Dear Upham Families,
We have had an excellent beginning to the 2017-18 school year. Gauging from the wide smiles from some of you during the morning drop off, it seems the school year could not have come any sooner.
This will be my 6th year at Upham and 26th year as an educator. The beginning of this year was probably the easiest start that I have witnessed. Thank you for your wonderful smiles, your enthusiasm, and your support.
Back To School Night
Please join us on Thursday, September 14 for our annual Back To School Night. This evening will give you a chance to meet the teachers, view the classroom, and listen to teacher presentations.
6:30-7:00 p.m. Grades 3/4/5
7:00-7:15 p.m. (Gymnasium) Welcome back from Mr. Dees and the Upham PTO
7:15-7:45 p.m. Grades K/1/2
We look forward to seeing you.
Lunch Bunch
Beginning this month, students throughout the grade levels will be invited to join weekly “lunch bunch” or “snack pack” or “social skills” groups. These groups provide an opportunity for students across classes to get together in a small group once a week to meet new friends and discuss a variety of topics related to establishing positive friendships. From year to year, the topics vary depending on student participation and presenting issues. These groups are designed to reinforce social thinking and social problem solving taught through the Open Circle curriculum in the classroom.
Groups generally take place outside of the lunchroom/classroom in a smaller, quieter setting. These groups are facilitated by speech and language pathologists and/or school psychology staff.
While everyone is welcome to participate on a rotating basis (students generally attend periodically for a few weeks at a time.), students are also invited to lunch groups based on a teacher or parent’s recommendation and sometimes by random draw. However, this program is entirely optional and students are not required to attend.
If you have any questions about these social groups or do not wish for your child to participate, please contact one of us or your child’s classroom teacher by Friday, September 15, 2017.
Sincerely,
Farrah Compeau
Speech and Language Pathologist
Mary Gaynor
Speech and Language Pathologist
Jacey Shumaker
Speech and Language Pathologist
Rebecca Hoitash
School Psychologist
Aberdine Donaldson
School Psychology Intern
PTO Updates
You may have been experiencing some trouble receiving the Upham PTO updates. It has come to our attention that some of the messages may have ended up in your junk or spam folders. The PTO is checking on this situation and will be rectifying the problem immediately. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the office or Upham PTO.
Safety Training
On Wednesday, September 20 from 12:45-1:45 p.m. the Upham faculty, in partnership with the Wellesley Police Department, will be conducting safety training. We will practice and standardize our safety protocols during that time. Students will not be part of this training. All campus activities have been moved to accommodate this training. We ask that students and families abstain from returning to the building and using the playground during this training window.
This work reflects the ongoing commitment Wellesley Public Schools maintains to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
Thank you for your assistance. We apologize in advance for the inconvenience of losing the playground, but I am certain you will understand the importance of this training.
Thank you for your support!
Dare to Dream,
Mr. Dees