Daniel Webster Elementary School

We are looking to fill our sleigh with non-perishable food items to donate to the food pantry to help those that may be in need during this challenging year. Students can bring donations to the lobby when they arrive in the morning and put them into the sleigh at the entrance to the school. Last year we brought in over 500 items last year let's see if we can beat that this year!

December 8 - Report Cards Issued

December 12 - DWS Book Fair Begins

December 12 - Picture Retake Day

December 12 - School Site Council Meeting @ 4:00

December 15 - Winter Concert - Students @ 9:00 Families @ 10:00

December 15 - DWS Book Fair Ends

December 15 - PTO Cookie/Cake Fundraiser pick-up, 5-7pm

December 22 - Half Day - Early Dismissal @ 12:10

December 25 - No School - Winter Recess

December 26 - No School - Winter Recess

December 27 - No School - Winter Recess

December 28 - No School - Winter Recess

December 29 - No School - Winter Recess

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

This week we began the DWS 12 Days and Nights of Reading! Each day, teachers have been opening up a wrapped book in their classrooms to share with students. Each night, the DWS Staff has been sending home a link to a story read online. We hope you'll continue join us in this fun holiday literacy activity!

The first week of December has been recognized as Inclusive Schools Week since 2001. This year's theme, is Draw Me In! To kickoff our week, our Kindergarten welcomed Mrs. Smith (K parent) who taught us about Autism and how to use pictures as communication.

Jack Brait, a 2015 Marshfield graduate who attended DWS and the DWS Playground Camp as a child, is known for completing all 12 of the worlds largest puzzles. Jack proudly shares that he has Autism and he has a talent for completing puzzles. Jack's puzzles can be found on display at FBMS, MES, Franklin Park Zoo near the gorilla exhibit, Loon Mountain, the Hynes Convention Center, SRS, the Boys and Girls Club in Marshfield, GWS, and now DWS! The newest 54,000 piece puzzle "Travel Around Art" took Jack 34 days to complete. It showcases some of the world's most famous pieces of art.

On Monday night, families from across the district met at Martinson for Marshfield Family Math Night! Families joined us in their pajamas as they learned about our district math programs (Bridges & iReady) as well as ways to help your child's math skills at home. There was even time to play some games and enjoy some milk and cookies! Thank you to all the DWS Families that attended!

Next PTO Meeting: Tuesday, 12/5/23 in the DWS library at 7:00 p.m.

Welcome Dawn Marmaud as our new Co-treasurer!

Cookie Fundraiser- Today, 12/1 is the last day for the cookie fundraiser. Thank you to all who have participated! As a reminder, scheduled pickup for orders is Friday, 12/15 from 5-7pm. We will also have the Book Fair open during cookie pickup time to shop!

Please contact us if you are unable to pick up at that time*

yourdwspto@gmail.com or reach Colleen at 617-694-1070

DWS Scholastic Book Fair will take place in the Library from Tuesday December 12th- Friday December 15th during your child’s regularly scheduled library time. Please see the available time slots for classes as well as setup and breakdown help needed for the event. Volunteers must have a current CORI on file with DWS.

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

Happy Holidays! We hope everyone can have safe and healthy celebrations.

• The best defense against illness is good handwashing, proper nutrition, adequate hydration and regular sleep. I encourage the students to stay hydrated and rest to help prevent illness and when they are unwell to help shorten the duration of the illness.

• Flu shots and COVID 19 shots/boosters are recommended at this time and can be given at the same time. They will help prevent illness and minimize symptoms if your child were to get sick.

• When communicating your child’s illness or absences by email/teacher note/phone call, can you please include the school nurse in your communications - kAcampbell@mpsd.org or 781-834-5045 ext 2500.

• Please remember to send your students to school with a reusable water bottle and filling snack daily! The health office has a very limited supply of snacks available.

• All students have a snack break 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 full and students ready to learn!

• Have your child bring a water bottle to school EVERY DAY. The students have access to the bottle fillers and can refill their water bottles as needed throughout the day.

• We want to be able to send students outside for as long as possible despite the chilly temps. Please be sure students dress in layers for school- they need warm weather gear for outdoor play, but inside the building can be very warm. If students do not have appropriate warm weather/snow gear their outside activities may be somewhat limited so they stay warm and safe.

• If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 781-834-5045 or by email at kAcampbeLL@mpsd.org

Participation is easy!

1. Register your school. https://antons.com/cfk/get-involved/coat-drive/

2. Select your drive date(s) and location. A drive can last a day, a week, a month, or the entirety of our coat drive (October 2, 2023 - January 7, 2024). Pick a length of time within the official Coats for Kids & Families collection dates that work for you and your community.

3. Spread the word! Tell your community about your coat with Coats for Kids! Check out our promotional materials and edit your own flyer!

4. Collect warm winter coats for children and adults.

5. For schools participating in School Rewards: Drop off the collected coats at any Anton's Cleaners. Anton's will clean the coats, free of charge, and ensure they get to those who need them the most! You can drop off coats as often as you'd like throughout the program's collection dates (October 2, 2023 - January 7, 2024)

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!