"Paw Prints"
Farley Elementary School's Weekly Family Update
Dear Farley Families,
Since I was away last week and there wasn't a Paw Prints, let me wish you a very Happy New Year! My time in Sarasota watching my wife's play "Judith" was magical. When I got back to school, I went around to all the classrooms to welcome back and got to share with them some pictures from her show. The students were so cute. They asked me such great questions about her play and a lot of questions about how our pup Rusty liked the beaches in Florida. While I got to relax and enjoy some sun on my trip, I missed everyone terribly and ended talking talked about our school constantly to anyone who would listen. If you want to see a glimpse of my wife's show and read what some people have to say about it click this link: https://mailchi.mp/urbanitetheatre/judith-audiences-and-critics-agree?e=853b5d71e8. Similar to last year, she plans to share her performance with Hudson High students in the spring.
As you know, there is no school on Monday in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In honor of that, I would take a moment to reflect on the profound impact of his vision and civil rights activism. His legacy has paved the way for a more diverse society. We here at Farley are an example of just that, a richly diverse school community here. We are grateful for the inclusive surroundings in which our students learn every day, and we are committed to fostering an environment that reflects Dr. King's values of courage, justice, compassion, and peace. Our dedicated staff instill these principles in our students and encourage them to embrace and promote equality. In celebration of Dr. King's birthday and his enduring legacy, we encourage you to explore the curated book list from PBS, which offers a superb collection of books about Dr. King and the civil rights movement. These books provide an excellent opportunity for families to engage in meaningful conversations about the importance of equality, justice, and understanding. Click here for the kid-friendly book list.
As we head in to the long weekend, I am confident that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be extremely proud of Farley Elementary and the strong community we have become. In 1947, Dr. King wrote, “The function of education…is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.” However, he went on to explain that educating the mind isn’t enough. He added, “Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” I couldn't agree more with his sentiments. This is what we strive to do each and every day. Thank you to all who help us educate the "whole child".
I hope you get to have some fun during those extra hours on Monday with no school! If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, join Ms. Susana at her read aloud event at the Hudson Public Library on January 13th from 10:00-11:00am. Rumor has it a special caregiver, Fabianna Hummel, will be a guest reader! Last time, Ms. Brenda, one of our Grade 2 teachers surprised the students and joined them at the library. More information about this event also located under "Other Updates". Thank you to Ms. Susana for organizing this weekend activity.
Read Always,
Rachel Scanlon (She, Her, Hers)
Farley Principal
NEED TO KNOWS:
January 13th:
- Ms. Susana's "Travel with Books" Read Aloud at the Hudson Public Library from 10:00 to 11:00am. All elementary grade level students are welcome.
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
January 25th:
- Save the Date! Popcorn and Pajamas Virtual Read Aloud Night. More information to come next week on how to participate in this awesome event!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
GRADE 4 HALLWAY MONITORS LOVE THEIR JOBS!
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT
LOOK AT MRS. CHARBONNEAU'S SNOW ANGELS!
Mrs. Charbonneau's kindergarten class took advantage of the first real snow. She bundled everyone up and braved the cold. Look at how happy these kiddos are! Also, special thanks to WestRidge Condo Complex and my own parents, Barbara and Mark, for making sure all kids at Farley have proper winter gear this season!
FARLEY HOME and SCHOOL UPDATES
PLEASE JOIN OUR NEXT HOME AND SCHOOL MEETING!
Please join Farley's Home and School Association's next meeting on Wednesday, February 7th 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
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
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 DirectoryATTENDANCE LETTER RECAP
We are at the start of a NEW YEAR. It's time to change those attendance habits and make sure you child comes to school everyday and comes to school ON TIME.
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