Winthrop Weekly
February 14, 2024
Principally Speaking
Dear Winthrop Families,
This morning, I had the pleasure of spending some time in fifth grade where the students were preparing for a science quiz. The students could not wait to show me how they were playing a Blooket game designed by Mr. Archung with questions and content aligned with their unit of study. What struck me was the excitement the students exuded as they prepared for their quiz. It was far from my experience as a student when I would painstakingly make flashcards from my notes or read through a review handout provided by the teacher.
Mr. Archung and Mrs. Gouzie serve on our District Technology team who support educators in creating innovative learning environments that provide personalized, adaptive, and powerful learning experiences for all students. As school based members, they offer technology professional development to their colleagues during the school year on new and existing digital tools. At a staff meeting last month, Mr. Archung and Mrs. Gouzie presented a training on Blooket.
Blooket is a trivia review game that helps students practice concepts. Teachers choose a question set, select a game, invite students to join and then receive reports to analyze the results.
One of the goals of our school improvement plan is to create innovative learning environments. We appreciate the work of our technology team to find new ways to keep teaching and learning inspiring and motivating for our students.
Warmly,
Amy B. Sullivan, Principal
Important Upcoming Dates
- Wednesday, February 14th: Valentine's Day
- Wednesday, February 14th: Winthrop FRIES Meeting, 6:30 PM @ Winthrop Cafeteria
- Thursday, February 15th: Grade 5 Workout, 8 AM
- Thursday, February 15th: Early Release PK @ 1:30, K-5 @ 1:50
- Thursday, February 15th: Free Open Door Mobile Mart at Dismissal
- Thursday, February 15th: No Place For Hate Meeting, 2 - 2:45 PM
- Monday, February 19th-Friday, February 23rd: No School, February Vacation
- Monday, February 26th: Classes Resume
- Tuesday, February 27th: Grade 3 Show, 7 PM
- Thursday, February 29th: Grade 5 Workout, 8 AM
- Thursday, February 29th: Early Release PK @ 1:30, K-5 @ 1:50
- Thursday, February 29th: Free Open Door Mobile Mart @ Dismissal
- Thursday, February 29th: Grade 5 SLC Newspaper, 2-3 PM
Ipswich Public Schools Calendar
New Preschool Website
PK Screening- No School Dates for Current Preschool Students
- Thursday, March 7th @ Doyon and
- Friday, March 15th @ Winthrop
For planning purposes, we are alerting all current PK families that there will be NO SCHOOL for all current preschool students on Friday, March 15th at Winthrop.
Ivy the Dog Visiting PK and K on Friday
Breakfast Club Extended Times
Winthrop School offers free breakfast every morning from 8:15-8:40 AM. We have added 10 minutes to Breakfast Club for bus students who arrive after 8:30 AM.
Students participating in Breakfast Club should arrive no earlier than 8:15 AM. Some students have been arriving too early. Please note that doors do not open to Breakfast Club until 8:15 AM.
All students attending the Breakfast Club should be here to eat breakfast and not arrive at school early for childcare purposes.
Spring MCAS Dates
We are sharing the dates of this year's spring MCAS testing for grades 3, 4, and 5. We strive for 100% attendance on the days of testing to avoid the need for many make-up sessions which pull teachers away from their regular schedules. Please mark your calendars.
Grade 3 ELA - April 3rd and 5th
Grade 4 ELA - April 9th and 11th
Grade 5 ELA - April 8th and 10th
Grade 3 Math - April 30th and May 2nd
Grade 4 Math - May 10th and14th
Grade 5 Math - May 1st and 3rd
Grade 5 STE - May 15 and 17th
Winthrop Science Fair- March 12th
Spring ACE Program Registration Due Friday, 2/16
Spring ACE Registration
Music Notes
Save the Date for Upcoming Performances
- Tuesday, February 27th, Grade 3 Show - New Date!, GO FISH! 7 p.m.
- Monday, March 4, Grade 2 Show, COOKIES the MUSICAL 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 6, CHORALFEST (Grade 5-12) PAC 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 20- STRINGFEST (grades 4-12) PAC
- Wednesday, March 27- ALL TOWN BAND (grades 5-12) HS Gymnasium
Kindergarten Round Up
Calling all families of incoming kindergarten students! Kindergarten Roundup is the first step in the kindergarten registration process. Each year at this time we try to determine the names of children who will enter kindergarten in the Ipswich Public Schools in September. It is essential that we have these names now so that we can begin the school registration process and plan for classes.
Families of students who are eligible to attend kindergarten in September 2024 should take a moment to complete a Kindergarten Roundup Form.
Please click on the link below for more information and access to the Kindergarten Roundup Form:
https://www.ipsk12.net/Page/1113
Green Team News
Green Team Update
Thank you to the student, parent, grandparent, and alumni volunteers who helped make and serve delicious butternut squash soup last week at the Winthrop Cafeteria. Lots of kids tried it, and lots of kids liked it! Thanks to Farmer Dave's farm in Dracut for the butternut squash. Here is the recipe if you would like to try it at home!
Wondering how you and your family can get more involved with Green Team? Email Molly Dugdale, mduffy345@gmail.com - all families and ideas are welcome!
FRIES NEWS
February FRIES Meeting
This month's FRIES meeting will be on TODAY at 6:30pm in the Winthrop cafeteria. Please join us and find out ways to get involved with our organization!
Ipswich/Triton Football and Cheer Registration
Ipswich Public Library - February School Vacation
February 20
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. We include interesting facts and stories about our 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 from 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Space is limited. Registration is required at www.ipswichlibrary.org/events
February 21 from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
“Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in.” from Disney press release.
Rated PG. Common Sense Media recommends for ages 6 and up.
Popcorn and bottled water will be provided. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.
February 22 from 10 a.m. to noon
Drop-In Craft for school-age children. Woven hearts!
This paper-weaving craft is intended for school-age children due to the degree of difficulty. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a (patient) adult caregiver to actively assist with the project. No registration is required.
February 23 from 10 a.m. to noon
STEM Building
Drop in to build with blocks, KINEX, marble race courses, and other building materials (some retro). Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. No registration is required.
TTS Players ~ Seussical Kids
Winthrop School
Email: winthrop@ipsk12.net
Website: https://www.ipsk12.net/Domain/185
Location: 65 Central Street, Ipswich, MA, USA
Phone: 9783562976