Dear Peirce Families,
I hope that all of you are enjoying the beautiful spring weather! We are only two weeks away from major changes to our in-person learning model. Starting on April 5th, in-person students will attend school 8:20-2:15 four days a week and 8:20-1:00 on Wednesdays. Teacher Teams and District Curriculum Coordinators are working on adjustments to schedules, curriculum, and programs to ensure both continuity with the first part of the year and preparation for the fall. I invite you to join me at 7:00 this Wednesday evening, March 24th, to learn more about this transition. The Zoom link is below. One important detail is that we will plan to have snack and lunch outside whenever possible in recognition of our need to have 6 feet of physical distance between students when they are unmasked and eating. We would like each family to please send in an old towel or blanket on which your child can sit. When the weather does not permit us to eat outside, we will make use of the gym to help us spread out for snack and lunch.
During the week of April 5th, we will also begin our Spring Conference season. Please note that we will have 12:30 dismissal on Monday, April 5th, and Thursday, April 8th, for the purpose of these important parent-teacher discussions. These conferences will be a time for teachers to share information about students’ current progress and collaborate with families to plan the strongest possible end to this unusual school year.
DLA students will also experience some changes to their learning model. DLA Principal Jen Shore will host an information session at 6:00 p.m. tomorrow evening (Tuesday) to discuss how the final quarter of the year will look. The link for this meeting will be sent to DLA families.
As we plan for these changes, we are prioritizing social-emotional wellness, relationships, and community. We will reteach routines and procedures just as we do at the beginning of the school year, and we will focus on helping students build stamina as they acclimate to a full in-person school schedule. We are excited for this transition, and we are eager to address any questions or concerns you may have. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
With Hopeful Thoughts,
Mark Chitty
Joyous Holiday Wishes to all of our Families who will celebrate Passover this weekend!
Information Night to discuss Changes to In-person Learning: Instead of the scheduled March Parent Coffee, we will have a virtual Parent Information Night on Wednesday, March 24th, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss changes to in-person learning that will take place on April 5th. Please join us at the following link:
https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/81842617434 ; Passcode: 988612
Social Emotional Learning at Peirce: Skills that Parents can use at Home Join us on Monday, March 29th, at 7:00 p.m. to learn about the SEL skills taught at school and practical tips for supporting our students’ social and emotional development at home. Many thanks to Fourth Grade Teacher Katie Busk and Parent Volunteer Lindsey Conkey for organizing this event!
From Music Teacher Olivia de Geofroy: There are a number of wonderful summer music camps and programs available in this area for children ages 6-18. If your child is interested, please take a look at this list: Summer Music Camps and Programs. There are out-of-state and overnight camps as well as local day camps on this list. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] if you have any questions!
Fifth Grade Parent Information Night for Day Middle School:
Peirce Parent Meeting
Time: May 13, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/86026010136
Meeting ID: 860 2601 0136
Passcode: 567607
School Photo Dates: Please mark your calendar with the following dates:
Tuesday, 4/13 – In-Person Photos
Wednesday, 4/14 – DLA Photos (Start time 1:00PM)
Absences: If your child will be absent from school for any reason on either in-person or at-home days, please call the Student Absence Line at 617-559-9650 before 8:00. Also, please be sure that teachers have accurate information about dismissal routines for your child.
Conference and Progress Report Schedule for 2020-21:
| Progress Sharing | Dates |
| Spring Conferences | Mon, Apr 5 2:00-3:15 (Early Release at 12:30) Thurs, Apr 8 2:00-3:15 (Early Release at 12:30) Wed, Apr 14 1:15-3:15 |
| End-of-Year Progress Report | Last week of school in June. |
Parent Coffees: Our next PTO/Principal Coffee will be held on Tuesday, May 4th. Please join the PTO Presidents, Principal, and other parents on Zoom at 8:30 a.m. for coffee and conversation about topics of interest in our school community, including how we are maintaining connectedness with others during this time of pandemic.
https://newton-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/81842617434 ; Passcode: 988612