Help keep our non-classroom staff healthy!

9/26/2025 6:06 am

Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

9/26/2025 6:04 am

An evidence- and skills-based training for adults who frequently interact with youth. YMHFA is the help offered to a young person experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Training is for anyone 18+.

*Please note there is NO requirement for attendees to have a mental health background.*

Registration Link: tinyurl.com/ArlingtonYMHFA. 

Upcoming training dates:

• Tuesday, October 28 (8:30am - 4pm)

• Thursday, November 6 (8:30am - 4pm)

• Tuesday, November 18 (8:30am - 4pm)

• Thursday, December 11 (8:30am - 4pm)

All training sessions will take place in-person in the Arlington Public Schools District Offices (14 Mill Brook Drive, Arlington, MA 02476).

Arlington Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) News

9/26/2025 6:02 am

SEPAC Newsletter: September 18, 2025

News, events, and resources for Arlington parents and caregivers supporting students who learn differently.

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.

Click through for more information on:

• NEXT TUESDAY, 9/30: Meet and Greet with APS Special Education Staff and Parents/Caregivers, 8:45am – 9:30am
• 1st Monthly SEPAC Meeting, October 14th
• [APS Workshop] FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
• Programs and Services in and Around the Community

Try Lax with Arlington Youth Lacrosse

9/26/2025 6:00 am

Arlington Youth Lacrosse is sponsoring a free 2-day program for any students in Grades 1 - 8 who would like to try Lacrosse. No equipment needed, just join us at McLennen Park on 10/5 and/or 10/19. More info at www.arlingtonlax.org!

From the Assistant Principal: Safe Arrival/Campus Safety

9/19/2025 6:52 am

Dallin families,

It’s been a great few weeks of school and now that we’re developing some routines, I want you to be aware of some important safety procedures so everyone can move around our campus easily and safely.

We love when children ride their bikes to school! There is a bike rack behind Dallin for them to use. Please remind your child to ride on the sidewalks and NOT in the staff parking lot before, during, or after school. Kids are zooming around corners and into the parking lot at times when there could be cars entering/exiting the back lot.

We also ask that during arrival and dismissal, pedestrians use the sidewalks in the back lot as well.

Car Drop Off

Mornings can be rough with families trying to get children to school quickly. If you are driving, there is one safe drop off location that also supports a smooth traffic pattern. It is the Florence Field side of Florence Avenue. We have an adult and students who are there to help traffic move safely and quickly. 

Here’s what to do:

• Park in the neighborhood if you need to get out of your car. 
• Approaching the drop off line, pull up as far as you can in the lane.
• An adult/student will open the passenger side door and help your child exit the car. If you have a Kindergartener, a student can walk them to the Kindergarten doors.
• Pull away and take a left on Renfrew or Waverly. 

That’s it! 

Here’s a map that outlines the areas around Dallin.

Traffic Pattern and Parking Plan for Dallin

1. Florence Avenue between Renfrew and George Streets is restricted to school buses for one block during school arrival (7:40-8:10) and dismissal (2:15-2:45) and 12:45-1:15 on Wednesdays.
2. The student drop-off area is on the west side of Florence Avenue extending from Waverly to Renfrew Street. There are traffic bollards there to designate the area. If you drive your student/s to school, use this drop-off zone and then make a left turn onto Waverly or Renfrew Streets. George Street is a fire lane and NOT a drop-off zone.
3. George Street is one-way from Florence Avenue to Rhinecliff Street; there is a “No Left Turn” sign at the exit of the staff parking lot.
4. The back parking lot is for staff only. Do not park in that lot during school hours or at arrival/dismissal.
5. There are parking spaces in the neighborhood to use if you need to get out of the car with your child. Parking in or near crosswalks makes it very difficult to see children and impedes traffic flow. 

Thank you for helping us keep students and adults safe while they’re on campus. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for improvement.

Best,

Sam

Upcoming events

9/19/2025 6:48 am

Tuesday September 23

No school: Rosh Hashanah

Friday September 26th

STEAM team kickoff meeting, 8am, Cafeteria

Tuesday September 30

Dallin Back-to-School Night, 5:45 – 7:45pm

Thursday October 2

No school: Yom Kippur

Saturday October 4

Rainbow Alliances Back to School Outdoor Gathering, 11:30-1:30, AHS lawn

Tuesday October 7

Deadline for PTO mini-grant applications

Monday October 20

Dallin vaccine clinic, 3-7pm

STEAM at Dallin -- opportunities for engagement

9/19/2025 6:46 am

Calling all caregivers!

Room Parent Volunteers Needed!

9/19/2025 6:44 am

We’re looking for folks to help out as grade-level room parents this year! The main role is super simple—coordinating holiday and end-of-year gifts for teachers. Don’t worry, you won’t be doing it alone—we’ll work in small teams so the load stays light and easy. It’s a great way to get involved, meet other parents, and sprinkle a little extra cheer throughout the year. If you’re interested, we’d love to have you on the team! Please sign up here and we will be in touch with a meeting date.  Any questions, reach out to Kim at kimberly.settelen@gmail.com.

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