Winter weather is arriving. We will try to have outdoor recess as much as possible since that supports the learning and health of all students. Please send your child to school with a winter coat, hat, and gloves/mittens each day so that he/she/ they can comfortably enjoy recess. In snowy, cold weather, students in kindergarten through third grade should also be wearing snow pants. On days when it is raining, snowy, or wet, boots must be worn by all students. Most of the Peirce playground area is not plowable, and boots are needed to access many areas. Additionally, changing into different shoes once inside helps keep our building clean, dry, and safe.
If your family needs assistance obtaining winter weather clothing, please contact Principal Andrea Vargas or Social Worker Michal Shapiro.
As the holiday season approaches, we are once again holding a Holiday Gift Card Drive to assist students and families in the Peirce community who are in need of support with purchasing food, winter clothing, and gifts.
If it is within your budget this year, we welcome donations of gift cards to the following stores:
● Starmarket
● Market Basket
● Target
● Amazon
It is most helpful if gift cards are purchased in $25 increments to help us share equitably among families. (For example, if you are able to give $100, please purchase 4 cards of $25 each.) Please place donated gift cards in an envelope in your child’s home/school folder or drop them off at the main office. If you are able to support our Holiday Gift Card Drive, please donate by Tuesday, December 5th (extended deadline) so that we can distribute the cards to appreciative Peirce families in time for the holiday season.
If your family is in need of holiday season support and you have not already been in contact with us, please reach out to Principal Andrea Vargas or Bridge Social Worker Michal Shapiro. We honor your privacy, and names of gift card recipients are not shared with others.
This past Thursday, Peirce enjoyed a school-wide Town Meeting focusing on our SEL themes of last month: Assertion and Advocacy. Students watched skits about growth mindset as prepared by our fifth graders. They also heard a song about growth mindset and practiced saying affirmations that can help to overcome challenges.
Job Title:
Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
Job Description:
I present the fifth grade curriculum to students in a way they they can grasp the concepts and grow in their skills. I plan and prepare and teach lessons and provide feedback to children and families on student progress.
First Year at Peirce:
This is my 26th year teaching in Newton and my 10th year at Peirce.
Favorite Animal:
I have to say dogs don't I? I grew up in the country on a farm. I am also exceptionally fond of cows.
Favorite Book:
I have too many favorite books to list just one. I am currently enjoying James Ponti's City Kids
series.
Favorite Travel Destination:
I love to return home to Vermont to spend time with family and to be on my "home turf."
Hobbies:
I enjoy doing genealogy research, gardening, reading, training and playing with my dog, chatting with my mom on the phone each day, writing fiction, and completing small DIY home projects.
What's something that makes you unique?
Merlyn [my brother] and I have a home library with over 12,000 items. During COVID, his whole school, my DLA class, and our neighborhood used it as their primary library.
Who inspires you?
My students inspire me daily. I am inspired by people being authentically kind and creative.
What is the best part of your job?
The very best part of my job is getting involved in an engaging learning opportunity with children where they get so invested in cooperating to solve a problem and so excited that forget they are "just in a class."
December 5- Author David Kelly visits third grade
December 6 & 7- PEDP Craft Fair, 1:30-4:30
December 7- Special Early Release- 12:10
December 12- Author/ Illustrator Marika McCoola visits fifth grade
December 14- 5th Grade visits F.A. Day for a production of "Mean Girls"
December 21- 4th Grade Field Trip to Lowell Mills
December 25-January 1- December Break
MCAS:
3rd Grade ELA- March 25 & 26
3rd Grade MATH- April 29 & 30
4th Grade ELA- March 28 & April 2
4th Grade MATH- May 2 & 3
5th Grade ELA- April 4 & 5
5th Grade MATH- May 6 & 7
5th Grade STE-- May 13 &14