Greetings MacArthur Families,
Happy Spring! Today was a wild one (Thanks to our Read Across America Friday)! This week’s up and down weather matched the fluctuation in learning energy this week. We continue to build stamina for learning each and every day, but March can bring some challenges to that learning energy as we emerge from winter. Thank you for continuing to encourage your student to discuss what they are working on in school with open ended prompts such as “tell me about what you are working on in math / literacy” or “tell me about Art/Drama/Music/PE/Library/Science…” Your interest in what they are learning, reading, or participating in at school goes a long way!
This Week: In addition to sustaining our learning energy, we know that March can bring a need to refocus on expected behaviors as we emerge from the winter. We have been seeing an uptick in the use of unkind words and actions in times of the day with a different structure, particularly at recess and on the bus. During our assembly on Tuesday, we shared this trend with the students and reminded them of our core values of kindness, respect, and leadership. We gave all students the expectation of a reset to ensure that we are treating others the way we want to be treated. We spoke about the power of our words to help make someone's day better and conversely making someone's day harder. We watched a video from Kid President where he encouraged students by reminding them, “Don’t say something until you can say it with love.” Thank you for your partnership in support of ensuring your child(ren) continue(s) to enjoy a positive experience each day and collaborate to make MacArthur the Best Place to Learn for all students.
Next Week: It's a busy one!
Wednesday, March 26th is an early release day. 1pm dismissal.
Thursday, March 27th, is Spring Picture Day. All students will have a class photo taken. If you would like individual pictures taken, you can click below for more information on how to order. Forms were sent home last week. Contact Mrs. Santana in the office with any questions about picture day. margaretsantana@walthampublicschools.org 781-314-5722.
Spring Picture Day Information SY 24-25.docx
Spring Picture Day Notice SY 24-25.pdf
Friday: March 28th is Character Dress Up Day! Our final Read Across America Themed Friday and a MacArthur Favorite! Families are reminded that students should not wear masks as a part of the costume and any props that look like weapons are prohibited.
Report Cards for Term 2 will also go home with students in Grades 2-5 in their back packs on 3/28.
Finally, Friday night is PTO Rafflemania from 6pm - 8pm! This year’s theme is Red Carpet! Click here for more information and learn how you can help. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C48AFAB2CA6F58-54544227-rafflemania#/ Visit the PTO website at macarthurpto.membershiptoolkit.com for more information.
Spring 2025 Events - Save the Date
As promised, thank you for Saving the Date for our upcoming school wide spring events.
Any grade level specific Field Trips or student showcases will be communicated directly by your child’s teacher and/or grade level team. Please reach out with any questions regarding the upcoming events to kevinkmiec@walthampublicschools.org
April 1st: MCAS begins… Schedule for Grades 3-5
May 30th: Spring Concert: 1:30pm (Instrumentalists in Grades 3-5 & 5th Grade Chorus)
June 4th: Kindergarten Visitation: 9:30 - 10:30
June 6th: Field Day (Rain Date - June 9th)
June 16th: Last Day of School (Tentative)
5th Grade Families: A full list of upcoming end of year events is being put together to share with you next week. Stay tuned!
Have a wonderful weekend!
In Partnership,
Mr. Kmiec and Mr. Howes
