The Loker School Scoop! 1-14-25

Dear Loker School Community,

I hope that you are well! As the parent of a fourth grader and two second graders, I often think about the topic of resiliency and whether my children will be able to successfully navigate challenging situations in a calm manner. Since they have been in elementary school, we have dropped off homework, water bottles, snacks, lunches and other items at school that they have forgotten. In early November, my son had forgotten his homework for at least the fourth time this year and he wanted us to bring his homework to school. While my wife and I were at work, one of my son's grandparents could have easily brought the homework to him. However, we made the decision not to bring his homework to him. Given that he had forgotten his homework on at least three previous occasions, we felt like he was not learning his lesson and wanted him to take more responsibility. All of this being said, I was nervous about what his reaction was going to be like that evening. At home that night, he expressed a lot of frustration that his homework was not brought to him. My wife and I explained to him he needs to be responsible for bringing his own belongings which includes homework, snack, water bottle, library books, lunch (he can get the school lunch if he forgets it as they have multiple lunch options) and instruments. While that early November day and evening was a difficult one for my son, it appears that he learned a very important lesson. Since early November, he was not forgotten a single item for school which has definitely set a new Jones family record! Last week, he proudly said that he had not forgotten his homework for 2 months and it was quite evident that this accomplishment has helped him build additional self-confidence. His strategy is to pack everything up the night before and lay everything out by the front door so he can grab it all when he exits our home to walk to school. This whole situation made me reflect deeply on my parenting style. I have found myself wanting to protect my children at all costs from any unhappiness or adversity. But, is some low-level adversity and frustration a path to long-term learning on resiliency and responsibility? In my reflection on this topic as a parent, I found the article linked below from the Richmond Hill Psychology Centre on this topic helpful so I thought that I would share it with you about building responsibility in children: Building Responsibility in Children Article I am curious what you think about this topic. The next time your child forgets their instrument at home, would you be okay with them doing note reading in class during their instrumental music lesson and not having their instrument? Would this low-level adversity help them remember to bring their instrument moving forward and build resiliency and responsibility skills? Likewise, what if your child keeps forgetting to bring their boots to play in the snow at recess? Will the low-level adversity of one day of playing on the pavement at recess foster long-term learning? I welcome your feedback on this topic and would certainly be open to discussing it further.

In addition, I am pleased to share our Team PRIDE performance on respecting property from last Thursday's School Meeting which can be found at the following link: 1/9/25 Team PRIDE Video. In addition, we had an upstander theme (standing up for what is right) at our meeting with our classroom shares which culminated with this week's read aloud which was actually a Kindness 101 video on resourcefulness and helping others with a fifth grade class raising money for an accessible playground. The video that your children watched in classroom this week can be found at the following link: 1/9/25: School Meeting Kindness 101.

Have a great week!

Best,

Brian

Show Date: Wednesday, February 12th

5:45pm-7:45pm

Talent Show Registrations:

Wednesday, January 15th

Featuring Live & Recorded Acts!

The tradition continues with our 11th annual Talent Show! The LokerTalent Show will continue to be a hybrid model show where students can either perform live on stage in the Loker gymnasium or send in a video that will be shown on the big screen in the Loker gymnasium. We plan to do live performances from approximately 5:45pm-6:45pm and then show the virtual performances from 6:45pm-7:45pm on February 12th. Performances can include, but are not limited to, singing, dancing, gymnastics, athletics, instrumental music, art work and comedy. Creative performances in non-traditional Talent Show areas such as cooking are more than welcome for virtual acts!

Registration Due:

Wednesday, January 15th

Please complete the following Google form to register your child if they would like to participate in the Talent Show.

2024-25 Loker Talent Show Registration

Auditions For Live Performances:

Tuesday, January 21st from 2:30pm-3:30pm

Monday, January 27th from 2:30pm-3:30pm

Loker School Theater

Please note that in order to participate in a live Talent Show performance, your child must attend one of the audition days. Please identify your audition day preference in the registration link. Students who are interested in auditioning must make sure that their act meets the criteria listed below.

For Virtual Performances- Recordings Due:

Wednesday, January 29th

There are no auditions for virtual performances as they will be reviewed when they are submitted. Between now and Wednesday, January 29th, please record a video of students demonstrating their talent and send it to Brian_Jones@waylandps.org. The videos can be sent as an attachment or through Google Drive, ideally in a .mp4 format.

Criteria for ALL Performances:

• All acts must be appropriate for grades K-5
• All acts must be 1 minute and 15 seconds or under
• No lip synching
• Appropriate costumes for school
• Appropriate music for children under age 11

Friday, February 7th

The Loker Art Gallery will again be featured at the Talent Show for students who want to share their artistic talent. Creations should be turned into the main office by Friday, February 7th for mounting.

In honor of National Hat Day, tomorrow will be "Wear Your Favorite Hat Day!" at Loker. Feel free to wear a hat that you have, or create something new to wear. Students may leave their hats on in the classroom as long as it does not distract others from learning.

Loker Cafeteria

The Loker PTO is excited to announce the return of Loker STEAM night THIS Thursday, January 16th in the Loker Cafeteria.

Today is the last day to sign up! Register here: Loker STEAM Night Sign-Up

Didn't have time to do a science fair project this year? No problem! Please still join us from 6:30-7:30pm on Thursday to see your fellow students' creations, as well as other STEAM presentations from our community. Come see a demo from Control Freaks- the Wayland High School Robotics team, a solar power presentation from Select Energy, a Loker Gardening presentation from our very own Senorita Mohr, and enjoy hands-on engineering and robotics activities from Loker parents. We look forward to seeing you there!

Calling all aspiring artists! This year's bookmark contest theme is "Find Your Path in the Library ." All interested students are encouraged to create a bookmark that reflects this theme. Entry forms can be found in the library or the main office. All entries are due to the library no later than Friday, January 17th. Looking forward to seeing all the wonderful designs. Any questions can be directed to Ms. Powell.

Many thanks to those families that attended the Kindergarten Information Meeting (zoom) on Tuesday, January 7th. A recording of that zoom meeting and a link to the presentation used may be found at the Kindergarten Information website.

Spanish Immersion Information Meetings:

Tuesday, January 14th

7:00 - 7:45 PM

(Zoom, Meeting ID: 232 469 1198)

Wednesday, January 15th

10:45 - 11:30 AM

(Zoom, Meeting ID: 232 469 1198)

Please note: In order to participate in the Spanish Immersion lottery, a parent/caregiver MUST attend one of the two Spanish Immersion information sessions.

Monday, January 20th

1:30pm-3:30pm

Yawkey Club of Roxbury

115 Warren Street

Roxbury, MA

Tickets: $30 Adults, $15 Children

Join our Wayland METCO Community Celebration Luncheon! This is an incredible opportunity for us to gather as a community to celebrate our AMAZING Wayland METCO Students.

Come and enjoy:

• Senior Reflections from Wayland METCO Class of 2025
• Performances from current METCO Students
• Artwork and statements from our Wayland METCO Students
• Performance by WHS Honors Jazz Combo
• Lunch catered by Murl’s Kitchen

Tuesday, January 14th

7:00pm

Please join us for the January PTO meeting on Tuesday, January14th at 7:00pm in person in the Loker Cafeteria or via Zoom. The PTO is a great way to get to know other Loker families and hear about all the events the PTO supports. Everyone is welcome to join - you do not need to be on a committee to attend! We look forward to seeing you!

Zoom: https://rbteach.zoom.us/j/82058433646?pwd=Ce7decmk5WSzi4Enbcm8fhXCG1tp7C.1

Meeting ID: 820 5843 3646
Passcode: Loker

We're thrilled to introduce our new Kindness Closet, dedicated to providing FREE clothing and essentials to our scholars in need. Join us in spreading kindness and compassion throughout our community!

To help us stock the shelves, we're accepting donations of new and gently used clothing, jackets, winter gear, and shoes. You can drop off your donations in the designated bin located at the front entrance from now until February.
But that's not all! We're also accepting requests for clothing and essentials from our scholars and their families. Please know that privacy and discretion are our top priority. If you or someone you know is in need, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Loker School Main Office at 508-358-8601 or cathleen_holmes@waylandps.org. They will be happy to assist you in a confidential and supportive manner. Please see the attached Kindness Closet Request Form.
Together, let's make a difference in the lives of our scholars!

WSCP is excited to announce the Spring 2025 Enrichment Programs, designed to inspire, engage, and support your children beyond the school day. This season, we’re offering a variety of creative, STEM-focused, and skill-building activities tailored for students in grades K-5.

You can explore the details below to find the perfect fit for your child. We look forward to another amazing semester of enrichment and growth together!

SPRING ENRICHMENT 2025 OFFERING

pickuppatrol.net

If your child is going to be absent, tardy or has a dismissal change please be sure to update PickUp Patrol accordingly. New this year: MIDDAY PLAN CHANGES. This new field has Late Arrivals, Leave & Return as well as Early Dismissal options. You can enter information any time - no need to wait until the day of absence, tardy or change. Download the website to your phone home page for added ease. If you still need help, contact the Loker office at (508) 358-8601 or PickUp Patrol at support@pickuppatrol.net. We are happy to help!

JANUARY

Tuesday, January 14th

• Register for STEAM Night
• Loker PTO Meeting 7:00pm- Loker Cafeteria & by Zoom

Wednesday, January 15th

• Talent Show Registration Closes
• Town-wide Elementary Chorus Concert @ Claypit Hill Gym, 6:30pm

• Loker 2nd Annual STEAM Night, 6:00 pm Loker Cafeteria

Monday, January 20th

• NO SCHOOL- Martín Luther King, Jr. Day

Thursday, January 23rd

• Loker School Meeting 8:20 am-8:45 am- Loker Gym

Tuesday, January 28th

• 5th Grade Field Trip to Boston Museum of Science

Wednesday, January 29th

• NO SCHOOL- Lunar New Year

FEBRUARY

Wednesday, February 12th

• Loker School Talent Show! 5:45pm-7:45pm Loker Gym

Friday, February 14th

• Winter Break begins at the end of the school day

• Classes Resume

Anyone who walks the halls of our buildings, volunteers in classrooms/library or chaperones on field trips, must have a valid Wayland Public School CORI check on file. To complete a CORI application, please present in person at any school office (or central office) with government issued photo identification. It only takes a few minutes. CORI reports need to be renewed every 3 years.