Daniel Webster Elementary School

Greetings DWS Families!

Thank you very much to those who joined us for the Back to School Family Picnic! This is always such a fun event where families can connect with old friends and meet some new friends!

Next week will be an exciting week where we come together as a community to show our support for Pediatric Cancer, which is near and dear to our hearts. All week we will work to fill our golden boot in the office with donations and then on Friday, we will wear yellow/gold to show our support for the brave warriors who are fighting and/or who have fought against Pediatric Cancer.

Have a wonderful and safe weekend,

Mrs. MacNeil

September

September 27 - Elementary Curriculum Night @ 6:00

September 29 - DWS Goes Gold

October

October 2 - DEI Meeting @ 6:15

October 2 - PTO Meeting @ 7:00

October 9 - No School - Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day

October 10 - School Site Council Meeting @ 4:00

October 13 - Picture Day

October 15 - DWS Pumpkin Run

October 31 - Grade 3 Field Trip to Plimoth Patuxet

Check out our new DWS Family Calendar! It's a live document and we will be updating it as the year progresses.

DWS Family Calendar

Since the passage of the 1993 Education Reform Act, all schools in Massachusetts must form School Councils, which include representation from parents, teachers, the community, and school administration. The purpose of the School Council is to involve parents and teachers in school decision-making. The School Council will also formulate an annual school improvement plan with the goal of strengthening the bond between our school and the Marshfield community we serve. This plan is then submitted to the Superintendent and School Committee.

We are looking for ONE parent to join our School Council this year! We encourage all parents to consider this opportunity for meaningful dialogue and active participation in our Daniel Webster School community. The meetings are generally held once each month on Tuesdays at 4:00.

Please click here for the nomination letter and paperwork.

DWS staff members can award any student with a DWS ALL STAR when they see students being Dedicated, Welcoming, or Safe. All of the DWS ALL STAR awards are put on display in the front lobby. The following students were featured in the morning announcements last week for being DWS ALL-STARS!

Grade K: Nate in Ms. Doria’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he helped a friend.

Grade K: Christopher G. in Ms. Hastry’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he was a Heggerty superstar!

Grade 1: Gavin in Mrs. Redman’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he helped during clean up.

Grade 1: James in Mrs. Redman’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he worked hard during Writing time.

Grade 2: Vera in Mrs. Auriemma’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she remembered her sign-in information.

Grade 2: Ygor in Ms. Mulligan’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he sat quietly on the rug.

Grade 3: Ralph in Mrs. Hines’ class is a DWS ALL STAR because he focused on his work and completed it in a timely manner.

Grade 3: Maddy in Mrs. Hines’ class is a DWS ALL STAR because she participated in class.

Grade 4: Nolan in Mrs. Farrell’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because he showed excellent listening during our Canvas exploration.

Grade 4: Isabelle in Mrs. Farrell’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she helped clean up classroom supplies.

Grade 5: April in Mrs. LaForest’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she made a quick transition from indoor recess.

Grade 5: Saskia in Mrs. Drew’s class is a DWS ALL STAR because she set a positive example for her classmates.

Congratulations!

Next PTO Meeting: Tuesday, 10/2/23 in the DWS library at 7:00 p.m.

Next PTO Meeting: Tuesday, 10/2/23 in the DWS library at 7:00 p.m.

The PTBoard Raffle Winners are: Meredith Briand and Jen MacDonald! Congratulations!!

Thank you all for attending the DWS Family Picnic! It was great to see everyone and welcome in the new school year!

The 10th Annual DWS Great Pumpkin Run is now open! As always, the first 100 registrants will receive a free shirt. We hope this will be our biggest year yet!!

See the event page here: https://fb.me/e/38H9FySoU

Sign up through Racewire here: dwspumpkinrun2023.racewire.com

Please join the DWS PTO on PTBoard, today! PTBoard is an online platform that we will be using to communicate school information, events and volunteer opportunities to families. As we move away from sending home paper flyers, this will be the only way to stay up-to-date on school events and place orders for school spiritwear, etc. Accounts are free to set up and in no way commit you to volunteering for the PTO. Please reach out with questions at yourdwspto@gmail.com.

Download the App “PTBoard Mobile” in the App Store today!

Contact:

Please email yourdwspto@gmail.com with any general questions and for more information. Would you like to volunteer? Please reach out to: dwsvolunteers@gmail.com

Clothing questions can be sent to: dwsptoclothing@gmail.com

Thank you for all of your support!

The DWS PTO

Please remember to send your students to school with a reusable water bottle and filling snack daily!

• All students have a snack break during the day. Please pack a healthy snack EVERY DAY! Great snacks include easy-to-eat fruits and veggies like apples, oranges, carrots, and cucumbers as well as whole grain snacks including granola bars, and crackers. Cheese sticks and yogurts are another great option. These ideas help keep hungry bellies at bay and students ready to learn!

• Have your child bring a water bottle (or two) from home EVERY DAY. Students are able to use the bottle-filling stations throughout the day to refill bottles as needed.

General Information

• Mandated Health Screening Information:

• The following state-mandated screenings of students will be completed this year by the school nurse.

• Grades PK thru 5: Vision Screening (October - December)

• Grade PK thru 3: Hearing Screening (October - December)

• Postural screening for grade 5 in October - a letter will be sent home with more information.

• Grades 1, 4: Heights and weights with BMI calculations per DPH regulations (October -December)

• A parent/guardian may opt out of these mandated screenings only through written notification to the school nurse by October 8th.

• These are only screenings and NOT a diagnostic service. Failures or concerns regarding the results will warrant further assessment by the child's physician. Specific recommendations will be sent home in writing/phone call for vision, hearing and postural screening.

• Don’t hesitate to reach out at anytime - 781-834-5045, ext 42500 or via email - kAcampbell@mpsd.org

• All GRADE 4 students must send in a physical exam dated within the past year. Thank you to those who have already sent in their forms.

• Please log in to your child’s Aspen account and update all information including the medication consent portion, this is something that needs to be done yearly. *This cannot be done on your handheld device/cell phone*

• All medical documentation can be faxed to 339-244-2242 to the attention of the School Nurse.

• Do not hesitate to call with any school health-related questions or concerns at 781-834-5045. I can also be reached by email at: kAcampbeLL@mpsd.org.

For those new to Daniel Webster, the Marshfield Public School District uses ASPEN, a secure, web-based student information system that provides a variety of tools for students, parents, and staff.

We ask that you take the time to update your contact information and signoffs. Directions are located below.

If you need technical assistance or to gain log-in information for ASPEN, please contact aspen@mpsd.org.

All student meals will continue to be free for the 2023-2024 school year. One breakfast and one lunch are FREE for all students.

A la carte items cost extra. Please note: a la carte items can not be charged to a student's account.

2nd Lunch - $2.75

Milk - .75 cents (milk comes with lunch) on its own, it's an a la carte item and cost

Water - .50 cents

Ice Cream - $1.25

WAYS TO PAY

Preferred method of payment:

Online: www.myschoolbucks.com

After you log in or register (if new) then you can use your child’s Birthday for the ID Number to add your child’s account.

Check payable to:

Town of Marshfield (child’s First/Last name in Memo)

Cash: please put in an envelope marked Lunch Money with your child’s name on it.

The DWS will be a late school again for the upcoming year. Please make note of the start and end times.

School Start Time - 8:50 am (students can enter the building at 8:40)

School End Time - 3:40 pm (student will begin dismissal at 3:30)

Wednesday Early Dismissal - 1:15 pm

The Boys & Girls Club Programs provide a wholesome environment that promotes social/emotional, physical and character development in addition to supporting the educational efforts of both the parent and school. We encourage children to balance learning and fun through homework help, physical activity and arts & crafts. Our focus areas give your child limitless opportunities to reach their full potential.

BEFORE SCHOOL CARE

Hours: 7am until school day starts

Program & Activities include:

• Breakfast
• Homework Help
• Games & Activities
• Arts & Crafts

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Hours: 3:40 - 6:00 pm

Program & Activities include:

• Transportation from DWS to B&G Club
• Snack
• Homework Help
• Games & Activities
• Arts & Crafts

As a reminder, please adhere to the DWS Dismissal Protocols if you choose to pick up your child from school (listed below). Dismissal time can be very busy and we understand that we are the late school and families are often rushing off to afterschool activities. It has been reported that some cars are pulling in and doing a U-Turn in the driveway to cut the line. Please follow the protocol and the flow of traffic pictured below so we don't compromise the safety of our children. Thank you!

Dismissal

• DWS hours are 8:50am-3:30pm. Students will begin car line dismissal at 3:25 pm.

• If you arrive before 3:25, please remain in your vehicle.

• Please do not park your vehicle in the live line.

• In the car line, students will be dismissed in order of car line up through the gym doors.

• Please follow staff directions and pull all the way up to the marked location (red circle).

• Please wait for the car in front of you to pull forward. Do not attempt to pass vehicles.

Please review the most up-to-date arrival and dismissal protocol. We have made some changes to the existing policy in order to keep students, drivers, and staff safe.

The policy can be found here.

As part of our Positive Behavior and Incentives Plan, our DWS Kids are taught how to be Dedicated, Welcoming, and Safe in all areas of our building and throughout their day. These posters are reviewed on the morning announcements, by classroom teachers, and are hung around the school for visual reminders. Students are then recognized for following these expectations and given All-Stars!

Thank you for joining us at the Kindergarten playdate! If you didn't get a chance to join, your classroom teacher has your special class of 2036 Tshirt.

As a reminder - We will be hosting Kindergarten Orientation on Tuesday, August 29. Every Kindergarten family should have received a letter explaining that children will arrive in small groups, go to their classrooms, learn to navigate the building, take a ride on the school bus, and then spend some time with their teachers in their classrooms doing some fun activities. Families are welcome to join Kindergarteners on this visit, however, we ask that families attend without siblings if possible.