Dallin Digest Newsletter
Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser
11/1/2024 7:04 am
Puzzles wanted!
11/1/2024 7:03 am
We are looking for (complete) puzzles of 50 pieces or less. If you have any, please leave them in the front office for Mrs. Karustis. Thank you!
Read MoreCandy Buy Back
11/1/2024 7:02 am
The annual Arlington Orthodontics Candy Buy Back has been scheduled for Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th! See the flyer for more details: 
From the Principal
10/25/2024 7:09 am
Hello Dallin families,
What a beautiful week it’s been! We’ve definitely been spoiled this fall. Most importantly, the weather has allowed us to be outside every day, which has been crucial for the success of our Playworks program during recess. I’ve noticed more structured, inclusive, and fun recess periods following lunch. Students have choices, are trying new games, and are playing with new friends. Our 4th and 5th-grade recess captains have been fantastic at encouraging students to move and experiment with different activities. They’ve also stepped in as referees, often making tricky calls in the heat of the moment! The best part is that recess has been peaceful, which was our main goal in bringing this program to Dallin. We hope our students feel the same, and they’ll have the chance to share their thoughts in the upcoming Panorama student surveys.
In addition to new recess structures, students across the building have been deeply engaged in our new curriculum as part of the EL Education rollout. Last week, representatives from the EL organization visited classrooms to help us reflect on our early progress. We listened to students analyze poetry and explore deep themes of loss and author’s purpose. We observed students working collaboratively to create “magnificent things” for their classrooms, such as book hospitals and scoop chair organizers. Our youngest students unpacked learning targets and explored important new vocabulary like attributes and details. Beyond simply enjoying time with our students, we also watched our teachers skillfully implement a thinking curriculum with purpose. Their intentionality and effort are inspiring to witness.
At the end of our visits, we compiled a list of celebrations for Dallin, including:
- Consistent evidence of students fully engaged in their lessons
- Teachers offering specific, kind, and helpful feedback to support and encourage students
- Thoughtful and purposeful lesson planning
- All students across a grade level experiencing the same lessons together
- Instructional support staff and teaching staff working together to ensure all students can access the learning
- Joyful teachers and students!
- Students participating in rich academic conversations
We also left with clarity and excitement about where we can continue to grow. This year, our school will receive ongoing support from the EL team through coaching and strategic planning. I’m eager to share the outcomes of this work with families, especially as we develop strategies that can be used at home to support learning.
As a starting point, I encourage families to ask their child what they learned each day during their Module block. After you’ve heard either a) “I forgot,” or b) a one-word response, follow up by asking if they remember the Learning Targets for the day. They may not recall at first, but I wonder if over the course of the year, you’ll hear more and more as students become familiar with this routine.
As always, thank you for your continued support of our work at Dallin. I hope everyone is well and enjoying this amazing stretch of fall.
Be well,
Thad
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Tonight: Book Fair hours and Movie Night!
10/25/2024 7:07 am
Last chance to shop at the Dallin Book Fair: the Book Fair will be open from 2:30–3:00 pm and 5:30–7:00 pm tonight.
Dallin Movie Night is happening on Friday, October 25th. Come join the fun! Doors will open at 6pm and the movie starts at 6:30. All students (K through 5th) and their families are welcome. Bring a blanket/pillow for the floor (or a folding chair for adults). Feel free to wear a costume or pajamas.
This is not a drop off event; all children must have an adult responsible for them.
Lost and Found update: We’re drowning in Sweatshirts!
10/25/2024 7:06 am
We’re 2 months into the school year and the Lost and Found rack is full! With the warm afternoons, our kids are leaving behind their outer layers in the playground. Stop by to claim items and remind your kids to do the same, especially if you’re coming to the book fair, movie night or Election Day!
Janet Huang
Lost and Found Coordinator
Click through for more photos of Lost and Found items.
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Winter Gear Swap - Starting to Collect Gear!
10/25/2024 7:05 am
A box will be set up in the Dallin Lobby starting TODAY Friday, October 25 for you to drop off donations for the gear swap. Please bring in unwanted gear in children’s sizes, washed and in good condition. We can accept the following items: winter gloves, winter hats, winter boots, winter jackets, snow pants, heavy socks, scarves and neck warmers.
The Winter Gear Swap will take place on Saturday November 16 along with the Fall Garden Clean Up.
If you have any questions about acceptable items or if you would like to arrange a house drop-off, please contact Anne Hurley at Alehurley@gmail.com
Election Day and bake sale
10/25/2024 7:05 am
Reminder: NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, 11/5.
Swing by the bake sale in the lobby during polling hours to support our 5th graders and grab a treat!
Read MoreArlington SEPAC meetings and events
10/25/2024 7:03 am
The Next Monthly Arlington Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Meeting is November 12th, 7:30-8:30pm on Zoom.
SEPAC standing Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/
Meeting ID: 854 1205 2274
Passcode: 378204
Join by phone: 309 205 3325
APS / SEPAC SPECIAL EVENT! Coffee with APS Special Education Staff
October 29th, 8:45am – District Office (School Committee Room) at Arlington High School (check in at front desk). Join the SEPAC board and members as well as APS Special Education staff for a casual “meet and greet.”
Arlington SEPAC WEBINAR: Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Students in School:
November 20th, 7:30p – SEPAC Zoom link (full information above)
SEPAC is hosting a session with the Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) to give parents/caregivers a foundation and steps to build on in order to advance their advocacy skills. It will build knowledge around the Special Education and Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Topics include: how to identify, document and communicate your concerns, evaluations, support plans, team meetings and letter writing with the focus on the student’s emotional/behavioral/mental health challenges and the support that students may need to access the curriculum and life of the school.
Trick or Treat with Arlington Businesses, Friday Oct 25
10/25/2024 7:02 am
Children ages 10 and under are invited to show off their Halloween costumes and trick or treat at participating Arlington businesses from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25th. List of participating businesses can be found at https://business.arlcc.org/
Haunted Hallways at AHS
10/25/2024 7:01 am
Event to benefit AHS Volleyball:
Haunted House at back of Arlington High School
OCTOBER 25 5:30PM-9:00 PM
FACE PAINT - BAKE SALE - FUN GAMES - ARTS AND CRAFTS
EAMORRIS@ARLINGTON.K12.MA.US
Read MoreThe Book Fair is Back Next Week!
10/18/2024 7:06 am
We've partnered with Fantastic Book Fairs to bring back the Dallin Book Fair from October 21–25 in the school library! Students will have the ability to shop during their regular library class times, and there are hours for families to shop after school.
After School Shopping Hours
| Day | Time(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 2:30–3:00 pm | |
| Tuesday | 2:30–3:00 pm | |
| Wednesday | 1:00–1:30 pm | |
| Thursday | 2:30–3:00 pm 4:30–5:30 pm |
|
| Friday | 2:30–3:00 pm 5:30–7:00 pm |
Late hours to coincide with Movie Night |
All students may shop during their school library hours! Adults will be on hand to help younger students. If you'd like your student to shop during school, we can only accept cash or a check (made payable to “Dallin PTO”). We will also have wishlist sheets available for students to write down titles they would like to buy online or return with a parent to purchase after school.
Don’t forget the teachers!
After feedback from teachers, this year you can contribute funds directly to teacher and specialist donation pages so they can prioritize purchasing the books needed for their classrooms. Many teachers use the book fair as a chance to update their classroom libraries.
We could use your help!
Lastly, if you would like to help with the book fair during in-person shopping hours, please sign up here.
Thank you in advance for helping make this a successful book fair for our teachers, specialists, and students!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Jamie Fisher (jamiejacee@gmail.com).
PTO Meeting Friday, 10/25: Panorama Survey Data
10/18/2024 7:05 am
STEAM update: Camouflage Butterflies
10/18/2024 7:04 am
Annual Fund Volunteers Needed
10/18/2024 7:03 am
