Whittemore Elementary School

Dear Whittemore Community,

In April, we begin MCAS testing for students in grades 3-5. At the elementary level, MCAS is administered to all students in Massachusetts (grades 3-5) to measure progress and to help schools best support student success. Grades 3 and 4 are tested in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. Grade 5 is tested in ELA, Math, and Science (STE). At Whittemore, our message to students during MCAS is the exact same as it is every day. We focus on working hard and giving our 100% best effort.

While strong attendance always incredibly important, it critical that students are in school during this period to complete the MCAS assessment. Please review testing dates in the calendar below.

Please feel free to contact me at davidsweder@walthampublicschools.org if you have any questions or concerns.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Thank you,

Mr. Sweder

Each year, every public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your student's report card shows progress in different subjects, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school is progressing in different areas. While we are extremely proud of the work we are doing at Whittemore, we are committed to continued growth and improvement.

Here is Whittemore's report card:

Whittemore English

Whittemore Spanish

Whittemore Portuguese

Whittemore Haitian Creole

Nurse Ana would like to remind families that we are in the height of Flu Season and we are seeing a high volume of Strep Throat, Stomach Bug, and Flu. Please use the pictures below as a reference for when to keep a student home from school. Thank you!

March Calendar Raffle

Our March calendar raffle drawings have begun! If your ticket is chosen, we'll contact you to arrange prize transfer. You can view our daily drawings on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WhittemorePTO. You can still submit tickets during the month of March to be entered for the remaining prizes.

March PTO meeting

Our March PTO meeting will be held this Thursday, March 6 at 6:30 pm in the Whittemore library. Email whittemorePTObees@gmail.com for a link if you'd like to attend virtually. All are welcome!

5th Grade Committee Meeting

The initial 5th Grade Committee meeting is taking place this Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30 in the Whittemore library. 5th grade families are encouraged to join us to help plan graduation celebrations!

Please use this link to access our Whittemore Student Directory 2024 - 2025.

It's a great way to connect with families and to build relationships within our wonderful school community!

• March

• Saturday, March 8 - 6th Annual WPS Parenting Awareness Conference 8:00am-1:00pm @ Kennedy Middle School

  Wednesday, March 19 - Early Release Day for Staff Professional Development. 1:00pm Dismissal

  Wednesday, March 26 - Early Release Day for Parent Conferences. 1:00pm Dismissal

WPS 24-25 Elementary School Handbook

WPS 24-25 Manual de la Escuela Primaria

WPS 24-25 Manual de Escuela Elementar

WPS 24-25 Manyel Lekol Elemante

All Wednesdays are now Whittemore Wednesdays!

Wear your Whittemore gear, black and yellow, or bee themed clothing to show your school spirit every Wednesday!

After the first day, students may enter the building at 8:15am ONLY if they are eating breakfast. Students who are not eating breakfast may enter at 8:25am to go to their classrooms.

If a student participates in the before/after school program with the YMCA, they may enter the building between 7:30am-8:15am. Drop off and pick up for the YMCA program will be at the back of the school, door #13.

If a student does not participate as part of the YMCA program, they should not arrive prior to 8:15am.

Students are dismissed at 3:00pm. Prior to 3:00, students will be called for dismissal and will be organized into groups to make the process as efficient as possible.

Please review the Whittemore 2024-25 Bus Routes below.

Students are assigned a school bus based on their address. Students are only allowed to ride the bus to which they are assigned. There are no exceptions.

We will review expectations for bus behavior with all students at the beginning of the year. It is imperative that students follow all rules related to the school buses so that everyone can travel safely to and from school.

It is important to note that the time riding the school bus is an extension of the school day, and dangerous or inappropriate behavior on the bus may result in disciplinary consequences.

Reminders

Hovey Road dismissal is for students being picked up by car only. Any student being dismissed and walking home or to a car, should be picked up from their classroom teacher at the assigned location.

For pickup via car, please form a line up on Hovey Road before the crosswalk near the opening of the fence and remain in your vehicles. If you are leaving your car to pick up your student, they should be dismissed with their teachers for pick-up on foot NOT at Hovey Road.

It is important that family members do not park beyond the crosswalk or in the neighborhood for Hovey Rd. pickup. This area is marked by the RED Xs on the picture below. Safety is our top priority, and lining up in cars before the crosswalk reduces the number of students and adults crossing Hovey Rd and loading in cars during a very busy time.

Once students arrive by the trees, they will be dismissed. Please do not leave your car to retrieve your student. It may require a bit more patience; however, the line moves much more efficiently if everyone stays in their cars.

Additionally, we have received notification from city officials that many cars are being parked idling on Ash Street and Parmenter Road during dismissal. Please be aware of this and reduce the amount of time that cars are idling.

Thank you for your understanding and attention to this matter.

Breakfast and lunch is served daily in our cafeteria. ALL Whittemore students receive FREE breakfast and lunch.

Visit the Waltham Public Schools Nutrition Site for lunch menus and information about our nutrition program.

WPS Waltham School Nutrition

Please visit our Whittemore Elementary School website for information and updates.

Whittemore Website