From the Principal: Welcome Back and Happy New Year!

1/3/2025 7:10 am

Welcome Back and Happy New Year Dallin families,

I hope this message finds you well and that your family enjoyed a restful and joyful winter break. At the Dingman house, much flour was consumed in all sorts of forms over the last two weeks. Mainly in correlation with sugar, if I’m being honest. So at the start of 2025, like most New Years, I’m thinking about a few more miles on the bike to make up for some great time with my family.

A short week to start our new year, and then we’re excited to connect with you through upcoming Family-Teacher Conferences.

Family-Teacher Conferences Next Week!

We are excited to welcome families for Family-Teacher Conferences next week. These meetings are a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, celebrate their progress, and set meaningful goals for the remainder of the year. The schedule is:

• Early Release Days on Tuesday and Wednesday next week, students will be dismissed at 11:30 AM.
• Evening Conferences will be held on Thursday evening from 6 PM to 8 PM.

We hope every family can find a time that works for their schedule to join us in these important conversations.

Note: For families who work with multiple educators (e.g., special education or related services), please look for communication around additional times to meet. Or, always feel welcome to reach out directly to teachers to inquire about conference structure.

MCAS 2025 Testing Dates are Released

For families of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, here are the state testing dates for this spring. There are 2 sessions of ELA and Mathematics for all students 3rd through 5th grade. There are an additional two sessions for 5th grades who will be taking a Science, Technology, and Engineering MCAS, as well.

As we enter the second half of the school year, there is so much to be optimistic about. Our teaching team is deeply engaged in implementing the EL Education curriculum, providing new content and opportunities for students to learn deeply. Definitely ask your child’s teacher more about it at conferences.

We’ll also continuing to grow our Playworks program and deepen our efforts to ensure every student feels included and safe at school. These priorities reflect our commitment to creating a supportive and safe learning community for all our students.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our school. It’s a privilege to work alongside such caring and engaged families. Here’s to a fantastic 2025 filled with growth, learning, and joy!

Be well,

Thad 

Conference dates and signups

1/3/2025 7:08 am

A reminder that family-teacher conferences take place next week. 

School will be dismissed at 11:30 am on Tuesday Jan 7 and Wednesday Jan 8.

In addition to scheduling time to talk with your child's classroom teacher, you may want to meet with our specialists. Here are links to schedule that time:

• Art: Signup link for Tuesday Jan 7th, and Wednesday , Jan 8th; Signup link for Thursday evening, Jan 9th
• Music: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4CAFAB23A1F4C34-54016483-dallin
• PE: PE/Health Sign up for Conferences

If you have any difficulty with sign ups, please reach out to the teachers directly as they maintain their own schedules.

Dallin Library Statistics for 2024

1/3/2025 7:06 am

Students checked out 7813 books from the Dallin Library this year!  There are 9244 books total in the Library.

The top ten checked out books and series were:

The Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey

Because of Mr. Terupt, by Rob Buyea (who visited the school earlier this year)

Keeper of the Lost Cities: Unraveled, by Shannon Messenger

How to Cake It: a cakebook by Yolanda Gampp

The Lego Ideas Book: unlock your imagination by Daniel Lipkowitz

The Minecraft Guide series by Stephanie Milton

National Geographic Kids Pet records : the weirdest, cutest, biggest, coolest, tiniest, and smartest pets on the planet by Julie Beer and Michelle Harris

Pokémon! super deluxe essential handbook

 The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Agents of S.U.I.T by John Patrick Green and Christopher Hastings ; illustrated by Pat Lewis ; with color by Wes Dzioba

New Year, New Spirit Wear!

1/3/2025 7:02 am

Dates and conferences for the new year

12/20/2024 7:10 am

Dallin Families, as we begin our winter break, we have a few important things to share.

Important Dates

• Thursday, January 2nd - Return from winter break - our first school day of 2025
• Tuesday, January 7th - 11:30 a.m. dismissal for conferences
• Wednesday, January 8th - 11:30 a.m. dismissal for conferences

Conference Sign Ups

In addition to scheduling time to talk with your child's classroom teacher, you may want to meet with our specialists. Here are links to schedule that time:

• Art: Signup link for Tuesday Jan 7th, and Wednesday , Jan 8th; Signup link for Thursday evening, Jan 9th
• Music: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4CAFAB23A1F4C34-54016483-dallin
• PE: PE/Health Sign up for Conferences

If you have any difficulty with sign ups, please reach out to the teachers directly as they maintain their schedules.

Thank you for supporting our teachers and specialists!

12/20/2024 7:08 am

Thanks to your generous contributions to the Dallin Annual Fund, the PTO was able to present specialist teachers and support staff with a holiday gift this week. Teachers received a gift card to their favorite store along with hot cocoa, popcorn and other sweet treats. These gifts were also made possible by a generous contribution from the owner of On Centre located in Jamaica Plain, whose nephews attend Dallin.  

Thank you for supporting our fifth graders!

12/20/2024 7:06 am

Every year, a group of 5th-grade parents and caregivers come together to help create a memorable final year at Dallin for our students. A significant part of our job is raising money to fund the yearbook, t-shirts, a special field trip, and other farewell activities. We want to thank our Dallin community who have helped make these fundraisers a success so far:

• Halloween Movie Night organized by Janet Huang and Sara Frisher raised over $1400
• The Election Day Bake Sale organized by Sally LeGore-Nusholtz and Holly Wiggin raised over $1600
• The Thanksgiving Pie fundraiser organized by Julie Hanson raised $100
• Henry Bear's Park shopping night raised $50

Thank you to all of our volunteers and everyone who came out to support these events. Keep an eye out in the new year for more shopping days and maybe a dance party! With your help, we are well on our way to giving our 5th graders the send-off they deserve!

Arlington SEPAC News

12/20/2024 7:04 am

Arlington SEPAC Newsletter: December 16, 2024

Subscribe to our email list | Events Calendar | Contact SEPAC 

January Monthly SEPAC Meeting

January 14, 2025 | 7:30pm - 8:30pm | Zoom (info at end of email)

The SEPAC monthly meeting is the 2nd Tuesday of every month; so mark your calendars! 

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[SEPAC WEBINAR] How and When to Use Mediation Over an IEP 

January 21, 2025 | 7:30-8:30pm | Zoom (info at bottom of newsletter)

Presenter: Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA)

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. 

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Which Accommodations Should I Request? IEPs vs. 504s vs. All Students 

All Massachusetts districts must have a District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP) that describes accommodations, instructional supports, and the learning environment that is expected for ALL learners in general education classes. The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) recently shared this important information, including a link to the APS DCAP.

Learn more

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[WEBINAR] Executive Function: The Basics

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 | 7:00–8:00 p.m. | FREE 

Presenter: Margot Marcou, Executive Education Coach 

Host:  The Landmark School

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

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[WEBINAR Series]: Navigating Housing Options

Housing workshops series:  January 7, 14, 21, 28

12:00 – 1:00pm

Host: Perkins School for the Blind

This four-part virtual workshop series designed to help parents, caregivers, and professionals navigate the essentials of housing for young adults with disabilities. Led by national experts in the field, these sessions will dive into:

• Developing innovative housing models 

• Expanding access to supportive housing

• Funding affordable housing options 

Learn about housing and register

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Direct Support Youth Stipends for Young Adults Available

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has partnered with the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) to provide direct funding that eligible young adults* and their families can use to pay for transition services and social supports. Possible uses for the stipend include, gym membership, assistive technology, transportation to work/activities, mental health services not covered by insurance, and much more. [*eligibility: born between March 10, 1998 and September 30, 2001 and enrolled in special education until age 22)],

Watch presentation | Learn more

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RESOURCES – In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)!

• Basic Rights and Legal Protections in Special Education (presentation shared by Somerville SEPAC)

• Preparing Your Child for the New IEP Process: Get a discussion guide

• Comparison chart: 504 vs. IEP (via Understood.org)

• Examples of 504 accommodations (by disability) via Cambridge Public Schools

• New Balance Foundation Adaptive Sports Winter Programs - registration

• Family Holiday Activity Bundle (via Cartwheel): Download

============= SEPAC ZOOM INFO ==================

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=iKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1
Meeting ID: 854 1205 2274
Passcode: 378204
Join by phone: 309 205 3325

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!

Specialist Teacher Winter Appreciation

12/13/2024 7:08 am

Staff Appreciation: Winter Baked Goods

12/13/2024 7:06 am

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!

From 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

From the STEAM team: Discovery Day and upcoming events

12/6/2024 7:10 am

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?