Dallin Digest Newsletter
November 16: Winter Gear swap and Garden Cleanup
11/8/2024 7:08 am
Library Volunteers: additional Q2 slots
11/8/2024 7:06 am
Quarter 2 "enrichment" library classes are starting on November 12.
Dallin Discovery Day
11/8/2024 7:05 am
We are excited to announce our annual Discovery Day on the morning of Friday, November 22nd from 8:00am - 10:40am and we need your help! The format of this event is for all Dallin students to participate in a variety of short hands-on STEAM activities/demonstrations run by volunteer parents & caregivers and members of the Dallin community in the cafeteria and gym.
We are currently building the list of activities to include in Discovery Day. Activities can encompass any STEAM (science, tech, engineering, arts & math) discipline. If you are interested in organizing and running an activity or know of any individuals or organizations (eg., local departments, companies, non-profits, academics, etc.) who may be willing to participate, please contact:
or
In addition, we are also looking for volunteers to run pre-planned activities, no science background required. Please contact Jesse or Elizabeth if you are interested in running a Discovery Day activity.
Read MoreFrom the Nurse: October update
11/1/2024 7:10 am
As October comes to a close, we have completed our vision and hearing screenings for all of our students, and will be completing our vision screenings for students in grade 5 in November.
Coughing, sneezing and fevers are making the rounds, as cold and flu season has started right on time. We have seen cases of strep, walking pneumonia, and a myriad of upper respiratory infections all throughout the district. This is a great time of year to review our district’s Illness Guidelines in order to know when to keep your child home due to symptoms. “Walking pneumonia” is a general term for a mild case of pneumonia, which can be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. The CDC has recently reported that a type of bacterial infection that can cause walking pneumonia, called Mycoplasma pneumoniae, has been increasing in prevalence in the past few months and especially affecting young children. Read more on the CDC website here about this illness and what to watch for. While most people will recover without medication, some will develop pneumonia, so it is important to see a healthcare provider for persistent symptoms, like coughing, fever and fatigue. This condition can be especially tough for children and adults with a history of asthma or other respiratory conditions.
If a certain threshold, or number of cases, of a specific communicable illness is met in a classroom or any related group of students, a note is sent home to the caregivers to inform them. Generally, the threshold is three cases within ten days. Please reach out to me directly to report any diagnosed illness such as strep throat, influenza, Covid, or pneumonia so we can track this data and make informed decisions on notification.
Halloween is right around the corner, so I wanted to remind our families about candy and school. Please remind your children that one of our school rules is to not trade or share food. Many candies have peanut and treenut based ingredients, which many of our students have life threatening allergies to. We ask that you check what your child brings to school, and remind them to only eat what they bring and do not trade or share.
APS had great turnouts at their vaccine clinics that were held at most of the schools. If you missed out and would like to get a Flu or Covid vaccination, you can search on https://www.vaccines.gov to find a clinic near you, or call your healthcare provider.
Other important information:
2024/25 SNAP Health Portal Information
Mandated School-based Screening Information 2024/2025
When to Keep your Student at Home
Read MoreGreat Pumpkin Rescue Monday, November 4th
11/1/2024 7:09 am
Dallin families are invited to bring their pumpkins to the collection pile at the front of the school on
Monday, November 4th, 2024. during school drop off and up until 1pm when Black Earth Compost will arrive to pick them up.
Pumpkins and gourds of any size will be accepted. Remove candles/tea lights. Pumpkins with paint or bling will NOT be accepted -if you can cut those pieces off, Black Earth Compost will accept the rest.
Why are we doing this?
Pumpkins can not go in yard waste as they are considered food waste. They are heavy and water-filled and we do not want them going in the trash to be incinerated and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Composting pumpkins allows them to be naturally processed to help gardens, trees, and new food to grow.
Election Day Bake Sale!
11/1/2024 7:05 am
Thanksgiving Pie Fundraiser
11/1/2024 7:04 am
Puzzles wanted!
11/1/2024 7:03 am
We are looking for (complete) puzzles of 50 pieces or less. If you have any, please leave them in the front office for Mrs. Karustis. Thank you!
Read MoreCandy Buy Back
11/1/2024 7:02 am
The annual Arlington Orthodontics Candy Buy Back has been scheduled for Friday, November 8th and Saturday, November 9th! See the flyer for more details: 
From the Principal
10/25/2024 7:09 am
Hello Dallin families,
What a beautiful week it’s been! We’ve definitely been spoiled this fall. Most importantly, the weather has allowed us to be outside every day, which has been crucial for the success of our Playworks program during recess. I’ve noticed more structured, inclusive, and fun recess periods following lunch. Students have choices, are trying new games, and are playing with new friends. Our 4th and 5th-grade recess captains have been fantastic at encouraging students to move and experiment with different activities. They’ve also stepped in as referees, often making tricky calls in the heat of the moment! The best part is that recess has been peaceful, which was our main goal in bringing this program to Dallin. We hope our students feel the same, and they’ll have the chance to share their thoughts in the upcoming Panorama student surveys.
In addition to new recess structures, students across the building have been deeply engaged in our new curriculum as part of the EL Education rollout. Last week, representatives from the EL organization visited classrooms to help us reflect on our early progress. We listened to students analyze poetry and explore deep themes of loss and author’s purpose. We observed students working collaboratively to create “magnificent things” for their classrooms, such as book hospitals and scoop chair organizers. Our youngest students unpacked learning targets and explored important new vocabulary like attributes and details. Beyond simply enjoying time with our students, we also watched our teachers skillfully implement a thinking curriculum with purpose. Their intentionality and effort are inspiring to witness.
At the end of our visits, we compiled a list of celebrations for Dallin, including:
- Consistent evidence of students fully engaged in their lessons
- Teachers offering specific, kind, and helpful feedback to support and encourage students
- Thoughtful and purposeful lesson planning
- All students across a grade level experiencing the same lessons together
- Instructional support staff and teaching staff working together to ensure all students can access the learning
- Joyful teachers and students!
- Students participating in rich academic conversations
We also left with clarity and excitement about where we can continue to grow. This year, our school will receive ongoing support from the EL team through coaching and strategic planning. I’m eager to share the outcomes of this work with families, especially as we develop strategies that can be used at home to support learning.
As a starting point, I encourage families to ask their child what they learned each day during their Module block. After you’ve heard either a) “I forgot,” or b) a one-word response, follow up by asking if they remember the Learning Targets for the day. They may not recall at first, but I wonder if over the course of the year, you’ll hear more and more as students become familiar with this routine.
As always, thank you for your continued support of our work at Dallin. I hope everyone is well and enjoying this amazing stretch of fall.
Be well,
Thad
Read More
Tonight: Book Fair hours and Movie Night!
10/25/2024 7:07 am
Last chance to shop at the Dallin Book Fair: the Book Fair will be open from 2:30–3:00 pm and 5:30–7:00 pm tonight.
Dallin Movie Night is happening on Friday, October 25th. Come join the fun! Doors will open at 6pm and the movie starts at 6:30. All students (K through 5th) and their families are welcome. Bring a blanket/pillow for the floor (or a folding chair for adults). Feel free to wear a costume or pajamas.
This is not a drop off event; all children must have an adult responsible for them.
Lost and Found update: We’re drowning in Sweatshirts!
10/25/2024 7:06 am
We’re 2 months into the school year and the Lost and Found rack is full! With the warm afternoons, our kids are leaving behind their outer layers in the playground. Stop by to claim items and remind your kids to do the same, especially if you’re coming to the book fair, movie night or Election Day!
Janet Huang
Lost and Found Coordinator
Click through for more photos of Lost and Found items.
Read More
Winter Gear Swap - Starting to Collect Gear!
10/25/2024 7:05 am
A box will be set up in the Dallin Lobby starting TODAY Friday, October 25 for you to drop off donations for the gear swap. Please bring in unwanted gear in children’s sizes, washed and in good condition. We can accept the following items: winter gloves, winter hats, winter boots, winter jackets, snow pants, heavy socks, scarves and neck warmers.
The Winter Gear Swap will take place on Saturday November 16 along with the Fall Garden Clean Up.
If you have any questions about acceptable items or if you would like to arrange a house drop-off, please contact Anne Hurley at Alehurley@gmail.com
Election Day and bake sale
10/25/2024 7:05 am
Reminder: NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, 11/5.
Swing by the bake sale in the lobby during polling hours to support our 5th graders and grab a treat!
Read MoreArlington SEPAC meetings and events
10/25/2024 7:03 am
The Next Monthly Arlington Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Meeting is November 12th, 7:30-8:30pm on Zoom.
SEPAC standing Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/
Meeting ID: 854 1205 2274
Passcode: 378204
Join by phone: 309 205 3325
APS / SEPAC SPECIAL EVENT! Coffee with APS Special Education Staff
October 29th, 8:45am – District Office (School Committee Room) at Arlington High School (check in at front desk). Join the SEPAC board and members as well as APS Special Education staff for a casual “meet and greet.”
Arlington SEPAC WEBINAR: Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Students in School:
November 20th, 7:30p – SEPAC Zoom link (full information above)
SEPAC is hosting a session with the Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) to give parents/caregivers a foundation and steps to build on in order to advance their advocacy skills. It will build knowledge around the Special Education and Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Topics include: how to identify, document and communicate your concerns, evaluations, support plans, team meetings and letter writing with the focus on the student’s emotional/behavioral/mental health challenges and the support that students may need to access the curriculum and life of the school.
