Dallin Digest Newsletter
Culture Night, April 11
2/27/2026 5:56 am
AHS Student Winter Crafts Fair, Feb 27
2/27/2026 5:52 am
Join the AHS Student Council for a Winter Crafts Fair on February 27 from 5-7pm. The market is a family-friendly event featuring local vendors: student creators, small businesses, and artisans. There will be handmade crafts, clothing, baked goods, and other unique items, along with live music. Our goal is to bring the Arlington community together, highlight local talent, and foster stronger connections between AHS students and families across town.
Read MoreFamily Communication Workshop
2/27/2026 5:50 am
Family Communication Workshop with John Badalament
For Arlington parents, caregivers, or guardians of children and preteens grades 4-7 (ages 9-13).
About the facilitator: John Badalament is the Director of Programs at The Fatherhood Project at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is the author of The Modern Dad's Dilemma: How to Stay Connected with your Kids in a Rapidly Changing World and director of the PBS documentary All Men are Sons: Exploring the Legacy of Fatherhood.
This training takes place over two Thursdays, 6–8PM:
- March 5 (Parent/caregiver Only)
- March 12 (Parent/caregiver & Child/children)
Pizza will be provided on the second session; participants should plan to attend both dates.
Read MoreCalendar and additional community events, 2/27
2/27/2026 5:40 am
Urgent/ASAP
Tuesday-Thursday, March 3-5
Thursday, March 5
In-school visit from author Bethany Barton
Friday, March 13
Last day to register for Student Science Expo
Wednesday, March 25
Student Science Expo, 6:30-7:30pm
Saturday, March 28
Saturday, April 11
Dallin Culture Night, 5:30pm, cafeteria
Townwide elections are coming up on March 28. If you want to receive a mail-in ballot and did not request one with the town census, you can still request one online at this address: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/
Digital Learning Residency at Dallin SchoolÂ
2/13/2026 6:00 am
This winter, students in grades 3–5 at the Dallin School are participating in an exciting eight-week Digital Learning Residency led by Robin Peaslee, Digital Technology Specialist, focused on robotics, computational thinking, and foundational concepts of artificial intelligence (AI). During this hands-on program, students will be exploring coding, problem-solving, and logical thinking through engaging robotics challenges using Ozobots, Bee-Bots, and Finch robots. The residency encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while building essential 21st-century skills. Through real-world connections and playful learning, students are developing confidence as young innovators and digital creators.
In addition, students in grades K–2 are using Bee-Bots and Book Creator in their classrooms to build early coding skills, creativity, and digital literacy.
For more information, please contact Robin Peaslee at rpeaslee@arlington.k12.ma.us.
Read MoreSave the date: Student Science Expo, March 25th
2/13/2026 5:58 am
Hey future Dallin engineers and scientists! Save the Date for the Student Science Expo!
The Dallin STEAM Team will host this year's Student Science Expo on Wednesday, March 25th from 6:30-7:30pm. The Science Expo is a stimulating and fun science fair-style event where students design and present their own project and poster. Guidelines are:
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Students in all grades (K-5) may participate and participation is voluntary
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Students are encouraged to select a project that answers a question using the scientific method OR solves a problem using the engineering design process
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Students may work individually or in teams of up to 4 students
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K-2 students may work with parents, guardians or caregivers
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Offering food as part of the poster presentation is not allowed.
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A tri-fold poster board will be provided for each project
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Each project should be registered online here: Science Expo Registration Form by Friday, March 13th.
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Extra resources helpful in selecting, planning and presenting projects can be found here:Science Expo Resources
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4th and 5th grade students will have opportunities to work on their projects after school with a teacher at Dallin. Details will be shared following registration.
Spy Ponder Threads & Family Support Resources
2/13/2026 5:56 am
Arlington Public Schools offers Spy Ponder Threads, a free clothing and essentials resource available to support students and families throughout the year.
School-based Spy Ponder Threads closets are available for student access during the school day at the following schools:
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Arlington High School
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Ottoson Middle School
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Gibbs Middle School
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Thompson Elementary School
In addition, all APS families are welcome to access the central Spy Ponder Threads closet at the APS Welcome & Resource Center, which offers clothing, shoes, winter coats, and other essential items for children and caregivers.
Families who may need support with winter clothing, heating or utility assistance, food access, housing support, or other essential needs are encouraged to complete the APS Family Support Request Form, or visit Spy Ponder Threads at 14 Mill Brook Drive
All supports are free and confidential. Our goal is to ensure every student and family has what they need to feel supported and ready to learn.
Read MoreCamp Swiftie this summer
2/13/2026 5:52 am
Are your kids Taylor Swift fans?
Dallin mom Dana Varga is the the director of Camp Swiftie, and she is offering the Dallin community $25 off per week for Camp Swiftie using code DALLIN at checkout. Registration can be found on the website below.
Camp Swiftie is a joyful, confidence-boosting arts camp for kids ages 6–12, blending dance, voice, arts & crafts, and imaginative play into an unforgettable week celebrating Taylor Swift. Hosted at the stunning Follen Church in Lexington, this camp welcomes all skill levels—no experience required.
The week culminates in a Friday performance that feels like a mini Eras tour, giving campers a chance to celebrate their creativity in a supportive, high-energy environment.
9am–3pm daily
Aftercare available 3–5pm
If you’re looking for a camp that’s organized, inspiring, and truly special—this is it. Sign up for one week - ore more! Enrollment is limited and expected to fill quickly.
We are also hiring counselors 15+: info here: https://docs.google.com/
Learn more and book your spot(s) today:
https://www.
Lunar New Year Gala, Saturday Feb 14
2/13/2026 5:48 am
Date: Saturday, February 14th, 2026
Time: 4-8pm
Location: Arlington High School
This family-friendly event will include activities suitable for children, live performances, traditional food available for purchase, and opportunities for families to connect and celebrate the Lunar New Year together. All students, parents, siblings, and family members are warmly welcome.
Read More
Calendar and additional community events, 2/13
2/13/2026 5:40 am
Saturday, February 14
Lunar New Year celebration, AHS, 4-8pm
February 16-20
NO SCHOOL: February Break
Arlington EATS February Vacation Lunch Program
Wednesday, March 25
Student Science Expo, 6:30-7:30pm
Saturday, March 28
Saturday, April 11
Dallin Culture Night, 5:30pm, cafeteria
Townwide elections are coming up on March 28. If you want to receive a mail-in ballot and did not request one with the town census, you can still request one online at this address: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/
From the Hourglass: Your Favorite Magazine is Back!
2/6/2026 6:00 am
Dear Dallin parents/guardians,
If you haven’t already heard, the Dallin Hourglass is coming back around for yet another year! If you’re not familiar with the Hourglass, it is Dallin’s mainly 5th grade student-run literary magazine. The Hourglass is a chance for your child to show off their writing and drawing skills. Students who get into the Hourglass will have their work published and have their own copy of the magazine. If your child doesn't get in, we want you to encourage them to not give up and try again next year!
Some important details that you need to know: They are that the Hourglass is printed in black and white, so any colored drawings will be converted into black and white. Also your child’s work has to be original, so they cannot enter a piece they traced. If your child asks you to review their piece please make sure it follows the following requirements:
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Make sure it is school appropriate.
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Original art and writing.
(they can use writing and art for inspiration but they can’t copy word for word. And they can’t trace artwork.)
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Up to five handwritten pages or two typed pages for writing.
Kindergarten parents/guardians: The fifth grade students are going to help kindergarten write stories to submit to the Hourglass. Kindergarten students can also submit pieces by themselves or with a friend.
Any student can submit pieces with other students but remember that you can only submit one piece of art and two pieces of writing.
Note: we need writing! More people submit art than writing so if your child submits writing, they are more likely to get into the Hourglass.
If your child gets into the Hourglass they will get a free copy of the magazine. If they don’t you can purchase a copy but your child's work will not be in it.
We encourage your child to do their best work. And if they don’t get in this year they can always try again next year.
The due date for submissions is February 13th,
Your child can submit their piece during school to a slip in their classroom.
Sincerely,
Emma Hadly co. Editor in Chief
Isabel Bouck co. Editor in Chief
Ms. Jennifer Bench (Manager of Hourglass)
Read More
Bethany Barton author visit March 5
2/6/2026 5:58 am
Dear Dallin Families,
We are excited to share that on March 5, 2026, The Dallin School will be welcoming children’s author and illustrator Bethany Barton for a special author visit! This wonderful opportunity is made possible through the generous support of our Dalin School PTO, and we are very grateful for their partnership.
Bethany Barton “is an award-winning Author, Illustrator and Science Communicator for Kids. Bethany’s books invite young readers to approach STEAM topics using facts, humor, empathy, and critical thinking” (Bethany Barton, Official Website).
During her visit, Bethany Barton will talk with students about being an author and illustrator, share her creative process, and inspire a love of reading and curiosity about the world.
Book Pre-Purchase & Autographing
Families who are interested may pre-purchase books for their child to have signed by Bethany Barton during her visit.
- Order books through Porter Square Books (order link) by Monday Feb. 16, 2026. These books will be delivered to campus, autographed by the author, and sent home with your child the following school day.
- Families may also choose to purchase a book from another retailer. If so, please deliver the book to the Dallin School Library with your child’s name and class clearly labeled no later than Friday, February 27. Please email me to let me know I should be on the lookout for the book.
Purchasing a book is entirely optional; students do not need one to fully enjoy the author’s visit. However, if your student would like a copy and you require financial assistance, please feel free to reach out to me directly.
We are thrilled to offer this experience to our students and appreciate the continued support of our families and the Dallin PTO. If you have any questions, please contact feel to reach out to me at mmaldonado@arlington.k12.ma.us
Happy reading!
Melissa Maldonado, MLS (she/her)
Library Teacher
Read MoreRead-a-thon's thrilling conclusion!
2/6/2026 5:56 am
Dallin's inaugural Read-a-Thon is wrapping up this weekend! There's still time to get involved, grow your brain, support your school and leave your mark :) use the link below and happy reading!
Ongoing teacher appreciation!
2/6/2026 5:54 am
Dallin Night at Blue Ribbon BBQ, 2/12
2/6/2026 5:52 am
