4/10/26

🏴Today the middle school had the opportunity to meet with Senator Peter Durant.  Senator Durant was unable to attend Community Reading Day, but was able to stop by TPS today to talk to the middle schoolers about his role as Senator, make connections to what they are learning in Civics, and answer their questions.  It's always a cool experience to hear from a speaker like Senator Durant and to get an "insider" perspective on the day to day job of a local elected official.  The middle schoolers asked some great questions! Thank you to the PTA for helping to coordinate his visit!

A note from Mrs. LeMay for k-4 families: As you may have heard from your children, they have been working on performances in music class in preparation for our big end of year show! Grades K-2 will be putting on the show "Just Sing!", 3rd graders will be putting on a bucket drumming performance, and 4th graders will be holding their annual recorder concert. Both performances will be held in the TPS gymnasium Friday, June 5th: K-2 at 9:30 and 3-4 at 1:30. Families are encouraged to attend! Packets will be going home with your children next week with more details. Please reach out to Mrs. LeMay with any questions at brenda_lemay@wrsd.net! 

📅As promised, I have compiled the list of "Save the Date" events for the remainder of the school year.  I will add this to the Electronic Blue Folder and will update this list as things get scheduled and will continue to reference it over the course of the next 10 weeks.  Please note that events could change based on weather or for a variety of other reasons - but at least you have an idea of what is happening for the rest of the year! You can also check out the TPS calendar for event dates and information.  Here is a snapshot of the list for you to see here as well. 

4/16  PTA Meeting @ TPS - 6:00PM

4/20-4/24 April Vacation

5/5 & 5/6  Grades 3-8 Math MCAS

5/11 Early Release@ 11:55AM

5/12 & 5/13 Grades 5 & 8 STE MCAS

5/13 Middle School Music (Band & Chorus) Concert @ WRHS - 6:30PM

5/19 & 5/20 Grade 8 Civics MCAS

5/25 Memorial Day - No School

5/27 PTA Meeting @ TPS - 6:00PM

6/5 Music Performance Grades k-2 - 9:30AM

6/5 Music Performance Grades 3-4 - 1:30PM

6/11 STEAM Night  - 5:00-7:00PM

6/12 Field Day!

6/15 Kindergarten’s Last Day (it will change if there is another snow day)

6/16 8th Grade Graduation @ WRHS - 5:30  (it will be moved if there’s another snow day)

6/17 8th Grade Dance/Celebration - 5:30-8:00 (it will be moved if there’s another snow day)

6/19 Junteenth - No School

6/23 Last Day of School Grades 1-12 @ 11:55 AM (unless there is another snow day)

🌞The Student Council planned a Spirit Week for us for next week! Personally, I cannot wait for Adam Sandler day!

💬An update (and an invite) from the PTA!

The PTA invites you to Create & Connect with us on Thursday, April 16th at 6PM. Adults are invited to join the PTA in the TPS Library for craft night! Crafts will be guided by Mrs. Leftwich, whose grandchildren attend TPS. She graciously provides handmade goods for our Holiday Shop each year.

Drop in to craft, enjoy a snack, and say hello. Our monthly PTA meeting will follow for those who would like to stay. All are welcome!

🚑From the Nurse's Office: 

Dear 7th Grade Families,

During the week of April 27th, as required by state law, TPS is conducting a screening program related to the use of alcohol, marijuana, and other substances. The Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) process will screen all 7th graders. All screenings will be conducted confidentially by our school nurse in private one-on-one sessions. We will utilize the CRAFFT screening tool, the most commonly used substance use screening tool for adolescents in Massachusetts. The goal of this program is to let the students know that we are available to reinforce healthy decisions and to assist them in obtaining support if needed for substance use-related problems.

If you would like to opt your student out of the screening, please fill out the form in this link and send it to the school nurse before 4/28/2026. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Karina at (978)464-5507 or email at Karina_Abbascia@wrsd.net. 

🌄Trails Update:  There is a team of WPI students who are working on the trails on the TPS grounds. Please read their message below. 

\Our team is a group of four undergraduate students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) completing a community-based research project through the Worcester Community Project Center. The team consists of Evonne Pham, Isaac DeMartino, Delia Jasper, and Joseph Aiello, and the project is advised by Laura Roberts. As part of this project, we are working with the Princeton Open Space Committee and local stakeholders to evaluate the existing Thomas Prince School trail system and develop recommendations for improving accessibility. Our work focuses on assessing trail conditions, researching trail material, and proposing improvements to make the trails more accessible. We are looking for data from those in the TPS community to inform our recommendations going forward. If you have questions, you may reach out to us at gr-d26.accessibletrails@wpi.edu or our faculty advisor Laura Roberts at lroberts@wpi.edu. 

They will be popping in to talk with 8th graders during their Library/MyCap class  to discuss and ask questions about the trails project, to talk about their roles in the project and their future careers. If you are a parent of an 8th grader and would like your child to not participate in this conversations/visit, please reach out to me via email.  

The team would really appreciate your feedback  about the trails on THIS GOOGLE FORM.

                                                                 

Electronic Blue Folder

Looking Ahead:

• Monday (4/13) - D Day
• Cozy Day
• Tuesday (4/14) - E Day
• ELA MCAS  Make Ups
• Spring Sports Day
• Wednesday (4/15) - F Day
• Monochrome Day
• Thursday (4/16) - A Day
• Dress like Adam Sandler Day
• Friday (4/17) - B Day
• Blue or Green Day
• Earth Day Clean Up

4/3/26

 

👏First, a big BRAVO to the cast, crew and directors of "Crumpled Classics"!  Last night's opening night performance was amazing!  I always love watching our Warriors shine in their element - whether it is through sports, music or theater!  This group should be so proud of themselves!  A shout out to Mr. Nichols and Mr. Cormier, the directors, for all of their hard work in making this happen for our theater-loving middle schoolers!  Tonight's performance starts at 6:00 - maybe I'll see you there?

💃Don't forget that next Friday the PTA is hosting the Glow Dance for students and families grades k to fifth grade. A photo of the flyer is here  to the right, but it can also be found in the Electronic Blue Folder.  This will be a fun event for all! Thank you to the PTA for organizing this event for our TPS families! 

💮April's special rotation calendar has been added to the Electronic Blue Folder!

😊As we enter the spring-like weather, we are starting to plan for end of year activities.  As we finalize dates, I will be sharing more information about events like concerts, STEAM Night and field day. Stay tuned!  We are planning (barring there are no more snow days) on holding the TPS 8th Grade Graduation on 6/16 @ WRHS.  Details to be shared soon. 

                                                               

Electronic Blue Folder

Looking Ahead:

• Monday (4/6) - E Day
• Tuesday (4/7) - F Day
• ELA MCAS  gr. 3-8
• Wednesday (4/8) - A Day
• ELA MCAS  gr. 3-8
• Thursday (4/9) - B Day
• Friday (4/10) - C Day
• TPS Spirit Day - wear your TPS gear!
• Glow Dance  (k-5) @ 6:00

3/27/26

📕Today was Community Reading Day!  We welcomed nineteen members of our community to read to our TPS Warriors in their classrooms!  It was truly a special occasion to welcome these special visitors and to show them what makes TPS so special! Check out our TPS Instagram (@tpswarriors) for photos of this fun-filled morning!  Be sure to ask your Warriors about their readers! The list is below!  I'd like to thank the PTA and the work of Janna Millette in organizing this event! Thank you, too, to our community readers!

🗪 This week, the  Office Worcester County District Attorney's visited TPS as part of their community outreach school programs.  Students in grades 6-8 met with Julia, the presenter, and learned about cyber safety and bullying.  Julia visited TPS my first year here and it was time to invite her back!  Her
presentation was great and very relevant to the experiences of our pre-teens and teens. Our middle schoolers asked some good questions and made some thoughtful connections to the discussion. Having this resource for our schools is really an awesome thing.  

🎭Don't forget that "Crumpled Classics" will be performed next week on 4/2 and 4/3!  The middle schoolers have been working really hard! I can't wait to see it!

⭐For Families 6-8 from Tia Marola,  MyCAP Committee Coordinator: 

SchooLinks Parent Access Coming Soon!

Families will soon receive an email from me with information about how to access SchooLinks, our district’s college and career readiness platform for students in grades 6–12. SchooLinks is part of our MyCAP (My Career and Academic Plan) work and helps students explore their interests, strengths, and future goals. As a parent or guardian, you’ll be able to login and see what your child is interested in, including potential careers, colleges, and their personal strengths and interests.  This is a great opportunity to better understand your child’s thinking and start meaningful conversations about their future. Please keep an eye out for the upcoming email with instructions on how to access your account.

                                                                

Electronic Blue Folder

Looking Ahead:

• Monday (3/30) - F Day
• Tuesday (3/31) - A Day
• Wednesday (4/1) - B Day
• Thursday (4/2) - C Day
• TPS Play "Crumpled Classics" @ 6:00
• Friday (4/3) - D Day
• Red Sox Spirit Day! It's opening day at Fenway! Wear your Red Sox gear, your favorite baseball team or red/white/blue!
• TPS Play "Crumpled Classics" @ 6:00

Save the date for the Glow Dance on 4/10!  Details will be added to the Electronic Blue Folder soon!

3/20/26

📘I'd like to thank Jessie Trowbridge and all of the volunteers for making the book fair happen this week! I loved seeing the kids get so excited about visiting the fair and purchasing books! 

👟Track & Field sign ups (for grades 5-8) will begin next week. Look for my email on Monday with the link!

👤This week the 8th graders had a guest speaker visit their Civics class. Mr. Ruppert shares a blurb!

This week, our 8th graders welcomed The Honorable Stuart Hurowitz for an engaging look into the legal world. Judge Hurowitz shared his unique perspective on the justice system, drawing from his experience as both a former lawyer and a sitting Judge. Our students were eager to learn, and we are incredibly grateful for the time he spent answering their many thoughtful questions. It was a great connection to the Civics curriculum!

🚗From the STEAM Lab & Ms. Nowd:

This week, the middle schoolers  put their accuracy and measurement skills to the test with some friendly competition! Everyone built and raced identical paper skimmers down the hallway. The more accurate their measurements were, the further their skimmer would glide across the floor. The current record is 18.5 meters which is longer than the length of a school bus! It was amazing getting to see the excitement on their faces and their commitment to the races!  Check out the TPS Instagram for some more photos and videos!

🍀March News from the PTA

Hello from the TPS PTA! 

Spring is here! We’re excited for a great lineup of events as the weather turns warmer. Here’s what we’ve been up to thanks to the support of our families & community:

Celebrating:

• Movie Night: We had a very fun - and popular - movie night on 3/13! 150+ students attended and the movie, snacks, and company were all 5 stars. Big thank you to the National Honor Society Wachusett High School volunteers who helped chaperone and to The Barn for being our event sponsor!

• Theater Program: The Afterschool Acting Program launched on 3/13 for grades 2-5. Big thank you to Rachel Wiese for running the program. We’re looking forward to the performance on 4/17!

Here’s what’s cookin’:

• Spring Mini Grant Cycle - launches 3/23: Our spring mini grant cycle launches on 3/23, with teachers receiving their requested items in early May. Teachers are encouraged to submit applications for classroom supplies, enrichment curriculums, and more to support their classrooms. This will be the third and final cycle for the year. Community Reading Day - 3/27: Due to the weather, Community Reading Day was rescheduled to Friday, 3/27. We’re excited to welcome 19 members of our community to join us for a morning of reading and celebration.

• Glow Dance - 4/10: Get your tickets for the Glow Dance! Grades K-5 and their grownups are welcome to join us for an evening of great music, activities, and fun. Bring your dancing shoes and see you there!

• Create & Connect - 4/16: Adults are invited to join us for a special craft night in the TPS Library on 4/16 at 6PM. Crafts will be guided by Mrs. Leftwich, whose grandchildren attend TPS. She graciously provides handmade goods for our Holiday Shop each year. Drop in to craft, enjoy a snack, and say hello. Our monthly PTA meeting will follow for those who would like to stay. All are welcome!

Want to get involved or learn more? Fill out this form or join one of our monthly meetings - either in person or via Zoom. Membership isn’t required to attend.

Upcoming Meetings: TPS Library & via Zoom 

• April: Thursday, 4/16 at 6PM - Create & Connect Craft Night

• May: Wednesday, 5/27 at 6PM

Together, we can make a meaningful difference for our school community. Thank you for your support!

-The TPS PTA Board

                                                                 

Electronic Blue Folder

Looking Ahead:

• Monday (3/23) - A Day
• Tuesday (3/24) - B Day
• Wednesday (3/25) - C Day
• Thursday (3/26) - D Day
• Friday (3/27) - E Day
• Wear your TPS gear or red/white/black!
• Community Reading Day!

3/13/26

 🎥I'd like to thank the PTA for organizing the movie night!  You should see the number of happy Warriors in the cafe enjoying "The Wild Robot" - over 150!   A lot of work goes into organizing such a big event.  I know I speak for us all when I say thanks - especially to Courtney Acuto and Laura Fink! 

🎭The middle school play is coming up soon! The cast and crew have been working hard for weeks! I cannot wait to see it! For more details see the flyer version of this graphic to the left in the Electronic Blue Folder! Ticket purchases will be available at the door!  

📆The WRSD calendar for the 26-27 school year has been approved by the School Committee. You can find a copy of it in the Electronic Blue Folder!

⭐A reminder that Thursday 3/19 is an early release day. Dismissal begins at 11:55. 

🎨Congratulations to our TPS Warriors who had their artwork on display at the District Art Show this week!  Check out the photos of them on the TPS Instagram!  Thank you to Mrs. Finkler for selecting our Warrior artists and for setting up such a beautiful display!

👟Middle School Families, please read the message below from Melissa DuBois regarding Track and Field! 

My name is Melissa DuBois. As many of you know, I stepped in as the middle school cross country coach this past fall after Larry Pistrang’s long tenure. While I loved working with the athletes, my current work and graduate school schedule won’t allow me to serve as head coach for track & field this spring. However, I am committed to helping Principal DiFonso find a great replacement and help set up the season so that the coach can be successful. 

Therefore, if your 5th-8th grader is at all interested in potentially participating in track & field this season, please READ and FILL OUT the following Google Form ASAP:  FORM

The form contains important information about how track & field works so please, 

READ IT FULLY before filling it out!

Clothing & Shoe Drive!

Introduction:

Hi, I'm Taryn and I represent Princeton with Project 351! I am in 8th grade and I am looking for some clothes that will go to Cradles to Crayons, a non-profit organization that gives to struggling families.

 

The Why:

For spring service, Project 351 is working with Cradle To Crayons to get clothes and shoes for kids who may be struggling. Every item donated helps kids feel more confident. Some kids are not able to go to school because they do not have the right type of clothing. Any clothes help our cause. 

( https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/our-impact/ for more info)

What they are looking for:

If you are thinking about donating, we are looking for gently used or new clothing or shoes of any size. We especially need baby or infant clothes but any clothes or shoes help. The clothing drive is happening from the 10th until April 10th. There are 2 boxes, 1 TPS and 1 at the public library. 

👀Please be sure to check the Electronic Blue Folder for more information and flyers about the Environment Club, Pollinator Club and other town/local events/programming. 

                                                                

Electronic Blue Folder

Looking Ahead:

• Monday (3/16) - B Day
• Tuesday (3/17) - C Day
• Wear green day!  
• Book Fair 
• Wednesday (3/18) - D Day
• Book Fair 
• Family Shopping Night @ the Book Fair  4:30-7:00
• Thursday (3/19) - E Day
• Book Fair
• Early Release @ 11:55
• Friday (3/20) - F Day
• Wear your TPS gear or red/white/black!
• Grades k-5 report cards issued

3/6/26

 🏀I am so excited to share that Melissa DuBois and Megan Butler have organized a Girls' Basketball Club!  Read the message below and thank you to Melissa and Megan for organizing this for our Warriors!

Calling All 1st-5th Grade Girls! 

Join us for a fun, new, *FREE* after-school GIRLS' BASKETBALL CLUB at the TPS gym after school every Friday from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM, starting March 20th. Led by two TPS moms (Coach Melissa DuBois of the girls' middle school team and Megan Butler), this clinic is designed to create a joyful, positive space where girls can develop self-confidence on the court and learn the fundamentals of the game. Our goal is to foster a genuine love for basketball by focusing on fundamental skills and teamwork in a way that feels empowering rather than intimidating. By celebrating personal growth and skill-building on the court, we aim to give every player the foundational tools and the confidence they need to (hopefully!) try out for the middle school team.

To learn more, check out the Electronic Blue Folder for the flyer! To sign up your child up, please use this form.

You can also reach out to Melissa or Megan by emailing them at melissadubois2@gmail.com and butler.meganr@gmail.com!

📘The Book Fair is coming and we need your help!  Right now, we need volunteers to help with shopping during school hours and during the Family Shopping Night!  Please sign up for a time on this form if you are able to help out. If you have questions, please reach out to Jessie Trowbridge at jessie.trowbridge@gmail.com.

🎥The PTA Movie Night is 3/13! Check out your Warrior's backpack and the Electronic Blue Folder for more information!  We'll celebrate Movie Night with PJ Day on Friday 3/13!

👉The MyCAP team (My Career and Academic Plan) is looking for community support to continue the mission of helping students think about their future plans now. If you would be willing to share information about your career with students at an evening community STEAM night in June then we ask you to please fill out this form so that we may determine interest and plan what the evening might look like. More information will follow and we thank you for considering sharing your knowledge and expertise with our TPS Warriors.

😊More on MyCAP!  I love the work that Mrs. Rayner is doing with middle schoolers on MyCAP during their library rotation! Please read her blurb she shared below!

Thank you to the families and guests who have presented, or will be presenting, in our College and Career Readiness middle school classes. Your presentations have been very beneficial in helping students broaden their awareness of the wide variety of career options available to them.

We truly appreciate the time and effort you have taken to share your experiences and insights with our students.

Thank you! Mrs. Rayner

The elementary acting program with Rachel Wiese is back! Read this message from Rachel: I am so happy to be able to offer an elementary acting program for TPS students in grades 2-5 again this year thanks to the PTA! The program will be on Fridays afterschool in the library until 4:15 beginning this Friday, March 13th and ending with an informal performance on Friday, April 17th at 5pm. Pickup on the 17th will be after the half hour performance at 5:30 pm. The flyer with details is in the Electronic Blue Folder.  Please register your child here.

💮The Princeton Parks and Rec Department is pleased to announce the first meeting of the Pollinator Garden Club on Tuesday, March 17! 

We’re inviting second through fifth-graders, along with parents and teachers, to attend the first session from 3:00pm – 4:00pm at the Thomas Prince School.

Please indicate your intention to join the Pollinator Club by sending an email to Recreation@princetonma.gov. Include who in your family or group will be attending on March 17.

Join the PGC and the fun!  We will be:

• Learning about pollinators: Butterflies, Bees, Hummingbirds and other insects
• Introducing Native Plants, gardening and how to protect them
• Creating a Pollinator Booklet of the plants and wildlife in our garden
• Planting seeds, crafting and, of course, having snacks!

Future Club meeting dates are: 

• April 14th
• May 19th
• June 16th (see the TPS calendar)

For information, contact Dot Odgren - odgrendot@gmail.com

📷Spring pictures snuck up on me! If you would like your Warrior to have their spring picture taken, please see the flyer in the Electronic Blue Folder or the graphic below for more details. March 12th is the date!

                                                                 

Electronic Blue Folder

Looking Ahead:

• Monday (3/9) - C Day
• PTA Meeting @ 6:00 (Zoom Link: bit.ly/TPSPTA)
• Tuesday (3/10) - D Day
• Wednesday (3/11) - E Day
• District Art Show @ WRHS 6:00-7:30
• Thursday (3/12) - F Day
• Spring Picture Day
• Friday (3/13) - A Day
• Pajama Day - Wear your favorite PJs!
• PTA Movie Night
• Grades close k-5

2/27/26

It was a quick week back! Wow, this weather has been insane!  

☘March's calendar has been added to the Electronic Blue Folder!

⭐Please take a look at the MCAS dates below and mark them on your calendars! 

TEST	DATES
ELA (gr. 3-8)	4/7 & 4/8
Math (gr. 3-8)	5/5 & 5/6
STE (gr. 5 & 8 only)	5/12 & 5/13
Civics (gr. 8 only)	5/19 & 5/20

👋Please welcome Elizabeth Stiles who will be taking over as the TPS Team Chair!  Mr. Okie will continue to hold some meetings during the transition, but moving forward, Elizabeth will be the person to connect with regarding special education (elizabeth_stiles@wrsd.net).  

📗The Book Fair is coming!  Kids can shop at school March 17th through 19th, and we will open for a community shopping night in the evening on Wednesday, March 18th.  Create your child’s Book Fair
eWallet so they can shop cash-free, worry-free, and independently! It’s easy to set up and easy for others to contribute funds! Start here: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/thomasprinceschool ! More details to come next week. Thank you to Jessie Trowbridge for organizing this!

👟TPS is still in need of a middle school Track and Field Coach for the upcoming season!  If you are interested (or know someone who is), please reach out to me. The season is fast approaching and without a coach, we cannot have a team.

⚽The TPS Soccer Club is back! Thank you to Renee Nelson and Ginger Baker for organizing this opportunity!  If you are interested in signing up your Warrior (in grades 5-8), please do so using this form. It starts next week!  Please be sure to update your Warrior's SDM!

😉Please see the message below from our TPS PTA! Also, check out the Electronic Blue Folder for PTA updates/flyers. 

Hello from the TPS PTA! 

The start of 2026 has been a busy one and we’re excited to share what the PTA has been up to thanks to the support of you - our families & community:

Winter Mini Grant Cycle

• Teachers were invited to apply for field trip specific funding. The Mini Grant committee reviewed and was able to approve all requests!

• Classes will enjoy trips to places like Davis Farmland, Plimouth Patuxet Museum, Christa McAuliffe Science Center, and the Hanover Theater.

Field Trip Bussing

• The PTA is also excited to sponsor field trip buses for every class taking a trip this year.

Speaker System

• We’re excited to provide a new speaker system for the school - making concerts, assemblies, dances, and special events sound better than ever!

What’s coming up:

• Community Reading Day: On March 6th members of the community will join TPS for a morning of reading and celebration. We’re excited to welcome our Fire & Police Chiefs, local business owners, and government officials including one of our MA senators. 

• Movie Night: Save the date for a spring movie night on March 13th, along with an exciting collaboration with The Barn. Look out for permission slips & a flyer coming home soon.

• Additional upcoming events: Theater after school program, a craft night, caterpillar lab, spring glow dance (4/10), and more!

Want to get involved or learn more? Fill out this form or join one of our monthly meetings - either in person or via Zoom. Membership isn’t required to attend.

Upcoming Meetings:

• March: Monday, 3/9 at 6PM

• April: Thursday, 4/16 at 6PM

• May: Wednesday, 5/27 at 6PM

Together, we can make a meaningful difference for our school community. Thank you for your support!

-The TPS PTA Board

😁An update from the STEAM Lab & Miss Nowd:

The middle schoolers have been working hard on creating technical drawings in STEAM class. This is an essential skill for careers such as engineering, product design, construction, and architecture. It is one of the biggest aspects of our design/modeling module and I am very proud of their perseverance while learning this skill. We've also picked up on the importance of attention to detail and accuracy. Our newfound skills will be put to the test later in the year when we create "puzzle cubes" with our groups! 

                                                                

Electronic Blue Folder

Looking Ahead:

• Monday (3/2) - D Day
• Tuesday (3/3) - E Day
• Wednesday (3/4) - F Day
• Thursday (3/5) - A Day
• Friday (3/6) - B Day
• Community Reading Day!
• Wear your TPS gear or red/white/black