Dallin Digest Newsletter
Camp Swiftie this summer
2/13/2026 5:52 am
Are your kids Taylor Swift fans?
Dallin mom Dana Varga is the the director of Camp Swiftie, and she is offering the Dallin community $25 off per week for Camp Swiftie using code DALLIN at checkout. Registration can be found on the website below.
Camp Swiftie is a joyful, confidence-boosting arts camp for kids ages 6–12, blending dance, voice, arts & crafts, and imaginative play into an unforgettable week celebrating Taylor Swift. Hosted at the stunning Follen Church in Lexington, this camp welcomes all skill levels—no experience required.
The week culminates in a Friday performance that feels like a mini Eras tour, giving campers a chance to celebrate their creativity in a supportive, high-energy environment.
9am–3pm daily
Aftercare available 3–5pm
If you’re looking for a camp that’s organized, inspiring, and truly special—this is it. Sign up for one week - ore more! Enrollment is limited and expected to fill quickly.
We are also hiring counselors 15+: info here: https://docs.google.com/
Learn more and book your spot(s) today:
https://www.
Lunar New Year Gala, Saturday Feb 14
2/13/2026 5:48 am
Date: Saturday, February 14th, 2026
Time: 4-8pm
Location: Arlington High School
This family-friendly event will include activities suitable for children, live performances, traditional food available for purchase, and opportunities for families to connect and celebrate the Lunar New Year together. All students, parents, siblings, and family members are warmly welcome.
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Calendar and additional community events, 2/13
2/13/2026 5:40 am
Saturday, February 14
Lunar New Year celebration, AHS, 4-8pm
February 16-20
NO SCHOOL: February Break
Arlington EATS February Vacation Lunch Program
Wednesday, March 25
Student Science Expo, 6:30-7:30pm
Saturday, March 28
Saturday, April 11
Dallin Culture Night, 5:30pm, cafeteria
Townwide elections are coming up on March 28. If you want to receive a mail-in ballot and did not request one with the town census, you can still request one online at this address: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/
From the Hourglass: Your Favorite Magazine is Back!
2/6/2026 6:00 am
Dear Dallin parents/guardians,
If you haven’t already heard, the Dallin Hourglass is coming back around for yet another year! If you’re not familiar with the Hourglass, it is Dallin’s mainly 5th grade student-run literary magazine. The Hourglass is a chance for your child to show off their writing and drawing skills. Students who get into the Hourglass will have their work published and have their own copy of the magazine. If your child doesn't get in, we want you to encourage them to not give up and try again next year!
Some important details that you need to know: They are that the Hourglass is printed in black and white, so any colored drawings will be converted into black and white. Also your child’s work has to be original, so they cannot enter a piece they traced. If your child asks you to review their piece please make sure it follows the following requirements:
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Make sure it is school appropriate.
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Original art and writing.
(they can use writing and art for inspiration but they can’t copy word for word. And they can’t trace artwork.)
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Up to five handwritten pages or two typed pages for writing.
Kindergarten parents/guardians: The fifth grade students are going to help kindergarten write stories to submit to the Hourglass. Kindergarten students can also submit pieces by themselves or with a friend.
Any student can submit pieces with other students but remember that you can only submit one piece of art and two pieces of writing.
Note: we need writing! More people submit art than writing so if your child submits writing, they are more likely to get into the Hourglass.
If your child gets into the Hourglass they will get a free copy of the magazine. If they don’t you can purchase a copy but your child's work will not be in it.
We encourage your child to do their best work. And if they don’t get in this year they can always try again next year.
The due date for submissions is February 13th,
Your child can submit their piece during school to a slip in their classroom.
Sincerely,
Emma Hadly co. Editor in Chief
Isabel Bouck co. Editor in Chief
Ms. Jennifer Bench (Manager of Hourglass)
Read More
Bethany Barton author visit March 5
2/6/2026 5:58 am
Dear Dallin Families,
We are excited to share that on March 5, 2026, The Dallin School will be welcoming children’s author and illustrator Bethany Barton for a special author visit! This wonderful opportunity is made possible through the generous support of our Dalin School PTO, and we are very grateful for their partnership.
Bethany Barton “is an award-winning Author, Illustrator and Science Communicator for Kids. Bethany’s books invite young readers to approach STEAM topics using facts, humor, empathy, and critical thinking” (Bethany Barton, Official Website).
During her visit, Bethany Barton will talk with students about being an author and illustrator, share her creative process, and inspire a love of reading and curiosity about the world.
Book Pre-Purchase & Autographing
Families who are interested may pre-purchase books for their child to have signed by Bethany Barton during her visit.
- Order books through Porter Square Books (order link) by Monday Feb. 16, 2026. These books will be delivered to campus, autographed by the author, and sent home with your child the following school day.
- Families may also choose to purchase a book from another retailer. If so, please deliver the book to the Dallin School Library with your child’s name and class clearly labeled no later than Friday, February 27. Please email me to let me know I should be on the lookout for the book.
Purchasing a book is entirely optional; students do not need one to fully enjoy the author’s visit. However, if your student would like a copy and you require financial assistance, please feel free to reach out to me directly.
We are thrilled to offer this experience to our students and appreciate the continued support of our families and the Dallin PTO. If you have any questions, please contact feel to reach out to me at mmaldonado@arlington.k12.ma.us
Happy reading!
Melissa Maldonado, MLS (she/her)
Library Teacher
Read MoreRead-a-thon's thrilling conclusion!
2/6/2026 5:56 am
Dallin's inaugural Read-a-Thon is wrapping up this weekend! There's still time to get involved, grow your brain, support your school and leave your mark :) use the link below and happy reading!
Ongoing teacher appreciation!
2/6/2026 5:54 am
Dallin Night at Blue Ribbon BBQ, 2/12
2/6/2026 5:52 am
Arlington SEPAC newsletter
2/6/2026 5:48 am
Arlington SEPAC Newsletter: News, events, and resources for Arlington parents and caregivers supporting students who learn differently.
Monthly SEPAC meeting, Tuesday February 10
WHEN: Tuesday, February 10th, 7:30-8:30pm (Zoom)
An optional casual parent/caregiver conversation time will follow, post-meeting from 8:30-9:00pm
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.
SPACE Workshops for Parents/Caregivers
The APS district social work team is offering Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) workshops for any parents/caregivers who would like to learn more about supporting their children who experience anxiety. All are welcome, please see this flyer to learn more and register for the workshops.
FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training
This one-day training is FREE and open to all Arlington community members and employees and is being offered multiple times this spring. Please see this flyer for more details and to learn how to register!
Programs and services in and around the community
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Youth and Digital Wellness Webinar Strategies for Caregivers - You likely saw this offering from AYCC and the Prevention Coalition,
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Clearview Health & Wellness - Clearview is a new outpatient provider that offers a welcoming environment for individuals and families seeking mental health support. Their diverse team of therapists provides individualized counseling and medication management services (in person, hybrid & remote options available), and will soon provide groups as well. They are located at 200 Boston Ave in Medford and have free off-street parking. They are committed to a NO WAITLIST intake process, and currently have immediate openings for all ages! Here’s some referral information that Clearview shared with us Referral Roadmap w Insurances (6).pdf
Calendar and additional community events, 2/6
2/6/2026 5:40 am
Monday, January 26 -- Monday, February 9
Tuesday, February 10
APS Rainbow Task Force Community Conversation, 5:15pm, Brackett School
Youth and Digital Wellness: Strategies for Caregivers, 6pm, AHS Discourse Lab and Zoom
Arlington SEPAC meeting, 7:30pm, Zoom
Thursday, February 12
Dallin Night at Blue Ribbon BBQ
February 16-20
NO SCHOOL: February Break
Arlington EATS February Vacation Lunch Program
Saturday, April 11
Dallin Culture Night, 5:30pm, cafeteria
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Meet the Staff!
1/30/2026 6:02 am
Hi! My name is Joji, and I serve as the building substitute at Dallin Elementary. This is my first year here, and each day is different as I move around the school to help in classrooms. So far, I am enjoying my time in the Dallin community and look forward to the rest of the school year! Outside of school, I love exploring different outlets where I can use my creativity and hanging out with my two pets, Francis (a cat) and Rufus (a dog)!
Read MoreThe Dallin Read-a-Thon has started!
1/30/2026 6:00 am
Teacher Appreciation: Let's keep it up!
1/30/2026 5:58 am
Dallin Literacy Night, Weds Feb 4
1/30/2026 5:56 am
Feb 4 is Winter Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day!
1/30/2026 5:54 am
Show your New England spirit by walking, biking, and rolling to school on Wednesday, February 4!
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