Dallin Digest Newsletter

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Meeting, Tuesday April 29

4/18/2025 7:05 am

Tuesday, April 29; 7-8pm in the Dallin School Library

 

The Dallin DEI Committee is dedicated to upholding Arlington Public Schools' commitment to creating an equitable educational community where all learners feel a sense of belonging, experience growth, joy, and are empowered to shape their futures and contribute to a better world. The purpose of this meeting is to create a space where we will come together to share ideas, listen to and learn from others, and implement action steps towards an enhanced sense of belonging for all Dallin students and families.

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Arlington Public Schools Annual Textile Recycling Competition

4/18/2025 7:03 am

April 30-May 30, 2025
 
Announcing our 9th annual APS textile recycling competition! 
 
Please support our district sustainability initiatives and reduce waste by bringing your old, worn, torn textiles (clothing, shoes, towels, bedding, stuffed animals) to your school's collection bin from April 30th-May 30th. All donations must be bagged and go into the textile recycling bins located outside your school
 
The volume of donated textiles at each school will be tracked by Bay State Textiles to determine the 1st and 2nd place winning schools.
 
For a list of acceptable donations click here. For questions about the competition or to report bin overflow, please contact Rachel Oliveri, APS Sustainability Project Manager at roliveri@arlington.k12.ma.us.
 
 
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Arlington SEPAC news

4/18/2025 7:02 am

May 13th Monthly SEPAC Meeting (7:30pm):

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=3DiKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1

 


What you need to know about APS Supported Learning Centers (SLCs)

 

WHEN: May 13, 2025 (7:30-8:30pm)

WHERE: [Zoom] https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=3DiKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1

 

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.

 

Submit your questions here!

 


**DESE Special Education Stakeholder Survey (Deadline: April 30th)**

 

Public Consulting Group (PCG) is partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to support DESE in understanding the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the Office of Special Education's structures and processes to inform recommendations. They are
seeking your input to better understand the ways in which the Office of Special Education currently supports external stakeholders, including families.

 

Take the survey now

 


Seminar on Transition Planning

 

The Athol-Royalston SEPAC is hosting a Basic Rights - Transition Planning seminar on Monday, May 5th at 6pm. Presentation by the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN).

 

Register here

 


Monthly meetup for parents and caregivers of kids with learning differences

 

Friday, May 2nd, 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

 


Free Community Screening of the Documentary, "In a Different Key"

 

Hosted by the Arlington Disability Commission in honor of Autism Acceptance=
Month.

**When**: Sunday, April 27th from 12-3pm
**Where**: Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington

 

The story follows a mother who tracks down the first person ever diagnosed with autism, now an elderly man in rural Mississippi, to learn if his life story holds promise for her own autistic son. Her journey exposes a startling record of cruelty and kindness alike, framed by forces like race, money and privilege -- but leads to hope that more of us are learning to have the backs of those who are "different." Snacks and refreshments provided, followed by a Q&A session with audience participation. All are welcome.

[RSVP here]

 

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Belmont PMC Kids Ride, Sunday, May 4th

4/18/2025 6:56 am

The 10th annual Belmont PMC Kids Ride will take place on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The PMC community has “one mission: raise funds for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute” so that “together, we get closer by the mile to a world without cancer.”  Go to the website to register today!
https://kids.pmc.org/belmont
 
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Question of the Week

4/18/2025 6:55 am

Last week's question was to suggest a community event. We only received two answers, so if you have an idea to share please mention it in the comments of this week's question, or email dallinptoboard@gmail.com.

 

For this week's question, we're gathering feedback about the Spring Auction:

 

Click Here to Answer!

 

Check back in two weeks to see the results and answer a new question!

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Will We See You at the Auction Tonight?

4/11/2025 7:10 am

Tonight's the night! We hope to see many of you at the Dallin Spring Auction: Blue & Gold Gala. You can expect to find amazing food from La Victoria and Blue Ribbon BBQ, exciting auction items and raffle prizes, and a room full of Dallin community members who can't wait to spend a fun evening with you.

 

Advance ticket sales close at 1 p.m. today. Tickets will be available at the door for $40, but it's much easier for our hard-working volunteers if you purchase tickets in advance.    We want everyone to feel welcome and included, so please know that reduced-price tickets are available, no questions asked. If even that is a barrier, or you miss the sales window, please reach out directly to Mr. Dingman or the auction committee at dallinschoolauction@gmail.com.

 

In order to take advantage of our dazzling raffle, you must attend in person. Auction bidding is open to those who can't make it, but please remember that bidding closes at 9 pm tonight. Check out the great new school-based offerings, where your kids could win some fun in-school experiences!

 

Any remaining questions? Read our FAQ or email us at dallinschoolauction@gmail.com.

Please join us for a night to remember and show your support for Dallin!

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Meeting, Tuesday April 29

4/11/2025 7:08 am

Tuesday, April 29; 7-8pm in the Dallin School Library

 

The Dallin DEI Committee is dedicated to upholding Arlington Public Schools' commitment to creating an equitable educational community where all learners feel a sense of belonging, experience growth, joy, and are empowered to shape their futures and contribute to a better world. The purpose of this meeting is to create a space where we will come together to share ideas, listen to and learn from others, and implement action steps towards an enhanced sense of belonging for all Dallin students and families.

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Counted Out Documentary Screening, Monday April 28

4/11/2025 7:06 am

In our current information economy, math is everywhere. The people we date, the news we see, the influence of our votes, the candidates who win elections, the education we have access to, the jobs we get — all of it is underwritten by an invisible layer of math that few of us understand, or even notice.

 

But whether we know it or not, our numeric literacy — whether we can speak the language of math — is a critical determinant of social and economic power. 

 

It’s critical to understand how the impact of math runs throughout our electoral process in ways most of us never notice — from gerrymandered voting districts and AI-created political ads to ballot measures and candidate choices. 


Counted Out shows us the power of math that undergirds our democracy. Who holds that power? Who doesn’t? And how can we all speak the language of math to fully participate in a world that belongs to everyone?

 

APS and the Math Dept are hosting a screening of the documentary Counted Out on Monday, April 28th, 6-8:30 at Arlington High School on the Forum Steps. 
 
The event includes a short introduction, the 90-minute screening, and a 30-40 minute post-screening discussion spotlighting fresh perspectives about the film's themes. 
 
This event is open to the full APS community (families, students 10+, staff, admin, etc.), and is free, but we ask that those who plan to attend register using the Eventbrite link. Food will not be served, but attendees may bring snacks or a picnic dinner. 
 
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APS District-Wide Pride Celebration, Saturday May 10

4/11/2025 7:05 am

The APS LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Task Force, Elementary School Rainbow Alliances, Middle School QSAs, and AHS GSA invite you to our 3rd Annual District-Wide Pride Celebration!

 

Saturday, May 10th 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Arlington High School Front Lawn

Music, Arts & Crafts, Games, Bouncy House, Community, Fun!

2025 Logo Winners Honored

Event is free; Registration required using the QR code, all are welcome!

Bring a water bottle; food, snacks, and merchandise will be available for purchase at the event!

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Earth Day story hour, Fox Library, April 22

4/11/2025 7:04 am

Mothers Out Front Arlington Presents an Earth Day Story Hour:

APRIL 22, 2025, 10 - 11am in the Fox Library Community Room

 

Join us for stories, songs, crafts, and snacks in celebration of Earth Day.  Learn about ways to help our planet!  Best for ages 4 to 9 but all are welcome!

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APS District-Wide Pride Celebration, Saturday May 10

4/11/2025 7:04 am

The APS LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Task Force, Elementary School Rainbow Alliances, Middle School QSAs, and AHS GSA invite you to our 3rd Annual District-Wide Pride Celebration!

 

Saturday, May 10th 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Arlington High School Front Lawn

Music, Arts & Crafts, Games, Bouncy House, Community, Fun!

2025 Logo Winners Honored

Event is free; Registration required using the QR code, all are welcome!

Bring a water bottle; food, snacks, and merchandise will be available for purchase at the event!

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Arlington Youth Baseball and Softball Association Tee Ball

4/11/2025 7:03 am

Arlington Youth Baseball and Softball Association is now registering for Spring Tee Ball, one day a week on Saturday. Registration will be open through 4/30/2025.

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Question of the Week

4/11/2025 7:00 am

Last week's question was to complete the sentence: I know it’s a good school day when my child…

Almost everyone answered that it's when their child is enthusiastic to share stories of what happened that day!

 

We have two great community events coming up this weekend: Tonight's Auction Gala and Sunday's Holi celebration. So for this week we want to know, what Dallin community event would you like to see in the future?

 

Click here to answer!

 

Check back next week to see the results and answer a new question!

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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! 

 
 
 
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The Dallin Spring Auction Is One Week Away!

4/4/2025 7:09 am

The countdown is on: buy your tickets now! Plus, our online catalog is now live for viewing AND pre-bidding, so check out all of the amazing items available to win, from adventures to experiences to discounts at your favorite haunts -- and even a TASC credit!
 
Did you hear about the raffle? Get your raffle tickets and see some of the great stuff you could enter to win.
 
We're also still looking for volunteers to help out on the day of the event. We need volunteers throughout the day and evening, so please take a look and see if anything fits your schedule. We appreciate it!
 

 

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