Dallin Digest Newsletter
From the PTO Treasurer
12/13/2024 7:10 am
How does the Dallin PTO Spend Money?
Recently Dallin students participated in two art projects to learn about different cultural traditions: a Rangoli sand art project to help children learn about Diwali and creating part of an ofrenda for Day of the Dead. These projects were proposed by Dallin parents, coordinated with the art teacher Stacie Greenland, and paid for through the Dallin PTO’s mini-grant program. The projects allowed students at Dallin to share their cultural traditions with their peers. They are a good example of the ways that PTO works together with parents and staff to enrich learning at Dallin School.
The PTO raises money with three goals: to provide student enrichment, to support the Dallin teaching staff, and to help strengthen the Dallin community. Here is how the PTO has spent some of our funds so far this year.
Student Enrichment
- The PTO pays for all field trips, including bus transportation when necessary. The field trips are planned by the teaching staff, usually to supplement the curriculum.
- The PTO also works to bring enrichment into the school. The STEAM Team works hard to coordinate visits from groups like the Discovery Museum. This fall we have also had school-wide cultural enrichment with author visits from Jason Viola and Rob Buyea as well as the performance by the Irish music and dance troupe Tigh na Coille.
Teacher and Staff Support
The PTO’s budget supports staff across the school.
- The classroom teachers receive a stipend each year that they can spend to enrich their classroom. This includes things like classroom books, decorations, and office supplies—often things teachers might spend personal money on.
- Other staff members throughout the school also have a stipend: the specialists (library, art, music, P.E), the reading, math and special education teams, the social workers, nurse and custodian, etc.
- We also have funds for building and recess equipment. We provide money for the science garden and the Dallin grounds.
- This year, we also have budgeted funds to provide support to teachers as they launch the new EL curriculum across the school.
The PTO also provides teacher appreciation across the year.
- We provide meals for staff at the start of the school year, during evening parent/teacher conferences and at curriculum night.
- We celebrate teacher appreciation week in May and provide small tokens of appreciation throughout the year. For example, during the week before Thanksgiving, we brought a selection of pies in for the staff.
- For holiday and end-of-year gift giving, the PTO has funds for room representatives to use when purchasing gifts for teachers and staff.
Community
To support the community:
- We have funds to support events like Culture Night.
- This year, for the first time, we are hoping to fund community events planned by the room representatives at each grade level.
- We sponsor parent/caregiver gatherings (like the Winter Coffee held today!) and we have sponsored speakers come to talk about topics of interest to parents, such as new school/district initiatives, diverse books, or bullying.
- The PTO provides funds for the Dallin ASSIST Fund which helps families with personal financial challenges. The Dallin social workers coordinate this program and help provide things like gift cards at the holidays to families or books at the book fair for families that could use the support.
Funding Sources
The PTO’s funds to provide all of these services come primarily from our Annual Fund. The Annual Fund is ongoing, you can donate any time. We don’t have the kids selling anything or being put on the spot. If you donate $50 per child, that funds your child’s field trips and gifts to the teacher from the class. If you donate more, you will be helping support all of these different programs. Some employers provide a corporate match to your personal Annual Fund donation, which is a great way to double your donation!
We also fundraise through our Auction, which is an event held every other school year. This year, we will be holding our Auction on April 11. We will have a wide variety of items available to bid on, from summer camp to tree trimming services. While it is a fundraiser for the PTO, it is primarily a social event where you can come to enjoy the evening without bidding on any auction items. Stay tuned for more information about the Auction!
We supplement the Annual Fund and Auction with occasional events like shopping days where a business will share proceeds with the PTO. The annual book fair also raises money for the PTO.
The funding the PTO provides is only one part of our work. We need volunteers to plan and coordinate all of these activities. Behind every PTO purchase is a person behind the scenes ordering and delivering a meal for staff, planning enrichment with teachers, or coordinating a social event. Thank you for all of your support to the PTO!
If you are interested in more details, please contact us at dallinptotreasurer@gmail.com. You can also see the specifics on what we spent our money on last school year here. We are looking for some more volunteers to help with managing our finances, so if this is something that interests you, please reach out!
Read MoreSpecialist Teacher Winter Appreciation
12/13/2024 7:08 am
Thank you to all the students and families who have already submitted kudos to our Specialist Teachers! We are still collecting your thoughtful notes and messages. For those who have not yet done so, as the holiday season approaches we invite you to help your child express appreciation for our wonderful specialist teachers and support staff. Please take a moment to complete this brief Google Form with your child, where they can give a quick kudos, leave a short note, or share a story for one or more of their specialist teachers. These messages will be compiled and presented alongside their holiday gifts. Your support in making this gesture meaningful is greatly appreciated! PLEASE COMPLETE BY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17th.
Read More
Staff Appreciation: Winter Baked Goods
12/13/2024 7:06 am
Baked goods can be dropped off in front of Dallin during morning drop-off.
Girl Scout cookie booth Monday 12/16
12/13/2024 7:04 am
Please support Dallin's Girl Scout Troop 77561 by buying some delicious Girl Scout cookies! We will have a booth set up on the blacktop at dismissal on Monday, 12/16. Cookies are $6/box - cash, credit card, and Venmo accepted. Cookies make great holiday gifts! The fourth grade Juniors appreciate your support!
Read MoreFrom the Principal
12/6/2024 7:11 am
Dear Dallin Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you well and that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. It’s hard to believe that December is already upon us! I’ve heard we had our first dusting of snow earlier this week—a sure sign that winter is settling in—and I’m sorry I missed it.
I’m writing to you from the National EL Education Conference in Atlanta, where I’ve had the privilege of joining a small group of district leaders to engage in two incredible days of professional learning. The sessions I attended focused on topics central to our work at Dallin: building habits of scholarship, producing high-quality student work, embracing project-based learning, and fostering student leadership. I also had the unique opportunity to learn from some of the founders of the EL Education curriculum and attend teacher-led workshops featuring educators from across the country. This experience has been energizing, and I’m excited to bring back new ideas and insights to our school community.
As you know, we’ve begun implementing the EL Education ELA curriculum this year. This new curriculum brings exciting opportunities for students to engage with rigorous and meaningful content. At the same time, it represents a monumental effort by our educators, who are not only learning new material but also adopting new instructional strategies. This is a multiyear journey across our schools, and I am grateful for the hard work of our teachers during these early phases. There's so much that’s new to all of us!
As we look ahead, here are a few important updates and reminders:
Trimester 1 Ends Friday This Friday marks the end of the first trimester. Progress reports will be available to families next Friday, December 13th. These reports are an important opportunity to celebrate your child’s growth and progress.
Family-Teacher Conferences Next week, teachers will be sending out information about scheduling family-teacher conferences, which will take place during the first two weeks of January, following the winter break. These conferences are a valuable chance to connect with your child’s teacher, discuss their progress, and plan for the next phase of the school year.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support. I wish you a joyous and peaceful December as we move through this busy and festive season together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Best,
Thad
Read More
From the STEAM team: Discovery Day and upcoming events
12/6/2024 7:10 am
Discovery Day: On Friday Nov 22nd, over a dozen Dallin caregivers, community members and local STEM organizations came together for Discovery Day (called Science Day in past years). Over the course of the morning, all Dallin students K-5 had time to explore hands-on STEM activities and demos and learn about a wide range of STEM areas from anatomy to coding, forests, space, and much more. The table stations were hands-on, and the students asked great questions! Their curiosity and excitement were evident throughout the event. Thank you to all the volunteers who made this event possible, and for the support from Dallin teachers and staff to help the event run smoothly.
Math/STEM Game Night: Great events like Discovery Day rely on Dallin community members to bring STEM enrichment to Dallin students. We welcome anyone to join our STEAM Team. Right now we are especially looking for volunteers to co-lead the popular Math/STEM Game Night with one of the leads from last year. Please reachout ASAP to dallinsteam@gmail.com with interest or questions.
The STEAM Quiz is officially back! This is a fun math & logic based worksheet geared for Dallin students K-5 to complete on their own. Students can get the quiz from Ms. Greenland in art class or in the school lobby by the window and return their completed quiz to the green STEAM Quiz boxes in Mrs. Greenland's classroom or in the lobby. This month's quiz is due on December 13th and students who complete the quiz are entered into a drawing for prizes.
Student Science Expo: Save the date for Wednesday March 26th 6:30PM. We hope that Discovery Day got students curious and hope they will follow that curiosity by conducting an experiment or engineering project for the annual Student Science Expo. You can find some resources HERE and it’s never too early for kids to get started on projects. More details to come.
Join us for the PTO Winter Coffee Dec. 13!
12/6/2024 7:09 am
What's the PTO been up to this year? What's coming up next?
From the APS School Nurses
12/6/2024 7:08 am
On behalf of the APS Elementary School Nurses, we are excited to share our FIRST monthly newsletter with you. Each month we will share health information, APS health office happenings, useful
links, and other important information that you need to know. It has been a spectacular Fall with lots of sunshine and warm days. The children have been enjoying lots of time outdoors. The students will get outside to play, as long as it is not too wet or too cold. Please remember as the days start to get colder, children should be dressed to be comfortable to be outside for 20 minutes. Jackets, hats, and gloves/mittens are recommended. If your family is in need of winter clothing, please reach out to their school nurse. We have lots of resources!
In good health,
The APS Elementary Nurse Team
Please read the attached newsletter for more information on:
Respiratory Illness Information
When to Keep Your Child Home From School...the APS Illness Guidelines
Winter classroom celebrations: Food should not be served, provided, or sent home
How much water do children need?
The SNAP Health Portal
November Health Awareness
Helpful Links
Read More
Arlington SEPAC December News
12/6/2024 7:06 am
[REMINDER] Next Monthly SEPAC Meeting
December 10, 2024 | 7:30pm - 8:30pm | Zoom (info at bottom of this email)
The SEPAC monthly meeting is the 2nd Tuesday of every month; so mark your calendars! December’s meeting will be a voting membership meeting (Arlington parents and caregivers only).
[SEPAC WEBINAR] How and When to Go to Mediation Over an IEP
Presenter: Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA)
January 21, 2025 | 7:30-8:30pm | Zoom (info at bottom of this email)
Arlington SEPAC will be hosting the BSEA, who will present about Special Education Mediation and/or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Facilitation. The presentation will cover how and when to request a mediation as well as how to prepare for and what to expect from mediation at the BSEA.
[RESOURCES] Understanding IEP’s vs. 504s
Wondering about the options for providing support for your child at school? Check out these resources which help demystify the differences between an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and a 504 Plan.
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Example 504 accommodations (courtesy of Cambridge Public Schools)
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Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (from the Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education - DESE)
New Federal Guidance on the Use of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) to Create Supportive Learning Environments
Student behaviors that interfere with learning and an overreliance on exclusionary discipline continue to be among the top concerns of educators and families. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) are jointly offering updated guidance on the use of functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) for all students – not just those with disabilities – whose behavior interferes with learning. Learn more
[WEBINAR] Executive Function: The Basics
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 | 7:00–8:00 p.m. | FREE
Presenter: Margot Marcou, Executive Education Coach
Get an introduction to Executive Function (EF), the ability to get and stay organized, prioritize, manage time, and so much more. Learn about EF’s core components with insights from key researchers on practical skills to strengthen EF weaknesses. This webinar is geared toward parents and caregivers as well as students and adults to better understand the role of EF in the cognitive processes that impact everyday life. Register
[WEBINAR] My Kid Won’t Go to School – Now What?
Host / Presenter: PPAL
Thursday, Dec. 5th | 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Zoom (Register)
Are you one of the many families struggling with a child who doesn’t want to go to school? Or maybe they go but don’t stay? Are you on a first name basis with the school nurse? Maybe you’re at odds with your child or their school? Join PPAL to explore how to “wrap our heads around” this challenge while maintaining the number one priority: our relationship with our child! Register
[PROGRAM] New Balance Foundation Adaptive Sports Winter Programs
The New Balance Foundation Adaptive Sports Program at Franciscan Children’s has announced its winter programs. They will be offering adaptive Dance, Martial Arts, Gymnastics, and Wheelchair Basketball. Check out flyers
Questions? Please contact Paul Ward, Director of Adaptive Sports, Franciscan Children’s
Phone: (617) 254-3800 Ext. 5475
[RESOURCE] Family Holiday Activity Bundle: 7 Activities to Support Family Well-being This Holiday Season
This free resource, featuring 7 activities designed to foster moments of connection, dialogue, and well-being this holiday season. Inside you'll find simple activities focused on:
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Sharing Stories & Listening Wholeheartedly
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Cultivating Gratitude
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Inspiring Kindness
In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
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[RESOURCE] Basic Rights and Legal Protections in Special Education (presentation shared by Somerville SEPAC)
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[WEBINAR] Raising Resilient and Confident Kids in the Age of Achievement Culture: 12/4 @7pm | Registration link
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[RESOURCE] Preparing Your Child for the New IEP Process: Get a discussion guide
================== SEPAC ZOOM INFO==========================
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 854 1205 2274
Passcode: 378204
Join by phone: 309 205 3325
Fall Garden Cleanup and Winter Gear Swap
12/6/2024 7:05 am
Thank you to all who participated in the Fall Garden Clean up and Winter Gear Swap! We collected a total of 89 different items from boots to snow pants to be exchanged and had a number of families “shop” for gear! Kids were excited to get new-to-them gear and we shared stories of pre-loved items as they were passed on. We appreciate the generous donations and for anything that wasn’t taken on the day, we were able to fill 3 bags of donations for local families. In addition, the fall garden clean-up in the warm sunshine was equally successful! Volunteers saw to it that the garden beds were tended to, leaf mulch dispersed and a variety of spring bulbs planted around the grounds. We even found some bonus carrots in the beds. Look for many daffodils and irises sprouting in the spring. A big thanks to all who help organize and/or attended the clean-up.
Arlington Heights Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting
12/6/2024 7:02 am
Saturday, December 14, 2:00pm-5:00pm (rain or shine)
The Arlington Heights Community Association (AHCA) in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present our fourth Arlington Heights Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 14, 2:00-5:00pm. Free for all!
Visitors of all ages are invited to stroll along Mass Avenue from Shattuck Heights Hardware to Maruichi Japanese Food and Deli and view 60+ winter-themed windows painted by Arlington residents in 26 storefronts. Free family fun activities will take place throughout the afternoon. Explore the vibrant Heights business community and support our unique variety of local shops and restaurants. Visit the Chamber website for more info on the Holiday Stroll:
https://business.arlcc.org/events/details/arlington-heights-holiday-stroll-4607
From the PTO: Dallin Annual Fund
11/22/2024 7:10 am
Please support the Dallin Annual Fund for Giving Tuesday!
Every year, the Dallin PTO raises funds to provide essential resources and programs that directly benefit our students, teachers, and families.
We rely on your generous support to fund these initiatives, and we need your help to make this year a success.
This year, we hope to raise $25,000 through the Dallin Annual Fund. This represents roughly 65% of our annual fundraising goal.
Here’s what the PTO provides for our community:
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Field trip costs for all kids, ranging from the Museum of Science to Zoo New England
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Stipends for supplies in each classroom, such as rugs, wipes, and tissues
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Enrichment activities like the Dallin Hourglass and Menotomy Day activities
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Library books, art materials, music supplies, and wellness/PE equipment
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Room representative funds for teacher and specialist holiday and year-end gifts
Learn more about how we spend our money here; to donate, visit:
Checks to “Dallin PTO” can be left with Mrs. Burns.
From the Music classroom
11/22/2024 7:09 am
Hi, my dear Dallin students. It's Ms. Kim. As I think back on my time here, I can't help but remember all the moments I shared with you––from my first day here to now. Each and every one of those moments was so valuable, precious, and filled with joy.
Although I'm still early in my teaching career and gaining experience every day, my biggest hope was always to make our music classes fun, meaningful, and memorable for you. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my journey––I truly can't wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish in the future.
You are all so special and incredible, and as my last message to you, I want to say this: Whatever you do, don't be afraid to take on challenges. Mistakes and failures are part of life, but they're also stepping stones to growth. Learn from them and keep moving forward––you've got this!
I wish everyone the best of luck in everything you do. Take care and keep making beautiful music!
With love,
Ms. Kim
Specialist Teacher Winter Appreciation
11/22/2024 7:08 am
TASC Turkey Trot
11/22/2024 7:07 am
TASC 4th Annual Turkey Trot to benefit The Greater Somerville Homeless Coalition.
On Tuesday, November 26th @ 3:30 the children and staff of The AfterSchool Connection will trot, run or walk around the block (Florence Ave to Rhinecliff St. to Dow Ave. to Wachusett Ave. to Florence Ave.) to benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition. This is a rain or shine event. Dallin students are welcome to join us with a small donation to the coalition. A QR code can be found on the attached flyer. Thank you for your support.
Happy Thanksgiving!
