"Paw Prints"
Farley Elementary School's Weekly Family Update
THOUGHTS and THANKS
Dear Farley Families,
This week's enormous thanks goes to our incredible summer custodians (pictured below). As if manual labor isn't hard enough, Farley School does not have air conditioning. That means, these dedicated staff members worked on countless one hundred degree days. Together they assembled over 60 new classroom tables, waxed floors, dusted, patched walls, and cleaned up after Hudson Rec campers. They helped me hang up bulletin boards, painted more walls, and unpacked my car that was often full of supplies I bought over the summer over a dozen times. Not once did I hear them complain. They worked as a team and demonstrated for all of us what it means to be part of the Farley family. Thank you so much Joe, Paul, Chester, Jordan, and Liam!
Other thanks goes to Home and School's Playground Committee who met with me last night to discuss possible playground upgrades that will happen this year using the donations from Farley's Fun Run. The Farley Fun Run is the ONLY MAJOR fundraiser of the year. More detailed information about the Fun Run will follow over the next few weeks. Stay tuned! For now, heartfelt gratitude goes to caregivers Lauren Grover, Julie Collins, Erica Ankstitus, Christine Sevigny, and Grade K teacher Kristin Charbonneau for taking time out of their summer evening to get a jumpstart on our upcoming project.
In case you didn't yet have access to last week's Family Paw Prints, I have linked it here. As a reminder, once school starts, Family Paw Prints will continue to be sent every Friday and will be posted on Farley’s District-Level School website linked here. Make sure to read below for upcoming important dates! Also, click here to be directed to the Hudson Public School District Calendars. Print out a copy of the calendar and stick it on your refrigerator so you know when school is in session, when half-days are, the dates of Caregiver Conferences, and the dates of holiday/seasonal breaks.
This evening, I am off to our lake house in Connecticut for the weekend. Over Saturday and Sunday, I'll be prepping for our District's Leadership Team Conference by reviewing Hudson's Equity Audit and Hudson's Comprehensive Review Report. I will be reading both of these while laying in my hammock! I hope you all have a relaxing weekend too!
Read Always,
Rachel Scanlon (she, her, hers)
Principal
NEED TO KNOWS:
August 21st:
- In-person Coffee Hour with the Principals @ 7:45am in the cafeteria. Coffee will be provided.
- Grades K, 1, and 2-Home and School Summer Playground Meet-Up @ the Farley Playground from 6-7pm
August 22nd:
- Virtual Coffee Hour with the Principals @ 7:45am online. Join us from home or work using the following link: meet.google.com/bxi-nrrv-ntw
- Grades 3 and 4-Home and School Summer Playground Meet-Up @ the Farley Playground from 6-7pm.
August 24th:
- "End of Summer" Welcome Back Virtual Dance Party with Mrs. Scanlon and Mrs. Duke. Join us online from 6:00-6:45pm. To join the Google Meet type or copy and paste this link into your browser: meet.google.com/dub-faqv-oda
August 28th:
- Kindergarten Teacher Meet and Greets @ Farley from 3:15-5:00.
August 30th:
- First Day of School for Students-Drop off starts at 8:20am. School ends at 2:55pm.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
THE FARLEY FAMILY IS EXPANDING!
PLEASE WELCOME CHARTWELL'S NEW FOODSERVICE DIRECTOR!
This year, Chartwells-the Hudson Public School's Foodservice Company has hired Michelle DePaul as its new director. Ms. DePaul has worked in the food industry for 10+ years and this will be her 7th year with Chartwells. In addition, she is also a practicing Registered Dietitian and an Adjunct Nutrition Professor at The University of Massachusetts Lowell. She has an immense love of all things health, nutrition and wellness and can’t wait to bring her passion to our K-12 students, parents and staff. Below is her contact information if ever you have any questions or concerns.
Michelle DePaul MPH, RD, LDN
Director of Dining Services – Hudson Public Schools
Chartwells K-12
978-567-6120 x42147
WANT TO KNOW YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER?
Our Farley family is eagerly looking forward to welcoming our students back to school this fall. On August 15th, we plan to mail our placement letters to families in our Welcome Packets. These letters will let you know who your child/children will have as their homeroom teacher. We are very proud of our thoughtful, careful process in considering best placements for students. Considerations regarding learning styles, social emotional development and students’ needs were carefully balanced in support of all students. Our class lists are thoughtfully and carefully made with input from teachers and support staff given their thorough knowledge of their students. While we acknowledge that at times, there are surprises regarding a placement, we respectfully appreciate your support in encouraging your student in having a positive start to the new school year.
If by August 21st, you have not received your letter or Welcome Packet, please email our office administrator Heather Paquette at hapaquette@hudson.k12.ma.us
TEACHER SHIFTS
- Mrs. Jen Lewis is leaving the Grade 4 classroom and becoming Farley's Instructional Coach
- Ms. Susana Cabrita is heading upstairs to be the new 2nd Grade Portuguese Dual Language Teacher
- Mrs. Brenda Larocque is shifting from an EL teacher to our new 2nd Grade English Dual Language Teacher
- Mrs. Kim Gaffney is going back to Grade 1 as a classroom teacher
- Mrs. Cassia Freitas is heading back to her roots as a Grade 3 classroom teacher
- Ms. Nancy Hubert is joining Wendy Smith's K class as the K paraeducator
HUDSON IS HIRING!
Farley is looking for two new paraprofessionals for this year! Paraprofessionals work with special education students both inside and outside of the classroom. Para positons are full-time, salaried jobs that come with benefits. If you are interested in becoming a para please email Mrs. Scanlon @ rscanlon@hudson.k12.ma.us or Mrs. Duke @ amduke@hudson.k12.ma.us directly to set up an interview.
https://www.hudson.k12.ma.us/departments/human_resources/employment_opportunities
NURSE'S SPOTLIGHT
A Note from the School Nurse:
Mrs. Hill, Farley's school nurse wanted to share a few reminders:
- Any new students and all incoming grade 4 students need to provide the nurses with a physical.
- Any medication, both prescribed and over-the counter, must be brought to the nurse by the legal caregiver with a medical doctor's order.
- For your child's comfort, feel free to provide a complete change of clothes to be left in student lockers in case of spills, accidents, etc.
- Please make sure to email or call Mrs. Hill if there are ever any medical changes that occur throughout the year.
- Vision, Hearing, and Height/Weight (Grades 1 and 4) will take place in September. Email Mrs. Hill if you do not want your child to participate in the screening.
- Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast (at home or at school) and gets lots of sleep!
Nurse's Contact Information:
- Tina Hill, tmhill@hudson.k12.ma.us
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
STUDENT SUPPLY LISTS
Please click the link below for the specific lists. Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1heXt0pjusR7gfUQu8zjhYFT4d_OcEmpkHY5a3LGhv1E/edit?usp=sharing
HELP WITH BACK TO SCHOOL SCARIES
If your child starts to struggle a bit with coming back to school, try using some of these books to help. I have found an online library full of picture books related to the beginning school. Click the link below to be directed to the library document Then click each book. This will bring you to a YouTube video of each book read out loud! I hope you enjoy the selections.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1D1nUfAz_M4N-OWxDcFDE0XFdluJv8Kvv5xI61oZCjTk/edit?usp=sharing
FARLEY HOME and SCHOOL ASSOCIATION UPDATES
ALL CAREGIVERS ARE WELCOME!
Pleas join Farley's Home and School Association's first meeting on Wednesday, September 6th at 6:00pm. Meet in the lobby and we will head down to a classroom. Free childcare is provided! You can also attend virtually using this link: meet.google.com/kyj-jsgf-abr
What is the "Home and School Association?
The Home and School Association is an organization made up of students’ caregivers for the purpose of supporting the education of children at Farley Elementary by fostering relationships among the school, families, and teachers. The Home and School Association provides a vital and much-appreciated service to school leadership and the entire school community. The activities sponsored by the Home and School are designed to build community and enhance learning.
As a caregiver of a Farley student, you automatically become a member of Home and School and are welcome to attend our monthly meetings (either in person or virtually) as well as take an active role as a volunteer in our school.
Here are some of the amazing ways the Home and School Association (HASA for short) has supported our school in the past:
· The HASA has hosted numerous events and provided volunteers when needed. Here are are just a few examples of the events: the Scholastic Book Fair, the Farley Fun Day, the Valentine's Dance, Farley Gives Back Bingo Night, the Ice Cream Social, and so many more.
· The HASA has provided funds for field trips and sponsored cultural assemblies
· The HASA puts on the Farley Fun Run-our only fundraiser of the year which has provided funds to upgrade our library and create an outdoor classroom in our courtyard. This year, some of the funds will go to enhancing our playground!
HOME AND SCHOOL SPONSORED PLAYGROUND "MEET-UPS"
Just like last summer, Home and School is hosting "Grade-Level Meet and Greets" in August. Mark your calendars with the dates below! These are for students and families. Farley teachers will not be in attendance.
Monday, 08/21 @ 6:00 pm – K, 1st & 2nd grades
Tuesday, 08/22 @ 6:00 pm – 3rd & 4th grades
OTHER UPDATES AND REMINDERS
DON'T MISS THE LAST "READ & ROLL" OF THE SUMMER!
FARLEY BUILDING SUMMER IMPROVEMENTS
- Repair the stone wall up the hill near the Farley staff room
- Painting of upstairs classroom hallways
- Installation of new washer/dryer
FARLEY AWARDED $3,000 from McGovern Subaru!
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 this summer, don't forget to ask your child to explain their thinking and reasoning.
Last Year's Farley Family Directory
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