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OHS Weekly Wag 🐾

Woofin' it with Principal Wells Week #14, November 24, 2024

OHS Weekly Wag🐾Woofin' it with Principal Wells Week #14, November 24, 2024

This Week at OHS...

A Rainbow of Gratitude: A beautiful reminder of the bright community we share as we head into Thanksgiving week. Wishing all of our families a joyful and restful holiday!

Social Studies Across the Grades

5th & 6th Grades Investigating History

The curriculum focuses on inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to actively explore historical events and concepts through primary sources and evidence-based analysis. It aims to deepen students' understanding of the past and its relevance to the present. It is fully aligned with the Massachusetts History/Social Science Framework. In 5th Grade, students study early American History, and in 6th grade, they learn about human origins and the Paleolithic and Neolithic Eras.

In Mrs. Casi’s class, students learned about the Boston Massacre, or the King Street Incident as the British called it. They read a statement from the British government and wrote responses from the colonists’ perspective, agreeing or disagreeing. It seems like the loyalists were outnumbered in this activity!

In Mrs. Barrow’s class, students explored laws and events surrounding slavery in the early colonies. They also learned about the cultural contributions of African people, including how their languages blended with English to create Creole.

In Ms. Trudell’s class, students examined how the cooperation and effort of diverse groups helped the colonists win their independence. To ensure they had time for the inquiry piece, students worked collaboratively to read articles about the role of spies, allies, writers, and others.
Mr. Letendre’s class examined the effects of the domestication of animals and metallurgy on people, human communities, and the environment.
In Mrs. Jacobsen’s class, students explored why the emergence of cave art was a turning point in human history and examined the significance of humans developing the ability to use tools.
Mrs. Letourneau’s class learned about the various aspects of Paleolithic lifestyle, such as diet and leisure activities.

4th Grade Social Studies

Ms. Sunde’s class read an overview of the Eastern Woodlands Region of the United States and learned about the importance of trees as a natural resource. They also created a map of the region.
Ms. Valiere’s class read Balloons Over Broadway, which tells the story of Tony Sarg, a puppeteer who invented the giant helium balloons that are now a staple of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Mrs. Mare’s class also read the story, and both classes will now design and create their own helium balloons. We all look forward to a parade next week showcasing their creations.

Tuesday, November 26th:

-Chorus 7:45-8:40 a.m.

-Crafting 3:00-4:00

-Jazz Band 3:00-4:00

Wednesday, November 27th:

Early Release @ 12:20 pm, lunches served

Thursday, November 28th & Friday, November 29th

-No School Thanksgiving Break

Upcoming Dates

November 27- Early Release @ 12:20 pm, lunches served

November 28 and 29 - No School - Thanksgiving Recess

December 6- Term 1 Report Cards Issued

December 19- Winter Chorus Concert 1:45 pm and 5:00 pm

February 26- Project 351Workshop 9:45-12:15

April 3 and 4- Grade 6 ELA MCAS

April 8 and 9- Grade 5 ELA MCAS

April 10 and 11- Grade 4 ELA MCAS

March 19- Project 351Workshop 9:45-12:15

March 21- Term 2 Report Cards Issued

March 25- PreK-6 Art Show @ Center School

May 6 and 7- Grade 5 Math MCAS

May 8 and 9- Grade 6 Math MCAS

May 13 and 14- Grade 4 Math MCAS

May 15 and 16- Grade 5 Science MCAS

PTA Corner

Educational Field Trips: The PTA funded tickets for the 3rd grade to visit Plimoth Patuxet Museums! We hope they enjoyed this field trip.
Arts & Humanities in the Schools: The PTA provided funding for the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra to perform for the 2nd Grade. They heard 3 performances that integrated ecosystems and music!
These are fantastic opportunities that enrich learning beyond the classroom and the PTA is proud to be able to provide funding for these activities. Your continued support allows us to provide these and so much more!
Minted Fundraising: use the code FUNDRAISEMATTAPOISETT atMinted.com; saves you 20% while giving the PTA 15% back. A win-win for everyone!
Amazon Wishlist: The PTA has a wishlist on Amazon that helps them support hospitality events and fulfill teacher requests. You can check it out through the provided link (http://bit.ly/mattapoisettpta)

Giving Tuesday: With giving Tuesday around the corner, consider a donation to the Mattapoisett PTA. We are a registered non-profit, money raised goes back to the schools providing educational enrichment programs. Please feel free to share this link with family and friends. Visit our donation form at ($0 processing fees) https://www.zeffy.com/fundraising/giving-tuesday-64

Happy Thanksgiving - from the PTA

Looking for holiday gift ideas?

From Lifetouch Photography...

Dear Parents,

As a token of appreciation, Lifetouch is offering discounts on school photography!

  • 50% off a purchase of $50+ with code USNOV50

  • 40% off a purchase of $40+ with code USNOV40

  • 30% off a purchase of $30+ with code USNOV30

Valid through 12/1/24

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an online account. Don't forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card!

More about the Smilesafe program here.

Thank you!

Important School Contact Information

Phone: 508-758-6241

Main Office / Principal's Secretary: Mrs. Jennifer Janicki

School Nurse: Mrs. Amy Ripley

School Adjustment Counselor: Mrs. Bethanie Grant


In addition to this newsletter, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OHSmattapoisett


You can also download the ORR Connect App to get the latest updates.

See the Mobile App Info Sheet for details on the information within our app. If you have questions, please email weareor@oldrochester.org.

Search ORRconnect in the app store or use the following links from your mobile device.

From your Apple Mobile Device

From your Android Mobile Device


Finally, most communications to families will be emailed this year, as this is the most efficient and timely method. Please let us know if you would prefer to receive communication regarding your student via first-class mail.


Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.

Principal Wells

Think, Learn, Care

Email: stephaniewells@oldrochester.org

Website: https://ohs.oldrochester.org/

Location: 20 Shaw St.

Phone: 508-758-6241

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OHSmattapoisett

Stephanie Wells
Stephanie is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters