"Paw Prints"
Farley Elementary School's Weekly Family Update
Dear Farley Families,
This week, I would like to give an enormous shout-out to Farley’s counseling team-the unsung heroes who walk alongside our young people, guiding them through the rollercoaster ride of their academic and personal journeys. Thank you to Sarah Mielke, Taigo Goncalves, Madison Plante, Lauren Bohigian, Kerry Slwinski, Nicole Palaima, and Shauna Murphy. This year has presented quite a few “challenging firsts” for us and we have relied heavily on their expertise. No matter the situation, our counselors ensures that our students seen, heard, and empowered. They don’t just talk about inclusion and equity, they live it as they offer tailored supports and strategies for success. They equip our students with the tools to navigate the complexities of being a kid, build resilience, and chase their dreams with confidence. In many cases, our counseling also does the same with caregivers. So today, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for their countless conversations, creative interventions, popular lunch bunches, and everyday acts of kindness.
Students looked quite dapper in their plaid shirts and colorful bandanas today. There was also a sea of Cowboy hats in all classrooms. The winner of Country Week is "Wagon Wheel" by Darius Rucker! See some country-themed pictures below. Next week will be Classical Week! Start planning your outfits for next Friday and check the bracket to see which composers and their pieces will be matched up in the tournament.
Don't forget, T-minus 10 days until the Book Fair! Home and School needs caregivers to make this event a success. Please consider volunteering to help at the Book Fair. The story starts with you! If you would like to volunteer Sign up here! To help get your child get excited about the fair, you can watch book trailers with them. The interactive flyer will also give you a lively sneak peek of our upcoming fair. The book fair will also be open during all Caregiver Conference times. If you haven't signed up yet, just click the link: https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/C_A_Farley_Elementary_School.
This weekend, I am going on a tour of one of the historic Worcester mansions that is currently under renovation. My across the hall condo neighbors purchased the condemned mansion three years ago and it is almost ready to be occupied. For all of you that don't know this, I love real estate. I even got my real estate license right after college. While I don't do anything with my license, I do help my own staff who are first-time owners learn about the process of purchasing their own homes. It's one of my favorite ways I can offer extra support to my staff outside of school. I hope you get to do something fun this weekend too!
Read Always,
Rachel Scanlon (She, Her, Hers)
Farley Principal
NEED TO KNOWS
NEED TO KNOWS:
March 22nd:
- Music March Madness Classical Dress Up: Week 3: Classical - Ideas of What to Wear
March 25-28th:
- Scholastic Book Fair-More information located below.
March 27th:
- Half- day for students-Dismissal is at 11:45am-Caregiver Conferences (more information to follow next week)
March 28th:
- Music March Madness Jazz Dress Up: Week 4: Jazz - Ideas of What to Wear
- Half- day for students-Dismissal is at 11:45am-Caregiver Conferences (more information to follow next week)
March 29th:
- No School
April 5th:
- Music March Madness-Dress like the music you want to win or your favorite style
Mark Your Calendars Now: SPRING MCAS DATES
ELA
- Gr 3 April 2 and 3
- Gr 4 April 4 and 5
Math
- Gr 3 May 7 and 9
- Gr4 May 14 and 15
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT
MRS. GASEK'S STUDENTS LEARN TO CODE!
This year, Mrs. Gasek, out technology teacher, used Dash robots (see picture to the side) to teach all third graders how to code. During five different classes, students learned about algorithms, sequences, conditionals and loops in coding. Students worked collaboratively in small groups to complete puzzles and different challenges that put their coding skills to work. As a culminating activity, students worked together to create a program consisting of 48 lines of code to make their robots DANCE! Once the dance was created, the robots were synchronized to do the same dance. Students had a blast and were excited to see the final result. Click the link below to see an amazing video of the robots dancing.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bjlxYu-m2L0Ra8HgwzVMz_CYYPRM4FXI/view?usp=sharing
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB SPOTLIGHT
LOOKING FOR MORE SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES?
MARLBOROUGH JUNIOR WOMEN'S CLUB SPOTLIGHT
JUNIOR WOMEN'S CLUB TEACHER CONTEST
The Marlborough Junior Woman's Club, who is composed of members of both Hudson and Marlborough does community service work in both towns. During the spring, the club sponsors a contest where students can nominate a teacher for an award.
MJWC Writing Contest Rules:
- The contest is open to any student attending Hudson Public Schools, Advanced Math & Science Academy Charter School,, NEIA and Marlborough Public Schools.
- One entry from each district will be selected as the winner.
- Both the student submitting the essay and teacher who is the subject of the essay will receive a prize.
- Both the student and teacher will be invited to attend MJWC’s June Business meeting dinner on Tuesday, June 4th, to be recognized.
Requirements:
- Students will choose one of the these two prompts: "What makes your teacher so good at their job?" or "How does your teacher inspire you"
- Students in Grades K-2 will write one or two sentence essay and then draw a picture to answer their prompt.
- K-2 students are allowed the help of an adult to do the actual writing, but both the words and drawing must come from the student. Students in Grades 3-4 will write a 3-4 paragraph essay.
- Students in Grades 5-12 will write a 300-word essay or poem.
- All entries must include the entry form and be on 8.5” X 11” white paper. Entries will not be returned and will become the property of GFWC Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club who may reproduce them to promote this event.
Entry forms are linked below and must be mailed to: Education Committee - Writing Prompt GFWC Marlborough Junior Woman’s Club PO Box 934 Marlborough, MA 01752 and received by Wednesday, May 1st 2024.
BOOK FAIR SPOTLIGHT
THE BOOK FAIR IS ALMOST HERE!
SAVE THE DATE for March 25-28 and get ready to empower your reader with book choice. Home and School knows that giving all students a chance to choose and "purchase" their own books inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers.
Start exploring together: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/farleyelementaryschool1
Here’s some more additional information you need to know about the big event:
The fair will take place from March 25-28 during the school day and also during caregiver conferences.
You can choose to say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, you can set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases (don’t forget the tax!).
Of course, you are more than welcome to send your student in with cash.
Classroom teachers will be sharing with families the days when students will be going to the book fair. We set it up so that each class gets to go twice. One the first day, students can either preview or purchase. On the second day, they should plan to purchase.
ALL STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO PICK A BOOK TO TAKE HOME EVEN IF THEY DON'T HAVE MONEY.
Visit our Farley's Book Fair homepage by using the QR Code to the right or by clicking this link: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/farleyelementaryschool1
CAREGIVER CONFERENCES SPOTLIGHT
CONFERENCES ARE ALMOST HERE!
Caregiver/Teacher conferences will be held on from 12:30-3:00 on Wednesday, March 27th and Thursday March 28th.. Both days will be an early dismissal from school for students at 11:40 am. Evening conferences will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on the night of March 27th. If you would like a conference, you need to sign-up for a specific day and time using a third party website called PTC Fast. Walk-ins are not allowed. . PTC Fast will open for sign-ups on March 11th at 3:30pm. Families will have the option for either a virtual conference via Google Meet or an in-person meeting here at Farley. If you would prefer virtual, please indicate this when signing up for your conference--there will be a space for you to type in "virtual". Your child’s teacher will then send you the Google meeting link via email prior to and closer to the conference. If you choose to be in person for your child’s conference, please be sure to be on time.
If you have a fourth grader in Mrs. Leger or Ms. Gordon's classes or a student in our Dual Language Program, please be on the lookout for an email from those teachers with additional information about conferences. As a reminder, each meeting lasts from 10-15 minutes. School staff who support your child's learning may also attend the conference, too. Also, please do not worry if you see me sitting in on your conference. I like to attend as many conferences as possible so that I can know all the ways we can support our diverse community of learners.
Here is the link: https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/C_A_Farley_Elementary_School.
DIRECTORY SPOTLIGHT
THE FARLEY FAMILY DIRECTORY HAS BEEN UPDATED!
Home and School has finished doing their mid-year update to our Farley Family School Directory. The most recent directory is linked below. Please note that this directory is published for the private use of Farley Elementary School Families only. This directory is for the personal use of the authorized reader and cannot be shared (including on social media), duplicated, or used for commercial purpose. Thank you to caregiver Sarah Tracy for creating the directory!
FARLEY HOME and SCHOOL UPDATES
PLEASE JOIN OUR NEXT HOME & SCHOOL MEETING!
Below are the dates for the remainder of our Home and School Meetings this year. All are welcome to join! The meetings will start at 6:00pm. We will meet in the library. Free childcare will be provided! You can also attend virtually using this link: https://meet.google.com/kyj-jsgf-abr
April 3rd
May 1st
June 5th
OTHER UPDATES AND REMINDERS
RF WOOD FOUNDATION INFORMATION
The RF Wood Foundation’s mission is to foster positive youth development by providing all kids equal opportunity of youth and high school sports and physical activity. Their goal is to provide funding to local youth organizations and schools, to be used for families with financial need as well as local youth organizations and schools who need funding to provide adequate opportunities of physical activity.
In addition to providing funding, the RF Wood Foundation offers programs to guide our youth in becoming positive role models and influential leaders within our community. For more information on this wonderful foundation click the link: https://rfwood.org/programs/
EXCITING SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
Offer Chad wanted administrators to share information on the Middlesex Sheriff's Youth Public Safety Academy (YPSA) that is now enrolling children ages 8-12. Click on the fliers below for more information.
THE READING INTERVENTIONISTS ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!
Farley's Reading Team is looking for family and community members who would like to read with students during the school day. There are a variety of small group and individual support opportunities available at all grade levels and for differing lengths of time. Please contact Mrs. Zinner, one of our Reading Interventionists, at lzinner@hudson.k12.ma.us for more details if interested!
WANT TO PLAY SOCCER THIS SPRING?
My name is Shaun Chambers, I’m currently serving as the VP of Hudson Youth Soccer. Would you be willing to place this registration flyer in your next weekly newsletter to parents? While we do reach out via email and Facebook, getting the information out to all families in Hudson would be very helpful. I’ve included both a .png image and a PDF, if another format works best please let me know and I’ll generate in the desired format.
Website: www.hysa.org
While not noted in the flyer, we do offer assistance for families that can’t afford the full registration fee, if anyone reaches out please send them my way.
INTERESTED IN FLAG FOOTBALL OR CHEERLEADING?
Hudson Youth Football and Cheer is ready for you to register!
SPRING CHEER: Interested in Cheerleading, but not sure about the commitment? Are you a current or former cheerleader looking for something fun to do in the Spring? Join our Spring Cheer program. A very low key, minimum commitment program. No special equipment required. The goal is to have F-U-N!
FLAG FOOTBALL: Our flag football program is a non-contact passing league, geared towards teaching fundamentals. Participants do not need to have any prior football experience. Game days include short practices followed by a scrimmage style game. Shorts, cleats, and a mouthpiece is required.
Online registration: https://hudsonyouthfootball.sportngin.com/register/form/407667024
The cost is a total of $60 for the 6 week session. Sunday mornings for 1.5 hours, April 28 – June 9 (no games or practices on Memorial Day weekend). All events are held at Sauta Field in Hudson. Both programs open to boys and girls currently in grades K-8.
SPRING CHEER:
7U – For ages 4 to 7 (K – 2nd Grade)
12U – For Ages 8 to 14 (3rd – 8th Grade)
*Note – Once registrations close, Cheer will be broken up into three age groups. Grades k – 2, 3 – 5, and 6 – 8.
FLAG FOOTBALL: (Current Grade in Spring 2024)
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
3rd – 5th Grade
6th – 8th Grade
Games and Practices are held on the same day during the 1.5 hour session. Sessions usually begin at 8:30am Sunday, starting with the lowest grades first. Times will be confirmed once the teams are set. Please visit our website or follow us on our Facebook Page. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at: info@hudsonyouthfootball.com
WANT TO PLAY BASEBALL OR SOFTBALL?
Baseball registrations ages 4-16
(including T-ball for young softball players):
https://hybs.sportngin.com/register/form/957714472
Softball registrations ages 6-14*:
https://hybs.sportngin.com/register/form/790397597
*Softball includes players who turned 15 on or after September 1, 2023.
We KNOW you have questions! Click here "FOR PARENTS" for more information.
NEW PROGRAM TO HELP SUPPORT ALL STUDENTS!
Click the links below to find out more information about this new opportunity and free webinars that support students' and families' mental health!
WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME FROM SCHOOL
As we enter cold and flu season, Farley nurses wanted to remind families of when students should be kept at home when they are sick. Please read the list below.
When to keep your child home from school
- If a child is unable to fully participate fully in all school activities because of illness or injury, has a contagious condition, or has a rash with an unknown cause.
- Child must be fever-free (oral temperature of less than 100° F) for at least the last 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.
- Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours or unable to eat normally.
- A diagnosis of strep throat unless your child has received antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours.
ONLY PRESCHOOL FAMILIES CAN DROP OFF IN THE PLAYGROUND PARKING LOT
Over the past few months, numerous caregivers have been pulling into that playground parking lot and dropping off their kids so that they do not have to go into the actual car drop-off line. Because of this, it has become increasingly dangerous for our students who walk and their families who accompany them. Administration, teachers, our custodian, interpreters, Officer Chad, and fellow caregivers who walk their children to school have repeatedly been outside and asked families not to drop off there. I have also contacted specific families directly and still they continue to not follow protocol. Please remember, the ONLY families who get to use that lot for drop off and pickup are PRESCHOOL families. In order for everyone to be safe, please refrain from parking in that lot and dropping or picking up your children there. We thank you in advance your cooperation.
YEARBOOK PICTURES NEEDED
Grade 4 caregivers, Meghan Freitas and Lainie Dougherty, are heading up the 4th grade yearbook this year! In order to have the most colorful yearbook possible, they needs lots of pictures! They are hoping to get a jump start on collecting pictures from the teachers and caregivers. They have created an email where pictures can be sent. If you have any pictures, both past and present, that would be great for the yearbook, please email them to: farleyfox2024@gmail.com. Thank you Lainie and Meghan for donating your time to this!
PAW PRINT REWARD STICKERS!
Students get Paw Print Stickers for going above and beyond. When a staff member "catches" them doing something spectacular, they get two stickers-one to wear and one to put on their homeroom Fox poster. When their classroom Fox poster fills up with stickers, they get to have a classroom celebration. If you see a paw print on your child's clothing or backpack, please ask them why they got it.
"ALL THINGS TECHNOLOGY"
At the beginning of the year, Ellen Schuck, the Head of Technology for the district, sent out one of her Technology Newsletters. 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 has filled all of their paraprofessional positions but is still in need of substitutes. We are looking for both day-to-day subs and permanent building subs. Day-to-Day subbing offers employees a flexible schedule. Our Permanent Building Substitute works every day but in a variety of classrooms. The permanent building substitute job is a salaried, benefit eligible position. If you are interested or would like more information, please feel free to email Mrs. Scanlon @ rscanlon@hudson.k12.ma.us or Mrs. Duke @ amduke@hudson.k12.ma.us directly to set up an interview. You can also apply online using the link below:
https://www.hudson.k12.ma.us/departments/human_resources/employment_opportunities
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.
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