Dallin Digest Newsletter
February Vacation lunch support from Arlington EATS
2/14/2025 7:04 am
Hard to believe February break is right around the corner!
Arlington EATS will be offering free pre-packed bags of groceries to any family with kids in Arlington schools who could use extra food support over February break. Vacation lunch bags packed with with nutritious, easy to prepare, kid-friendly foods will be available to pick up on Thursday, February 13 and Friday, February 14 at Arlington EATS, 117 Broadway. Sign up here by February 10 or call 339-707-6757 ext. 6 to find out more.
Visit Arlington EATS at arlingtoneats.org to learn more about getting help with food, how to volunteer, and other ways to address food insecurity in Arlington.
Read MoreArlington SEPAC News for February
2/14/2025 7:04 am
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! Stay tuned!
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Special Education Mediation and Facilitation with BSEA
March 25, 2025 | 7:30pm -8:30pm
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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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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The Autism Society of Massachusetts Offering Medical ID Bracelets
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Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC) offering a Parent/Caregiver Support Group
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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
100 were game for Dallin Games Night!
2/7/2025 7:10 am
Cultural Diversity Club
2/7/2025 7:09 am
We are excited to announce the Cultural Diversity Club at Dallin is back this year! This club is designed to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our students and create an inclusive space where they can learn about different cultures in a fun and engaging way.
The club will meet every other Tuesday, starting February 25th, 2025, at 2:40-3:30 PM, classroom location Room 214 (Ms. Bench's Classroom). It is open to all 3rd to 5th-grade students, and we are able to welcome between 15-20 students. Parents will receive an email once the club is formed. The format will be relaxed and interactive, with a focus on food, crafts, and activities that reflect the rich traditions and customs from around the world.
What makes the Cultural Diversity Club so special is the active involvement of our families, students love to share about their backgrounds and learn about each other. Each session will feature a different culture, and we invite families to share aspects of their heritage with the group. This could include preparing a dish, teaching a craft, or leading an activity that showcases their culture. Our students absolutely love these hands-on experiences, and it’s a wonderful way for them to connect with one another and gain a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
If you would like your child to participate, please fill out the registration form by February 14, 2025. We ask that families who are interested in sharing a cultural activity, dish, or craft with the group also indicate that on the form.
We are looking forward to a vibrant and fun-filled journey of cultural exploration, and we hope your child will be part of this exciting new club! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Warm regards,
Ms. Rocchio, Ms. Paget & Ms. Kumar
Arlington METCO Bridging Two Communities Families Walk
2/7/2025 7:08 am
Please share with your families and/or parent organizations: Arlington METCO is thrilled to invite you to the annual Arlington METCO Bridging Two Communities Families Walk! This special event, sponsored by Arlington METCO in partnership with FAM – Friends of Arlington METCO and Arlington-based organization GuineaFowl Adventure Company, is a wonderful opportunity to come together, connect, and celebrate our vibrant community. Please see the attached flyer for more details, and sign up here. This is a great annual event for the whole family! We hope to see you there!
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Dallin Day at Wicked Bagel Saturday Feb 8
2/7/2025 7:06 am
Arlington SEPAC February news
2/7/2025 7:05 am
Arlington SEPAC Newsletter: February 4, 2025
Subscribe to our email list | Events Calendar | Get involved
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***Monthly SEPAC Meeting***
February 11, 2025 | 7:30pm - 8:30pm | Zoom (info at end of newsletter)
New this month! Post-meeting informal "hang-outs"! Feel free to stick around to chat more casually and/or ask questions on your mind.
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COMING SOON! The Annual SEPAC Survey of Parents and Caregivers
Be on the lookout for the annual SEPAC survey which serves to capture parent/caregiver satisfaction with the Special Education services provided in the Arlington Public Schools and to inform discussions with APS administration and the School Committee. Regardless of whether your child has a specific diagnosis or where you are in your Special Education journey, we want to hear from you!
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[SEPAC WEBINAR] What’s love got to do with it? Sexuality, puberty, and autism
February 6, 2025 | 7:30pm | Zoom
Come join Dr. Eileen Crehan of Tufts University to chat about love, sexuality, and changing bodies and autism. This can be a topic that elicits some giggles and some blushing but it is at the forefront of the minds of many parents of kids with developmental disabilities. Dr. Crehan will give a brief overview of some important information about disability and sexuality and will share resources. Bring your questions!
Register now (you will then receive the Zoom link)
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[SEPAC WEBINAR] Demystifying Dyslexia Group
February 27, 2025 | 6:30pm | Zoom
Join Dr. Ola Ozernov-Palchik and Miriam Fein, MS, CCC-SLP for a discussion on unpacking the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of dyslexia. Hosted by our Canton SEPAC friends!
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[APS PARENT/CAREGIVER TRAINING] Youth Mental Health First Aid – New dates announced!
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Monday, March 3 (8:15 - 11:45am) & Tuesday, March 4 (8:15 - 11:45am)
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Thursday, April 10 (8:15am - 4pm)
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Thursday, May 15 (8:15am - 4pm)
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Tuesday, June 3 (12 - 3:30pm) & Tuesday, June 10 (12 - 3:30pm)
Questions? Contact Julia Vitagliano jvitagliano@arlington.k12.ma.
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Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC) Parent/Caregiver Group
Mondays 6:00-7:15pm | February 24 - April 21
AYCC is offering a parent/caregiver support group with clinician Amy Hoff, MA. This small therapeutic group will meet weekly to share and cultivate connections. We will build practical skills that will increase confidence in our ability to empathize with our children, respond to behaviors, and solve problems with them collaboratively.
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[EVENT] Malden and Medford High Schools Hosts Transition-to-Adulthood Fair
March 12, 2025 | 6-8pm | Malden High School gym
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[NEW RESOURCE] Crisis Intervention
Advocates created this social story at the request of APS school social workers to help children understand how the organization's mobile crisis unit works with students and families.
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The Autism Society of Massachusetts Offering Medical ID Bracelets
Medical ID bracelets play a critical role in ensuring the safety of individuals with Autism, especially in emergency situations. These bracelets serve as a vital communication tool, enabling nonspeaking individuals to convey important information to first responders when needed. Applications are open for a bracelet gift card.
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[MARKET RESEARCH] CareCostAI and Managing Medical Expenses
CareCostAI is an early-stage start-up who is building a tool to help families save on medical bills. They trying to connect with Special Ed (and adjacent) families to better understand their needs.
============= SEPAC ZOOM INFO ==================
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/
Passcode: 378204
Join by phone: 309 205 3325
Read More
PTO Meeting: Tuesday, February 4
1/31/2025 7:11 am
Join us for an informal PTO Town Hall on Tuesday, February 4 at 7pm via Zoom! Bring your ideas, questions, and topics of interest to share with the PTO. We'll have space for discussion, and we will share what the PTO is currently up to.
You can join us with the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Dallin Culture Night, Saturday March 15
1/31/2025 7:09 am
Dallin Culture Night will be Saturday March 15th. In order to make this a great event, we will need volunteers to offer foods from various cultures. Costumes are welcome.
Please sign up and let Tamar know if you would like a three-panel poster board to share about your culture.
Sign up to perform a song or a dance, or tell a short story.
Donate to the Dallin Auction, Friday April 11
1/31/2025 7:08 am
Get excited! We’re gearing up for the Dallin Auction on Friday, April 11, at Arlington Town Hall. It’s one of Dallin’s most beloved and successful fundraising events. This year’s theme is the Blue & Gold Gala, highlighting our school colors and spirit.
We can’t wait to see everyone for a magical evening of delicious food, drink, and community. And we need your help!
Donations from Dallin families are the heart and soul of our auction. In the past, members of the Dallin community have donated fun experiences, skills, or physical items such as:
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Carpentry services
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Interior design consulting
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Custom artwork
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Private yoga classes
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IT troubleshooting
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Helicopter flights
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A night in a vacation house
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Family photoshoots
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Theater or sports tickets
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Restaurant gift cards
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Themed baskets (e.g.. 5th grade families are working on a “mystery library” basket)
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Cooking classes
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…And employer contributions! We’ve welcomed packages from iRobot, Bose, Ghirardelli, and more.
Funds raised directly support our PTO’s mission to provide enrichment, classroom materials, community events, teacher supplies, and so much more.
Donate here! We’d love contributions by Friday, March 14.
If you’d like to contribute as a sponsor or to volunteer for the event, please email dallinschoolauction@gmail.com.
Student Science Expo, Wednesday March 26th
1/31/2025 7:07 am
Calling all future scientists and engineers! Get ready for the 2025 Student Science Expo!
- Students in all grades (K-5) may participate and participation is voluntary.
- Students are encouraged to select a project that answers a question using the scientific method OR solves a problem using the engineering design process.
- Students may work individually or in teams of up to 4 students.
- K-2 students may work with parents, guardians or caregivers.
- Offering food as part of the poster presentation is not allowed.
- A tri-fold poster board will be provided for each project.
- Each project should be registered online here: Science Expo Registration Form by Wednesday, March 16th.
- Extra resources helpful in selecting, planning and presenting projects can be found here:Science Expo Resources
- New this year: 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.
PTO Appreciation Month at Mathnasium!
1/31/2025 7:06 am
APS Pride Logo Competition
1/31/2025 7:05 am
The APS Pride logo competition is open to all APS students. Last year's winners were 5th graders from Brackett! Entries can be submitted at https://tinyurl.com/2025PRIDELOGO by March 28. The winner and finalists will be honored at the APS Pride Fair on May 10th and merchandise with the logo on it will be available all year through Etsy.
Arlington Youth Baseball and Softball Association registration open
1/31/2025 7:04 am
Registration is open for Spring baseball and softball programs for players starting at age 4 with Arlington Youth Baseball and Softball Association (AYBSA). Winter Clinics running now. Spring programs begin April 1. Summer Programs begin in late June. Fall programs begin Sept 1. Learn more and register at https://aybsaonline.org
Girls on the Run
1/31/2025 7:03 am
Girls’ self-confidence begins to drop by age 9 and their physical activity levels decline beginning at age 10. Girls on the Run is changing that.
Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a nonprofit after-school program designed to inspire and empower young girls*. Our fall and spring seasons run for 8–9 weeks, with teams meeting 2x/week for 90-minute sessions led by dedicated volunteer coaches. The program’s curriculum emphasizes social-emotional learning, building self-confidence, promoting physical activity, and encouraging healthy habits. This spring, we’re excited to welcome Arlington girls as part of the 2,500+ participants joining us across Eastern Massachusetts!
*Open to 3rd-5th grade female-identifying, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students.
Spring '25 Details:
Practice Schedule: Practices will take place throughout April & May on Mondays & Wednesdays from 3:30-5:00pm. (The first practice will be Monday, 3/31.) There will be no practices the week of April vacation.
End-of-Season (Regional) 5K: Sat. 5/31 or Sun 6/1 (TBD)
Location: Based at Calvary Church, 300 Mass Ave.
Cost: $225 with financial assistance available.
Registration Opens: Monday, Feb 3rd (Team Max = 20 girls)
Learn more at www.girlsontherunboston.org and/or reach out to Steph Gendron, Stratton/Ottoson mom and GOTR Greater Boston Program Director at steph.gendron@girlsontherun.org.
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