Dallin Vaccine Clinic

9/19/2025 6:40 am

We are hosting a Vaccine Clinic at Dallin on Monday, October 20, 2025 from 3 pm - 7 pm. Please follow this link for more information! Ages 3 and up, everyone is welcome. Bring your insurance information.

Please note, available COVID Vaccine is for 12 and older.

APS Rainbow Alliances Back to School Outdoor Gathering, October 4

9/19/2025 6:36 am

The APS LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Task Force, Elementary School Rainbow Alliances, Middle School QSAs, and AHS GSA invite you to our 3rd Annual Back to School Outdoor Gathering

Music, Pizza, Sing-alongs,

Art Projects, Community, Fun!

Saturday, October 4th

11.30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.

Arlington High School Front Lawn

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, water, and a bagged lunch -- or purchase pizza at the event!

RSVP & pre-order pizza at this link; all are welcome!

From the Principal: Welcome and Safety

9/12/2025 7:00 am

Dear Dallin Families,

We’re off to a great start to the school year! It’s been a joy to spend time in classrooms, hallways, and on the playground with our students. Our teachers are energized and excited about their new classes, and it’s clear already that meaningful learning and strong relationships are taking root across the building. (And don’t even get me started with the cuteness level of these new Kindergartners!)

In these first few weeks, I’ve also had several conversations with families and responded to some thoughtful questions about school safety. It’s an important topic - always, and I wanted to share some information about the systems and routines we have in place to help keep our school community safe.

At Dallin, we know that students learn best when they feel safe, connected, and supported. A calm, structured environment allows students to engage fully in their learning, build positive relationships, and grow as individuals. Ensuring this kind of environment is one of our highest priorities and something we work toward each and every day.

From the very start of the school year, students and staff practice key routines that contribute to both emotional and physical safety. These include classroom expectations, procedures for using shared spaces, and safety drills that help us prepare together in a calm, developmentally appropriate way.

We are also fortunate to have a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO), Officer White, who knows our students, works closely with staff, and supports our efforts to build positive, trusting relationships across the school. In addition, new radio systems installed over the summer give each school - including Dallin - a direct line of communication with Arlington Public Schools (APS) leadership and the Arlington Police Department (APD), strengthening our ability to respond quickly and effectively when needed.

Our building remains locked throughout the school day, and all entrances are closely monitored. We appreciate your continued support in signing in at the front office and announcing your visit when you arrive. This helps us maintain a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

This year, I want to let you know about the steps our district is taking to demonstrate a shared commitment to creating safe learning environments across our town.

Arlington Public Schools is adopting the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation. The SRP is a nationally recognized safety protocol that standardizes responses to a variety of situations, including emergencies. This protocol is based on five simple, action-based directives:

Hold – “In your room or area. Clear the halls.”

Secure – “Get inside. Lock outside doors.”

Lockdown – “Locks, lights, out of sight.”

Evacuate – “To a specified location.”

Shelter – “Using a safety strategy for group and self protection from (state specific hazard, e.g., tornado or hazmat situation).”

Each response is supported by specific instructions to keep students and staff safe and informed. This consistent language promotes clarity and coordination among students, teachers, first responders, and families during any type of emergency.

All staff were trained in these actions at the start of the school year. We encourage all parents and guardians to learn more about the SRP by visiting https://iloveuguys.org and to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

The district will also hold an online forum for families to share more about this protocol and answer questions on October 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The registration link will be posted on the district website in mid-September.

I want to acknowledge that the timing of this message may feel unfortunate. It does not escape me. And, please know that each day I hope you see me welcoming our children with warmth and positivity and confidence that it’s going to be a good day. Because that’s genuinely where I am each day I walk into our school.

Thank you for continuing to partner with us to keep Dallin safe and welcoming.

Be well,

Thad

Fall Picnic TONIGHT, 5-7pm

9/12/2025 6:57 am

Please join the Dallin PTO on Florence Field this Friday for our Fall Picnic from 5-7pm. We will have pizza available for purchase by the slice or the pie. You may also order ahead on our website before noon on Friday. Please order at  https://dallinpto.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/6896.

In addition, we will have Dallin spiritwear for sale. Cash and Venmo are accepted. 

Volunteers are needed to help with this event. Please sign up here: https://dallinpto.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/155673.

We look forward to seeing you!

Volunteer in the Dallin Library!

9/12/2025 6:55 am

Volunteer in Dallin Art classes! Donate materials!

9/12/2025 6:54 am

Volunteer in your child's art class!  It is a wonderful way to spend time with your child and their classmates in a relaxed and creative environment.  This can be a whole-year or one-time commitment.  Sign up here: Volunteer to help in Art classes.  A current CORI background check is required -- stop in the office to talk to Mrs. Burns if you don't have one or are unsure of your status.

Please donate recycled materials for creative reuse in the art classroom.  This slideshow explains what can (and what cannot) be donated.   Items can be dropped off at the school office.

Arlington SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee) update

9/12/2025 6:51 am

SEPAC Newsletter: September 11, 2025 News, events, and resources for Arlington parents and caregivers supporting students who learn differently.

EVENT: Meet and Greet with APS Special Education Staff and Parents/Caregivers, Tuesday, Sept. 30th, 8:45am – 9:30am Arlington SEPAC, together with the APS Special Education staff invite you to join us for a casual gathering — enjoy coffee and conversation, an overview of “who to go to for what” within APS, an introduction to SEPAC, and time for Q&A. (Directions at the bottom of this email). Save the date! First Monthly SEPAC meeting, October 14th WHEN: Tuesday, October 14th, 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. Our first monthly meeting will be Tuesday, October 14th. Please join us to learn about SEPAC and its role in the community, how it complements and works with other parent support groups (e.g. Facebook’s Arlington Special Ed Alliance), and our priorities for the upcoming year. The SEPAC Calendar: 2025-2026 SEPAC meetings are every 2nd Tuesday of the month — same time, same place (Zoom) — all members of the community with an interest in the issues that affect Arlington children with disabilities are welcome. When a meeting is limited to voting members only (ie. parents and caregivers with an Arlington child who has a diagnosed or suspected disability), it will be announced in advance. Attending meetings on-camera is not required. Meeting dates for this school year: October 14, November 11, December 9, January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14, May 12, and June 9. Subscribe to our Google calendar here. Programs and services in and around the community NOTE: SEPAC is sharing this information as a courtesy. An endorsement should not be inferred. Have a program or service to share? Please fill out this form. Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC) Parent/Caregiver Group Starts Sept. 29th: The group will meet on Monday evenings in the fall from 6-7:15pm. This small therapeutic group will meet weekly to share and cultivate connections and build practical skills that will increase confidence in our ability to empathize with our children, respond to behaviors, and solve problems with them collaboratively. Parents and caregivers of kids ages 10-18.  Learn more or register here. Questions? Contact  ahoff@town.arlington.ma.us, 781-697-7518   Franciscan Children's Adaptive Sports Fall Programs start Sept. 29th: Registration for their fall programs is now open — Basketball, Skating, Gymnastics, and Track. One-page flyers can be found here. Questions? Contact Paul Ward, Director of Adaptive Sports, Franciscan Children’s, paward@franciscanchildrens.org or (617) 254-3800 Ext. 5475   Feeling burnt out? Caregiver coaching may be for you! Foundation First Physical Therapy is offering a 6-month program designed to make life feel lighter for parents of kids with disabilities. Get practical tips, in-home support, and strategies to prevent burnout so you can feel more confident, balanced, and supported in your caregiving journey. Dr. Ryan also offers in-home PT and equipment evaluations. Learn more: www.foundationfirstpt.com or download this flyer. Questions? Contact Dr. Paige Ryan, paige@foundationfirstpt.com   Fun Recreational Groups for Siblings of Children with Disabilities: JFCS is offering a super supportive space for kids to share their experiences living in a family with a sibling with extensive needs. Learn more here. Questions? Contact Valerie Maio, vmaio@jfcsboston.org, 781-647-5327 Directions for the Sept. 30th Coffee Meet and Greet with APS Staff WHEN: Tuesday, September 30th, 8:45am - 9:30am (in-person) WHERE: APS Central /District Office @Arlington High School (rear of building), 14 Millbrook Drive — large conference room Parking is EXTREMELY limited so folks are encouraged to walk or carpool.  You can enter through Mill Brook Drive (off of River Street.) We are located above the preschool.  Folks cannot access the District offices from the preschool.  They must walk around the school to Central Office/District Office entrance in the rear of the building, across from the athletic fields.  There is an elevator/or stairs that will take you to the 2nd floor.  You will need to sign in there and will be directed to the Large Conference room at the end of the hallway.  (note: For those familiar, the Large Conference Room is also where the Welcome Center is located. SEPAC Zoom information: Link: us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=iKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1  Meeting ID: 854 1205 2274 Passcode: 378204 Join by phone: 309 205 3325

Intro to Music workshop, Wednesday September 24

9/12/2025 6:50 am

Dallin parent Grey Arney is teaching a free introduction to music workshop featuring the music of Minecraft and Taylor Swift on Wednesday September 24, 3-5pm at the Fox Library.

Cambridge Science Carnival, Sunday 9/21

9/12/2025 6:49 am

The Cambridge Science Carnival will take place on Sunday September 21, 2025, in the Kendall/MIT Open Space.

A family-friendly science extravaganza, the Carnival is a beloved yearly highlight of the Cambridge STEAM calendar! Over 100 activity booths, demonstrations, live music, and installations, including the ever-popular Robot Petting Zoo, come together for one day. Carnival is a STEAM-themed adventure playground for inquisitive visitors of all ages. We can't wait to see you there and celebrate our diverse, creative community together!

For more information, visit https://cambridgesciencecarnival.org/

Welcome to the Dallin Digest!

9/4/2025 6:41 pm

Welcome Back, Dallin Community!

The Dallin Digest, our PTO-sponsored, volunteer-run school newsletter, is emailed every Friday morning when school is in session.  Articles from fall 2024 to the present are available at https://dallinpto.membershiptoolkit.com/dallinnewsletter and archives from before spring 2024 are at https://dallinnewsletter.wordpress.com/ .

In the 2024-2025 school year the Dallin Digest newsletter moved to the MembershipToolkit platform which hosts the Dallin Directory and other PTO functions.  If you have received this message by email, you are subscribed to the newsletter.  Please encourage other caregivers in your classrooms, especially those who are new to Dallin, to sign up for the directory and receive the newsletter.

If you have family or community members who want to receive the email but are not part of the directory, they can sign up to receive the newsletter as a community member; please contact dallinnewsletter@gmail.com with the subject line “Subscribe”.

The newsletter welcomes relevant submissions from anyone affiliated with the school.  Caregivers, teachers, and community members are encouraged to contribute.  Please send articles, artwork, pictures*, etc. to dallinnewsletter@gmail.com. Need ideas? Our audience would love to hear more about (and see pictures of!) classroom events, curriculum-related pieces, field trips, clubs, and student activities.

The submission deadline each week is midnight Wednesday into Thursday for the following Friday. If you have questions or would like to provide feedback, please contact dallinnewsletter@gmail.com .

Looking forward to a great year!

Ariel Weinberg
Dallin Digest Editor
dallinnewsletter@gmail.com

* Please check whether all students who appear in photos have approval for photo sharing or submit photos cropped or composed so that individuals are not identifiable.

Volunteers needed!

9/4/2025 6:39 pm

PTO Meeting Tuesday, 9/9, 7pm, on Zoom

9/4/2025 6:38 pm

All are welcome to join us on Tuesday (9/9) @ 7:00pm for our first PTO meeting of the year! This is a zoom meeting, and you can join using this link. We'll be reviewing this year's budget and electing our new (and returning) board members. We hope to see you there!

School Photos, Tuesday September 9

9/4/2025 6:37 pm

Sexual Health Curriculum Info Session (Grades 4-9)

9/4/2025 6:34 pm

Grade 4 & 5 Sexual Health Unit Overview

The District's Wellness Department will host a sexual health information session on Tuesday, September 9th in the evening from 6-7pm. The session will be in-person at Arlington High School in the Discourse Lab (4th floor in the new building entering from Mass Ave). The presentation will include an overview of the grade 4-9 lessons and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. If you cannot make this session, all of our curriculum information can be found in the link above or on our department website.

Arlington Heights Halloween Window Painting

9/4/2025 6:31 pm

The Arlington Heights Community Association is sponsoring its fifth annual Halloween Window Painting on Saturday, September 27, 9am-1pm (Rain date, Sunday, September 28, 9am-1pm).  Registration is from Saturday, September 6-20 on the Arlington Chamber of Commerce’s website (listed in member upcoming events)  https://business.arlcc.org/events/details/heights-halloween-window-painting-2025-4781.

The Arlington Heights Community Association (AHCA) is a group of Heights business owners, residents, and non-profits who meet monthly to address local issues and concerns, support beautification projects, and organize public events in the Heights such as three seasonal window paintings and the Holiday Stroll. If you are interested in attending a meeting, volunteering at an event, or making a donation to support our activities, please contact Janet O’Riordan, joriordan@comcast.net 

Entries are accepted on a first come-first served basis. Space is guaranteed to the first 55 entries. Registration site closes when all slots are filled. During the week of September 22, painters will be emailed their window assignment, a rules and information flyer, and a list of window painting supplies and tips.  A $25 registration fee covers paint supplies purchased locally (an assortment of paint brushes and seven acrylic paints in a pre-selected color palette, which will be available to painters on the day of the event).   Eligibility: All residents and any individuals who attend a school in Arlington are eligible for this event. Painters under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.The paintings will remain on display throughout the month of October, in time for the Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Annual Heights Halloween Stroll. This event is organized by the Arlington Heights Community Association and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.