THOUGHTS and THANK YOUS
Dear Farley Families,
This weeks thanks goes to all the caregivers who attended Farley's first Home and School Association meeting on Wednesday evening. We had a lot of new faces! This year's Home and School Association Board Members are: President-Jenna Bergeron, Vice President: Christine Sevigny, Secretary-Rachel Santiano, and Treasurer-Katie Crawford. At the meeting, we already began planning for the many cultural events we will have this year! If you couldn't make it this month, join us on October 2nd.
Other gratitude this week goes to McGovern Subaru in Acton who visited Farley this week to bring us a Subaru-full of school supplies. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for choosing Farley Elementary School as one of their $3,000 grant recipients again this year. As shared earlier, Subaru teams up with Adopt-A-Classroom.org to grant schools across the United States with funds to increase science and technology skills. Six Farley teachers will work together this year to use the funds to purchase more STEM activities for our outdoor courtyard classroom. We feel incredibly lucky to have been chosen. Thank you McGovern Subaru!
Here at Farley we recognize that in order to be successful in school, our children need support from both the home and school. We know a strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s education. As partners, we share the responsibility for our children’s success and want you to know that we will do our very best to make every school day a positive experience. Please accept this week’s Family Paw Prints as a personal invitation to Farley’s Open House/Back to School Night next week on September 12th from 6:30-8:00pm. Again this year, the district has decided that Open House is only for grades 1-4 because Kindergartners got to go to a Meet and Greet the first day of school. Families can arrive anytime between 6:30 and 8:00pm.
During our Open House, caregivers will:
- Meet their child’s teacher
- Experience their child’s classroom
- Get a chance to ask questions
- Give and get important contact and logistical information
- Learn how to help students at home
- Begin to form a true relationship with the school
Similar to last year, I have asked that the Reading/Math Interventionists, Specialists (Art, Technology, Physical Education, Library, and Music), EL teachers, Counselors, and Special Education teachers be located in the cafeteria for easy access. Make sure to stop by to introduce yourself and get acquainted with our support staff. Students are invited to join in the fun this year, too! There will also be a "Vision and Mission" activity as well as a "Brave Pose" station for caregivers! Feel free to make it a family affair!
Make sure to add "Register for the Farley Fun Run Fundraiser" to you weekend To-Do list. Just visit mybooster.com, search for our school and then enter your student's name and teacher (which you can choose from a drop down menu). Caregiver, Tara Sagor, who is organizing this event is still looking for volunteers, so please reach out to her @ tara.sagor@gmail.com. Good luck to all the Hudson footballers and cheerleaders who have games this weekend! We showered all of our athletes with lots of RED today--I know they felt the love and support!
Read Always,
Rachel Scanlon (she, her, hers)
978-567-6153 - rscanlon@hudson.k12.ma.us
#ExplainYourBrain
September 12th:
- Open House for Grades 1-4. This is an evening event from 6:30-8:00pm. Families can come at any point during that hour and a half.
September 16th:
- Fun Run Kick-Off
September 25th:
- Farley Fun Run-Caregivers are welcome to come and watch. Here is when your child will run:
Here is the final final final Fun Run Schedule:
9-9:30-Grades 1 and 2
9:15-9:45-Pre-K
9:45-10:15-Gr. K
10:30-11:00-Grades 3 and 4
WELCOME MRS. SERAICHICK!
Mrs. Mary Seraichick has joined the Farley Family as a new English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. As an educator for over 15 years, Mrs. Seraichick has taught in both the elementary and secondary levels. Her college degrees are in History and Russian Language as well Education. She is the proud mother of twin daughters she said bring her her greatest joy. She loves reading, gathering with friends and family, and taking long walks with her dog, Charlie. Welcome Mrs. Seraichick!
LOOKING FOR ANOTHER WAY TO GET INVOLVED?
In compliance with the Education Reform Act of 1993, every school in Hudson and in Massachusetts, is required to have a School Improvement Council. Ideally, this council is made up of: two staff members, two caregivers of children attending the school, at least one person from the community (not a parent or teacher of a child attending the school), a school committee member and the school principal. We also try our best to ensure that the members of the council be representative of the multicultural population of Hudson. If you are a parent/caregiver or community member and wish to be part of the School Council please email me @ rscanlon@hudson.k12.ma.us by Friday, September 13th. The first meeting will be held on October 2nd @ 5:00 in the Farley Conference room. For the remainder of the year, the council will meet the first Wednesday of each month at 5:00 always in the Farley Conference room. I thank you in advance for your consideration!
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHARTWELLS
Throughout the year, Michelle DePaul, MPH, RD, LDN, the Director of Dining Services for the Hudson Public Schools likes to share her knowledge on nutrition. Here is her September tidbit!
September Harvest of the Month: Tomatoes
Did you know tomatoes are defined as fruit because they form a flower and contain seeds?! However, from a culinary and nutrition perspective, they are classified as vegetables. Tomatoes are a healthy food that contain fiber, vitamin C and lycopene - which is an antioxidant that protects our eye, brain and gut health! Enjoy tomatoes in a delicious tomato, basil and mozzarella salad -served as a healthy side dish or with tortilla chips.
Tomato Basil and Mozzarella Salad:
Yields 1 cup Allergens: Contains Milk
2 tbsp Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
¼ oz Fresh, Chopped Basil
5 oz Fresh Grape Tomatoes
1 tbsp Fat-Free Italian Salad Dressing
- Wash fresh produce thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and other contaminants
- In a large bowl combine tomatoes, basil, cheese, and Italian dressing.
- Top with torn basil leaves.
Fun Fact: Found at Walt Disney World Resort, Florida, USA, the largest single tomato plant in the world covers an area of 56.73 meters sq. That’s bigger than an Olympic size swimming pool!
DID YOUR CHILD COME HOME COVERED IN PAW PRINT STICKERS?
Students get Paw Print Stickers for going above and beyond. When a staff member "catches" them doing something spectacular, they get two stickers-one to wear and one to put on their homeroom Fox poster. When their classroom Fox poster fills up with stickers, they get to have a classroom celebration. If you see a paw print on your child's clothing or backpack, please ask them what good deed they did to receive the sticker!
IMPORTANT FUN RUN REMINDERS
Registration opens for our Fun Run on 9/2-if you need any help with this, please do not hesitate to reach out. You will visit mybooster.com and search for our school and then enter your student's name and teacher (which you can choose from a drop down menu). If 70% of our students register, we will have a school wide pj to celebrate!!
We’re excited for this fundraising experience because it offers 3 important things to our school community: a user-friendly fundraising platform, a character enrichment program and a fitness-focused event that includes ALL of our students. As a family, you will work together asking friends and family to donate on your student’s Donation Page at MyBooster.com. The best part is, you can still support our school just by SHARING about the fundraiser!
Students will also experience an amazing character enrichment program called “Castle Quest”, teaching students about how to be brave and live with character. Our program officially kicks off on 9/16 and runs through the event day on 9/25 so we really want to get everyone excited for this!
If you have questions or are interested in helping to support this event in any way, please contact Tara Sagor at tara.sagor@gmail.com.
A REQUEST FROM A RESIDENT
A few of the residents who live on Lincoln Street asked me to remind all car pick-up drivers, to please refrain from parking in front of the driveways on Packard or Lincoln Streets while waiting for pickup. Blocking driveways makes it difficult for residents to access their homes. Within the next few weeks, car pick-up will be so fast that this shouldn't be problem. But for now, please be mindful of where your care is idling. The residents thank you in advance for your cooperation.
JOIN US FOR OUR SECOND MEETING!
Here is the link to join online: meet.google.com/goh-pzio-oev.
IMPORTANT FUN RUN INFORMATION
"For the past five years, Farley Elementary School’s Home and School has partnered with Boosterthon experts to hold an exciting, school-wide Fun Run. This FUN RUN event is the ONLY MAJOR FUNDRAISER of the year. This Fun Run is a healthy alternative to traditional product sales that raises much-needed funds for our school. Family and friends anywhere in the world can support Farley by giving pledges to our student runners!
Typically held on Farley’s baseball field, the Boosterthon Fun Run event is a high-energy day, full of enthusiasm from students, staff, families, friends, and of course, Boosterthon team members. Each grade assembles on the field (for about an hour per grade) and has a blast running laps while our community cheers them on, waving homemade signs and snapping pictures. Upbeat music plays continuously through the speakers as Boosterthon team members join the students around the Boosterthon Speedway, dancing and running to themed laps. You may see students laughing in a conga line, whipping lassos around their heads, driving a racecar, or racing a Boosterthon team member. The goal of this event is to provide an enjoyable experience that builds community and school culture, while including fitness in the students’ school day.
So, you may be wondering, “What exactly happens during the Boosterthon Fun Run Fundraiser?” Here’s a quick run-down of what you can expect as part of our fitness, leadership, and character-based fundraiser.
About two weeks before the Boosterthon Fun Run event begins, students will learn about this year’s character-based theme. Each day brings new learning and another day closer to the Boosterthon Fun Run event. Our fun, fitness event will encourage your children to let loose, be active and play with their classmates! All caregivers, staff, and community members are invited to join us by attending the event and cheering on students as they run an average of 30-35 laps around the “Boosterthon Speedway”. The Boosterthon Fun Run event is designed to celebrate every student learning valuable character and leadership principles while helping their school.
Home and School is excited to kick off our Farley Fun Run on 9/16. Our goal is to raise $25,000 for more playground upgrades and to support student events like last year’s incredible cultural programs that strengthen our school community. Our school relies on this ONE and ONLY fundraiser for the year to provide exceptional opportunities to enhance student learning. We need YOUR HELP to make it successful. What can you do now? You can start by registering your student (register on MYBOOSTER.COM) and by sharing with friends and family. Mark your calendars for the Farley Fun Run fundraiser. It will be kicking off soon!
Key dates to remember:
● REGISTRATION OPENS -9/2
Register on MYBOOSTER.COM
● Farley Fun Run Kick Off - 9/16
● Event Day - 9/25
If you are interested in helping to support this event in any way, please contact Tara Sagor at tara.sagor@gmail.com. Stay tuned for more info to come!"
WHAT IS A "HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION"?
For those who are new to Farley here is information again on what exactly a "Home and School Association?
The Home and School Association is an organization made up of students’ caregivers for the purpose of supporting the education of children at Farley Elementary by fostering relationships among the school, families, and teachers. The Home and School Association provides a vital and much-appreciated service to school leadership and the entire school community. The activities sponsored by the Home and School are designed to build community and enhance learning.
As a caregiver of a Farley student, you automatically become a member of Home and School and are welcome to attend our monthly meetings (either in person or virtually) as well as take an active role as a volunteer in our school.
Here are some of the amazing ways the Home and School Association (HASA for short) has supported our school in the past:
· The HASA has hosted numerous events and provided volunteers when needed. Here are are just a few examples of the events: the Book Fair, the Farley Fun Day, the Valentine's Dance, Farley Gives Back Bingo Night, the Ice Cream Social, and so many more.
· The HASA has provided funds for field trips and sponsored cultural assemblies
· The HASA puts on the Farley Fun Run-our only fundraiser of the year which has provided funds to upgrade our library, create an outdoor classroom in our courtyard, and most recently enhance our playground.
Pleas join Farley's Home and School Association's monthly meetings. More information to come on the day meetings will be held. Free childcare is always provided for these meetings.
Just in case you don't have Farley's Home and School's Facebook link--here it is:
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BUS?
As shared in my recent emails to families, Farley administration does not have control over bus transportation. We have heard from many of you and have tried to field any questions or concerns you have. Please continue to email Denise Cobb, Head of Transportation @ dccobb@hudon.k12.ma.us with your additional questions or concerns.
Bus information is published on the district website under the “Transportation” section: https://www.hudson.k12.ma.us/parents/transportation. Bus information will also be available to view in the ASPEN database.
WE ARE HIRING!
A NOTE FROM THE NURSES
Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Wright wanted to share a few reminders:
- Any new students and all incoming grade 4 students need to provide the nurses with a physical.
- Any medication, both prescribed and over-the counter, must be brought to the nurse by the legal caregiver with a medical doctor's order.
- For your child's comfort, feel free to provide a complete change of clothes to be left in student lockers in case of spills, accidents, etc.
- Please make sure to email or call Mrs. Hill if there are ever any medical changes that occur throughout the year.
- Vision, Hearing, and Height/Weight (Grades 1 and 4) will take place in September. Email Mrs. Hill if you do not want your child to participate in the screening.
- Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast (at home or at school) and gets lots of sleep!
Nurses' Contact Information:
- Tina Hill, tmhill@hudson.k12.ma.us
- Carla Wright, cjwright@hudson.k12.ma.us
Farley Elementary School
Email: rscanlon@hudson.k12.ma.us
Website: https://cafarley.hudson.k12.ma.us/
Location: 119 Cottage Street, Hudson, MA, USA
Phone: 978-567-6153