Winthrop Weekly
January 22, 2025
Dear Winthrop Families,
Staffing Update
As I mentioned in last week's newsletter, we are navigating some important staffing transitions here at Winthrop, and we want to express our deep gratitude for your continued support and understanding during this time. Over the next month, Rebecca Higgins will gradually transition into her new role as Early Childhood Coordinator, while Theresa Guillaume will begin transitioning into her new position as a therapeutic specialist at Ipswich Middle School. Many families have inquired about the hiring of a new school adjustment counselor, and we are excited to share that we plan to hire two new counselors to provide additional support. Additionally, Julia MacDougall, the Doyon school psychologist, will oversee student evaluations for both schools. As we move forward, we will continue to monitor this new staffing structure closely to ensure it is meeting our community’s needs and will make any necessary adjustments as needed. We are deeply grateful for your continued trust and support as we work to ensure the best possible care for your child.
Kindness Bingo and Tic-Tac-Toe- Check Your Child's Folder
As we approach Valentine’s Day, the Kindness Committee is excited to offer a fun winter activity for our students! They can complete acts of kindness and track their efforts by filling out bingo and tic-tac-toe sheets. Once students achieve three-in-a-row on the tic-tac-toe or five-in-a-row on the bingo sheet, they can turn in their completed sheet for a fun school supply reward. It’s a wonderful way to spread kindness and brighten everyone’s day! Be sure to check your child’s folder for more details.
Preschool Parking Reminder
We kindly ask all families to remember that the preschool parking spaces are designated for short-term, 5-minute parking only. These spaces are intended to help preschool families drop off and pick up their children quickly and efficiently. To ensure there is ample parking for everyone, we ask that these spots remain available for turnover throughout the day. Some preschool families have noted difficulty finding parking when spaces are occupied for longer periods, particularly when students are playing after school. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping these spaces open and accessible for all.
PE Reminder from Mr. Falconieri & Mr. Southam
A quick reminder from Mr. Falconieri and Mr. Southam: on PE days, please remember to have your child wear sneakers. While we love the cozy appeal of Uggs, boots, clogs, and Crocs, these shoes are not suitable for physical activity. Sneakers are the best choice to ensure your child can participate fully in all PE activities.
Looking Ahead to "Rats"
Lastly, I hope to see all our Grade 4 families at tomorrow night’s big show, Rats! It’s sure to be an exciting and memorable event, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you all.
Warm regards,
Amy
Thursday, January 23rd: Kindness Committee, 8 AM
Thursday, January 23rd: Grade 5 Workout, 8 AM in the Gym
Thursday, January 23rd: Early Dismissal, PK @ 1:30, K-5 @ 1:50, Free Mobile Mart at dismissal
Thursday, January 30th: Grade 4 Show, 7 PM in the Cafeteria
Thursday, January 30th: Grade 5 Workout, 8 AM in the Gym
Tuesday, February 4th: SLC Green Team, Grades 4 and 5 @ 8 AM in Room 9
Tuesday, February 4th: Winthrop School Council Meeting via Zoom @ 7PM
Wednesday, February 5th: Walk, Bike, and Roll to School, 8 AM- Meet up @ 4 locations in town
Wednesday, February 5th: Gr. 5 Parent Meeting - End-of-Year Activities @ 6:30-7:30 PM in Room 17
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: 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
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.
No Idling - It's the Law!
Did you know that MA state law limits idling to five minutes or less? Idling is when your vehicle's engine is on, but you are not actively driving. Let's all do our part to keep our air clean and reduce idling at Winthrop!
Here's how you can help:
- Drop-off: Turn off your engine when stopped/in park for more than 10 seconds.
- Pick-up: Don't arrive at dismissal super duper early!! Instead, arrive for pick-up at the Connector once students have been dismissed and are on the front lawn. Or, park your vehicle in a parking spot and turn off your engine if students have not been dismissed; walk to pick-up your child(ren) on the front lawn. Only cars actively driving through the connector should have their engines on.
To learn more, check out this 2 minute, multilingual video about the impact of idling. Also, see the attached pamphlet from the Ipswich Police Department.
Harvest of the Month
Cranberry Citrus Relish - Who knew?! Winthrop kids tried it and most of them liked it! Just blend frozen cranberries, apples, oranges, and honey and... voila - a delicious and healthy snack! Thank you to the Harvest of the Month parent volunteers and Green Team students for serving up this yummy treat for all to try!
Winthrop School
Email: winthrop@ipsk12.net
Website: https://www.ipsk12.net/Domain/185
Location: 65 Central Street, Ipswich, MA, USA
Phone: 9783562976