Dallin Digest Newsletter
Virtual forum on safety protocols, October 16
10/10/2025 5:56 am
There will be a Virtual Family Forum on Thursday October 16 from 7-8pm on the "I Love U Guys" standard response protocol for school safety. Join us to learn what this means for families, how schools will respond in emergencies, and how APS will communicate with you.
Register at bit.ly/APSILoveUGuysForum . The forum will also be recorded and posted on the APS website.
Read MoreSEPAC news, October 9
10/10/2025 5:54 am
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What is SEPAC? Arlington’s Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) is a volunteer parent group that acts as a resource for parents and caregivers and advises the district and the School Committee regarding meeting the needs of students with disabilities in Arlington. Each school district in the state is required to have a SEPAC. |
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Don’t Miss the First Monthly SEPAC Meeting |
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WHEN: Tuesday, October 14th, 7:30-8:30pm (Zoom) |
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Agenda: |
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An optional casual parent/caregiver conversation time will follow the meeting from 8:30-9:00pm |
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Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) to Review Arlington Public Schools’ Special Education in Key Areas |
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During the week of November 3, 2025, Arlington Public Schools will be undergoing a routine 3-year monitoring review that focuses on special education student identification and special education eligibility timelines; Individualized Education Program (IEP) development; programming and support services; procedural requirements for suspensions and equal opportunity. |
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Read the announcement here. |
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Parents/guardians and other stakeholders may email Dee Wyatt, Monitoring Review Chairperson, at Dee.Wyatt@mass.gov to request a telephone interview. |
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Learn More About the Arlington School Committee |
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Want to learn more about the Arlington School Committee, a governing body that oversees the Arlington Public Schools? Attend our next monthly SEPAC meeting on October 14th @7:30pm (Zoom link); and/or read more about this governing body here. |
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Want to attend a general or subcommittee meeting to learn more or share your thoughts during the public comment portion of their general session agenda? |
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View their meeting calendar here (look for “Regular Meeting”). |
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Programs and Services in and Around the Community |
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NOTE: SEPAC is sharing this information as a courtesy. An endorsement should not be inferred. Have a program or service to share? Please fill out this form. |
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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 |
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Arlington Indigenous People's Day Celebration, October 11
10/10/2025 5:52 am
Arlington Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration Featuring BOMBAntillana
Arlington EATS Turkey Trot, Nov 2
10/10/2025 5:50 am
Join Arlington EATS on Sunday, November 2, at 8 am at Ed Burns Arena, for the second annual Arlington EATS Turkey Trot, a 5k that provides food access to all residents in Arlington! Fundraise with family and friends to win awesome prizes and nourish the community with your support! To register, visit https://turkeytrot.
Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest, Oct 26
10/10/2025 5:48 am
From the Principal: 2025 School of Recognition
10/2/2025 9:00 pm
Dear Dallin Families,
It is with great pride that I share some incredible news this fall. Dallin Elementary School has been named a 2025 Massachusetts School of Recognition by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This distinction is given to a small number of schools across the Commonwealth that demonstrate exceptional progress toward state accountability targets. Out of approximately 1,750 public schools in Massachusetts, only 55 were recognized this year, and just 35 of those were elementary schools. Dallin stands proudly among them.
This recognition is grounded in our school's remarkable academic growth and achievement during the 2024–2025 school year. We are pleased to report that Dallin has surpassed pre-pandemic performance levels in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science across all students, including all measurable focal groups. These results reflect not only the hard work of our students but also the deep professionalism and commitment of our teachers during a year-long implementation of new ELA curriculum.
Our accountability report shows that Dallin students made significant gains across the board:
- The median student growth percentile (SGP) in mathematics was 63.4 for all students and an impressive 71.8 for our lowest-performing students from 2024, both far exceeding the state’s definition of typical growth.
- In English Language Arts, students achieved a median SGP of 58.1, with our high-needs group posting a median SGP of 59.3, indicating high growth and sustained progress.
- Students with disabilities exceeded expected growth in both ELA and math, with SGPs of 58.5 and 62.2, respectively.
- Eighty-one percent of fifth-grade students met or exceeded expectations in science, an increase of over 20 percentage points from 2024, with 34 percent of students exceeding the benchmark.
In addition to these academic indicators, our students' voices continue to play a central role in how we define success. This spring, Dallin students completed the annual statewide Views of Climate and Learning (VOCAL) survey, where they reported high levels of connectedness, respect, and engagement with their teachers and peers. These results affirm that academic success and social-emotional well-being go hand in hand, and that a thriving school community depends on both.
We also saw meaningful reductions in chronic absenteeism, further evidence that our students are eager to be at school and feel a strong sense of belonging.
As principal, I could not be prouder of our students, our staff, and this community. These results did not happen by chance. They are the outcome of intentional teaching, thoughtful collaboration, and a shared commitment to the whole child. I want to recognize our teachers, support staff, specialists, and leadership team for their hard work throughout this year, and I want to thank you—our families—for your continued partnership and belief in the importance of a strong public education.
If you would like to explore our MCAS outcomes and full accountability report, you can find that information on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s public school dashboard: Cyrus E Dallin - 2025 School Profile.
As a public school, there are no incentive bonuses tied to this kind of achievement - but the impact of our teachers and staff is undeniable. A kind note, a card from your child, or a small token of appreciation goes a long way in acknowledging the time, care, and expertise that made this possible. We also are thinking about meaningful ways to recognize this accomplishment with our students and staff in the weeks ahead. If you have ideas or suggestions, please reach out to me, Mrs. Karustis, or a member of our PTO team. Contact information can be found on the Dallin School website or the Dallin PTO website.
Let’s celebrate this moment together and use it as momentum for the important work ahead this year.
In partnership,
Thad
Read MoreUpcoming events
10/2/2025 8:58 pm
Saturday October 4
Rainbow Alliances Back to School Outdoor Gathering, 11:30-1:30, AHS lawn
Tuesday October 7
Deadline for PTO mini-grant applications
Wednesday October 8
International Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day
Friday October 10
Monday October 20
Wednesday, November 12
Cultural Night planning meeting, 8:15am
Read MoreA Farewell Message from the Dallin Music Teacher: Kam Dennis
10/2/2025 8:57 pm
Dear Dallin Community,
As many of you know, my last day as the general music teacher at Dallin will be October 10th. This is a bittersweet moment: while this decision is the best one for my family, it is not easy to leave a place and people who mean so much to me.
Dallin is where I began my career, and I could not have asked for a better group of students, families, and colleagues to grow alongside. Any success I’ve had as a teacher is rooted in this community. Dallin demanded the best from me, and in return, I witnessed the incredible successes of our students. Together, we built a space where courage, joy, and belonging thrived.
This school confirmed for me that teaching elementary music is the most rewarding way I can make a difference. I hope I have left a lasting mark not only as a music teacher, but as a member of this community and as a friend.
As I say goodbye, I leave you with this reminder: music is for everyone. Being musical is part of being human. It has the power to inspire, spark joy, unite us, and lift us up. Wherever your journey takes you, stay musical, keep amplifying belonging, and courageously pursue your goals.
Thank you again, Dallin community, for your love, your support, and the gift of letting me share music with you. It has been an honor to grow, sing, and shine alongside you. Though I am moving on, I will always carry Dallin in my heart.
Kam Dennis
Cultural Night Planning
10/2/2025 8:56 pm
Our first planning meeting took place this week, and we’re excited to begin shaping the event. The goal is to celebrate cultural roots, foster pride, and encourage curiosity about other cultures.
The next planning meeting will be on Wednesday, November 12 at 8:15am. If you’d like to be involved, please join us or email Vanessa at porter.vanessa@gmail.com.
PTO Meeting Friday October 10, 8:00am
10/2/2025 8:55 pm
PTO Meeting – In Person
Join us in the Dallin cafeteria for our next PTO meeting after school drop off! It’s a chance to hear updates on school events, share your ideas, and connect with other families. All are welcome, and we’d love your input as we plan for the year ahead.
Assemblies at Dallin
10/2/2025 8:54 pm
International Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day, October 8
10/2/2025 8:53 pm
International Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day (iWalk) is Wednesday, October 8. Students and families across Massachusetts will walk, bike, and roll to school to enjoy a safe, healthy, and active lifestyle.
Read MoreLibrary Volunteers Needed!
10/2/2025 8:52 pm
Halloween Skate, October 26
10/2/2025 8:50 pm
Halloween Skate at the Ed Burns Arena!
October 26, 2025, 1:30-4pm
Ed Burns Arena, Arlington, Ma
$5/ticket, available at the door only
Join the DK4 Foundation for a spook-tacular evening at the Halloween Skate! Kids ages 4 to 14 years old are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy a fun-filled night on the ice at the Arlington Ice Rink. Expect thrilling activities, delightful treats, and plenty of spooky surprises. Don't miss out on this frightfully good time this Halloween.
The event benefits the Dan Kelly Foundation, which provides athletic opportunities for all Arlington youth.
Read MoreFrom the Principal: Curriculum Night, Sept 30 6-7:30 pm
9/26/2025 6:16 am
Dallin families,
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to our Dallin Curriculum Night Open House on Tuesday, September 30th from 6:00–7:30 p.m. This event has become a favorite among families, and for good reason - the open house format gives you the chance to explore your child’s learning spaces, connect with teachers in a casual setting, and meet fellow classroom families. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, get a glimpse into the school day, and catch up with both old and new friends in the Dallin community.
Tips to make the most of our evening together:
- Review the slideshow your child’s teacher sends out before Open House. It will answer many of your questions about the curriculum and routines and expectations of the year. Additionally, teachers will have a few more things to talk about that evening.
- Please note the times that grade levels are invited to our specialist classes (art, music, PE, and library) and visit during that time slot. Grade levels have been clustered in 30 minute windows to see the 4 learning spaces (Art, PE, Music, and Library). We are doing this to mitigate some of the congestion in those classrooms and maximize your visit.
When To Visit Specialists
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6:00-6:30 |
Kindergarten and 1st Grade |
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6:30-7:00 |
2nd and 3rd grade |
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7:00-7:30 |
4th and 5th grade |
- Dallin students are invited to attend the open house. Your student is to stay with you and will be your tour guide as you visit different classrooms around the building. This will allow teachers to focus on the families with them rather than supervising children.
- Where teachers will be located in the building:
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Classroom Teachers & Specialists |
Classrooms |
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Related services/SPED |
Moving among gen ed classrooms, In Room 206 from 6:40 to 7:00 PM |
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Social workers |
Room 142 |
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Math & ELA specialists |
Cafeteria |
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Literacy specialists |
Classroom |
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Library/DL specialists |
Library |
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PTO |
Lobby |
- If you have specific questions about your child, please set up a time to talk with the teacher after open house. They would be happy to discuss any questions in a more private and planned setting.
We look forward to seeing you at our open house next Tuesday!
All our best,
Thad and Sam
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