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CH School News & More - 1.7.25

CH School News & More - 1.7.25

Claypit Hill News and More

January 7, 2025

Hello Caregivers,


January has arrived with a vengeance! Boy is it cold out on the circle as we’re welcoming our students to school. If the forecasters have it right, the temps are going to stay good and cold. Even though it is really cold, our students LOVE to get outside for recess. We know the fresh air, the opportunity to move their bodies, and having some time to socialize with friends in an unstructured setting promotes their learning so we head out unless it is dangerously cold. Please do everything you can to send your children to school dressed appropriately for the weather. The forecast for the future may bring us some snow if an upcoming storm doesn’t take the projected southern European track. As a reminder, it is a hard and fast rule at Claypit Hill that children must be in snow pants and boots to play in the snow. Asking your children to pack their own gear is one way you can inspire independence.


This morning, we will have our All School Assembly around our school value of working hard. Yesterday, the children enjoyed a read aloud of Touch the Sky. It is the delightful story of a child who struggles to learn a new skill; pumping in order to swing. The story is relatable for both children and adults. You might consider another watch at home as a family. Please ask your children tonight about our school assembly. We hope they have much to share.


We’d like to invite you to join us at the MLK Luncheon on January 20th. All are welcome to celebrate along with us. Our Boston resident students will perform for us and the food will be FABULOUS! This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to join together to celebrate our Wayland and METCO partnership dating back to 1968!


Finally, we’d love for a big turn out at Thursday’s 7:00 p.m. PTO meeting. Marie and Dr. Fleishman will be present. You can attend in person or remotely. We are looking forward to seeing you!


Tomorrow is a SUPER WEDNESDAY and as such, we will begin dismissal at 11:15 a.m.


Stay warm and thank you for your partnership!


Sincerely,

Marie, Kate, and Naomi

PTO Meeting

Please join us for our winter PTO meeting at 7pm on Thursday 1/9. Please come hear updates and share your input on upcoming PTO events. In addition, Principal Ms. Brigham will share a Claypit update and Superintendent Dr. Fleishman will share district work resulting from The Anxious Generation discussion and community opportunities around another book, Accountable.

The meeting will be at Claypit Hill with an option to dial-in via Zoom.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89225790512?pwd=MFlYMklMeHNhdFRqNFRBLzdHS2pMUT09

Representing ALL at Claypit

If you've ever visited Claypit's cafeteria you've likely noticed the beautiful display of flags hanging from our ceiling. Seeing the United States of America's flag flying in the center gives us all pride. In addition, many of our students love pointing out their flags. The adults like seeing their flags too. We want to make certain that all of our children and adults are represented by the flags hanging at Claypit. Please consider sharing the flag(s) that you feel represent your family so that we can make sure it/they hang(s) at Claypit.


We'd also like to understand the holidays observed/celebrated by our Claypit families. Please consider sharing.

Kindergarten Information Meeting TONIGHT!

Please join us for an information meeting for the caregivers of PROSPECTIVE Kindergarten students. We'll meet TONIGHT over Zoom. Please attend if you have a rising Kindergarten student.



Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Zoom, Meeting ID: 232 469 1198)

Kindergarten Registration 2025-2026

Save the Date!

We would like to invite all Wayland families with children who will be 5 years of age as of August 31, 2025 to a Kindergarten Information session (virtual) to learn more about the Kindergarten programs offered for the 2025-2026 school year. Information regarding our programs may also be found on the Kindergarten Information website.

You will learn about the opportunities and unique characteristics of our programs and Principals from each of the three Wayland elementary schools will be available to answer your questions. Also in attendance will be Wayland’s METCO Director and after school program (BASE) Director.

Important Dates:
Kindergarten Information Meeting:
Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 7:00 - 8:00 PM (Zoom, Meeting ID: 232 469 1198)

Spanish Immersion Information Meetings:
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 7:00 - 7:45 PM (Zoom, Meeting ID: 232 469 1198)
or
Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 10:45 - 11:30 AM (Zoom, Meeting ID: 232 469 1198)


Please note: This meeting is not required for Kindergarten enrollment, rather an opportunity to provide information to families with soon-to-be Kindergarteners! However, in order to participate in the Spanish Immersion lottery, a parent/caregiver MUST attend one of the two Spanish Immersion information sessions.

Cradles to Crayons Class Project

Have you ever thought of how lucky you are to just have warm winter jackets, hats, and gloves? Some kids do not even have those simple things to survive. These kids need your help!


Mrs. Dodakian’s fourth grade class is working on a project where they are donating winter gear to Cradles to Crayons for kids in need. You can donate new or gently used gear to the bins in the lobby.

  • Kindergartners can donate gloves
  • 1st graders can donate hats and scarves
  • 2nd graders can donate boots
  • 3rd graders can donate jackets
  • 4th graders can donate snow pants
  • 5th graders can donate all.
All families are welcome to contribute any items they can. The drive goes from December 17 through January 17. Thank you for supporting kids in need and our class project!

Winter Weather Gear Update

Wayland MLK Luncheon

Many educators from Claypit will be present. We'd love to see you there!

Save the date for our annual Science Fair and STEAM Discovery event. which includes:

  • Science Fair and STEAM Discovery Night from 5-7pm on Wed 2/5, where kids can share science fair projects (on any topic that inspires them) and enjoy interactive activity stations featuring experts on this year’s theme: Weather!

  • In-school STEAM lessons/activities in each classroom to dive deeper into this year’s weather theme


Ways to get involved:


Sign-up: Click here to learn more about the science fair and read project ideas/guidance, and sign-up to participate in the science fair


Share your time or expertise: Please reach out to the STEAM team at ClaypitSTEAM@gmail.com if you:

  • Are interested in volunteering at the science fair or helping our team to lead in-class STEAM activities for one grade (1st grade on 1/28, K on 1/31, 5th grade on 2/7 and 4th grade on 2/11. 2nd and 3rd grades will have an outside presenter.)

  • Have weather-related expertise that you can share with kids at the science fair, or if you have a connection who does


Watch for volunteer and pizza order sign-ups mid-month.


Thanks!

STEAM team (April, Elaine, Gigi, Heather and Janice)


MCAS Dates are Finalized

The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides districts with a testing window. We have scheduled our assessments late in the window to provide for as much time for teaching and learning as possible before the assessments. As a result, there is little time provided for make up tests. It is imperative that travel not be scheduled during the MCAS testing days. Please support our school by planning accordingly.


3rd Grade

ELA - March 25th and March 27th

Math - May 13th and May 15th


4th Grade

ELA - April 3rd and April 8th

Math - May 19th and May 21st


5th Grade

ELA - April 1st and April 4th

Math - May 14th and May 16th

STE - April 30th and May 2nd

My Brother's Table

Upcoming Dates for Your Calendar

  • Wednesday, Jan 8 - Super Wednesday, Dismissal at 11:30

  • Thursday, Jan. 9 - PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m.

  • Wednesday, Jan. 15 - Elementary (4th and 5th grades) CHORUS Concert, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Claypit Hill gymnasium

  • Monday, Jan 20 - Martin Luther King Jr Day - NO SCHOOL

  • Monday, Jan 27 - 4th Grade Field Trip, Ms. Fiske and Ms. Mello

  • Tuesday, Jan 28 - 4th Grade Field Trip, Ms. Wood, Ms. Dodakian and Ms. Tobin

  • Wednesday, Jan 29 - Lunar New Year - No SCHOOL

Carol Reynolds
Claypit Hill News and More