend/
Location: 85 Sunset Rock Lane, Reading, MA, United States
Phone: 781-942-5420
Twitter: @WoodEndSch