"Paw Prints"
Farley Elementary School's Weekly Family Update
THOUGHTS and THANKS
Dear Farley Families,
So much to be thankful for this week! First off, thank you to all the caregivers who joined our "Coffee with the Principal" this week. I loved meeting new faces and re-connecting with our veteran Farley families. Secondly, thank you to all families who braved the rain and the bugs and had a blast at our Home and School Playground Meetups on Monday and Tuesday night. The students made me tired just watching them run around and swing to the sky on the swing sets. Students were very excited to see who else will be in their classes!
In addition, thank you to those community members who boogied the night away at our "Virtual End of the Summer Dance Party". We were a small but mighty crew. Much gratitude to Grade 2 Dual Language Teacher Brenda Larocque and Claudia Bettencourt for being our Portuguese and Spanish interpreters.
Lastly, extra special thanks this week goes to caregiver, Tara Sagor, who is organizing "The Farley Fun Run"-our ONLY MAJOR FUNDRAISER of the year. For the past four years, Farley's Home and School has partnered with Boosterthon experts to hold an exciting, school-wide Fun Run. This Fun Run is a healthy alternative to traditional product sales that raises much-needed funds for our school. Family and friends anywhere in the world can support Farley by giving pledges to our student runners! In the past, the funds donated helped to create our amazing courtyard classroom space, upgraded our school library, and brought a dozen cultural programs to our school. Our school relies on this fundraiser to help provide exceptional opportunities that enhance student learning.
Typically held on Farley’s baseball field, the Boosterthon Fun Run event is a high-energy day, full of enthusiasm from students, staff, families, friends, and of course, Boosterthon team members. Each grade assembles on the field and has a blast running laps while our community cheers them on, waving homemade signs and snapping pictures. Upbeat music plays continuously through the speakers as Boosterthon team members join the students around the Boosterthon Speedway, dancing and running to themed laps. You may see students laughing in a conga line, whipping lassos around their heads, skipping to some country tunes, or racing a Boosterthon team member. The goal of this event is to provide an enjoyable experience that builds community and school culture, while including fitness in the students’ school day.
So, you may be wondering, “What exactly happens during the Boosterthon Fun Run Fundraiser?” Here’s a quick run-down of what you can expect as part of our fitness, leadership, and character-based fundraiser:
About two weeks before the Boosterthon Fun Run event begins, students will learn about this year’s character-based theme. This year’s theme is World Changer Workshop; it follows three kids who are faced with a huge challenge - Can they change the world? Students will learn the steps to making a difference: find a need, write a plan, rally a team, launch their plan and grit it out! Each day brings new learning and another day closer to the Boosterthon Fun Run event. Our fun, fitness event will encourage your children to let loose, be active and play with their classmates! All caregivers, staff, and community members are invited to join us by attending the event and cheering on students as they run an average of 30-35 laps around the “Boosterthon Speedway”. The Boosterthon Fun Run event is designed to celebrate every student learning valuable character and leadership principles while helping their school.
Home and School is excited to kick off our Farley Fun Run on 09/18/2022. Our goal is to raise $30,000 for playground upgrades and to support student centered events (like last year’s incredible cultural programs) throughout the school year-all of which strengthen our school community. We need YOU to make it successful.
What can you do to help?
- You can start by registering your student (register on MYBOOSTER.COM) starting on 9/4/23 and by sharing this information with friends and family.
- Mark your calendar: Farley Fun Run kicks off on 9/18/202 and the actual Fun Run Event takes place on 9/27/2023-All caregivers are welcome to come and watch the fun!
- Email Tara Sagor at tara.sagor@gmail.com if you are interested in helping to support this event in any way or if you have any specific questions!
This weekend, I will be headed to Rhode Island to help my parents celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary! My mom is a retired public school teacher and my dad worked for 42 years at Hasbro Children's Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist. Their love of and dedication to all children is something they have passed on to me. I can't wait to see all the students on Wednesday! Just a reminder that Pre K and Kindergarten students have "Teacher Meet and Greets" on Monday from 3:15pm-5:00pm. I hope to see you there. Stay dry this weekend!
Read Always,
Rachel Scanlon (she, her, hers)
Principal
NEED TO KNOWS:
August 28th:
- Pre K and Kindergarten Teacher Meet and Greets @ Farley from 3:15-5:00pm.
August 30th:
- First Day of School for Students-Drop off starts at 8:20am. School ends at 2:55pm.
September 1st:
- No School for Students and Staff
September 4th:
- No School for Students and Staff
- Fun Run Registration is OPEN
September 18th:
- Fun Run Kick-Off
September 27th:
- Fun Run will take place. Caregivers are welcome to come and watch-more information on class times to follow in the coming weeks.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
THE FARLEY FAMILY IS EXPANDING!
PLEASE WELCOME MS. JAENICKE- ONE OF TWO NEW ESL TEACHERS!
Leah Jaenicke recently joined the Farley community as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. With roots in Kentucky, Ms. Jaenicke moved to Massachusetts over eleven years ago and completed her Master’s in Elementary Education and ESL at Lesley University. Prior to joining the Hudson team, she worked as an elementary school teacher in Somerville. Ms. Jaenicke loves languages! She speaks Spanish and has begun learning Portuguese. When Ms. Jaenicke is not at school, you can find her spending time with her family, testing new recipes in the kitchen, or snuggled up with a good book. Ms. Jaenicke is thrilled to be a member of the Hudson community and is looking forward to a spectacular year!
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS SPOTLIGHT
SIGNAGE:
Sadly, on Sunday evening, the Farley outdoor sign (located near the playground) was vandalized. The lock is officially broken and therefore we cannot use one of the sides of the sign at this time. I spoke to Buildings and Grounds and unfortunately, these signs are very expensive to replace. So I ventured to Lowe's early this morning and I think I have found a solution! Hopefully, it will be fixed in the next month.
STONE WALL:
The stone wall near the cafeteria is almost complete! The concrete company came out last week and soon the wood stabilizers will be taken down.
CAFETERIA WINDOW:
This week, a delivery person accidently backed into a window in the cafeteria which caused it to break. As we know, accidents sometimes happen. No one was hurt during the event. Currently, the window space is boarded up and safety measures have been taken to make it secure. The glass company has already come to take measurements and will hopefully have a new window for us next week!
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
WANT TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FAMILY DIRECTORY?
Now that the Welcome Packets have been mailed home, you should know who your child's teacher is and can now sign up to be part of Home and School's Farley Family Directory! A directory comes in handy when trying to connect with other families outside of school. If you would like your contact information included in the directory please use QR Code to fill out the Google Form online. This is the easiest way to get your information to Home and School.
There was also a hard copy form in your Welcome Packets mailed home. Just fill in the information and return the hardcopy to the main office. Remember, you will need your child's teacher's name so please wait to fill out the form until after you receive the placement letter. Special thanks to Lauren Grover and Fabiana Hummel for creating the forms and to Sarah Tracy for putting the directory together.
If you have any questions or need last year's information revised please email Sarah Tracy @ sarah.tracy97@gmail.com.
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!
OTHER UPDATES AND REMINDERS
"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 looking for one 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. Also please apply online using the link below.
https://www.hudson.k12.ma.us/departments/human_resources/employment_opportunities
NEW HUDSON RESIDENTS IN NEED
Last week, all Hudson residents were notified by the Director of Public and Community Health of some families in need in town. Click HERE to read an entire copy of the letter from the town. Many Farley caregivers have reached out to me this week to see how they can help. These families are so fortunate to have been placed in this town.
To aid these families in need, as of Monday, August 14, 2023, in-kind donations can be dropped off at the Hudson Fire Headquarters located at 296 Cox Street 7 days/week 8:00 AM –8:00 PM. Please see the list below for the most critically needed items. Monetary donations can be made in-person at the Hudson Health Department office at Town Hall, 78 Main Street, during normal business hours (Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM). Monetary donations can also be made electronically via the Town’s website: https://www.townofhudson.org/.
For in-kind donations, the following items are the most critically needed at this time: (Only new items can be accepted at this time.)
• Baby Wipes and Diapers-Most needed diaper sizes: Newborn, 1, 3, 4, 6 Pull-ups
• Personal Care Items: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes & toothpaste
(adult & child), lotion, Chapstick, shaving cream, razors, baby soap & lotion
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Laundry Detergent (pods only)
• Ziploc Bags
• NEW Adult & Child Clothing for ages infant – adult (undergarments, socks,
shoes, etc.)
• Over-the-Counter Medication for adults, children and infants (Tylenol, Motrin,
Advil, Pedialyte)
• Bottled Water
• Shelf-Stable Juice (ex. apple juice)
• Individually-Packed Snacks (ex. chips, Gold Fish, animal crackers, etc.)
• Microwaveable/Cup Mac & Cheese
• Activities for adults & children (ex. decks of cards, Uno, Mancala, chalk, Play-
Doh, books)
• Liquid Hand Soap & Hand Sanitizer
• Gift Cards: Market Basket, Walmart, Panera Bread, Qdoba
To learn more about how you can help, please contact the Hudson Health Department at
Health@townofhudson.org or (978) 562-2020 option 6.
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, 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