Dear Winthrop Families,
As we approach Veterans Day, we are excited to announce a new way to honor our community’s veterans through our Veterans’ Drive of Honor. This year, we’re moving the display outdoors, creating a meaningful tribute along the connector. Students are invited to submit a tribute honoring a veteran in their family, with submission forms available digitally (below). Hard copies will be sent home in folders tomorrow. These tributes will be attached to yard signs, which will line both sides of the connector, accompanied by patriotic decorations. We look forward to your participation in this special project and encourage families to help us recognize the service of our veterans.
Included in today's newsletter, our school adjustment counselor, "Mrs. G" has shared valuable information on supporting student health and wellness, covering topics like emotional regulation and bullying prevention. Be sure to review her message below for helpful strategies and reminders, including the importance of consistent school attendance and how you can help your child stay on track.
I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Leigh, who has shown remarkable flexibility by holding "art on a cart" while we work to return our kindergarteners to their classroom. Her adaptability has ensured that students continue to enjoy their creative experiences, even under temporary constraints. Check out the wonderful still-life drawings of harvest vegetables that Team Gherkin has been working on—they’ve captured the essence of the fall season beautifully!
Lastly, as our Fall ACE programs are now in full swing, please remember to update School Dismissal Manager with any ACE-related changes to your child’s dismissal plans. It’s important to keep this updated WEEKLY and include all the dates of dismissal changes for the duration of the program to ensure smooth dismissals. Your attention to this detail helps us keep everyone safe and organized.
Warmly,
Amy
Thursday, October 24th: Grade 5 Workout, 8 AM
Thursday, October 24th: Early Release:PK @ 1:30, K-5 @ 1:50; Open Door Mobile Mart @ Dismissal
Friday, October 25th: The Big Apple Crunch ~ In School Event
Friday, October 25th: Grades 4 and 5 Fiddler Assembly ~ FRIES-Sponsored In School Program
Tuesday, October 29th: Grade 3 Field Trip to Shalin Liu
Tuesday, October 29th: Winthrop School Council Meeting, 7 PM @ Winthrop Cafeteria
Thursday, October 31st: Grade 5 Workout, 8 AM
Thursday, October 31st: Early Release:PK @ 1:30, K-5 @ 1:50; Open Door Mobile Mart @ Dismissal
Monday, November 4th: Title I Parent Information Night, 6:00- 7:00 PM
Tuesday, November 5nd: School Picture Retake Day
Wednesday, November 6th: Pace Club, 3:00--4:00 PM
Thursday, November 7th: Grade 5 Workout, 8:00 AM
Thursday, November 7th: Early Release:PK @ 1:30, K-5 @ 1:50; Open Door Mobile Mart @ Dismissal
🚫 🏫 Monday, November 11th: No School, Veterans Day 🚫 🏫
Wednesday, November 13th: High Street Studios- Dance with Grade 1, FRIES-sponsored In-School Program
Wednesday, November 13th: FRIES Meeting, 6:30 PM @ Winthrop Cafeteria
Thursday, November 14th: Grade 5 Workout, 8:00 AM
Thursday, November 14th: Early Release:PK @ 1:30, K-5 @ 1:50; Open Door Mobile Mart @ Dismissal
Thursday, November 14th: Grade 5 SLC Meeting, 2:00-2:30 PM
Thursday, November 14th: No Place For Hate Meeting, 2:00-2:45 PM
Friday, November 15th: PACE Club, 3:00-4:00 PM
Wednesday, November 20th: No School for KINDERGARTEN ONLY, Parent Conferences 🚫 🏫
Wednesday, November 20th: High Street Studios- Dance with Grade 2, FRIES-sponsored In-School Program
Wednesday, November 20th: Pace Club, 3:00-4:00 PM
Thursday, November 21st: Grade 5 Workout, 8:00 AM
Thursday, November 21st: Early Release:PK @ 1:30, K-5 @ 1:50; Open Door Mobile Mart @ Dismissal
Tuesday, November 26th: Grade 4 Field Trip to Lowell Mills
Tuesday, November 26th: 1st Trimester Grades Close
Wednesday, November 27th: Half Day, Thanksgiving Break
🚫 🏫 Thursday, November 28th: No, School, Thanksgiving Holiday 🚫 🏫
🚫 🏫 Friday, November 29th: No School, Thanksgiving Break 🚫 🏫
Hi Winthrop Families,
As the new school adjustment counselor, I am excited to share updates about my role and how we are supporting student health and wellness. Over the past month, I’ve been working with K-3 classrooms, introducing the "A Little Spot Emotional Regulation" curriculum. This program helps students ages 5-8 identify and manage their emotions effectively. By working directly in classrooms, we’re laying a foundation for emotional self-awareness and regulation, which supports students during more focused small-group sessions and interventions. As the year progresses, I’ll also be implementing an upper elementary curriculum in Grades 4 and 5, ensuring all students receive the tools they need to navigate their emotions.
This approach ties in beautifully with our schoolwide theme for the 2024-2025 year, CARES (Cooperation, Assertiveness, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control). These principles guide our work in building a supportive environment where students feel empowered to express themselves and grow emotionally. At home, you can reinforce these skills by discussing emotions with your child, encouraging open communication, and modeling healthy ways to handle stress or frustration. Together, we can build a consistent message of emotional well-being both in and out of school.
Additionally, October marks National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to highlight the importance of educating children on the different forms of bullying and how they can advocate for themselves and others. It’s critical to help children understand the power of kindness, inclusion, and standing up for what's right. For resources on how to talk about bullying with your children, I recommend checking out:
- Stopbullying.gov
- PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center
- Tips For Talking About Bullying With Young Students
As we focus on students’ emotional and social well-being, it’s equally important to stress the value of good attendance. Missing school days or being tardy has a significant impact on learning. Studies show that poor attendance patterns established in elementary school often carry through high school. Your partnership in ensuring that your child attends school regularly and on time is crucial for their success. For more information on attendance, you can refer to DESE guidance: DESE Attendance Guidelines.
If your child needs to miss school for any reason, please inform the office or log the absence in the school dismissal manager system.
With admiration and respect,
Theresa Guillaume, school social worker
If you’d like to get involved in our next event/fundraiser let us know by emailing winthropschoolfries@gmail.com
It’s a great way to meet fellow Winthrop parents and make new friends!
Winthrop School
Email: winthrop@ipsk12.net
Website: https://www.ipsk12.net/Domain/185
Location: 65 Central Street, Ipswich, MA, USA
Phone: 9783562976