Growing By Leaps and Bounds
Martha Jones School - Westwood, MA
Matt Kuklentz, Principal
Martha Jones Motto:
Be Kind. Be Curious. Be Courageous.
Westwood Public Schools | Martha Jones School | Martha Jones PTO
Principal's Message
MJ Community,
Over the next couple of weeks the classroom teachers, special education teachers, specialists, school psychologist, and I will begin the process of determining class placement for September 2024. During the placement process, it is important for us to consider all relevant information. We review information about each child’s academic, social, and personal characteristics and use that information when making placement decisions. Our primary goal is to assign each child to a classroom in which they can develop academically and socially.
If you have information about your child’s learning needs that you would like to share, please send me your input via email (mkuklentz@westwood.k12.ma.us) by Monday, April 29, 2024. Although you may have had a discussion with your child’s teacher or Ms. MaryKate Stimpson during the spring conference about class placement, all requests must be sent to me. Parent letters received will be compiled into a document separate from final lists and distributed to the placement team members for consideration. Please note that letters and emails are not kept from previous years since children change and grow, and we make decisions based on current information.
If you are the parent of multiples (twins, triplets, etc), you may specify whether you want your children placed in the same class or different classes. Also, please know that if you have more than one child in your family, there is a chance that they will not have the same teachers as their siblings.
Westwood Public Schools does not allow parents to request their children’s teachers; therefore, requests for specific teachers will not be accepted or considered. The placement process is both thoughtful and thorough as teachers do their best to balance classes and social dynamics. As Principal, I approve the final placement decision. The staff and I appreciate your cooperation and support as we begin this process.
Finally, there is no requirement to submit a placement letter.
Please contact me if you have any questions about the process. Thank you for your continued support.
Matt
Martha Jones Principal
Conversations with Caregivers
Just a reminder that the Conversations with Caregivers on Supporting LGBTQ students and families is now scheduled for Tuesday, April 23rd from 6:30 to 8:00.
The School Engagement Committee will be hosting Conversations with Caregivers: Supporting LGBTQ Students and Families in Westwood at the Pine Hill School Library, from 6:30-8:00PM on April 23rd. We hope you will be able to join us.
Please see the following graphic for more information and the option to register with a virtual link.
MCAS Dates
May 7 and May 9 - Math (Gr. 3, 4, 5)
May 14 and May 16 - STE (Gr. 5 only)
Each year, I have parents ask what they can do to best prepare their children. I think it's important to not do anything different. I encourage parents to prioritize good sleep and good nutrition. If your children express worry about the MCAS; tell the students that they have been well prepared.
Finally, when students take the MCAS the following items are not allowed on their person: phones and smartwatches. Please have students keep them at home.
Eclipse
Thank you to the PTO for providing the eclipse viewing glasses. It was a great communal event.
News from the Health Office
Spring Allergies
Allergies are caused by the body’s reaction to substances called "allergens," which trigger the immune system to react to harmless substances as though they were attacking the body.
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal membranes and eyes caused by certain particles in our environment (like, pollen and molds, or dust mites and animal dander).
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis
Runny nose
Sneezing
Itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat
Headache and fatigue can be symptoms sometimes
How can you minimize exposure to seasonal allergy triggers?
Wash hands and face when coming inside come from playing outside so pollen is not rubbed in eyes and nose
Take a shower at night before bedtime to wash off any pollen
Do not bring items from outside into the bedroom
Keep windows in your home and car closed when possible
Check the forecast for pollen levels, and limit outdoor activities when pollen counts are higher
For more information regarding Spring Allergies please visit healthy children.org
Time for Tick Checks:
Everyone living in the New England area where ticks are common should perform nightly tick checks during the warm months. Rapid discovery and removal prevents ticks from transmitting diseases. Keep in mind that ticks are very small and love to be in warm dark places like the armpit, groin, around the ear and on the back of the neck.
Bike safety:
Wearing a helmet is one of the most important ways to stay safe on a bike!
Bike riding is a great way for families to get some outdoor exercise; however, it’s also a leading cause of injuries in children.
Please reach out to the Health Office with any questions!
Happy Spring!
JoEllen Doyle, RN, BSN School Nurse
News from the Front Office
Kindergarten Registration is now open for the 2024-2025 school year!
Do you have children or know a neighbor who has children who will be starting kindergarten in the fall? Kindergarten registration is now open online. Here is the link that reviews the online registration process. If you are not planning to send your child to Kindergarten in the Westwood Public Schools in September, please let us know as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly. Please feel free to contact Harley Pease at the district offices by email at hpease@westwood.k12.ma.us or by telephone at 781-326-7500, x1341, if you have any questions. We look forward to getting to know your family in the months ahead and to partnering with you in providing an outstanding education for your child.
News from Student Council
Student Council Update
Earth Day: In honor of Earth Day the student council has come up with an Earth Day Bingo game for students to complete over April vacation. Boards will be sent home on Friday, 4/12. Bring back any completed boards (4 in a row or the whole thing) for a prize.
Important Upcoming Events
Mon. Apr. 15 - Fri. Apr. 19 - April Recess - No School
Wed. Apr. 24 - Early Release at 12:00pm
Fri. Apr. 26 - Gr 3 Field Trip, Sasaki
Fri. Apr. 26 - MJ PTO Family Movie Night
Wed. May 1 - Walk to School Day
Wed. May 1 - Art Fair
Fri. May 3 - Talent For A Cause Performance
Tues. May 7 - Math MCAS (gr. 3, 4, 5)
Wed. May 8 - Walk to School Day (Rain date)
Wed. May 8 - Early Release at 12:00pm
Thurs. May 9 - Math MCAS (gr. 3, 4, 5)
Fri. May 10 - Shaw Pong Liu - Exploring China: "The Middle Kingdom" through Music and Story
Fri. May 10 - MJ PTO International Night
Tues. May 14 - STE MCAS (Gr. 5 only)
Tues. May 14 - 3K & 3Lu to Fisher School
Wed. May 15 - TMS visit to Gr. 5, 9:50
Wed. May 15 - Gr. 1 Enrichment - Rainforest Reptiles
Wed. May 15 - Gr. 4 Field Trip, Harvard
Thurs. May 16 - STE MCAS (Gr. 5 only)
Thurs. May 16 - Gr. 3 Body Safety Theater
Fri. May 17 - 3 Krumsiek Instrumental Recorder Share 2:35-3:10
Tues. May 21 - 3La to Fisher School
Wed. May 22 - Early Release at 12:00pm
Fri. May 24 - Gr. 5 visit TMS 10:15-12:15
Fri. May 24 - Gr. 1 Field Trip, Stone Zoo
Mon. May 27 - Memorial Day - No School
Tues. May 28 - Gr. 3 Enrichment, Colonial Trades, Making Community Work
Wed. May 29 - Gr. 2 Enrichment, CT. Childrens Museum, Animal Adaptations and Habitats
Wed. May 29 - Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night at TMS, 6pm.
Thurs. May 30 - Gr. 4 Enrichment, Discovery Museum, Sound Waves
Thurs. May 30 - Gr. 4 Band Presentation 10:00-10:45
Thurs. May 30 - 3 Luskin Instrumental Recorder Share 2:35-3:!0
Fri. May 31 - Class of 2024 Farewell Tour 12:05-12:25
Fri. May 31 - Field Day (Rain Date June 7)
Mon. June 3 - All School Enrichment, Author Visit, Daryl Cobb
Wed. June 5 - Early Release at 12:00pm
Wed. June 5 - 5th Grade Band Concert WHS (Begins 7:00 pm, 5:30 Student Arrival)
Thurs. June 6 - K Enrichment, Discovery Museum, Bubbles
Mon. June 10 - Gr. 5 Day to Hale Reservation (District Programming)
Tues. June 11 - KM EOY Parent Share 9-10
Thu. June 13 - Gr. 5 Move-up Ceremony (Tentative)
Fri. June 14 - Students' Last Day (Tentative - w/ one snow day)
News from the MJ Classroom's
News from 5B (Mr. Bartlett)
The last few weeks of 5th grade have been out of this world!
A few weeks ago we started a thematic unit about space travel and exploration which culminated with a field trip to the Christa McAulife Challenger Learning Center at Framingham State University. While there, we acted like college freshmen and visited a planetarium and took part in a simulated Mars mission. In the planetarium, we looked at the stars and planets in the night sky and were able to zoom in to see constellations and nebulae that would only otherwise be visible with a powerful telescope. Students also got to search for distant planets in the 'Goldilocks' zones of other stars in the search for possible life. During our simulated Mars mission, students all took on a different STEM role as part of the mission and worked together to land a manned mission from the Martian moon Phobos to Mars itself. A week later, Dr Mike from the Top Secret Science program came to visit both 5th grade classes at Martha Jones and worked with students to create a stargazer craft that maps the night sky at different times of the year. And of course, this last week was the solar eclipse where 5th grade students mapped the path of the moon as it covered the sun using the solar glasses given to each student.
Thank you to the Martha Jones PTO for helping to fund all three of these wonderful experiences
News from 4W (Mrs. Waldner)
Fourth grade is reviewing key vocabulary within our measurement and geometry unit. Students are playing a Heads-up or Scattergories-like activity where they describe the word to their partner and they have to guess the vocabulary word posted behind them. This develops their math vocabulary, word retrieval, and quick recall. It's a fun way to start the day within our morning meetings and review challenging vocabulary. Today the words were congruent, symmetry, centimeter, yard, hexagon, and pentagon. Feel free to play with a loved one at home!
News from Music (Mrs. Pickering)
The Martha Jones 4th grade musicians have been focusing on Instrument Exploration. The students are understanding that musical instruments can express the mood of a story, represent a character, or be used for sound effects.
Each class worked with a partner or small group to create percussion accompaniment for an assigned page of the book, Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp. The students instrumental accompaniment included a melodic ostinato (pattern of pitches that repeat) and a sound effect or two from the percussion family (strikers, shakers and/or scrapers).
Enjoy the videos:
Ms. Bass's class click here
Mrs. Waldner's class click here
News from Technology (Mr. Goguen)
Third graders work collaboratively to program a dual motor Lego robot. Mission objective: Create an algorithm that will turn the robot to avoid an object in its path.
PTO News
THANK YOU
Thank you to all who planned, participated, and attended the STEM Fair yesterday. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math topics!
CALL FOR NEW PTO BOARD MEMBERS!
We are looking for new PTO Board Members for next school year! Every year, there are co-positions for each role (president, treasurer, secretary, and social media). Board members fulfill a two-year term, so incoming members have the opportunity to shadow someone in the position before taking on the role as the lead. A PTO Board Position is a great way to meet more people in the Martha Jones community and to support our school! If you think you might be interested or have questions about these positions, please feel free to reach out to Katy DiMare or Kristen Donahue!
MJ PTO Upcoming Dates
- April 15th Last Day to Submit Square 1 Art Orders!
- April 26th Family Movie Night
- May 1st MJS Art Fair
- May 6th - 10th Teacher Appreciation Week
- May 10th International Night Celebration
SQUARE ONE ART
We have partnered again with Square 1 Art on a PTO fundraiser that showcases your child(ren)’s creative talents. Through Square 1, your child’s artwork can be printed on coffee mugs, tote bags, beach towels, note cards, and much more! These special keepsakes make wonderful gifts!
Don’t forget to get your Square 1 Art orders in by April 15th!
Family Movie Night
Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated return of Martha Jones movie night on April 26th from 5:30-8:30pm! Get ready for an evening filled with outdoor games, prizes, music, and a captivating movie screening inside the school gym. Kids will be treated to complimentary popcorn, snacks, and refreshing water. Don't forget to bring your family and siblings along for this unforgettable event!
MJS ART FAIR
The MJS Art Fair will be held on Wednesday, May 1st at 5:30 pm. Get ready for a night filled with incredible student artwork, activities, and prizes!
To make this event a success, we’re looking for parent volunteers to help run an activity in the art room and hand out prizes for a school-wide activity. Sign up to volunteer here!
International Night
Celebrating & showcasing cultures from various countries around the world!
Save the date! On Friday, May 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Martha Jones School is hosting its first-ever International Night Celebration, and you’re invited! Join us for a night of fun, food, and festivities as we celebrate the diverse cultures that make our school community so special. From exciting performances to delicious international cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready for a memorable evening of togetherness and global exploration! Sign-up here to host a table, share food, music, photos, or a performance!
BIRTHDAY BOOKS & LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS
PTO Birthday Book Program! Ms. Swimming has selected some fantastic books that students have requested, but the Martha Jones library does not currently have. During their birthday month, participating children are invited to the library to pick a brand new book from this collection. A bookplate commemorating your child’s birthday will be placed inside the front cover and they will be the very first student to borrow this book! Once they’ve finished reading it, the book will be returned to the library’s collection, where it can be enjoyed for years to come. The cost of this program is $15 per student.
Sign-up as a Library Volunteer! Mrs. Swinning needs one parent per class to help check-in, shelve, and check-out books. This is a great opportunity to get into the school, interact with your child’s class, and support the library program!
WEBSITE & DIRECTORY INFORMATION
Log in or register on the PTO website to stay updated on all PTO events, receive important PTO emails, and stay connected with Room Parent communications. You will also be able to update your information, contribute to our Annual Contribution Drive, purchase Birthday Books, and volunteer for various PTO committees or in the Library!
Many of our committees are still looking for volunteers. Volunteering for a committee is a great way to get involved, meet other parents, and support our school community! Sign-up today!
MARTHA JONES PTO FACEBOOK GROUP
Did you know Martha Jones PTO has its own Facebook group page?
Join the Facebook group to get the latest PTO news and updates delivered right
to your news feed! Click here to join!
Martha Jones PTO Board 2023-2024
Katy DiMare, Co-President
Kristen Donahue, Co-President
Kirsten Bulger, Co-Treasurer
Kristen Gautreau, Co-Treasurer
Mary Jason, Co-Secretary
Priscilla Stephen, Co-Secretary
Megan Mahan, Co-Social Media
Katie Collins, Co-Social Media
Martha Jones PTO Meeting Dates SY2023 - 2024
May 7, 2023, 7pm
PTO CONTACT FOR EVENTS, NOTICES:
If you have an event or notice for our PTO update, please email it to:
PTO Co-Secretary - Mary Jason, Priscilla Stephan
District & Community News You Can Use
District Programing
Conversations with Caregivers
The School Engagement Committee will be hosting Conversations with Caregivers: Supporting LGBTQ Students and Families in Westwood at the Pine Hill School Library, from 6:30-8:00PM on April 23rd.
Please see the below graphic for more information and the option to register with a virtual link.
SEPAC
Please see the Westwood Special Education Parents Action Committee (SEPAC) website with all upcoming events.
April 2024 Westwood SEPAC Events
We hope you’ll join us!
For the most up-to-date event details and to RSVP, visit: www.westwoodsepac.org/events
Saturday, 4/27: SEPAC Coffee Meetup, 7:00-9:00AM @ Muffin House Cafe
School Calendar
Links to Westwood Community Resources. The link will take you to the Interface Referral Service for Mental Health Supports. This service helps to facilitate access to outpatient services. Additionally, on the page there are links to Westwood Youth and Family Services, the Food Pantry, Council on Aging, Westwood Community Chest, and many more.
Westwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation.
If you need this document translated, please call the Westwood Public Schools’ Student Services Department at 781-326-7500 ext. 1346 or email your request to lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.us. Thank you.
如果您需要翻译本文档,请致电Westwood的公立学校的学生服务部在781 326-7500 ext. 1346 或电子邮件您的要求 lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.us 谢谢你。
اذا بحاجة الى هذه الوثيقة المترجمة ، يرجى الاتصال على إدارة المدارس العامة ويستوود 'الخدمات الطلابية في 781 326-7500 ext. 1346 أو على البريد الالكتروني الخاص بك lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.usلك. لطلب كنتشكرا
Если вам нужен этот документ переводится, пожалуйста, позвоните Вествудгосударственных школах "Студенческие службы Департамента по 781 326-7500 ext. 1346 или по электронной почте запрос на lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.us Спасибо.