Dallin Digest Newsletter

Nominate a Teacher!

5/2/2025 7:03 am

Steve McKenna & The Home Advantage Team | Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty are running a year-long campaign called Arlington's Finest.

Each month, they spotlight someone who goes above and beyond in our community. For the month of May, they want to recognize a local teacher. If someone comes to mind—whether for May or a future month—please nominate them using the form linked below.

Nominees will receive:
  • A feature on social media, eblast, and blog (if they’re open to it)
  • A $45 gift card to their favorite local shop/restaurant and $45 donation made in their name to a local charity/NPO
OR
  • A $100 donation made in their name to a local charity/NPO
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AHS Scoopermania, May 17 11am-4pm

5/2/2025 6:58 am

The AHS Scoopermania event to benefit the Jimmy Fund will take place at the Dallin Museum on May 17 from 11-4.  More information is on their instagram and presale tickets are available from greenclara110@gmail.com.

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Arlington SEPAC news

5/2/2025 6:57 am

SEPAC Newsletter: May 2, 2025

News, events, and resources for Arlington parents and caregivers supporting students who learn differently.

A Don’t Miss Monthly SEPAC Meeting! Tuesday, May 13th (7:30pm)

Any parent, caregiver, or community member interested in Arlington special education is welcome! In addition to SLCs, we will share opportunities to get involved in SEPAC.
(Detailed Zoom info at the bottom of this newsletter.)

us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=iKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1

SEPAC Event: Everything you need to know about Arlington’s Supported Learning Centers (SLCs)

WHEN: May 13, 2025 (7:30-8:30pm)

WHERE: Zoom (details at end of newsletter)

At the May 13th monthly SEPAC meeting, APS staff will provide an overview of SLCs—what they are, why they exist, and how placement decisions are made. This session will focus on understanding the purpose and structure of SLCs. While we won’t be diving into individual selection criteria, there will be a facilitated Q&A — please submit your questions at the link below.

Submit your questions here!

 

Calling All Positive Change Agents: supporting kids who learn differently

There are many different opportunities to get involved in the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) that range in their time commitments — please join the upcoming SEPAC monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 13th to learn more. Elections for board positions will take place at the June meeting!

Zoom link (more details below)

 

WORKSHOP SERIES: Guiding Good Choices Spring 2025

Register for the Spring Guiding Good Choices series! Spring 2025 Session: Wed nights (4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21,5/28 & 6/4) from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom Guiding Good Choices (GGC) offers techniques and tools to help parents improve communication with their children; develop healthy family values and clear behavioral expectations; control and express anger constructively; strengthen family bonds and trust; and prevent children from engaging in substance use and other risky behaviors.

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9tcoG7c0gyh6cuWu4Fb6gh0kS8pjeWlwZPRg-EDrSZP-u-w/viewform

 

Special Olympics Event: A Special Day in Waltham

May 31st, 9am - 12pm; Veteran’s Field, Waltham

Ages 5 and up. All Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Welcome! This will be a day of games and sports including:

  • Soccer

  • Cornhole

  • Fitness Activities & Sprints

  • 25 Yard Dash

  • Home Run Derby

  • Ultimate Frisbee

  • And More!

Learn more

 

Connection, Co-Regulation, and Coping Skills: Helping Kids and Teens Navigate Big Feelings (a Cartwheel webinar)

Watch this webinar — brought to you through an APS / Cartwheel partnership — for helpful strategies you can teach your kids (and yourself) for noticing, welcoming, and neutralizing big emotions before they take over the household.

Watch now

 

Yoga for Middle & High School Students with Autism

Shift, a local cycle & fitness studio, is offering a special 4-week yoga series just for Autistic youth: Voice Colors Yoga. Classes will run Saturdays from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM for 4 weeks, starting Saturday, April 26. The series will be led by Tobie Cerchiari, certified yoga instructor + Voice Colors-trained teacher. This is open to any youth on the autism spectrum—no need to have any connection to Shift.

Register here 

 

Other Events (ICYMI)

  • The Athol-Royalston SEPAC is hosting a Basic Rights - Transition Planning seminar on Monday, May 5th at 6pm. Presentation by the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN). Register here

  • (TODAY!) Monthly meetup in support of parents and caregivers of kids with learning differences: Friday, May 2nd, 12—1 pm (and every first Friday of the month)

    Where: Roasted Granola, 1346 Mass Ave, Arlington MA. Questions? Contact Dawn Kopatish, dawnkotapish@gmail.com.

 
 
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Guiding Good Choices Workshops

5/2/2025 6:56 am

Guiding Good Choices (GGC) offers techniques and tools to help parents improve communication with their children; develop healthy family values and clear behavioral expectations; control and express anger constructively; strengthen family bonds and trust; and prevent children from engaging in substance use and other risky behaviors.

 

Register for the spring workshop series here: 

 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9tcoG7c0gyh6cuWu4Fb6gh0kS8pjeWlwZPRg-EDrSZP-u-w/viewform

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Question of the Week

5/2/2025 6:55 am

Question of the Week!
 
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on our Spring Auction! If you missed the chance to do so, you can still answer here. The feedback was very positive, with some comments wishing more parents had attended and citing concerns about lack of childcare. We will keep this in mind for planning future adult-only events.
 
For this week, we want to know which recess games your kids enjoy:
 
 
Check back next week for the results and to answer a new question!
 
 
 
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Thank You for a Wonderful Spring Auction!

4/18/2025 7:11 am

Thank you to everyone who came out to Town Hall last Friday to the 2025 Dallin Spring Auction: Blue & Gold Gala. We hope you had a fabulous evening, and we’re excited to announce that the auction raised $9k for our PTO! The event would not have been possible without the help of many individuals and organizations, whom we would like to thank now.

 

Big thank you to Paul Wolstencroft for donating his time and providing us with an unforgettable musical performance. We would like to thank our sponsors whose financial contributions allowed us to throw such a fantastic event: Platinum+ Sponsors Kristin McKenna and Ghirardelli Chocolate, and Platinum Sponsors Belmont Orthodontics/Belmont Pediatric Dentistry, Intelligent Labor and Moving, and John’s Landscape Service. Flowers and desserts were provided by generous donations from Wegmans, Costco, and Cookie Time Bakery. The popular 360 video booth was provided at a discount by 360 Boothy. Dallin Parents Christina Cotrupi of Air + Flow Balloon Decor and Lauren Corsino of Sweet P Designs are responsible for making our space look absolutely amazing with their balloons and signs. We thank you all for making this a night to remember!

 

 

Thank you to all of the businesses, organizations, and individuals who donated items and services for our auction and raffle. Please take a moment to look through our donors page to see the long list of donors whose generous offers contributed to a successful fundraiser.

 

Many people worked hard behind the scenes soliciting donations, securing vendor contracts, and arranging event logistics. Thank you to our crew of Dallin parents who helped with setup Friday morning, worked at the check-in table during the event, and stuck around to help clean up. Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word about the auction and encouraged others to buy tickets! Large events like this ask a lot of our community of volunteers, and we greatly appreciate the efforts that go into pulling it all together.

 

Our final thank you goes out to the Dallin team of Mr. Dingman, Ms. Karustis, Ms. Burns, and all of the faculty and staff who supported us throughout the process of planning this event, and continue to support and promote the community-building work of the Dallin PTO.

 

We would love your input about the event, whether or not you attended the auction, so please scroll down to the Question of the Week to let us know what you think.

 

Thank you again!

 

Jamie Fisher, Auction Event Chair & Dallin PTO Co-President

Sally LeGore-Nusholtz, Auction Website Lead & Dallin PTO Co-President

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Teacher Appreciation Week

4/18/2025 7:10 am

πŸ’«Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 – “Wicked Grateful!” πŸ’«

May 5th – May 9th

 

We’re defying gravity this year with a magical “Wicked” theme to celebrate our amazing teachers! Help us show them just how wonderfully appreciated they are!

 

We’re inviting all parents to support in any way they can—whether it’s:
πŸ’š Signing up to bring something
🩷 Contributing through our Amazon Wish List
πŸ’š Encouraging your child to write a note of appreciation

 

Every little bit helps make this week extra magical!

 

Questions or want to get involved? Contact Kim Settelen at:

πŸ“§ Kimberly.settelen@gmail.com

 

πŸ”— Visit our website for more info and to sign up!

πŸͺ„ Let’s make this a week they’ll never forget!

 
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Volunteers needed: Art Show setup

4/18/2025 7:09 am

 
The Dallin Art Show is coming!
Calling all volunteers for the Art Show set up - Week of April 28th-May 2nd 
 
The Art Show is Friday, May 2nd, from 5-7pm. All students are showing artwork. Most artwork will be on bulletin boards outside students' classrooms, some in the atrium cases and on tables in hallways. Special features include 4th grade class' marble runs, blacklight glow art, large-scale and interactive sculptures.
 
Please consider signing up for a 30 minute slot after school here: Art Show set up volunteers!
*Student volunteers are welcome if they are accompanied by an adult*
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Dallin Holi Celebration date change: May 10 2:30pm

4/18/2025 7:08 am

Due to the rainy weather this past Sunday (12th April), Dallin field is no longer available for Holi event. We have secured the field for May 10th at 2.30pm, which will be the new date and time for the event.
 
Holi is the Indian festival of colors, a celebration of friendship, community and inclusivity. All are welcome to attend, from all backgrounds and cultures, whether you have never celebrated Holi before or if this is a long standing tradition for you. It is as much fun to watch as to “throw colors”, so please feel free to join this community event, whether or not you plan to participate.
 
Thanks to the PTO for their sponsorship. Please click the evite link to learn more and RSVP.
 
 
May 10, 2:30pm, Florence Field
 
 
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Dallin Family Culture Night, May 3 5:30pm

4/18/2025 7:07 am

May 3rd at 5:30, join us for an evening of celebrating our cultural diversity!  This event provides a wonderful opportunity for our community to explore our similarities and differences through family stories, food, and traditions.

Families are invited to participate in a variety of ways, including:

  • Bringing a dish that represents their cultural heritage.
  • Sharing crafts or activities (past activities have included henna tattoos, drawing Celtic knots, and writing names in other languages).
  • Creating a poster with interesting facts about their culture.
  • Teaching a song, dance, or game from their background.

We’d love to see as many families participate as possible! If you decide to offer food or a poster at the last minute, just come!

 

Sign Up here: Dallin Family Culture Night Sign up

Questions: tamarbulk@gmail.com

 

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From the Dallin AEF Liason

4/18/2025 7:06 am

Hi, I'm Erik Hett.  I have been the Arlington Education Foundation (AEF) liason for Dallin the past 4 years and am stepping down to allow someone else the opportunity to support this fantastic organization. The volunteer will help Dallin teachers apply for available funding and raise awareness about AEF in the Dallin community. The Arlington Education Foundation works to support and advance public education in Arlington. AEF funds system-wide initiatives and creative new projects to enhance the educational experiences of Arlington’s teachers and students. If you would like more information about being a parent volunteer, please email Joy Danison: JDanison@aefma.org or myself at erikhett@gmail.com. Thanks!
 
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Meeting, Tuesday April 29

4/18/2025 7:05 am

Tuesday, April 29; 7-8pm in the Dallin School Library

 

The Dallin DEI Committee is dedicated to upholding Arlington Public Schools' commitment to creating an equitable educational community where all learners feel a sense of belonging, experience growth, joy, and are empowered to shape their futures and contribute to a better world. The purpose of this meeting is to create a space where we will come together to share ideas, listen to and learn from others, and implement action steps towards an enhanced sense of belonging for all Dallin students and families.

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Arlington Public Schools Annual Textile Recycling Competition

4/18/2025 7:03 am

April 30-May 30, 2025
 
Announcing our 9th annual APS textile recycling competition! 
 
Please support our district sustainability initiatives and reduce waste by bringing your old, worn, torn textiles (clothing, shoes, towels, bedding, stuffed animals) to your school's collection bin from April 30th-May 30th. All donations must be bagged and go into the textile recycling bins located outside your school
 
The volume of donated textiles at each school will be tracked by Bay State Textiles to determine the 1st and 2nd place winning schools.
 
For a list of acceptable donations click here. For questions about the competition or to report bin overflow, please contact Rachel Oliveri, APS Sustainability Project Manager at roliveri@arlington.k12.ma.us.
 
 
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Arlington SEPAC news

4/18/2025 7:02 am

May 13th Monthly SEPAC Meeting (7:30pm):

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=3DiKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1

 


What you need to know about APS Supported Learning Centers (SLCs)

 

WHEN: May 13, 2025 (7:30-8:30pm)

WHERE: [Zoom] https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=3DiKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1

 

At the May 13th monthly SEPAC meeting, APS staff will provide an overview of SLCs -- what they are, why they exist, and how placement decisions are made. This session will focus on understanding the purpose and structure of SLCs. While we won't be diving into individual selection criteria, there will be a facilitated Q&A.

 

Submit your questions here!

 


**DESE Special Education Stakeholder Survey (Deadline: April 30th)**

 

Public Consulting Group (PCG) is partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to support DESE in understanding the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the Office of Special Education's structures and processes to inform recommendations. They are
seeking your input to better understand the ways in which the Office of Special Education currently supports external stakeholders, including families.

 

Take the survey now

 


Seminar on Transition Planning

 

The Athol-Royalston SEPAC is hosting a Basic Rights - Transition Planning seminar on Monday, May 5th at 6pm. Presentation by the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN).

 

Register here

 


Monthly meetup for parents and caregivers of kids with learning differences

 

Friday, May 2nd, 12-1 pm (and every first Friday of the month)

Where: Roasted Granola, 1346 Mass Ave, Arlington MA

You are warmly invited to the Arlington-area monthly meetup for caregivers of kiddos with learning differences. Come share your experience of the challenges and joys of caring for kids who learn differently. **Questions? **Contact Dawn Kopatish, dawnkotapish@gmail.com

 


Free Community Screening of the Documentary, "In a Different Key"

 

Hosted by the Arlington Disability Commission in honor of Autism Acceptance=
Month.

**When**: Sunday, April 27th from 12-3pm
**Where**: Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington

 

The story follows a mother who tracks down the first person ever diagnosed with autism, now an elderly man in rural Mississippi, to learn if his life story holds promise for her own autistic son. Her journey exposes a startling record of cruelty and kindness alike, framed by forces like race, money and privilege -- but leads to hope that more of us are learning to have the backs of those who are "different." Snacks and refreshments provided, followed by a Q&A session with audience participation. All are welcome.

[RSVP here]

 

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Belmont PMC Kids Ride, Sunday, May 4th

4/18/2025 6:56 am

The 10th annual Belmont PMC Kids Ride will take place on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The PMC community has “one mission: raise funds for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute” so that “together, we get closer by the mile to a world without cancer.”  Go to the website to register today!
https://kids.pmc.org/belmont
 
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