Friday Fiske News

Dear Fiske Families,

Next week I will be hosting our second Principal’s coffee.  These coffees are designed to provide parents and guardians with the opportunity to participate in coffee and conversation with the principal.  During our last coffee  some of the topics discussed were car line, Halloween Parade, Fiske School Turkey Trot and Day of Play.   Please come and join the conversation with us on Friday, October 28 at 8:40 a.m.  in the library.  Please send questions in advance  that you would like to be addressed to mcgregorr@wellesleyps.org   We hope to see you there.  

On Thursday the Fiske Staff was treated to an incredible lunch of traditional Indian food.  We are thankful to all the families that  provided the Fiske staff with this lovely lunch.  The food was enjoyed by all and greatly appreciated.  

The PTO is a vital part of the Fiske community. This amazing organization funds programs that enrich the daily lives of our children. Some of these include our creative arts programing for K-5, funding for field trip buses, sound field Systems for each classroom, and  the online math program Dreambox.  Much of this funding comes from the biannual Fiske Auction.  At this time the PTO is in critical need of two volunteers to co-chair the 2018 auction committee.  Please contact our PTO President Manisha Varma at atulandmanisha@yahoo.com if you are willing to volunteer for these very important positions.

 

Picture Retake Day

It’s Picture Retake Day on Tuesday, November 14th.  If your child needs their picture retaken, please send  back their original photo package with their name written on the envelope. Children should  hand the envelope to the photographer on the day of the retake. Children  can keep their class picture. If your child was absent on picture day  they can bring the original order form on retake  day.

Any questions please contact: Nancy@haywardphotography.com

A message from our School Psychologist, Sharon Grossman,

regarding  Mindfulness  Practice at  Fiske  School

Over the past year, staff and students at Fiske have been learning about mindfulness in a variety of ways. Some faculty members have taken classes, courses, and workshops, and been engaged in their own self-study. Some faculty members are practicing mindfulness on their own, at faculty meetings, and with colleagues. Students have been learning about what mindfulness is in Open Circles, discussed its benefits, and experienced different mindfulness practices.

A common definition of mindfulness is “Paying attention, on purpose in the present moment, non-judgmentally.” (Jon Kabat-Zinn, 2012) As we have learned about mindfulness, we recognize that it is expected for our minds to wander as we practice, but that is okay, it’s our job to bring our thoughts back to what we are focusing on to help us stay in the moment.

Research has shown that mindfulness helps all of us become better focused, calmer, and more reflective. It has also been demonstrated that mindfulness practice decreases anxiety and increases attention, self-regulation, and empathy. These are all characteristics that help students learn and develop executive functioning and social skills and adults function more effectively. Stay tuned to learn about resources, examples of what is happening at Fiske, and ways to practice mindfulness at home!

Sharon P. Grossman, Fiske School Psychologist

 

An Invitation from Wellesley Public Schools

Dear Teaching Faculty/Staff/Administrators,

The Wellesley Public Schools remains committed to our core values of commitment to community and respect for human differences. We strive to be a school district that feels inclusive to our students, staff, and parents and where diversity is viewed as a strength that benefits everyone. We also know that we have work to do to meet these goals.

With this in mind, we are conducting a comprehensive assessment of the climate of race and diversity within WPS. We have two primary interests in conducting this assessment. First, we want to be sure we have baseline data that provide a clear picture of where the district is today as defined by students, staff, and parents. Second, we want to use these data to inform the development of a multi-year action plan.

As a first step in this process, we invite you to participate in this survey. Click here for the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XWFMTFW​​​​​​​

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

Thank you to all who have sent in Box Tops–we’ve collected approximately 650 Box Tops since the beginning of October! Don’t forget–the class that sends in the most Box Tops during this month will earn an extra recess and new playground balls! As of today, Mrs. Mendoza’s class (2M) has taken back the lead with Ms. Conrad’s class (5C) not far behind! Please continue to send in your unexpired Box Tops in either a plastic baggie or envelope, and be sure to label them with your class/teacher. Box Tops do not have to be precisely trimmed. There is ONE WEEK left to send in your Box Tops! All Box Tops for this month’s contest should be turned in no later than Friday, October 27th. We do collect Box Tops all year long, but we’ll be mailing in the first official submission on November 1st so Fiske can receive the first of two checks this school year! Thanks again for your support and participation!

Halloween Parade

Parents, guardians and friends, we are excited to have you join us for our annual Halloween Parade on Tuesday, October 31st at 9:00 a.m. The parade route is as follows,  students will exit the building from the school lobby and walk along the sidewalk in front of the school to the primary playground. The parade will conclude by circling the back field and reentering the building through the back doors. The parade route will be marked by cones.  Fiske’s Student Council members will be leading the parade.

Please be aware that students should refrain from wearing masks, face paint or makeup and leave all props at home.

Please inform your child’s classroom teacher if your child will not be participating in the parade. There will be a fall activity in the library for students who will not be participating in the parade.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Important Dates:

• Wednesday, October 25th – Cradles to Crayons collection

• Wednesday, October 25th Student Council Meeting -8:00 – 8:30 a.m.

• Thursday, October 26th – School Council Meeting -7:30 – 8:15 a.m.

• Friday, October 27th – Principal’s Coffee – Fiske Library -8:40- 9:30 a.m.

• Tuesday, October 31st – Halloween Parade – 9:00 a.m.

• Wednesday, November 1st – METCO Stay Day

• Wednesday, November 1st – Walk to School Day

• Monday, November 6th – PTO Meeting – 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, November 7th – Early Release -PreK – 5 – Parent /Teacher Conferences – Noon Dismissal

• Friday, November 10th – Veteran’s Day -No School

• Tuesday, November 14th – Picture Retake Day

• Tuesday, November 14th – METCO Stay Day – 3:05-4:15 p.m.

• Wednesday, November 15th – Fiske Turkey Run: 9:00 a.m. on back fields