Celebrations and Goodbyes

This week was full of celebrations and the start of goodbyes. However, it was dominated by our farewell celebrations for our 8th graders! Regardless of whether the student has been with us for 6 months or 9 years, they have become family. On Wednesday, we celebrated with a Commencement at the High School. A special thank you to the parent volunteers who decorated and to the PTA for a banner that will surely become a staple at events to come. There were awards, certificates, and a ton of smiles. We followed it up on Thursday by "clapping out" our 8th graders before they attended their semi-formal dance at Harrington Farms. Again, this was made possible by the 8th-grade parent planning committee and their fundraising. And finally, today, the 8th graders attended Six Flags! What a week! This class will definitely be missed! 

It wasn't all about 8th grade though. On Wednesday, we also said goodbye for the summer to our youngest learners, the kindergarten. We sent them off in style thanks to Mrs. McDonald's efforts in planning and implementing a super fun field day that had something for everyone. This is no small feat for a K-8 school. Thanks also, to our 6th graders who created and managed our field games, and our student volunteers who painted faces. I cannot forget to thank the parents who came out and supported the fun as well. The bounce house was epic! And I think we may have started a new tradition with our Mario Kart tricycle race. I can't wait until next year's field day! 

A note from Nurse Karina: 

With the end of the school year rapidly approaching, here are some reminders from the Health Office:

• All medications must be picked up by an adult at the end of the school year. If possible, please let me know if you will be coming prior to picking up the medication(s) so that I can have everything prepared.

• All medication orders must be renewed each school year. New Medication orders and medication should be brought in the day before or on the first day of school. Students are not allowed to transport medications to school with the exception of EpiPens or rescue inhalers that a student carries in their backpack.  Nurses must be notified of any self-carry medications. Medication order forms can be downloaded off the school website using the Health Services tab.

• ALL medications administered at school must have a physician's order and parental permission. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications. Please see the medication policy on the school website.        

• All students must be fully immunized by the first day of school.  The only exceptions are written documentation from a doctor for medical exemptions or a written document stating that due to religious beliefs, your child has not been vaccinated. The exemption forms must be renewed at the beginning of each school year. 

• Students entering the 4th grade and 7th grade must have an updated physical and immunization record on file in the health office.  Please send these updated documents in as soon as they become available to you.

Please call or e-mail me with any questions or concerns. (978)464-5507 karina_abbascia@wrsd.net

The FIRST Lego League Challenge program is being run for students entering grades 5th through 8th this coming fall. It introduces kids to STEM using legos and lego robotics. The program focuses on creativity, fun and teamwork. Each year there is a theme. This year's theme is SUBMERGED, which focuses on the ocean. The program is multi-faceted and has three main components: the Robot Challenge, the Innovation Project and demonstration of FIRST Core values.

In the FIRST Lego League Challenge program the kids will

• Build and program Lego Spike Prime robots to complete autonomous missions.
• Select a real world problem related to the yearly theme, do research on it, design a solution to the problem, prototype the solution and create a presentation. 
• At the end of the program they will attend a local tournament, where they will present the research project and compete with other teams on the robot missions. 

Below is a great video that shows a sampling of the robots, projects and core values of the program. 

First Lego League Introduction Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=FZsvSVz673g

The program is not just about building and programming robots although it is a significant part. The team benefits when the members have a diverse set of skills and interests. The project component draws heavily on being creative and artistic. Teamwork relies on good communication and leadership. The team needs a variety of talents to be successful. 

The program runs two days a week from after school to 5:00 starting the first week in September to mid December. The program cost is $160 which includes registration, tournament fees, tee shirts, project materials, incentive prizes and snacks. If this poses a financial hardship let me know, the fee can be waived or reduced. 

Jennifer Stander will be coaching the Lego League teams. She is an Electrical Engineer working in the field of Robotics and also an Adjunct Professor at WPI teaching electrical and computer design courses. To help the students reach their goals, it is important to have additional volunteers to help at the meetings. If you are interested in registering your child for the program and/or volunteering, feel free to email Jennifer at legofirst@js.mxpark.com. 

Team selection will be done at the end of June, if your child wishes to participate please let her know by June 18th.

The electronic folder

New: Potential Biatholon exploration, 

The Day and a Half Ahead: 

• Monday (6/17) Day C
• Grade 4 Celebration of Learning - students only
• Tuesday (6/18) Day D
• Last Day of School 11:55 Dismissal - Step-Up Day

 

6.5!

The highlight of our week was definitely our "Drop Everything and STEAM Day" followed by our equally exciting "STEAM Night!" It was a great celebration of STEAM and community. The kids did a wonderful job on their projects, it was great to see so many families come out, and the representation of STEAM in the community was inspiring. Thank you to the STEAM night planning committee and to Mrs. Chapalonis for chairing the committee! 

Congratulations to our Basket winners! 

• 
  K Basket - Pam Grimaldi 
  
• 1st grade - Jules Moynihan 
• 2nd grade - Crystal Courville
• 3rd grade - Mike Lynch 
• 4th grade - Betsy Chase
• 5th grade - The Burwell family
• 6th grade - Jake Roczniak
• 7th/8th grade - Dan Hollis
• Staff basket - Kelsey Riberio
• Cruiser ride with cruiser - Melissa Finkler

I want to remind everyone that Tuesday the 11th is the town meeting. I would never dream of telling

people how they should vote, but, in case you aren't a fan of long school committee meetings or budget presentations, I thought I could share some cliff notes. This year's budget is really driven by state funding (aka chapter 70). While in the past, the district has received millions, this coming year we are only earmarked for a few hundred thousand. This puts a large strain on towns to finance the schools. Given this information, the district has worked to maintain what I would call a "level service" budget (no new costs, additional staff, etc.) but there is still a significant impact on the towns' tax rates. Heading into Princeton town meeting, all but one town has voted to approve the budget and the district needs a 4/5 success rate to move forward. Any changes to the budget would require cuts and require a step back from the progress made last year. It may never be more important for informed families to be at town meetings. I am also being told that we will have National Honors students from WRHS coming down to provide babysitting services if you could use the help. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

A note from the Running Clinic

"Dear TPS families,

Summer is just around the corner, and we would love for you to join us for our 3rd annual, 4-week running clinic from June 20th through July 12th. It will occur in the backfield at TPS 1-2 times a week. There is no charge, and children of all abilities who are rising from 1st through 6th grade are welcome, even if you can't make it to all of our sessions. We hope you can join us!"

Update from the cafeteria regarding alternative lunches

• Monday - Bagel Meal
• Tuesday - Cereal Meal
• Wednesday - Pizza
• Thursday - Hamburger on a bun
• Friday - Chicken Enchilada Empanada 

Week of June17

• Monday- Cereal Meal

Extended day: Registration for the extended day for the '24-25 school year has not opened yet. Once registration becomes available this summer, notification will be sent home. For your planning purposes, there is no change planned for the fee structures and we will create space for any families that require the service.  

Congratulations to our Girl's Track State Champions! 

Also, congratulations to the students in Select Strings who brought home gold 

in the Great East Music Festival! 

Electronic Folder

Princeton Arts Academy, June Reading Challenge, 

The Week Ahead: 

• Monday (6/10) Day B
• Tuesday (6/11) Day C
• Town Meeting
• Grade 6 Egypt Museum
• 4th grade Field Trip (this is the rescheduled date)
• Wednesday (6/12) Day D
• Last day for Kindergarten
• Field Day
• 8th Grade Graduation 6:00
• Thursday (6/13) Day A
• New Kindergarten Open House
• 8th Grade Dance
• Friday (6/14) Day B
• 8th Grade Six Flags Trip  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Monday (6/17) Day C
• Grade 4 Celebration of Learning - students only
• Tuesday (6/18) Day D
• Last Day of School 11:55 Dismissal - Step-Up Day

WRHS New Student Orientation Save the Date August 15th 

So close!

It was a pleasure it was to attend this week's Strings, Chorus, and Band Concert! The students had a wonderful performance and I can't credit the teachers (Mrs. Haynes, Mrs. LeMay, and Ms. Marso) enough. Highlights included the strings' rendition of "Eleanor Rigby", the chorus' rendition of "Lean on Me", and the band performing "Star Wars." At the opening, I shared that I hoped the audience could see the joy in our young musicians as they performed and everyone in the auditorium did in fact see it. 

As we wind down the year (someone said 12 days), I want to direct everyone's attention to our "Lost and Found." We've seen a gentle accumulation of clothing since April break. Please encourage your student(s) to take a trip down and look for lost items. You are always welcome to swing by at arrival or after dismissal as well. We will donate any remaining items once the last day of school is over. Please make sure you only take what belongs to your family. 

STEAM Night is coming! We are excited for families to join us for our upcoming STEAM Night 2024, next Thursday, June 6th, from 5:30p.m.-7:30p.m. Some of the highlights of the evening include featured student work throughout the school, finished projects from our "Stop and STEAM Day" collaborations across grade levels, community members, food trucks (yum!), and our fantastic raffle baskets. Please keep in mind, that raffle baskets are cash only, please! We can't wait to see you there! 

Our second annual 5th grade K'Nex Challenge was a success today as fifth graders teamed with engineers from Thermo-Fisher Scientific in completing a challenge of designing a device to clean and contain oil from a freshwater oil spill on the Elwha River, located in Washington state. They then built, presented, and discussed their process with the team from Thermo Fisher. It was a great day! 

The cafeteria has asked me to share with families that for the last few weeks of school, each school will post their own alternate meal, to use up what we have for inventory in their individual freezers. At TPS, next week's alternate meals are as follows: 

Monday - Bagel Meal

Tuesday - Chicken Patty on Bun

Wednesday - Pizza

Thursday - Hamburger on Bun

Friday - Cereal Meal

The Electronic Folder 

The Week Ahead: 

• Saturday (6/1) State Track Meet
• Monday (6/3) Day A
• Tuesday (6/4) Day B
• Grade 6 Field Trip
• Wednesday (6/5) Day C
• Thursday (6/6) Day D
• Celtics Day! Wear your green to support our team in the finals! 
• STEAM Night
• Friday (6/7) Day A
• Family Movie Night

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Tuesday (6/11) Town Meeting
• Grade 6 Egypt Museum
• 4th grade Field Trip (this is the rescheduled date)
• Wednesday (6/12) Last day for Kindergarten
• Field Day
• 8th Grade Graduation 6:00
• Thursday (6/13) New Kindergarten Open House
• 8th Grade Dance
• Friday (6/14) 8th Grade Six Flags Trip (more info to follow) 
• Monday (6/17) Grade 4 Celebration of Learning - students only
• Tuesday (6/18) Last Day of School 11:55 Dismissal - Step Up Day

16 days left!

As we roll into the final 16 days of school there, are many activities and appointments. This is when it is most important to stay on top of our procedures. Please make sure you are updating School Dismissal Manager with any changes before 1:00 daily. 

This week grades K-4 went on a field trip to see Ada Twist, Scientist & Friends at the Hanover Theatre. The musical is based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist Scientist by Andrew Beaty. It also ties in nicely with our STEAM school as a celebration and a great shared community experience. Judging by the students' reports and the joyous pictures, fun was had by all! 

Congratulations to our 5th - 8th Track team! Both boys and girls brought home the hardware in the district meet this year. We had several wonderful individual performances but they won this as a team. TPS - District Champs!

Speaking of track, a note from one of our former runners: 

"Dear TPS families,

Summer is just around the corner, and we would love for you to join us for our 3rd annual, 4-week running clinic from June 18th through July 12th. It will occur on the backfield at TPS 1-2 times a week. There is no charge, and children of all abilities who are rising from 1st through 6th grades are welcome, even if you can't make it to all of our sessions. We hope you can join us!"

Save the date! Field Day 2024 is coming! Thank you to Mrs. McDonald and the PTA! We are looking forward to another EPIC field day to close out the school year on June 12th. Details can be found in the electronic folder. We are looking for volunteers. If you'd like to join us you can sign up here. 

Electronic Folder 

Wachusett Art Academy,  Summer Striders or the direct link to registration, 

Rutland Summer Hoops, 

The week ahead: 

• Monday (5/27) No School - Memorial Day
• Tuesday (5/28) Day A
• Community Planting Day for the Pollinator Garden 9-12am and 3-6pm
• Wednesday (5/29) Day B
• Band/Chorus/Strings Concert at WRHS
• Kindergarten Celebration
• Thursday (5/30) Day C
• Track Meet - WRHS
• Friday (5/31) Day D
• 5th grade KNEX Challenge

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Saturday (6/1) State Track Meet
• Tuesday (6/4) Grade 6 Field Trip
• Wednesday (6/5) STEAM Night Staff Meeting
• Thursday (6/6) STEAM Night
• Friday (6/7) Family Movie Night
• Tuesday (6/11) Town Meeting
• Grade 6 Egpyt Museum
• 4th grade Field Trip (this is the rescheduled date)
• Wednesday (6/12) Last day for Kindergarten
• Field Day
• 8th Grade Graduation 6:00
• Thursday (6/13) New Kindergarten Open House
• 8th Grade Dance
• Friday (6/14) 8th Grade Six Flags Trip (more info to follow) 
• Monday (6/17) Grade 4 Celebration of Learning - students only
• Tuesday (6/18) Last Day of School 11:55 Dismissal

May 17th

As we begin to wind down the year, I have seen some gifts rolling in for staff. I think I speak for everyone in the building when I write that we love being thought of. My personal favorite is the kid-made cards and items. I bring it up because we are technically municipal employees. Conflict of Interest Law states that we cannot accept gifts or gratuities valued at $50 or more. A number of smaller gifts together worth $50 or more may also violate this law. I wanted to make sure everyone was aware and avoid staff needing to have awkward conversations or complete additional paperwork due to gifts. 

Looking ahead to next year, we are already thinking about our Lego League team. See the following information courtesy of our coach Jen Stander:

"The FIRST Lego League Challenge program is being run for students entering grades 5th through 8th

this coming fall. It introduces kids to STEM using legos and lego robotics. The program focuses on creativity, fun and teamwork. Each year there is a theme. This year's theme is SUBMERGED, which focuses on the ocean. The program is multi-faceted and has three main components: the Robot Challenge, the Innovation Project and demonstration of FIRST Core values.

In the FIRST Lego League Challenge program the kids will:

• Build and program Lego Spike Prime robots to complete autonomous missions.
• Select a real-world problem related to the yearly theme, do research on it, design a solution to the problem, prototype the solution and create a presentation. 
• At the end of the program they will attend a local tournament, where they will present the research project and compete with other teams on the robot missions. 

Below is a great video that shows a sampling of the robots, projects and core values of the program. 

First Lego League Introduction Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=FZsvSVz673g

The program is not just about building and programming robots although it is a significant part. The team benefits when the members have a diverse set of skills and interests. The project component draws heavily on being creative and artistic. Teamwork relies on good communication and leadership. The team needs a variety of talents to be successful. 

The program runs two days a week from after school to 5:00 starting the first week in September to mid December. The program cost is a $160 which includes registration, tournament fees, tee shirts, project materials, incentive prizes and snacks. If this poses a financial hardship let me know, the fee can be waived or reduced. 

Jennifer Stander will be coaching the Lego League teams. She is an Electrical Engineer working in the field of Robotics and also an Adjunct Professor at WPI teaching electrical and computer design courses. To help the students reach their goals, it is important to have additional volunteers to help at the meetings. If you are interested in registering your child for the program and/or volunteering, feel free to email Jennifer at legofirst@js.mxpark.com. 

Team selection will be done at the end of June, if your child wishes to participate please let her know by June 14th."

A note from the Nurse's Office: 

TPS will be conducting the annual Postural Screening for grades 5-8 during gym classes the week of 5/28-5/31. If a make-up day is required on any screening day, the postural screening will be held in gym class the following week. 
The purpose of this screening is to detect early signs of possible spinal problems in children. It is not a diagnostic service but a program to identify young people who should have a further medical evaluation. If your child has any unusual findings, a notice will be sent home asking you to bring your child to a physician as a precaution. If nothing unusual is found, you will not be contacted.
Preparation: Students may wear a two-piece swimsuit or halter top/sports bra underneath their regular clothing on the day of the screening. This type of clothing permits more accurate observation of the back. 
Opt-Out of the Screening Program: If you wish to exclude your child from the postural screening, please provide documentation that your child was screened by their physician and either complete the note linked here stating you wish to have your child opt out of the screening or email karina_abbascia@wrsd.net

Electronic Folder

TPS at the Bravehearts! Wachusett Meadow Camp, Lego League,

Looking Ahead: 

• Monday (5/20) Day D
• Tuesday (5/21) Day A
• Track Meet (Lunenburg) 
• Wednesday (5/22) Day B
• District Track Meet
• Thursday (5/23) Day C
• K-4 Field Trip
• Friday (5/24) Day D
• Memorial Day presentation by PFD
• MS Spring Fling Dance
• Sunday (5/26) 
• TPS Chorus at Princeton Memorial Day Parade

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Monday (5/27) No School - Memorial Day
• Tuesday (5/28) Community Planting Day for the Pollinator Garden 9-12am and 3-6pm
• Wednesday (5/29) Band/Chorus/Strings Concert at WRHS
• Kindergarten Celebration
• Thursday (5/30) Track Meet - WRHS
• Friday (5/31) 5th grade KNEX Challenge
• Saturday (6/1) State Track Meet
• Tuesday (6/4) Grade 6 Field Trip
• Wednesday (6/5) STEAM Night Staff Meeting
• Thursday (6/6) STEAM Night
• Friday (6/7) Family Movie Night
• Tuesday (6/11) Town Meeting
• Grade 6 Egpyt Museum
• 4th grade Field Trip (this is the rescheduled date)
• Wednesday (6/12) Last day for Kindergarten
• Field Day
• 8th Grade Graduation
• Thursday (6/13) New Kindergarten Open House
• 8th Grade Dance
• Friday (6/14) 8th Grade Six Flags Trip (more info to follow) 
• Monday (6/17) Grade 4 Celebration of Learning - students only
• Tuesday (6/18) Last Day of School 11:55 Dismissal

In Appreciation

How do you appreciate the appreciators? Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate our wonderful staff the week! The PTA outdid themselves and it felt like there were volunteers coming and going every day this week. Meals, coffee, supplies, and scratchies. This week had it all. I also wanted to take a minute to recognize our wonderful staff. It made sense to me that this week the superintendent joined us for a staff meeting to recognize a few of our "Peak Performers". I feel very lucky to work with this dedicated group of professionals. They come in every day to engage our students in learning while also accomplishing a million other things they are required to do. And yet, they do it with a smile on their face and kindness in their hearts. This is a special team. 

While we are appreciating people, last week's communication got a little busy and I forgot to thank the wonderful volunteers led by Ms. Santello who did our spring cleanup in the Bengrahzi courtyard. Thank you to the Babyak/Sibbald family, the Oles family, and the Barabas family who are our regulars when it comes to this project. I'd also like to thank Christine, Xavier, Claire, Susie and Emily! Special shout out to the Oles family that came back this week to repair our outdoor stage! 

Don't forget to order your STEAM night t-shirt! Ordering closes on May 15th!  

Electronic Folder 

Looking ahead: 

• Monday (5/13) Day C 
• Town Elections 
• School Council
• Track Meet - Overlook
• Tuesday (5/14) Day D 
• MCAS Civics 8th grade 
• Wednesday (5/15) Day A 
• Half Day - Teacher PD
• MCAS Civics 8th grade Day 2
• Thursday (5/16) Day B
• Track Meet - Tahanto
• Friday (5/17) Day C 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Tuesday (5/21) Track Meet (Lunenburg) 
• Wednesday (5/22) District Track Meet
• Staff Meeting
• Thursday (5/23) K-4 Field Trip
• Friday (5/24) Memorial Day presentation by PFD
• MS Spring Fling Dance
• Sunday (5/26) TPS Chorus at Princeton Memorial Day Parade
• Monday (5/27) No School - Memorial Day
• Wednesday (5/29) Band/Chorus/Strings Concert at WRHS
• Kindergarten Celebration
• Thursday (5/30) Track Meet - WRHS
• Friday (5/31) 5th grade KNEX Challenge
• Saturday (6/1) State Track Meet
• Tuesday (6/4) Grade 6 Field Trip
• Wednesday (6/5) STEAM Night Staff Meeting
• Thursday (6/6) STEAM Night
• Friday (6/7) Family Movie Night
• Tuesday (6/11) Town Meeting
• Grade 6 Egpyt Museum
• Wednesday (6/12) Last day for Kindergarten
• Field Day
• 8th Grade Graduation
• Thursday (6/13) New Kindergarten Open House
• 8th Grade Dance
• Friday (6/14) 8th Grade Six Flags Trip (more info to follow) 
• Tuesday (6/18) Last Day of School 11:55 Dismissal

Updates!

A message from the PTA:

We are in our Appreciation Era

The staff appreciation committee has been hard at work planning a week filled with special events and activities to celebrate our TPS staff. From small gestures of appreciation to food events and prizes, we hope to show them all just how much they mean to us.

Want a sneak peek at what we have in store for our fabulous staff? Watch this video HERE!

We still have a few opportunities for volunteers to help ensure the week goes off without a hitch. 

Click HERE to lend a hand or email TPSprincetonPTA@gmail.com with questions.

You may have received a notice from the library and myself this week regarding overdue books. Don't worry, we'll work with you. Remember there are several ways to resolve your child's borrowing account: 

• Return the book! (Best option and our favorite) 
• If the book is lost or damaged, you can: 
• order a new or gently used replacement 
• pay the replacement cost listed on notice 
• send your child with a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food pantry

Remember: Our school library is entirely volunteer-run with NO book-buying budget. We are counting on those books coming home!

Attention parents of 5th through 7th graders: Monty Tech has informed us that registration is now open for their  Summer Camp.  Camp is for students who will be in Grades 6-8 next fall and reside in a Monty Tech sending district. Scholarships are available.

The camp weeks are as follows:

• Week 1 - June 24-27th (optional Friday field trip to Apex Entertainment)
• Week 2 - July 8-11th (optional Friday field trip to Apex Entertainment)

You can click here to access camp information and registration instructions.

Electronic Folder

New: May reading challenge, STEAM Night T-shirt, Memorial Day, Talent Show, MS Spring Fling Dance, May Letter Day Calendar, 

The Year Ahead: 

• Week of May 6th - Teacher Appreciation Week
• Monday (5/6) Day B
• Bus Evacuations
• Tuesday (5/7) Day C
• Science MCAS Grade 5 & 8 
• Wednesday (5/8) Day D
• Science MCAS Grades 5 & 8 
• Thursday (5/9) Day A
• Track Meet - Lunenburg 
• PTA Meeting 
• Friday (5/10) Day B
• MS Talent Show

• Monday (5/13) Town Elections 
• School Council
• Track Meet - Overlook
• Tuesday (5/14) MCAS Civics 8th grade 
• Wednesday (5/15) Half Day - Teacher PD
• MCAS Civics 8th grade Day 2
• Thursday (5/16) Track Meet - Tahanto
• Wednesday (5/22) District Track Meet
• Thursday (5/23) K-4 Field Trip
• Friday (5/24) Memorial Day presentation by PFD
• MS Spring Fling Dance
• Sunday (5/26) TPS Chorus at Princeton Memorial Day Parade
• Monday (5/27) No School - Memorial Day
• Wednesday (5/29) Band/Chorus/Strings Concert at WRHS
• Kindergarten Celebration
• Thursday (5/30) Track Meet - WRHS
• Friday (5/31) 5th grade KNEX Challenge
• Tuesday (6/4) Grade 6 Field Trip
• Thursday (6/6) STEAM Night
• Friday (6/7) Family Movie Night
• Tuesday (6/11) Town Meeting
• Wednesday (6/12) Last day for Kindergarten
• Field Day
• 8th Grade Graduation
• Thursday (6/13) New Kindergarten Open House
• 8th Grade Dance
• Friday (6/14) 8th Grade Six Flags Trip (more info to follow) 
• Tuesday (6/18) Last Day of School 11:55 Dismissal