"Paw Prints"
Farley Elementary School's Weekly Family Update
THOUGHTS and THANKS
Dear Farley Families,
Huge thanks this week goes Justina Mailly who organized the Ice Cream Social this Wednesday night. Once again, families had a blast getting together and connecting over delicious sundaes. Events like this aren't possible without an army of volunteers so thank you to caregivers Danielle Griggs, Stefanie Silver, Jenny Staysniak, Lindsey Lennon, Rachel Phair, Sarah Tracy, Lainie Dougherty, Julie Collins, Angela Frank, Kim Spiliakos, Christine and Scott Sevigny, Carla and Shawn Wright, Patrick Fitzmaurice, and Jenna Bergeron, cafeteria staffer Mady Mullin, K Para Jenny Mikula, and retired former Farley teacher Lori Belcourt. A special shout out to our evening custodians Paul and Maria for going above and beyond and to Sarah Mikula from HUD TV who came to take some video for us. It takes a village!
Special thanks this week also goes to my very own Auntie Jan and Uncle Peter for making Farley something very special. Over the summer, I had an Amazon Wish List full of outdoor games that could be used in our courtyard classroom. I shared this wish list with my personal friends and close family members. When my aunt and uncle saw the list, they took it upon themselves to make our school their very own cornhole boards to be used during outdoor and indoor recesses. My Uncle Peter is a woodworker and my Auntie Jan is a seamstress so they made the perfect team. This weekend while I was away, I was surprised when a picture of a custom Farley Cornhole board was texted to me. Low and behold, it was from my uncle who was surprising me (and our school) with this incredible gift. The picture he texted of the board is located above. I was blown away by their craftsmanship, thoughtfulness, and generosity. He and my dad will be up this month to drop off the boards in person. I can't wait to play this game with our students and staff!
On a more somber note, my heart goes out to any member of our Farley community who has ties through family, friends, and/or spiritual communities to the recent attacks. I join you in being shocked, saddened, and so deeply concerned for the humanity lost and forever impacted by these events. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you or your children need help navigating these difficult times.
Read Always,
Rachel Scanlon (she, her, hers)
Principal
NEED TO KNOWS:
October 20th:
- School-Wide PJ Day and Slime Mrs. Scanlon Day!
October 23rd:
- Picture Day-Fliers with information were sent home this week.
October 25th:
- No School for students
November 1st:
- Home and School Meeting @ 6:00pm. Join in person in the library or online: meet.google.com/kyj-jsgf-abr
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT
GRADE 3 STUDENTS BECOME FOSTER CAREGIVERS
To date, over 20,000 students have taken part in the program. At each school, classrooms raise newborn turtle hatchlings over the course of the year and then release the turtles back into the wild during field trips to local conservation areas. By giving them this “headstart,” students directly help conserve dwindling turtle populations by dramatically increasing the odds that each turtle cared for will survive to adulthood. At the same time, students collect and analyze data on hatchlings’ growth while learning about the ecology and importance of our freshwater wetlands. By helping protect native biodiversity and restoring healthy wetlands in their communities, students learn that they can be agents of change in a small but significant way. As an integral part of this incredible work with schools, Zoo New England scientist educators provide high-quality indoor classroom presentations and lead field trips built around the students’ participation in the turtle headstarting program.
This year, teachers and students are working once again with Emilie Wilder, a conservationist from Zoo New England. Ms. Wilder, recently visited Farley to teach the students about this year's turtle adventure and delivered to them two very tiny Blanding's Turtle hatchlings. Students become true conservation heroes learning about Blanding's Turtles while caring for them until they are bigger and healthier to survive in the wild. At the end of the year, students go on a field trip to "release" the turtles into the wild knowing that they have helped give these little creatures the best chance at survival.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
MS. JESSICA ROBBINS BECOMES A SUB!
Jess Robbins has been a member of our Farley family as a caregiver for man years. This year however, Ms. Robbins joins us in a new capacity as one of our permanent building substitutes. Ms. Robbins currently lives in Hudson with her two children, one of whom is currently a Farley student. She has a German Shepherd puppy named Freya whose name was inspired by her family's favorite show "Vikings". Outside of school you can find Ms. Robbins town sports with her kids. We are love it when caregivers become staff! Welcome Ms. Robbins!
CAREGIVER SPOTLIGHT
CAREGIVER BECK BRINGS BACK THE BENCHES!
HANDBOOK SPOTLIGHT
NEED MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SCHOOL AND THE DISTRICT?
DIRECTORY SPOTLIGHT
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://forms.gle/YeWPzgM9EzThUz448. Thank you to caregiver Sarah Tracy for creating the directory!
FARLEY HOME and SCHOOL ASSOCIATION UPDATES
PLEASE JOIN OUR NEXT HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING!
Pleas join Farley's Home and School Association's next meeting on Wednesday, November 1st at 6:00pm. We will meet in the library. Free childcare will be provided! You can also attend virtually using this link: meet.google.com/kyj-jsgf-abr
OTHER UPDATES AND REMINDERS
DON'T FORGET TO ATTEND MS. SUSANA'S PORTUGUESE STORY HOUR!
WANT TO PLAY BASKETBALL?
Click the links to see how you can sign up for a basketball clinic!
Basketball Flier-EnglishWANT TO PLAY LACROSSE?
WHAT IS SEPAC?
SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council of Hudson) is an all-volunteer parent advisory council consisting of parents, guardians, community members and educators. They work together to form a positive, solution-driven community of parents and caregivers of children receiving special education services in Hudson. Their meetings are open and they welcome new members. Here is a link to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SEPACHudson/
Throughout the year, they also offer other learning opportunities for caregivers. Below is a message from SEPAC about their upcoming events:
SEPAC and Hudson Public Schools present a 3 part virtual series Dr. Kimberly Kusiak, Consulting Psychiatrist, presents a 3 part series about our children’s brain and how neuroscience can improve our interactions with our children. All are welcome to attend!!
Join Zoom Meeting for all 3 meetings
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81832457734?pwd=C2MYTquhaiq2t44ba4lSv3O4o2JNbR.1 Meeting ID: 818 3245 7734 Passcode: 592373
September 26, 2023 6:30-8:00 virtual session-WHAT IS GOING ON IN THAT BRAIN OF THEIRS? (The Neurobiology of Emotion)
Have you ever wondered what is going on inside your child’s brain? This presentation will use information from the Biosocial Theory to explain how brains react to different interactions and how that affects emotional responses. By understanding where our child is on their “emotion curve” and where we ourselves are on our own “emotion curve” we increase the chances that our responses will lead to more effective interactions. We will discuss different ways to respond to our children to shift their emotion curve and improve communication.
October 3, 2023 6:30-8:00 virtual session-WHAT IS GOING ON IN THAT BRAIN OF THEIRS?
(The neurobiology of thinking and behavior) Have you ever wondered what is going on inside your child’s brain? This presentation will use information from the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics to explain how stress, environment, and interpersonal connection all shift our brain function and thus our thinking and behaviors. You will learn how to observe and understand behaviors in a different way. We will talk about different things we can do to create an environment and approach that can activate our children’s potential.
October 17, 2023 6:30-8:00 virtual session-UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY
(How do we use an evidence based approach to help our children overcome anxiety)
We will discuss the difference between normal anxiety and anxiety that is clinically problematic. We will also discuss how we as parents can be most helpful to our children and what to look for when looking for effective treatment.
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"
Two weeks ago, Ellen Schuck, the Head of Technology for the district, sent out her Technology Newsletter. 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 is has filled all of their paraprofessional position but is still in need of Similar to last year, the Hudson Public Schools is 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