Friday, May 29, 2020

May 29, 2020

Dear Dale Street Families,


I hope you and your families are well and staying healthy and safe.  It is definitely starting to feel more like summer.  As we close out the month of May, I continue to be impressed with the effort, work, and resolve your children are displaying on a regular basis.  I applaud all of them and you for your resiliency and dedication.  Thank you all for your continued support.  If you need anything, please reach out to me at sgrenham@email.medfield.net

Today, students in Ms. MacDonnell's fourth-grade class worked on conversions during a math workshop Zoom.  Thanks to Mrs. Perachi and Mrs. Nee for running breakout rooms. 



If you purchased a yearbook, it will be mailed to your home within the first two weeks of June.  In some circumstances, some yearbooks may be delivered to the school.  If that is the case, Mrs. Gobin or Mrs. Infantino will contact you to arrange a pick-up time.  We are putting together plans for a virtual Grade 5 celebration. We will keep you updated.


Grade 5 - If anyone wants to order a non-custom book, please see this flyer with information to do so.  The total with tax and shipping is around $34.00.  Anyone who ordered before the deadline had no or reduced shipping, which is why it is more expensive after the deadline.  There is no time limit on ordering.




Please see this flyer for a yoga offering also this weekend.
Each school day, I place a student challenge of the day on my learning deck slide.  This week students had the opportunity to share a SuperPower they would select, see how many words they could create from a Boggle board, and share where and why they would travel.   

My superpower would be flight because one of the pet peeves I've always had was to not be able to see and analyze everything at once. So if I could fly, I would fly into the air and look down on everything. Also, it would be fun to just hang out on a ceiling. ~Vivien 

If I could have any superpower it would be the power to heal people. I would want my superpower to be healing people because then I could go around the world and heal and cure everyone who has COVID-19! ~Cara

My superpower would either be shape-shifting or transportation. I would like to be able to shape-shift because it would be cool to not only be able to blend in with my surroundings but to become my surroundings, and I would be amazing at hide-and-seek. Haha! I would also want to have the power of transportation because it would be so much easier than riding in a car or going on a plane to get to places. It would be awesome! ~Grace

I would want to have a heal and fixing power so that I could help more people when they are hurt and I could fix things really easily too. ~Leeanne



 If I could take a trip anywhere it would be to Spain because I want to see my uncle and aunt and we were supposed to go this summer but the trip was canceled. ~Cara

I would go to Florida. I would go there because it seems really fun. I have also always wanted to go to Florida and see alligators. ~Charlie 


 I would go to Disney World because it is the most magical place on earth. ~Liam 


Class of 2020 Celebration - Rolling Rally

Help celebrate the success of our graduating MHS seniors by participating in the May 31st Rolling Rally.  Click here for details.

Again this year, we are partnering with 1st Day School Supplies to get all your supplies for your student for next school year.  The teachers have given us the supply list for each grade and 1st Day School Supplies will assemble and deliver them for your child. Sign up now so you don't have to worry about where or how to get the exact supplies you need.  All name brand supplies will be packaged individually for your student and shipped to the school.  Depending on what the schools decide to do upon re-opening, kits will either be located in their classrooms or we will arrange a time for you to come pick up your kit.
Given the new normal we are all experiencing in regards to shopping for supplies, this is an even more available service provided by the K-5 PTO to keep everyone safe and your stress low.

Sign up now.  Sale closes June 19th!
Enter Medfield's zip code and select your school.



We are so excited to announce that FIELD DAY will be held on Friday, June 12th. This will be a K-5 field day event with all schools holding their virtual field days on the same date. If you have children in more than one building, we encourage you to pick and choose which events from each school will work for your age groups and have fun participating in. Please select the way that works best for you and your family. Ms. Laughna and Mrs. Nawrocki wanted to give you time to prepare so below is a list of suggested equipment that you will need for the Dale Street events. Dale Street will have 10 different events with children selecting at least 5 to participate in. Children can do more or all of the activities if they want! Directions for each game will be shared the week of Field Day. We are looking forward to a fantastic day!




Thank you to all who showed spirit today by dressing in tie-dye or bright colors to celebrate National Peacekeeper Day.  Here are a few who uploaded a picture on Padlet.





I hope everyone has the chance to enjoy the weekend,
Steve

Respect • Compassion • Collaboration • Continuous Growth

Friday, May 22, 2020

May 22, 2020

Hello Dale Street Community! 


I hope that you and your families are healthy and safe.  I am not sure about you, but this week seemed to fly by.  We started our enrichment classes on Monday, had the end-of-the-year PTO meeting and the Dale Street Building Project Community Forum on Tuesday, and the MCPE Annual Meeting last night.  This combined with visiting multiple Zooms to see some of our #rockstar students and teachers throughout the week certainly made it go by in a flash.  I want to thank you all again for your support during this remote leaning time.  It is very challenging for sure and all of the staff at Dale Street is very appreciative of your efforts.  Please feel free to reach out with any questions.





    to this year's Yearbook cover contest winners!  Soren K.'s (Ms. King's class) submission was selected as the winning cover and Mason A.'s (Ms. Sager's class) submission was selected as runner-up.   Thank you to all of the students who submitted drawings and to the PTO for running this contest and selecting the winners.  I would also like to thank Peggy Tirrell who coordinated this year's yearbook and Demetra Paguio and Angela Mazzotta who also helped with this year's yearbook.  These ladies worked tirelessly to make sure students had amazing memories for years to come.  
Soren's entry

Mason's entry
If anyone wants to order a non-custom book, please see this flyer with information to do so.  The total with tax and shipping is around $34.00.  Anyone who ordered before the deadline had no or reduced shipping, which is why it is more expensive after the deadline.  There is no time limit on ordering.  

On Wednesday, Mrs. Flynn's fourth-grade class took a deeper dive into the elements of poetry.  Students used the poem, 'Footfalls' by Sharon Creech to investigate stanza, rhyme, rhythm, tone, imagery, figurative language, and repetition.  Good work, everyone!  


Dale Street Student Challenge of the Day 

Each school day, I place a student challenge of the day on my learning deck slide.  This week students had the opportunity to make a list of ways they are kind to themselves, tell how they would make the world more awesome, build their own robots, and tell what they miss most about Dale Street.  These students are #rockstars! 



What I miss most about Dale Street are the fun activities we do with our classmates and teachers, such as field trips or just simply catching up with your friends at snack time. I can’t wait to see everyone soon!

The thing I miss most about Dale Street is my teachers and being able to see my friends.

The thing I miss most about Dale street is my teacher and seeing my friends/classmates.

The thing I miss most about Dale street is seeing my friends and I really miss them.

What I miss most about Dale Street are my friends, my classmates, and my teacher.  I miss just seeing them every day.

This week, Grade 4 students in Mrs. Ross' and Mrs. Seaver's class spent time talking about Memorial Day.  Students had the chance to learn more about the holiday, watch a Brainpop video about Memorial Day, and compose an acrostic poem in small groups using words associated with Memorial Day.  Awesome work!  





Class of 2020 Celebration - Rolling Rally


Help celebrate the success of our graduating MHS seniors by participating in the May 31st Rolling Rally.  Click here for details.




Thank you to all who attended last Tuesday's Community Forum highlighting particulars of the Dale Street Building project.  As mentioned that evening here is the 

Dale Street Schooll Project Survey that we are encouraging all residents to complete.  Thank you in advance for your feedback.   



Save the Date

On Friday, June 12th, students in grades K-5 will participate in a virtual Field Day.  Stay tuned for more information...


At our weekly lunch meeting today, Dale Street Student Council representatives and alternates discussed their favorite end of the school year traditions and how we could possibly replicate them.  These students are amazing and had sensational suggestions!   


Please see this flyer for MYO/MCSP's Mental Health Awareness Month's most recent offering, Yoga! 


Spirit Day!  
Thank you to all who showed spirit today by dressing in red, white, and blue to celebrate Memorial Day.  Here are a few who uploaded a picture on Padlet. 








Congratulations, bravo, and thank you to Alicia (Ms. Johnson's class) for performing Taps.  Each year, Dale Street hosts a Memorial Day program.  One important part of our program is students playing Taps.  


Taps is a bugle call that has a dual purpose - one to signal lights out at the end of the day and the other as a formal military honor to those who have served in uniform. It consists of 24 notes and is the only call in the military that is played slowly throughout. It is a piece performed by polished military professionals, amateurs, school bandsmen, and volunteers. Its simplistic melody has evoked emotions from the most hardened combat veteran.


You can listen to Alicia play it here.  


Today, Ms. Sager's fifth-grade students met for a class meeting.  During their time together, they got ready to learn by doing a 'Take 5' breathing exercise with Ms. Warner, participated in breakout rooms to discuss their A, B, C autobiographies, and used the game-based learning platform, Kahoot to discuss the water cycle.  It was a great class meeting!  



Just an FYI - the link for Dale Street's learning decks will be sent out on Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. this week rather than Sunday.

Best wishes for a great Memorial Day weekend!



Steve 


Respect • Compassion • Collaboration • Continuous Growth

Friday, May 15, 2020

May 15, 2020

Hello Dale Street Community! 


I hope that you and your families are healthy and safe.  I continue to be super impressed by the work and perseverance our students are displaying.  Thank you for your continued flexibility and support as we navigate this uncharted path together.  As always, please reach out with any questions. 

Today, I had the great opportunity to have lunch with our Student Council Representatives and Alternates.  During our meeting, students were encouraged to offer feedback regarding their remote learning experience.  The students were very eloquent in their responses.  Most of the students mentioned that they like the updated Dale Street learning deck and find it user friendly.  In addition, students offered valuable suggestions to possibly improve students' experiences. 

    


On Thursday, students in Ms. MacDonnell's fourth-grade class collaborated to develop more thorough reasons to support their opinion of whether animals should or should not be kept in zoos.  The students' discussions were fantastic!  



Dale Street Student Challenge of the Day 

Each school day, I place a student challenge of the day on my learning deck slide.  This week students had the opportunity to earn a Super Power Badge, share something at home that makes them smile, and share why it makes them smile, see how much their last name is worth, and help out at home.  


Keysor = 93
11$ + 5$ + 25$ + 19$ + 15$ + 18$

Zeppieri = 104
$26+$5+$16+$16+$9+$5+$18+$9






The last PTO meeting of the year will be held Tuesday 5/19 at 9 AM.  If you'd like to join the meeting, please email spears.amanda@gmail.com for the link.


This week it was so great to join Mr. Dexter, Ms. Price, and the Grade 5 Brass Ensemble.  These awesome students practiced a variety of notes, learned how to access Smart Music, and participated in a game called Name Those Tunes.  Great work!  






Dale Street Grade Levels and Departments are meeting weekly to talk about student learning, develop common lessons, and share virtual meeting strategies.  #collaboration

Dale Street School Building Project

Please join the Online Community Forum #4 Q&A Session for the Dale Street School Building Project on May 19 at 7pm. Details

Parent & Family Education Opportunities

Don't forget to sign up for one of the many Elementary Enrichment Opportunities for our Pre K-5 students.  Courses will begin the week of May 18th and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please register no later than May 16, 2020.


May 19th at 8:00 PM:
The Medfield Public Schools, in conjunction with Medway Public Schools, are hosting an interactive Webinar, "Pandemic Parenting" with Rachel Simmons.  Rachel Is the Director of Leadership at Smith College and is a nationally recognized author and specialist in parenting strategies for families of all ages.  Please see the attached flyer for more information.  To register, click here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9050138889043905806
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.


This week, Ms. Bertschmann "went" on a bike ride with one of her students.  Ms. Bertschmann created 'flat Ms. Bertschmanns' (take a look at the right side of the photo) and mailed them to her students so they could have her with them during their daily activities. So cool!  



Class of 2020 Celebration - Rolling Rally:


Help celebrate the success of our graduating MHS seniors by participating in the May 31st Rolling Rally.  Click here for details.

Today, Ms. DiPesa's fourth-grade class participated in a Zoom lesson that focused on naming and identifying types of lines and angles.  Great work, everyone!    





Spirit Day!  
Thank you to all who showed spirit today by sending in a picture dressed as a baker or baking a favorite treat.  Here are just a few...  



Enjoy the weekend! 

Steve 

Respect • Compassion • Collaboration • Continuous Growth

Friday, May 8, 2020

May 8, 2020

Dear Dale Street Families,

I hope you all are healthy and safe.  As we continue to move through this uncertain and unprecedented time, I want to let you know how proud I am of your children.  They continue to work really hard as they make progress academically while juggling many challenges.  Additionally, thank you for all of your help.  I know it is not easy and the staff and I greatly appreciate your continued support.   

I wanted to share this We MISS You! video with all of you in case you did not get the chance to see it.  The staff at Dale Street created it and I shared it with all students to let them know how much we all miss them.  Special thanks to Mr. Mason (vocals) and Mrs. Cowell (designer) for their efforts.  

Academics - We have just finished our first week in the DESE's phase 4 and our updated learning hubs.  As I mentioned above, I am so proud of our rockstar #beproudbedale students. We understand that it was most likely a lot this first week as students were navigating a new hub for the first time, as well as learning more new content.  We will continue to work together as a school to ensure students can progress appropriately in light of these unique circumstances. This may have impacted some students more than others and staff members are working to accommodate all students' needs.  Dale Street staff are creating multi-modal experiences to address areas of the curriculum.  If your child is having trouble accessing any of the material for the week, please know that Dale Street staff is continuously working to best support all learners. However, if specific concerns arise, please continue to reach out to your child's teacher(s) with any questions.  

Student GMAIL Support - As mentioned at the Dale Street Parent/Guardian Workshop last week, we are providing students and families with this informative and fun tutorial.  Special thanks to Mrs. Julie Lowerre and Mr. Neal Sonnenberg for creating this wonderful tool.  I am planning on making this activity the Dale Street Student Challenge of the Day for Monday.  Thank you to all for your feedback that led to the creation of this tutorial. 


What have the students in Ms. Bertschmann's fifth-grade class been doing during this quarantine? 


This student participated in an egg drop.

This student made her own pizza.

This student built a giant Harry Poter castle.  

Dale Street Student Challenge of the Day - Each school day, I place a student challenge of the day on my learning deck slide.  This week students participated in connecting with someone they haven't spoken to in a while and checked-in and to say hello, created a theme of hearts around their house to share and spread hope and positivity, sent thank you emails to Mrs. Thompson for National Nurse's Day, and participated in various exercise activities.  Here are some of these activities...




Hi Ms. Thompson, I wanted to say thank you so much for all your hard work. We appreciate how kind you are to every kid who comes into the nurse's office. You make a school a better place knowing that we have the best nurse in the world of we get hurt. Thanks for all your hard work!!! From, Cara 





Mrs. Thompson, Thank you for being a great nurse at Dale Street School! -Vivien




Teacher Appreciation Week - Thank you for all the signs, messages, and appreciation shown during Teacher Appreciation Week.  This is a challenging time for everyone and having the community show their support for our teachers was such a wonderful and welcomed surprise!  


Be on the Lookout - Beginning the week of May 18th, Medfield staff will be offering Enrichment Classes for our Pre-K-5 students.  More details to follow...

Parent & Family Education Opportunities:

May 11th at 1:00 PM:
Grief is a normal and natural response to the many losses people are experiencing; from the loss of high school graduation, or a carefree springtime, to the tragic loss of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this webinar, we will explore theories of grief, loss, and resilience. Participants will have the opportunity to learn strategies for talking about grief with adults and children, and for coping with experiences of grief and loss.

May 12th at 7:00 PM:
Teens, Tweens, and Quarantine - Free session by Jon Mattleman brought by SPARK Kindness.
“Teens, Tweens, & Quarantines” is a presentation for parents focusing on the impact of COVID-19 on our children. 
In a dynamic fashion, this talk will address: 

- The teen/tween brain

- Explain why the COVID-19 pandemic is so difficult for this age group

- Survey the process of loss

- Discuss issues related to independence, autonomy, and privacy
- Offer perspectives and suggestions that parents can implement immediately
Parents & caregivers will also have the chance to ask questions and get answers for practical steps they can take in real-time.


May 19th at 8:00 PM:
The Medfield Public Schools, in conjunction with Medway Public Schools, are hosting an interactive Webinar, "Pandemic Parenting" with Rachel Simmons.  Rachel Is the Director of Leadership at Smith College and is a nationally recognized author and specialist in parenting strategies for families of all ages.  Please see the attached flyer for more information.  To register, click here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9050138889043905806
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Spirit Day!  Thank you to all who showed spirit today wearing their favorite Boston sports team attire.  Here are just a few participants.








On behalf of all of the employees at Dale Street, I would like to wish all of the mothers and grandmothers a Happy Mother's Day.  


Have a wonderful weekend! 

Steve 

Respect • Compassion • Collaboration • Continuous Growth