Willett Whaler

Recess

• As we felt this past week, colder weather is on its way. We do go outside for recess when the feels like temperature is 25 degrees or higher. Please make sure your children dress appropriately (jackets, hats, gloves/mittens).

A reminder about this upcoming week:

• There is no school for students on Tuesday, November 7th (Professional Day)
• Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled the afternoon and evening of November 8th (Early Release Day) and evening of November 9th.
• There is no school on Friday, November 10th (Veterans' Day Observed)

November

7 - No School (Professional Development Day)

8 - Early Release Day - Parent/Teacher Conferences (Afternoon and Evening) 1:10 - 1:30, 5:45 - 7:45

9 - Parent Teacher Conferences (5:45 PM - 7:45 PM)

10 - No School Veterans Day

22-24 - Thanksgiving Break

Reminder: If you received an invoice via mail, Fee for Service payment is due in full on or before November 15, 2023. If payment is not received by Wednesday, November 15, 2023, your student(s) will no longer be able to ride the bus beginning on Monday, November 27, 2023. Visit the Fee for Service Payment webpage to learn how to pay online, in-person, or by mail: https://www.attleboroschools.com/o/apswc/page/fee-for-service-payment

It's almost election time! Willett Elementary is excited to continue our tradition of having a Student Council. A Student Council is a body of students who are elected by their classmates to represent their ideas, needs, and opinions. Each class in grades 2-4 will have two representatives to ensure all students have a voice in our school community and are working together to make our school the best it can be. Please keep an eye on your child's homework folder for information on how to run for class representative. Nomination papers are due back by November 3rd. If you have any questions, please email mmartin@attleboroschools.com or rraposa@attleboroschool.com. Thanks!

We have selected dates for our MCAS testing in the Spring of 2024. Please do your best to not schedule vacations on these dates:

Grade 3

• ELA - April 3rd and 4th
• Math - May 8th and 9th

Grade 4

• ELA - April 1st and 2nd
• Math - May 6th and 7th

Please see these important newsletters for information about our Title I programming.

Title I Home School Compact

Title I Family Engagement Plan

Students have begun wearing smart watches in school. What follows below is the language from page 27 of the Student Handbook.

Students are not allowed to capture photos, voice recordings, or video images of any person(s) in the school building at anytime. This includes film and digital cameras, laptops, the video component of a video phone, photo, or video recorders, or through the use of any other technology used to capture photos or record video images. Exceptions can be made for students fulfilling the requirements of an activity assigned by a teacher.

The secret use of sound or videotaping devices is illegal (MA General Law Chapter 272 section 99). Videotaping or sound recording a class or individual without the permission of everyone involved is a criminal offense with severe penalties. Students engaging in such activities will be subject to disciplinary action. The inappropriate use of a video or picture cell phone is prohibited at all times; and may also be subject to the Cyber Harassment Policy.

All personal devices must be stored in backpacks and accessed only with permission of the educator for educational purposes. Personal devices are the responsibility of the student to keep safe and operational.

Please note that even though meals will be free for all students this school year, it remains essential for families who believe they qualify to complete the household Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals for the 2023-2024 school year. Visit our Food Services page to learn more and Apply Online: https://www.attleboroschools.com/o/aps/page/food-services2

The APS Community Resource Guide has moved! Click the link below to access the updated list of local resources and community supports: https://www.attleboroschools.com/o/apswc/page/community-resource-guide

MA Mandated Screenings

All health screenings conducted in school are required by Massachusetts Law. Screenings are ongoing throughout the school year. Parents and legal guardians shall be provided with an opportunity to request, in writing, that their child not participate in the program. This request must be written each year and be specific to which screening you do not wish your child to participate.

Elementary Screenings are as follow:

Vision Screening
Vision screening is conducted for all grades K – 4. Parents are notified if the student does not pass for referral to their physician for follow-up.

Hearing Screening
Hearing screening is conducted for all grades 1 - 3. Parents are notified if the student does not pass for referral to their physician for follow-up.

Growth Development Screening
Growth screening is conducted for students in grades 1 and 4. Heights and weights are measured and calculated into BMI or Body Mass Index.

New School Year Information

Please check out this highly informative back to school information from the district.

https://www.attleboroschools.com/o/apswc/page/for-families-aps-welcome

Free / Reduced Lunch Applications

Much like the transportation application process, we will not be sending home paper copies of the SY 23-24 Free/Reduced Lunch applications this year. We will be sending out a series of notifications to families with this information and it is included in the New School Year Information document above. We will send a small number of paper applications to each building so that you have them available if they are requested. Lunch applications can be completed online and are found on the Food Services webpage here: https://attleboropsma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/aps/page/food-services2