Dallin Digest Newsletter
Joy of Learning on Display at Dallin Student Science Expo
4/4/2025 7:10 am
It gets me every time . . . every year when I’m in the gym with the Student Science Expo in full swing and I see so many students showing off their curiosity and knowledge to our whole Dallin community, . . . I get a little teary-eyed. The room is packed with science and engineering projects (56 this year!) and students (almost 100 this year!) beaming with pride as they explain their projects to families, classmates, teachers and staff. The joy of learning and discovery is on full display.
Every year I continue to be so impressed with the wide variety of questions the students pose. This year we had topics ranging from the brain to batteries to gummy bears. (HERE is a full list of the projects and participants.) You can see the growth in critical thinking and communication skills progressing from the kindergarteners to the 5th graders. The students really shine, and it’s all about curiosity, creativity, learning and sometimes teamwork!. No awards, no prizes, just sharing with the community.
Of course this “magic” wouldn’t happen without the hard work of the parents and other caregivers behind the scenes. Thank you all for both supporting the kids and also letting them take the lead on the projects and displays. I know that can sometimes be hard, especially for some of the scientists in the crowd when your kid refuses to replicate the experiment or add a control - but remember it’s OK because right now it’s just about the fun of discovering something “new”.
Our family is “graduating” from Dallin after nine years and while I will certainly miss helping run the Science Expo, I know it’s in good hands with the STEAM Team. A successful Student Science Expo relies on many helping hands. Thank you to the Dallin teachers for allowing 5th graders to come talk to their classes and for giving their students a chance to share their posters in class. And big shout outs to our custodian Mr. Viveiros, Mrs. Burns in the front office, Assistant Principal Mrs. Karustis, and 5th grade teacher Mrs. Kulshrestha for extra help with logistics and student support. Lastly, thanks to the STEAM Team parents who helped out, especially my Expo co-lead Sunita Patel Hett.
-Tracy Callahan
STEAM Team co-lead
Please click through for more photos of the Science Expo!
The Dallin Spring Auction Is One Week Away!
4/4/2025 7:09 am
Read More
Dallin Holi Celebration, Sunday April 13
4/4/2025 7:08 am
From the APS School Nurses
4/4/2025 7:07 am
Please read the APS Nurses's Newsletter for updates on the following topics:
- Food Resources over April Break
- Managing Seasonal Allergies at School
- Documentation Required for Assistive/Orthopedic Devices
- National Autism Awareness Month
- SNAP Health Portal: Multi-Factor Authentication
- Helpful Links
Park Avenue Safety Improvements Project Update
4/4/2025 7:05 am
View the March 31 meeting materials and take the online survey by April 18.
Over 100 residents, including many members of the Dallin community, attended the March 31st public meeting on preliminary conceptual designs to improve safety on Park Ave. If you were not able to attend the meeting you can review the presentation materials, the poster boards, and fill an online survey with your comments by April 18th. To view these materials and take the survey, visit the project page at arlingtonma.gov/projects.
Fun Community 5K to support Arlington Schools
4/4/2025 7:04 am
Children and Young Adult Book Sale at Robbins Library
4/4/2025 7:03 am
Saturday, April 26, 9am – 1pm
Community Room, Robbins Library
Donations needed!
We will need lots of great donations to make a great Sale. Please bring donated items to the Robbins Library beginning Monday, April 7- look for the big blue bin near the Circulation Desk; we appreciate gently used books, cd's, puzzles, games, and DVD's. This is a great opportunity to clean off those bookshelves.
Support Arlington’s libraries by purchasing children’s and teen books, movies, and music at the Sale. There will be craft activities to keep children occupied as parents search for books. Come browse all the wonderful picture books, early readers, chapter books, books for teens, puzzles and games, and more! Lots of great books for inexpensive prices- children’s hardcovers for $1.00 and paperbacks for 50 cents. See you at the Sale!
Read MoreArlington SEPAC News
4/4/2025 7:02 am
SEPAC Newsletter: April 2, 2025
News, events, and resources for Arlington parents and caregivers supporting students who learn differently.
April 8th Monthly SEPAC Meeting (7:30pm)
Please join us for a discussion of early annual survey results and hear what’s in store for the May meeting (spoiler alert: an explanation of supported learning communities — or SLCs — and the upcoming SEPAC board elections. All are welcome. Zoom link below.
us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=iKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1
What you need to know about APS Supported Learning Centers (SLCs)
WHEN: May 13, 2025 (7:30-8:30pm)
WHERE: Zoom, more details at end of newsletter
At the May 13th monthly SEPAC meeting, APS staff will provide an overview of SLCs—what they are, why they exist, and how placement decisions are made. This session will focus on understanding the purpose and structure of SLCs. While we won’t be diving into individual selection criteria, there will be a facilitated Q&A.
AHS Students Need Your Input for Inclusive Playgrounds!
The Arlington High School Civic Engagement class requests your feedback! One group’s class project is focused on making local playgrounds more inclusive for children with disabilities in Arlington. Please help them gather feedback by completing this survey by April 8th. Your responses will help them determine what features are needed.
Questions? Contact 11th grader, Cece Kapaale: ckapaale2026@spyponders.com
Monthly meetup for caregivers of kiddos with learning differences returns
Friday, April 4th, 12—1 pm (and every first Friday of the month)
Where: Roasted Granola, 1346 Mass Ave, Arlington MA
You are warmly invited to the Arlington-area monthly meetup for caregivers of kiddos with learning differences. Come share your experience of the challenges and joys of caring for kids who learn differently. Questions? Contact Dawn Kopatish, dawnkotapish@gmail.com.
How to help your child with anxiety: SPACE workshop
The Arlington Public Schools counseling team is excited to offer another parent workshop series on the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment model. SPACE is designed for families who find themselves struggling to navigate and support their child's anxiety. The next round of workshops will take place in April. More details in the link below!
Do you have a child struggling with anxiety?
Do you find yourself modifying daily routines, avoiding certain places or activities, or doing things for your child to prevent their distress?
If yes, this workshop might be a great fit for you...
See if SPACE could support your family!
Connection, Co-Regulation, and Coping Skills: Helping kids and teens navigate big feelings
(Webinar) Wednesday, April 9th, 12-1pm ET
Sometimes, big feelings can take over a household. Sometimes they're our kids' feelings, and sometimes they're our own! Join Cartwheel and Janine Halloran, LMHC for a webinar to learn practical tips on how to help kids and teens cope with big feelings.
Arc of Massachusetts Launches Community Check-In Survey in response to government cuts
With new changes occurring in Washington, D.C. seemingly on a daily basis, the disability community finds itself in a moment of great upheaval. The Arc of Massachusetts is trying to track any harm caused by federal government cuts. They are “checking in with our community to identify the most critical services that you fear losing access to because of the simultaneous, impending cuts being discussed at the federal level. The responses to this survey will inform our advocacy and outreach as we look ahead to the challenges to come. This first survey will run from March 27 to April 17.”
Take the Community Check-in Survey
The Arlington Disability Commission is in need of more Commissioners!
The Arlington Disability Commission works to raise awareness of the rights and needs of people with disabilities, and works for full inclusion in all aspects of community life in Arlington. Disabilities and impairments can include physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, and other types of chronic disease.
Learn about the role of a Commissioner and volunteer.
Questions? Contact Grace Carpenter, gmcarpenter1@gmail.com
Research Opportunity: Understanding Language and Cognition in Children with Autism
Children with autism sometimes have difficulty adjusting to change. One theory is that they find it challenging to predict what will happen next, whether in conversation or other everyday activities. This Harvard University study looks at these predictive skills across different areas—such as language, hearing, and vision—to see if there are commonalities how they change across development.
Eligibility: children with autism, ages 6-12. The study includes two sessions:
How it works: Session 1 (2.5 hours) is an EEG study at our office on Harvard’s campus in Cambridge. Afterward, your child will receive a small toy of their choice, and you'll receive travel compensation. Session 2 (1.5 hours) would be conducted over Zoom. After this session, you'll receive $55 in Amazon gift cards.
Your participation in this study can help us better understand how language and other predictive abilities develop in children with autism!
Questions? Contact Hanna Shine, languagecognition@g.harvard.edu/
SEPAC Zoom information:
Link: us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=iKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1
Meeting ID: 854 1205 2274
Passcode: 378204
Join by phone: 309 205 3325
Read MoreArlington 250 Kickoff Party at the Capitol Theater - APRIL 6
4/4/2025 7:01 am
The Arlington 250 Committee invites the community to a family-family friendly party coming up this Sunday from 11-2 at the Capitol Theatre.
The website https://www.
Question of the Week!
4/3/2025 6:34 pm
2 weeks until the auction! Get your tickets and volunteer!
3/28/2025 7:10 am
Save the Date: Holi Celebration April 13th 11am
3/28/2025 7:09 am
Please save the date to join Dallin families for a Holi celebration on Florence Field on Sunday, April 13 at 11am!
Read MorePhotos from the 5th grade MFA field trip
3/28/2025 7:07 am
Some photos to accompany Ms. Karustis's report from the 5th grade MFA field trip:
From the Library: March News
3/28/2025 7:06 am
Ask your student about what we are reading and learning in library class!
Read MoreCulture Night, May 3
3/28/2025 7:05 am
Thank you!
