Dallin Digest Newsletter
Thanks from the Teachers’ Lounge!
1/17/2025 7:09 am


Quarter 3 Library Volunteers
1/17/2025 7:08 am
Kindergarten Families Night Out, Thurs Jan 23
1/17/2025 7:07 am
Calling all kindergarten families!
Looking to meet other kindergarten parents, build your school community, or just enjoy a kid-free night out? Join us for Kindergarten Parents' Night Out on Thursday, January 23rd at Tavern Square from 7:30 to 9 PM(ish).
This fun social event is organized by your kindergarten class reps through the PTO to help families connect and get to know each other. The PTO will provide light appetizers and a cozy space to mingle. Drinks and additional food will be available for purchase.
We'd love to see you there! Please RSVP through our Facebook event. If you're not on Facebook, feel free to email Vanessa at porter.vanessa@gmail.com so we can give the restaurant an accurate headcount.
We hope you can make it!
Read MoreNews from the APS Nurses
1/17/2025 7:06 am
Please follow the link below for the APS Nurses' Newsletter, which addresses winter clothing, respiratory illnesses, lice, cough drop policies, extra clothes, and the APS illness guidelines:
https://secure.smore.com/n/rpa4b
Read MoreAPS Virus Guidance Snapshot
1/17/2025 7:05 am
Core prevention strategies for respiratory illness prevention:
- Immunizations
- Hygiene
- Steps for cleaner air
- Treatment
- Stay home and prevent spread (until symptoms improve and fever-free for 24h without medications), plus 5 days of added precaution
Additional prevention strategies:
- Masks
- Distancing
- Tests
Layering prevention strategies can be especially helpful when:
- Respiratory viruses are causing a lot of illness in your community
- You or those around vou have risk factors for severe illness
- You or those around you were recently exposed, are sick, or are recovering
APS Nutrition & Wellness Policy Guide
1/17/2025 7:04 am
APS Nutrition & Wellness Policy Guide
Guideline for Healthy Decisions
NUTRITION
The district will follow Smart Snacks in School Nutrition Standards.
These standards apply to foods and beverages sold or provided to students from midnight before until 30 minutes after the official school day ends.
HEALTHY CLASSROOM AND SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS
Classroom celebrations and/or rewards will be food free. School celebrations, including celebrations that involve multiple classrooms, will be considered with the approval of the building principal in collaboration with the school nurse, keeping health & safety in mind.
FOOD SOLD FOR FUNDRAISING
The Arlington Public Schools will allow only non-food items to be sold as part of school-sponsored fundraising activities during the school day. This mandate extends from midnight before until 30 minutes after the school day. Exemptions can be made for food sold only to adults during the school day.
STUDENTS BRINGING IN THEIR OWN FOOD
Parents/Guardians may send their individual students to school with whatever food they deem appropriate. Healthy options are encouraged.
Food should not be shared.
CURRICULUM BASED FOODS
Food is not to be used as a reward. Curriculum based food activities will need the building principal’s approval in collaboration with the school nurse. Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS) teachers in grades 7-12 will obtain a blanket approval from the building principals for the culinary classes.
FACS teachers will be sure to obtain knowledge of food allergies, diabetes management information, etc. from the school nurse and develop an action plan involving students with food allergies.
Full APS Nutrition and Wellness Policy: https://z2policy.ctspublish.com/masc/browse/arlingtonset/arlington/ADF
Read MoreFree Youth Mental Health First Aid training for Arlington parents & caregivers
1/17/2025 7:03 am
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training for adults who frequently interact with youth. Learners receive free comprehensive materials on how to recognize common signs of mental health concerns in adolescents, the language and skills to talk to youth about suicide, how to connect youth to care, and a list of community and national referral resources.
Upcoming training dates:
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Monday, February 3 (8:15 - 11:45am) & Monday, February 10 (8:15 - 11:45am)
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Monday, March 3 (8:15 - 11:45am) & Tuesday, March 4 (8:15 - 11:45am)
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Thursday, April 10 (8:15am - 4pm)
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Thursday, May 15 (8:15am - 4pm)
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Tuesday, June 3 (12 - 3:30pm) & Tuesday, June 10 (12 - 3:30pm)
All training sessions will take place in person in the Arlington Public Schools District Offices (14 Mill Brook Drive, Arlington, MA 02476).
Registration: tinyurl.com/
APS Community Budget Forum
1/17/2025 7:02 am
Next Tuesday the 21st, APS will hold a forum to inform the community about the APS budget process and how Town funds are allocated to APS. All community members are welcome. The forum will take place from 7pm-8pm and includes a virtual option; community members can register to attend the forum virtually via Zoom here. Questions can be submitted ahead of time to this form.
Read MoreArlington Lunar New Year Celebration, Sat Jan 25
1/17/2025 7:02 am
There will be a Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, January 25th at Arlington High School! This event is free to the community promises to be a ton of fun for our students and families: please share widely!
Activities will take place from 4-6pm, with a performance from 6-8pm. The event is sponsored by several Town organizations, departments, and businesses, and will feature food stands (yummy!).
Read MoreAHS Latino Student Union Movie Night, Friday Jan 31
1/17/2025 7:00 am
AHS Latino Student Union is hosting a movie night fundraiser on Friday, January 31st at 7pm at the high school.
Read MoreSafe Arrival and Dismissal reminders
1/10/2025 7:10 am
As winter weather continues to impact arrival and dismissal plans, please review the safe arrival and dismissal plans to help ensure the safety of everyone on Dallin’s campus. Campus is very busy with vehicles and pedestrians and our plan outlines the safest pattern for vehicles around school. We understand that it may not be the most convenient, but it is safest for our community members.
Most notably, George Street is a fire lane and NOT a drop-off zone for students. We know that it’s closest to our Kindergarten doors but we ask that you use the Florence Avenue drop-off zone.
Here is the information you need to support Dallin’s safe arrival and dismissal:
Traffic Pattern and Parking Plan for Dallin

- Florence Avenue between Renfrew and George Streets: restricted to school buses for one block during school arrival (7:40-8:10) and dismissal (2:15-2:45) and 12:45-1:15 on Tuesdays.
- The student drop-off area is on the west side of Florence Avenue extending from Waverly to Renfrew Street. There are traffic bollards there to designate the area. If you drive your student/s to school, use this drop-off zone and then make a left turn onto Waverly or Renfrew Streets. George Street is a fire lane and NOT a drop-off zone.
- George Street is one-way from Florence Avenue to Rhinecliff Street; there is a “No Left Turn” except for staff needing to access the parking lot.
- The back parking lot is for staff only. Do not park in that lot during school hours or at arrival/dismissal.
- There are parking spaces in the neighborhood to use if you need to get out of the car with your child. Parking in or near crosswalks makes it very difficult to see children and impedes traffic flow.
Thank you for helping us keep students and adults safe while they’re on campus.
Read MoreHelp our Teachers' Lounge!
1/10/2025 7:08 am
Library Newsletter
1/10/2025 7:06 am
Dallin students, along with all APS library classes, will be learning about the Caldecott Awards and reading 10 picture books with outstanding illustrations before voting for their favorites.
Read MoreSTEAM Game Night Friday January 24
1/10/2025 7:05 am
Game Night is back! The Dallin STEAM Team is pleased to invite you to Family Games & Puzzles Night on Friday, January 24th from 6-8pm in the Dallin Cafeteria.
Please plan ahead for an exciting evening of family-friendly STEAM games and activities for all ages, with a focus on FUN elements of math and problem-solving. Let’s play together!
The STEAM team thanks Henry Bear’s Park for their generous prize donations. We’ll also need some helpers to make this event a success. Sign up here: Dallin STEAM Game Night Volunteers
Contact angela.l.elias@gmail.com or dallinsteamteam@gmail.com if you have questions.
Read MoreArlington SEPAC Newsletter
1/10/2025 7:02 am
Arlington SEPAC Newsletter: January 7, 2025
Subscribe to our email list | Events Calendar | Get involved
Upcoming Monthly SEPAC Meetings:
January 14, 2025 | February 11, 2025
7:30pm - 8:30pm
Zoom (info at end of newsletter)
The SEPAC monthly meeting is the 2nd Tuesday of every month; so mark your calendars!
Get updates on APS and SEPAC initiatives, hear about upcoming events and resources, and learn how you can get involved.
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Transitioning from High School to Adulthood [APS Event]
January 15, 2025 | 6:00pm
Location: Zoom (info directly below) and School Committee Meeting Room, APS Central Offices (Arlington High School)
Join the AHS Special Education department for an informative evening to learn MassAbility and the support they offer to students both during and after high school. Learn how MassAbility can assist in creating a smooth transition into adulthood.
Learn more or RSVP: Annalise Abdelnour (aabdelnour@arlington.k12.ma.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 943 538 0829
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Supporting Children Who Struggle with Anxiety [APS Workshop]
Jan 28 and Feb 4th @ Arlington High School (7-8pm)
The APS social work department is offering a 2-part parent/caregiver workshop on the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment model.
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Executive Function: The Basics [WEBINAR]
TODAY (1/8/25)! Wednesday, January 8, 2025 | 7:00–8:00 p.m. | FREE
Presenter: Margot Marcou, Executive Education Coach
Host: The Landmark School
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The Annual Envision Arlington Survey
Let’s make sure the voices of parents/caregivers of children who learn differently and need additional support are heard! This annual survey covers many topics, including APS/education. Some questions may be of interest to families of students with disabilities.
Complete the survey: ArlingtonMA.gov/Survey.
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How and When to Go to Mediation Over an IEP [SEPAC WEBINAR]
January 21, 2025 | 7:30-8:30pm
Zoom (info at bottom of newsletter)
Presenter: Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA)
Arlington SEPAC is 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.
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RESOURCES – In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)!
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Basic Rights and Legal Protections in Special Education (presentation)
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Preparing Your Child for the New IEP Process: Get a discussion guide
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Comparison chart: 504 vs. IEP (via Understood.org)
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Examples of 504 accommodations (by disability) via Cambridge Public Schools
============= SEPAC ZOOM INFO ==================
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
Passcode: 378204
Join by phone: 309 205 3325
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