What are the Student's Learning in Media/STEM?
What’s the buzz in the media center? It’s Bee Bots. Our kindergarten and first grade students are delving into coding with the introduction of Bee Bots. They are small programmable robots designed to teach our young learners directional coding and sequencing. With the help of Mrs. Carroll, our digital learning coach, students are coding a Mo Willems-themed pigeon game.
Grades two and three continue their coding journey with Scratch Jr. It is an introductory computer programming language which uses block coding. Second grade lessons focus on the basics of block coding and the various functions of Scratch Jr. Grade 3 is delving deeper into coding concepts and refining their skills. Scratch Jr. encourages students to express their creativity and use their imagination while learning coding concepts
Our fourth and fifth grades are gearing up for an exciting engineering unit. Fourth graders will be tackling a design challenge based on the book Trombone Shorty. They will follow the Engineering Design Process as they create musical instruments from recycled materials.
Grade 5 will take on an out-of-this-world challenge based on the book Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Shetterly. These projects encourage critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. Our media center continues to be a dynamic space for exploration and discovery. As always, book checkout continues! Please support your students in reading and returning their library books.
Author Visit Kicks Off the Return of Battle of the Books
We are excited to announce the return of Battle of the Books for grades 3-5! This exciting reading incentive program encourages students to read and explore a variety of genres, authors and illustrators. The program kicks off on Feb 6, as we share the Battle list and teams with students. We are unveiling one title early to students - City Spies - Book 1 by James Ponti - because Mr. Ponti will be at Boyden on Feb 9 as our special guest! He is best known for his thrilling and adventurous City Spies series. Our students in grades 3-5 will have the incredible opportunity to meet James Ponti in person and delve into the world of spies, mystery and intrigue as he promotes his fifth book in the series, Mission Manhattan. An Unlikely Story bookstore is coordinating this event with Boyden. If students/families are interested in purchasing any City Spies books, please use this link and follow the directions. Please order by next Friday 1/26 so the book will be delivered to school before the event. James Ponti has offered to sign books after his presentation. Please contact Mrs. Moses (kmoses@walpole.k12.ma.us) if you have any questions.
View our Battle announcement video created by Mrs. Carroll.
Math Books
With cold weather upon us, it might mean a little more time for indoor activities and of course one great indoor activity is reading. But wait, this is the math section, not the reading section! Well, there are so many wonderful children’s books that highlight math concepts and promote critical mathematical thinking, that we wanted to share some book lists that highlight math and how to make the most of your reading time together. DREME (Development & Research in Early Mathematics Education) has identified a list of 40 books that promote a love of math. It is important when looking for books that include math to use the same indicators you would for any good story. Vivid illustrations, an interesting story line and fun characters will keep your child engaged and excited to read. A few tips when reading with your child:
Keep it a bonding moment, don’t make it a lesson!
Point out math words or concepts through repeating what is happening or asking questions.
Engage your child in conversation about the book with questions like:
How did you know that?
What clues helped you figure that out?
Bring out your inner actor/actress when reading-have fun with it!
If your child loves the book, read and reread.
Another list of great books that promote math can be found at We Are Teachers, and our Family Math Website has other resources, games and activities that will engage your children when they come in from playing out in the cold!
Parent's Night Out
Friday, January 19th
Napper Tandy’s Walpole
7:00 -10:00 PM
DJ, food, pool, raffles, karaoke!!! Sign up here by Thursday, 1/18, and venmo in advance at @BoydenSchool-PAC (put "PNO" in the comments, $20/pp). Questions? Contact elitsa.molles@gmail.
Bookmark Contest for Grades 2-5 is Back!
We are thrilled to announce that the Massachusetts School Library Association Bookmark Contest is back! This year, the theme is Every Story Matters. Stories have the incredible power to transport us to new worlds, teach us lessons, and ignite our curiosity. This contest is an opportunity for students to showcase their artistic and design talents by creating bookmarks. Mrs. Moses shared the contest with students during media lessons this week. Boyden judges will chose 1 bookmark from the 2-3 grade division and 1 bookmark from the 4-5 grade division for the statewide contest. Students can work on their submissions during free or choice time in school or at home.
Contest details:
- Who: Students in Grades 2-5
- What: Design a bookmark based on the theme Every Story Matters
- How: Use the entry form (given to each student during media and available in classrooms or click here). Use markers, crayons, paints or digital art. All artwork must be original (no licensed or AI generated characters)
- Submission Deadline: Due to Mrs. Moses in the media center on 1/30/24
Interested in more information, please view the MSLA bookmark contest website.
November's Sportsperson of the Month (Published Late)
The "Sportsperson of the Month" goes to a student at each grade level who goes above and beyond in Physical Education Class. This includes(but is not limited to) following the rules of the game, being safe, respectful of other students, taking care of the equipment, and playing fair.
November's Sportspersons of the Month are:
K- Sayre Bingel Young
1st- Jacqueline Kennedy
2nd- Edward Denitzio
3rd- Anna Piscatelli
4th- Molly Patterson
5th- Eliza DeSisto
Private Lessons through the WPS Music Department
The Walpole Public Schools Music Department is pleased to announce the spring session for our Private Lesson Program for students in grades 4 - 12. If your child is interested in taking private instrument or voice lessons, here is your chance. Lessons are offered in flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, tuba, piano, percussion, violin, viola, cello, guitar and voice. All lessons are taught by accomplished performers on their respective instruments. Some lessons are currently being taught virtually.
Session 2 will run February 5 to June 14.
Registration is open Friday, January 12th through Monday, January 29th.
For more information, visit:
https://sites.google.com/walpole.k12.ma.us/wpsmusic/private-lesson-program/overview
To register, visit:
https://students.arbitersports.com/walpole-public-schools/private-music-lessons-2023-2024-session-ii
For questions, email:
Tim Fleming (K-12 Music Coordinator) at tfleming@walpole.k12.ma.us
Extended Day February Vacation Camp
Where: Boyden Elementary School
When: February 20-22, 2024 (Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursday)
Cost: $80/day (10% discount for educators or siblings)
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/TujRsqvz3vsMHzw39
Kindergarten Registration 2024-2025
It is time to pre-register your child for kindergarten. Children who are five years old before September 1, 2024, are eligible to come to kindergarten. Kindergarten Pre-registration will be conducted from January 3 - January 26, 2024. The school assignment for your child will be visible in the online registration program, Family Connection, once your child's address has been entered.
To pre-register a kindergarten-age-qualified child, a parent or legal guardian must complete the online pre-registration form by going to the following website
Once the online pre-registration form is completed, you may then provide the required documents (see below) to the school, in three different ways:
- Drop off at the main office of your elementary school from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
- Copy and mail to the school (see school address above)
- Scan and email them to the school secretary Julie Morris at jmorris@walpole.k12.ma.us
Required registration documents
- Proof of residency (town tax bill, utility bill, or lease)
- Health history form and Immunization records
- Original birth certificate with seal
- Mass Health Form
If your child is currently enrolled or receiving special education services through Daniel Feeney Preschool Center, you do not need to submit the online registration form, birth certificate, or proof of residency. However, you will need to provide the elementary school with a copy of your child’s latest physical.
January's Counselor's Corner
PAC News
NEXT MEETING: THURSDAY, February 15th at 7:00 PM in the Media Center
Walpole Wheel of Fortune
If you aren't a member of the Walpole Wheel of Fortune Facebook page, join us! The Wheel is a fundraising page managed by the Boyden PAC where items are raffled to raise funds for the school. Raffles will be held weekly on Wednesday or Thursday nights.
Arbor Day Poster Contest
Important Dates
January 12th - No School for Students (Staff Training)
January 15th - No School (Martin Luther King Day)
January 26th - 80's Day!
February 2nd - School Store (Grades 1-5)
Febraury 9th - Early Release (12:25 PM Dismissal)
February 14th - School Council Meeting (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
February 15th - Boyden PAC Meeting (7:00 PM)
February 19th - 22nd - No school (Vacation)
Click Here for the Walpole Public Schools School Year Calendar
