News From The Nest: Issue #18

Hello Elm Street School Families and Friends!

What an exciting first full week of 2025 we have had! Today we wrapped up our Battle of the Books competition with some close battles and our finals coming down to a double tie breaker at the end. We want to congratulate all of the 19 teams that participated in this year's Battle of the Books (a record turnout for Elm Street School). Our five finalist teams were Nerds the Candy, Book Warriors, Battle Busters, the Readers, and Rebel Readers. In the end the Rebel Readers were crowned this year's champions at our final battle in the afternoon. We hope to see even more students participate next year!

In this edition of our weekly newsletter you will find information about:

• upcoming dates and celebrations for January
• counseling newsletter for January
• Essentialist Newsletter: STEM
• Cold Weather Gear Reminder
• Glow Run at Elm
• Elm Street School Spirit Days
• Winter Enrichment Classes Update
• Head Lice Family Workshop
• Student Support and Attendance December Newsletter
• Private Lessons Through WPS Music

It was very cold this week which resulted in having indoor recesses on many of the days. All elementary schools in Walpole stay inside for recess when the “feels like” temperature is less than 20 degrees. It was nice to see the kids playing games together, building structures, drawing, laughing and connecting. During indoor recess time some of our students enjoy playing games on the Chromebooks too. We are always mindful of "screen time" in school and this week while using the Chromebooks at recess, we observed students together in small groups, being very social while playing and collaborating on projects. We will continue to monitor Chromebook use at recess and occasionally unplug if/when we get another stretch of indoor recesses or when classes, grade levels, and/or individuals and groups are misusing this special screen time.

I hope you all stay warm over the weekend and we will see all our Eagles back at the Nest on Monday!

Jen

At the beginning of each month I will share a calendar of some upcoming Elm events as well as upcoming cultural celebrations and heritage months with hyperlinks to more information if you are interested in learning more. Below is information for the month of January.

If there are cultural celebrations that are important to you and your family that you would like to share with the adult Elm community, please email me so I can be sure to include them in upcoming newsletters. If you have any questions about anything you see on our calendar, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly.

1/1 New Year’s Day

1/2 School Reopens from Winter Break

1/6 Three Kings Day

1/9 6:45p School Committee Meeting

1/10 Battle of the Books Competition

1/14 3:15p Elm School Council Meeting

1/16 7:00p Elm PAC Meeting

1/17 Early Release Day- PD

1/20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (School Closed), Inauguration Day

1/21 6:00p Public Budget Hearing

1/22 Day 90 HALFWAY DAY

1/23 6:45p School Committee Meeting

1/27 International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Elm Glow Run, Report Cards released to families

1/29 Lunar New Year

1/31 8:30a K-5 Assembly (students and staff only), Favorite Sports/Hobbies Spirit Day

As the weather finally makes a turn please help your children remember to bring cold weather gear to school. Boots, snow pants, a hat, and gloves/mittens are needed if children want to play in the snow. If they do not bring this gear they will be able to enjoy recess outdoors on the blacktop. Since we go out in the colder temperatures (unless the weather is extreme) it is important that all students have at least a warm coat, hat, and gloves/mittens.

We are at 30% participation and our goal is 85%. Can you help us reach our goal?

You can now sign up for our Elm Street Glow Run on 1/27! This event will be held during school hours. Sign your students up at MyBooster.com to get them going. Then, share near and far and gather donations from friends and family all over! Can we get sponsors from all 50 states?

Our goal is to raise $30,000 for cultural arts programs and school improvements.

Online Signup - OPEN NOW!

Fundraiser Kickoff in school - January 15

Glow Run Event - January 27

Signing up is easy and free! We are grateful for your support. Follow our social media pages and check your email for updates on this fundraiser.

Our Grade 5 Student Council has been hard at work planning and organizing special things to help continue to make our Nest a joyful place for all students including our Elm Street School Spirit Days. You can find our full spirit day schedule for the rest of the school year below:

• Every Wednesday- Walpole Wednesdays: we invite all students every Wednesday to show off their Walpole pride by wearing blue and orange, Walpole gear, Elm gear, Walpole sports jerseys, or other clothing that represents Walpole.
• Assembly Days- Theme Days: on Elm Street School student and staff assembly days (1x/month) we invite all students to take part in that month's theme day. (All dates are Fridays)
• January 31st: Favorite Sports and Hobbies Day
• February 28th: Color Competition Day
• March 21st: Decades Day
• April: No Assembly this month
• May 23rd: Mismatch Day
• June (exact date TBD): Teacher/Student Switch Day

More information about each spirit day and suggestions on what to wear to participate will be shared in upcoming Elm Street School family newsletters.

All Elm Street School Spirit Days are optional in terms of participation.

We still have spaces in a few of our winter enrichments. Sign up now before space runs out!

General Information:

Registration will open on Sunday, January 5th at 10:00am

Please write checks to Town of Walpole

Reminders:

1. When picking your child up from enrichment you will need to park in a parking spot and walk to the main entrance to meet your child. We will not be using the loops

2. Students should dress appropriately for activities and bring a snack.

3. Please email a note to jbreen@walpole.k12.ma.us to give permission for your child to stay after for enrichment class and the dates your child will be staying after school. This note will be shared with your child's teacher. If something comes up and your child is unable to attend one of the classes, please write a note that day to send your child home and not attend after school enrichment.

4. Please send in your payment right away! Payment is due by Friday, January 17th. Please write your child's name and the class on the memo line of the check.

5. If after school activities are canceled by the town due to weather, enrichment is canceled and a date will be added to the end of the cycle.

Important Information

When: Classes are once a week for six weeks from 3:05-4:05 (Unless otherwise noted) Please refer to the dates listed with the class description. Weeks may not be consecutive because of holidays or vacations.

Cost: Please see the description of each class regarding the cost. Checks should be made out to Town of Walpole and should have your child's name and enrichment class listed in the memo line. It is often helpful to send separate checks for each child in the event a class does not run and we need to refund your money. If financial help is needed please contact the principal, Mrs. Buller directly.

Class Description and Offerings:

TUESDAY CLASSES

Gym Games with Mr. I FULL

Grades 3-5 (max 20 students)

Price per student: $45

6 week class

Tuesdays – January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 25, March 4

Join Mr. I in the gym for some exciting fun gym games. Each week we will focus

on playing a new sport inside the gymnasium. Students of all levels and

abilities are welcome and each week we will focus on learning and playing a new sport!

We will choose from the following list of sports and may add or repeat depending on

interest levels: Hockey, Basketball, Soccer, Football, Baseball/Softball, Volleyball,

Tennis, Pickleball

Cupcake Decorating

Grades 1 – 5 (Min of 8 students or Max 20 each week)

Price per student: $18/week

Instructor: Silpa Pande – Melt in Your Mouth

This class will have 4 separate signups for each week

Wednesdays – January 22nd and February 5th

Tuesday – February 11th and March 4th

Elm Street School has partnered with Melt in Your Mouth to bring you Cupcake Decorating. In this program, the kids will learn to decorate winter themed cupcakes. It is perfect for getting your kids to unleash their imagination and creativity while encouraging team work. This program is set in a fun environment and encourages all skill levels. All items needed for this program are provided including 2 cupcakes, frosting, piping bags, tips and all the supplies for decoration. The kids love these cupcakes and they make excellent gifts!

This class will have 4 different sessions. You can sign up for one, two, three or all four….Whatever works for your schedule. Each session is $18

Kindness Club

Instructors: Mrs. Simpson and Mrs. Dore

Grades 3-5 (max 15 students)

Price per student: $45

6 week class

Tuesdays – January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 25, March 4

A group dedicated to promoting positive social interactions and community service by spreading

kindness through various activities and fostering a culture of empathy and compassion among students.

WEDNESDAY CLASSES

Team Hand Ball with Mr. I FULL

Grades 3 - 5 (max 20 students)

Price per student: $45

6 week class

Wednesdays – January 22, 29 February 5, 12, 26, March 5th

Join Mr. I in the gym for some Hand Ball. Handball is a thrilling team game that combines many different skills (throwing, catching, running, open space, offensive/defense).

Teams try to score on the other team's goal by throwing the ball into the opposing team's net. Handball is a mix of many different sports where students can be active and practice many different skills in a dynamic setting.

Yoga and Mindfulness

Grades 1 – 3 (max of 14 Students)

Instructor: Miss Stewart

Price per student: $45

6 week class

Wednesdays – January 22, 29 th , February 5, 12, 26, March 5 th

In this class we will use yoga as a means of decompressing and finding mindfulness after a day of working hard at school. We will start with stretching and then move through different poses. At the end of each class we will complete a mindfulness coloring reflection paper!

Hair Braiding with Miss Sarkis and Miss Torigian

Grades 3 - 5 (max 16 students)

Price per student: $70 (cost of mannequin head and supplies included)

6 week class

Wednesdays – January 22, 29 th , February 5, 12, 26, 29, March 5th

Join us for a fun and creative after-school program where students in grades 3-5 can learn the art of hair braiding! This hands-on enrichment class will teach participants various braiding techniques, including classic three-strand braids, French braids, fishtails, and more. Students will keep their mannequin heads. Students will practice braiding on provided styling mannequins and explore the history and cultural significance of braiding styles from around the world. The program emphasizes creativity, patience, and skill-building in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Don’t miss this chance to braid, bond, and have a blast—spots are limited, so sign up now! No prior experience necessary.

Cupcake Decorating

Grades 1 – 5 (Min of 8 students or Max 20 each week)

Price per student: $18/week

Instructor: Silpa Pande – Melt in Your Mouth

This class will have 4 separate signups for each week

Wednesdays – January 22 nd and February 5 th

Tuesday – February 11 th and March 4th

Elm Street School has partnered with Melt in Your Mouth to bring you Cupcake Decorating. In this program, the kids will learn to decorate winter themed cupcakes. It is perfect for getting your kids to unleash their imagination and creativity while encouraging team work. This program is set in a fun environment and encourages all skill levels. All items needed for this program are provided including 2 cupcakes, frosting, piping bags, tips and all the supplies for decoration. The kids love these cupcakes and they make excellent gifts!

This class will have 4 different sessions. You can sign up for one, two, three or all four….What ever works for your schedule. Each session is $18

THURSDAY CLASSES

Gym Games with Miss Sullivan and Miss Burke FULL

Grades K-2 (max 20 students)

Price per student: $45

6 week class

Thursdays – January 23, 30 February 6, 13, 27, March 6

Join Miss Sullivan and Miss Burke in the gym for some exciting fun gym games. Each week we will focus on playing a new sport inside the gymnasium. Students of all levels and abilities are welcome and each week we will focus on learning and playing a new sport!

Robotics FULL

Grades 2-5 (max of 12 kids)

Instructor: Scott Carpenter

Price per student: $50

6 week class

Thursdays – January 23, 30 th , February 6, 13, 27, March 6

The program is hosted by Walpole Robotics Academy and geared to all students ages 7-11 years old. Utilizing Lego WeDo 2.0 and LEGO Spike Prime students will receive a different mini- challenge each week based on the LEGO Education programs. Students will work in teams of 2 to design, build and program their robots, completing a variety of challenges and tasks that require creativity, innovation, and technical know-how. So get ready to embark on an exciting journey of discovery and learning as you explore the world of LEGO robotics!

Bead Creations

Grades 3-5 (max of 14 kids)

Instructor: Miss Perron

Price per student: $55 (includes materials)

6 week class

Thursdays – January 23, 30 th , February 6, 13, 27, March 6

Come join Miss Perron to create beaded items, like keychains, bead pets, ornaments, friendship pins, and bracelets! We’ll create using pony, seed, perler, heishi beads and more!

Enrollment Information:

After reviewing the class descriptions please click below to sign-up. Space is limited for each class.

SIGN UP HERE

We are talking Head Lice!

Join us for a presentation on January 14th at 6pm with Camille Merian, the owner of Close Nit Family in Norwell. This presentation will offer parents a thorough, science-based guide to understanding head lice. It will clear up common myths, provide effective prevention strategies, and recommends proven treatment methods. Emphasizing the importance of accurate information and regular head checks to become an advocate for your family.

About the presenter: Camille Merian is the founder of Close Nit Family, a professional lice removal service. Drawing from her own experience managing head lice in her family, Camille combines compassion, expertise, and non-toxic treatments to help families quickly return to their normal routines. With a team of professional moms, medical assistants and hair stylists, Camille is dedicated to reducing stress, educating families on lice prevention, and turning the "lice panic" into a manageable and empowering experience.

CloseNitFamily

Head Lice Treatment & Education Centers

Professionally Trained, Certified, Insured & BBB A+ Rated

100% Natural, ZERO chemicals.

Regain your personal time, relieve stress: Complete Peace of Mind!

Call/text: 781-741-LICE

148 Washington St. Rear Building

Norwell, MA 02061

www.CloseNitFamily.com

The Walpole Public Schools Music Department is pleased to announce the spring session for our Private Lesson Program for students in grades 4 - 12. If your child is interested in taking private instrument or voice lessons, here is your chance. Lessons are offered in flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, tuba, piano, percussion, violin, viola, cello, guitar and voice. All lessons are taught by accomplished performers on their respective instruments. Some lessons are currently being taught virtually.

Session 2 will run February 3 to June 13. Registration is open Friday, January 10th through Monday, January 27th.

For more information, visit:

https://sites.google.com/walpole.k12.ma.us/wpsmusic/private-lesson-program/overview

To register, visit:

https://forms.gle/YGBjnmVE1V57US2m9

For questions, email:

Tim Fleming (K-12 Music Coordinator) at tfleming@walpole.k12.ma.us

Email: jbuller@walpole.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.walpole.k12.ma.us/o/ess
Location: 415 Elm Street, Walpole, MA, USA
Phone: 508.660.7374

Instagram: ElmStSchool