Dallin Digest Newsletter
From the Principal: Welcome back from break!
2/28/2025 7:11 am
Hello Dallin families,
It’s great to be back in full swing! I hope everyone had a wonderful February Break. While the local weather wasn’t my favorite, I’ll never complain about a little extra family time.
The stretch between February and April Break is one of the most engaging and productive spans in the school year. This excitement is even more noticeable as our students dive into new units in the EL curriculum. From freaky frogs and animal defense mechanisms to rainforest conservation, paleontology, astronomy, and world weather, our students are thinking, talking, reading, and writing about their world in meaningful ways. The engagement is truly inspiring!
Upcoming Community Events
March is a long month, but it’s packed with exciting events for our Dallin community!
6th Annual Family Culture Night – Saturday, March 15 at 5:30 PM
Join us for a night of celebration, where Dallin families share and learn about each other's cultures and histories. 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! Sign Up here: Dallin Family Culture Night Sign up
Dallin Student Science Expo – Wednesday, March 26, 6:30–7:30 PM
The Dallin Student Science Expo is fast approaching, and now is the perfect time for students to get started on their projects!
Key details:
- Guidelines and resources can be found HERE and on the attached flyer.
- Registration deadline: by March 19 (one parent/guardian must register each participant or team HERE).
- Location: Dallin Gym
- Questions? Email the Science Expo team at dallinsteamteam@gmail.com.
A Few Reminders & Requests
By this point in the year, we’re all old friends 😉, but it’s always helpful to revisit how we can work together to keep our school safe. This same reminder is being shared with our staff.
To ensure that only authorized individuals are inside our school, please be mindful of exits and entrances:
- Never prop open exterior doors. Doing so could allow an unauthorized person to enter the building.
- If you see a propped door, close it immediately.
- If you see someone inside the building you don’t recognize, ask them if they need assistance or direct them to the main office.
- Be mindful of unauthorized individuals following you into the building. If this happens, kindly ask them to check in at the main office.
- Thank you for helping us keep Dallin a safe and welcoming environment for all!
Thank you for your continued support in making Dallin a great place to learn and grow. As we move through this stretch of the school year, we see our students showing Courage in their learning, Respect for one another, and Responsibility in their school and community. March is full of opportunities to connect, explore, and celebrate together, and we appreciate the engagement of our students and families. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
Be well,
Thad
Read More
Boston Saxophone Quartet Brings Music and History to Life at Dallin
2/28/2025 7:10 am
On Wednesday morning, students and staff at Dallin were treated to a wonderful musical experience to celebrate Black History Month. The Boston Saxophone Quartet filled the gymnasium with vibrant music, performing a diverse selection of songs that honored the contributions of Black artists and showcased a variety of musical styles spanning over a century—from early ragtime to modern movie soundtracks. The quartet featured a variety of instruments, including soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, along with flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon and highlighted jazz greats like Duke Ellington’s The Mooche and W.C. Handy’s St. Louis Blues.
Students loved the special arrangements from The Wizard of Oz and We Don’t Talk About Bruno from Encanto but the Star Wars Medley was a huge hit and the favorite among the second graders. Parker noted, “I’m a big fan and they played it loud!” Kindergartener Sophia said she really liked the song A Whole New World because she saw the real show and the cartoon show and remembered it. During several songs, students joined in clapping (sometimes even on tempo) and snapping along enthusiastically during The Pink Panther Theme. The quartet ended the concert with Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter, which had students moving in their seats.
The concert’s mix of old and new music, from pieces written more than 100 years ago to modern favorites, made for an engaging and educational experience. Students and teachers alike loved the performance and give a big “thank you” to the Boston Saxophone Quartet for bringing such a joyful musical celebration to Dallin!
Read MoreFrom the Gym: Ninja Warrior PE Unit Helpers
2/28/2025 7:09 am
From the School Council: Join Us in Building a Stronger, More Inclusive Dallin Community
2/28/2025 7:08 am
Hi Folks,
We’re the Dallin School Council, reaching out to say hello and share our appreciation for the Dallin community. The School Council is a collaborative team of parents, teachers, and school leaders who work together to support our school’s mission, guide improvement efforts, and strengthen the connection between school and home.
- Have students of color
- Have students with IEP/504 plans
- Identify as or have family members in the LGBTQIA+ community
- Amplify family voices and foster genuine dialogue
- Learn more about your experiences at Dallin
- Identify actionable steps for meaningful change
- Interviews are 20–40 minutes (at your discretion)
- They can be conducted virtually or in person
- Your feedback is completely confidential — your name will not be attached to the interview summary unless you choose otherwise
The Dallin School Council
Save the Date for the Dallin Spring Auction, April 11!
2/28/2025 7:07 am
Please join us at Arlington Town Hall on Friday, April 11th from 6:30 to 10 pm for the Dallin biennial in-person auction gala! Remember this is a grownups-only event, so book your babysitters now. Tickets will go on sale Friday, March 14th, so keep an eye on our auction website for more details.
We're still seeking more family donations to add to the fantastic offerings we've received so far. Fill out the form or contact us at dallinschoolauction@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Hope to see you there!
Read MoreDallin Culture Night, March 15 5:30pm
2/28/2025 7:06 am
Dallin culture night is coming up! We need more food contributors in order to make this a great event.
The event is March 15th at 5:30pm
Come join us and sign up below to offer food, a poster, a craft or a performance.
Let Tamar know if you would like a three-panel poster board to share all about your culture.
Would someone like to run an origami table?
Sign up using this link and thank you!
Questions? Email tamarbulk@gmail.com
Read MoreRegister for the Student Science Expo!
2/28/2025 7:05 am
The Dallin Student Science Expo is fast approaching and now is the time for students to get started on projects! Guidelines and resources can be found HERE and on the attached flyer.
Registration is open for the Student Science Expo! One parent/guardian needs to register each team/participant HERE by March 19th. Sooner is better though, as you’ll get notified when poster boards are available to be picked up and about opportunities for 4th and 5th graders to work on their projects on certain days after school in a 5th grade teachers’ room.
The Expo itself will take place on Wednesday March 26th from 6:30PM to 7:30PM in the Dallin gym. Questions can be directed to dallinsteamteam@gmail.com.
2025 Student Science Expo Flyer.pdf
Read MoreApply for PTO mini-grants!
2/28/2025 7:04 am
The Winter Mini-Grant cycle is on until March 7. Apply for a Mini-Grant! Calling for innovative ideas! Dallin PTO mini-grants are funding that is available to you, the Dallin community of caregivers, students, teachers and staff, for your creative ideas that benefit our students and school. Is there anything you wish to introduce to the Dallin school community? A cultural activity? A STEAM project? New teaching materials? Submit this form by March 7 and we can help actualize your vision!
Read MoreSPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) workshop
2/28/2025 7:03 am
The Arlington Public Schools social work department is excited to offer a parent/caregiver workshop on the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment model. SPACE is designed for families who find themselves over-accommodating their child’s anxiety.
Do you have a child struggling with anxiety? Do you find yourself modifying daily routines, avoiding certain places or activities, or doing things for your child to prevent their distress? If yes, this workshop might be a great fit for you.
Click the link to learn more and see if SPACE could support your family!
Arlington SEPAC Newsletter: February 26, 2025
2/28/2025 7:02 am
*Monthly SEPAC Meeting*
March 11, 2025 | 7:30pm - 8:30pm | Zoom (info at end of newsletter)
New! Post-meeting informal "hang-outs"! Feel free to stick around to chat more casually and/or ask questions.
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COMING SOON! The Annual SEPAC Survey of Parents and Caregivers
Regardless of whether your child has a specific diagnosis or where you are in your Special Education journey, we want to hear about your experiences in APS! In our role as advisor to the School Committee on policies related to Special Education, we need participation from as many parents and caregivers as possible!
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Bringing Literacy to the Light (In-person event)
March 6, 2025 | Concord Carlisle High School
500 Walden Street, 01742
“Your best social-emotional program is a literacy program”
– Kareem Weaver
Kareem Weaver passionately advocates for Literacy as a Civil Right. His insights and experiences are both profound and inspiring. He will be joined by esteemed local leaders in education and psychology, addressing the most pressing issue of our generation—literacy!
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Helping Neurodiverse Students Thrive in College (Webinar)
March 12, 2025 | 7:00pm
Hosts: Ildi Szekely, college consultant | Dr. Joseph Moldover, developmental neuropsychologist
Understand how neuropsychological assessments inform diagnoses and document learning disabilities to support academic success. Learn how colleges use assessments to determine accommodations, services, and support for neurodiverse students and how to help students advocate for their needs and thrive in a college setting.
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Workshop on Basic Rights in Special Education – Evaluation and Eligibility
March 19, 2025 | 7:00-9:00 PM | Zoom
Parents often don’t know where to start when they suspect their child may need extra support or accommodations in the public school system. This workshop will go through the evaluation and eligibility process and review your legal rights. Learn more about topics that will be covered here.
Register in advance (you will receive a link to sign on).
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Rescheduled! Special Education Mediation and Facilitation with BSEA
March 25, 2025 | 7:30pm -8:30pm | Zoom
The Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) will share essential information about Special Education Mediation and/or IEP Facilitation in Massachusetts. The presentation covers how and when to request a mediation as well as how to prepare for and what to expect from mediation at the BSEA. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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Parent & Caregiver Workshop: Anxious Childhood Emotions
Starting in April
The Arlington Public Schools counseling team is excited to offer another parent workshop series on the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment model. SPACE is designed for families who find themselves struggling to navigate and support their child's anxiety. The next round of workshops will take place in April. Learn more
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Do you have a child struggling with anxiety?
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Do you find yourself modifying daily routines, avoiding certain places or activities, or doing things for your child to prevent their distress?
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If yes, this workshop might be a great fit for you.
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In Case You Missed It (highlights from past newsletters)
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Malden and Medford High Schools Hosts Transition-to-Adulthood Fair (3/12)
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Demystifying Dyslexia (webinar 2/27)
All past newsletters can be found on the SEPAC website (right hand column).
============= SEPAC ZOOM INFO ==================
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
Passcode: 378204
Join by phone: 309 205 3325
Read More
Arlington Heights Visioning Survey
2/28/2025 7:01 am
Take the Arlington Heights Visioning Survey
Share your vision for the future of Arlington Heights.
The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) is seeking input from Arlington residents, businesses, and community members about their vision for Arlington Heights. We want to hear from you about how we can improve the Arlington Heights community. This survey is part of the Arlington Heights Neighborhood Action Plan, which seeks to re-envision and energize the historic commercial area in Arlington. Take the survey by March 14th.
Spring Baseball and Softball registration is open!
2/28/2025 7:00 am
Arlington Youth Baseball and Softball Association spring registration is open; visit https://www.aybsaonline.org/ for details.
Read MoreWinter dropoff reminders
2/14/2025 7:10 am
Volunteer for Dallin Culture Night, Saturday March 15
2/14/2025 7:07 am
Four weeks until culture night! 11 people have signed up to share a dish from their culture.
Dallin culture night will be Saturday March 15th at 5:30pm. In order to make this a great event, we need more volunteers to offer foods, costumes, crafts or performances.
Please sign up and let Tamar know if you would like a three-panel poster board to share all about your culture.
Would someone like to run an origami table?
Sign up using this link and thank you!
Questions? Email tamarbulk@gmail.com
APS Nurse Newsletter
2/14/2025 7:05 am
Please read the APS Nurses's Newsletter for updates on the following topics:
- Community Health Update
- Reminder about Life Threatening Allergies
- Food Resources Over Break
- 💓 February is American Heart Month 💓
- Feeding Tube Awareness Week is February 2-8
- Fourth Grade Physical Exams Needed
- When to Keep Your Child Home From School...APS Illness Guidelines
- Helpful Links
