Dear Winthrop Families,

What a wonderful day we had today during Global Play Day! It was a joy to witness our students fully engaged in unstructured play, which is such a vital part of their development. Whether it was a game of knee hockey in the hallways, a group using vintage View-Masters, students sewing bed linens or building elaborate forts in their classrooms, the creativity and joy that filled our school today reminded me of the importance of free play in building problem-solving skills, fostering social development, and igniting imagination. A big thank you to all of our families for sending in items from home to support these activities.

As we celebrate these moments, I also want to let you know about a change of location for tonight’s Grade 5 Parent Night. The meeting to plan end-of-year activities will now be held in the cafeteria, rather than Room 17, for easier access. We look forward to seeing you there at 6:30 PM.

Additionally, tonight at 7:00 PM, the district will present its preliminary FY 26 budgets to the School Committee in the IMS/IHS Ensemble Room. This marks the beginning of a multi-month process, where presentations will be made to the School Committee, then to the Finance Committee, and will ultimately be voted on at Town Meeting. We encourage you to stay informed and engaged as we work to support the continued growth and success of our schools..

Finally, please keep an eye on the storm brewing tomorrow. It’s expected to hit midday, potentially making travel to and from school tricky. Please be sure to stay safe and plan accordingly.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making Winthrop a special place for our students.

Warmly,
Amy Sullivan, Principal

Please join Winthrop School in participating in our Winter Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day next Wednesday, February 12, 2025.

Choose from four locations around town to meet up at 8:00 a.m. and walk with a neighborhood group to school to promote healthy habits and safe travel to school:

• Town Wharf - with Mrs. Amisson (Assistant Principal)
• Southern Heights with Ms. Sullivan (Principal)
• DJ's Variety, Washington Street with Ms. Cili (Math Paraeducator)
• First Church, Town Hill with Mrs. Quinn (Speech and Language Assistant)

A Winthrop staff member will be at each location to lead the group safely to school!

We hope you can join us!

Thursday, February 6th: Grade 5 Workout @ 8 AM in the gym

Thursday, February 6th: Kindness Committee @ 8 AM

Thursday, February 6th: Early Release, PK @ 1:30, K-5 @ 1:50, Free Mobile Mart at dismissal

Thursday, February 6th: Grade 4 SLC Meeting, 2:00-2:30 PM

Tuesday, February 11th: Grade 3 Concert @ 7 PM in the Winthrop Cafeteria

Wednesday, February 12th: Winter Walk, Bike, and Roll to School @ 8 AM

Wednesday, February 12th: FRIES-Sponsored In-School Program- High Street Studios Dance w/Kindergarten

Wednesday, February 12th: FRIES Meeting, 6:30 PM in the Winthrop Cafeteria

Thursday, February 13th: Grade 5 Workout, 8 AM in the gym

Thursday, February 13th: Early Release, PK @ 1:30, K-5 @ 1:50, Free Mobile Mart at Dismissal

Thursday, February 13th: No Place For Hate Group meets from 2:00-2:45 PM

Friday, February 14th: Valentines Day

Friday, February 14th: Harvest of the Month at Lunches- "Candy" Roasted Squash

Monday, February 17th-Friday, February 21st: No School, February Vacation

Wednesday, February 26th: FRIES-Sponsored In-School Program- High Street Studios Dance w/Gr. 1

Wednesday, February 26th: Grade 5 Only- ChoralFest @ 7 - 8:30 PM in the Dolan Performing Arts Center

Thursday, February 27th: Grade 5 Workout @ 8 AM in the gym

Thursday, February 27th: Kindness Committee @ 8 AM

Thursday, February 27th: Early Release, PK @ 1:30, K-5 @ 1:50, Free Mobile Mart at Dismissal

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

• Tuesday, February 11th- Grade 3 Concert, "Stone Soup!" at 7:00 p.m. in the Winthrop Cafeteria

• Wednesday, February 26th -Grades 5-12- CHORALFEST at 7 pm CHORALFEST at Dolan Performing Arts Center

Kindergarten registration is now open! Registration for kindergarten is a two (2) step process. Please find details on each step, along with important dates, on the district website here: https://www.ipsk12.net/Page/1113

We look forward to partnering with you to make this a smooth and positive experience for your family. Please reach out to mmcfayden@ipsk12.net with any questions.

There is something for everyone during February School Vacation Week at the Ipswich Public

Library.

It is easy to register. Go to: www.ipswichlibrary.org/events. Click on the event that you are

interested in and a form will appear. Please call the Children’s Room at 978-412-8713 if there is

inclement weather or check the website.

Tuesday, February 18

Live animal program Best for Kindergarten and up!

Curious Creatures is New England's original interactive and educational live animal program.

Their staff of experienced and professional exhibitors teach respect and appreciation for exotic

and unusual animals. The presentation is hands-on and interactive. They include interesting facts

and stories about their creatures in an educational and entertaining environment.

Recommended for children in Kindergarten and older school age children. Children under 8 must

be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Choose between 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Wednesday, February 19 10 a.m. to noon

Play is the Way Pop-Up Art Studio

Kerry Zagerella, Julie Doyle and Melissa Bilo will host a process art event designed for

Kindergarten to Grade 2. This will be messy. There will be glue, there will be paint and lots of

fun! Remember to wear clothes you can get messy in!

Space is limited and registration is requested.

Thursday morning February 20

Drop-In Craft

What can you do with a thumbprint? Join Mrs. Guvendiren to find out. The program will

include making fingerprint refrigerator magnets!

Stop by the library to make intricate and challenging crafts intended for school-age children

with. Each child under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver to actively assist

with the craft. This project will require some patience and assistance from an adult caregiver

may be helpful.

No registration is required.

Thursday afternoon February 20

Kid’s Trivia! 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Children in grades 3-7 are invited to join Betsy Johnson to test their knowledge of useless (but

fun!) facts. Teams of up to four individuals are encouraged. Registration is required.

Friday, February 21

See the movie The Wild Robot!

Screening of The Wild Robot in the Collins Room where there is a terrific movie and sound

system.

After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To

survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island's animals and cares for an orphaned

baby goose. Popular children's chapter book comes to the screen.

One hour 45 minutes long. Rated PG

No registration is required. One bottled water and popcorn per attendee provided.

Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Email: winthrop@ipsk12.net
Website: https://www.ipsk12.net/Domain/185
Location: 65 Central Street, Ipswich, MA, USA
Phone: 9783562976