Community * Acceptance * Respect * Effort towards Excellence
 
 Hunnewell Happenings
September 2, 2013

Upcoming Dates

Sept 3: First Day of School

Sept 5: No School Rosh Hashanah

Sept 6: Ice Cream Social; 6-7:30pm

Sept 11; PTO Meeting - Special Guest Ellen Quirk; 7-9pm

Sept 16: K starts 2 days

Sept 18: Back to School Night

Sept 26: Principal Coffee; 9-10am

Sept 27: Kindergarten Coffee

Click here for the full Hunnewell calendar

 Hunnewell Fun Fact

 

We have 38 new families starting at Hunnewell today!

 

Questions

Ideas

Concerns

Feedback

 

Contact the PTO

 

Dear Hunnewell Community,

 

It's official. The 2013-14 school year has begun! Teachers are welcoming their students and introducing them to the routines and expectations in order to create a climate where risk-taking and collaboration are synonymous. Students are connecting with old friends and meeting new ones. They are both excited and nervous to meet their teacher and wondering, what will this year be like for me? Parents are letting go of little hands and are hoping and trusting that their child or children will have a good day, a good week, a great year!

 

In the hearts and minds of each of us associated with Hunnewell, the anticipation we have felt over the last few days and weeks is beginning its shift to reality. We do not have the benefit of a crystal ball to see what successes and challenges await us. We can, however, collectively commit to support each other by listening to and learning from one another. Mistakes will be made, but by making a choice to truly invest in the good of our school community, we will be providing the best opportunity for the collective and individual success for the children of Hunnewell!

 

Just a reminder...the school will be open from 8:15-8:30. At 8:30 sharp, I will ask all parents to move to the playground for a PTO coffee. It is important that the teachers begin to establish the classroom routines that will be central to their work together. It is always best to begin those in the first minute on the first day. Thank you for respecting this request.

 
I look forward to working with each and every one of you in the weeks and months ahead. My door is always open. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 

Sincerely,

Ellen Quirk

From Your PTO Co-Presidents
Welcome Back to Hunnewell!
We are excited to support Ellen Quirk and our amazing faculty as co-presidents of the Hunnewell Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The PTO represents the Hunnewell community and works to enhance the educational experience of all our children.
  
As a Hunnewell parent, you are already a member of the PTO. We value your input, expertise, time and financial support. In fact, our goal for this year is to have 100% of families contribute to both our volunteer and fundraising efforts. Every contribution is valued and makes a direct impact on the experience of all our children. Our school community is strengthened when we all work together toward a common goal.  
  
Be sure to check out the new Hunnewell Happenings each Monday morning. It will keep you up to date on what's going on in the school and in our community.  
  
We look forward to welcoming you Back to School at the PTO Coffee right after drop off. We will meet near the entrance to the playground. Please look for sign-ups for volunteer opportunities!
  
Please be in touch this year with any questions, ideas, concerns and feedback. We look foward to hearing from you!
  
Beanie and Beth
PTO Co-Presidents
Social * Fun * Celebrate * Volunteer
BACK-TO-SCHOOL COFFEE Tuesday Sept 3rd; 8:30-9:30 on the Hunnewell Playground
On the first day of school there will be a Welcome Coffee for parents, guardians and younger siblings (weather dependent). Please join us when you leave the classrooms at 8:30!
  
ICE CREAM SOCIAL Friday Sept 6th; 6-7:30pm on the Hunnnewell Playground

Please come celebrate the first week of school with the annual Hunnewell Ice Cream Social!  J.P. Licks will be sponsoring this year's event, so it promises to be a DELICIOUS night! We are looking for VOLUNTEERS to help with setup, scooping and cleanup. Please sign up for a 30-minute shift HERE! If mother nature interferes, we will send out a cancellation email. If you have any questions, please contact Krista Vanourny or Laura McKeever

 

HELP BEAUTIFY THE HUNNEWELL LANDSCAPE Sat. Sept 7th; 9-11am
You don't need a green thumb to help put the finishing touches on the Hunnewell landscaping. We're looking for volunteers on Saturday, September 7th from 9-11am to mulch the planting beds around the front of the school and in the Japanese garden. We'll have all the supplies - mulch, wheelbarrows and rakes. All you need is a little energy and muscle to help put it all in place. Click here to sign up. Questions? Email Candace Lee  for more information. Thanks in advance for your help! 
PTO News
SEPTEMBER PTO MEETING
Based on survey results and changing demographics we are hoping to meet the needs of more families by varying the timing of PTO meetings. Meetings will alternate between Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings.  Our first meeting will be Wednesday, Sept 11 from 7-9pm with special guest, Hunnewell Principal Ellen Quirk in the Hunnewell Library
 
OPEN PTO POSITIONS: Please Contact Beanie Spangler or Beth Cook to volunteer or learn more!
Grade-level: Creative Arts & Sciences Kindergarten and
5th grade Reps
Other: Auction Chairs and Fun Fair Chairs
Thank You & Appreciation
Special summertime thanks go out to Laura McKeever and Darci Gibson for organizing the wonderful new family picnic; Alena Poirier and Kelley Wigren for hosting the Kindergarten Popsicle Party; Candace Lee for coordinating grounds cleanup and the fabulous planters; and Carly Tetel for welcoming the teachers back from summer vacation with a delicious lunch!  
In the Classroom

Ms. Bell is returning as Mrs. McGrath

 

Mrs. Whelan is back in the Art Room

 

Miss Rush has moved from Grade 2 to Grade 1

 

We are welcoming Mrs. Daddario as our new full-time reading specialist and Mrs. Leach as our new full-time social worker

School Business

Please look in your youngest child's backpack for your family

Back-to-School folder. All forms and paperwork are due back on Tuesday Sept 10th.

 

TRAFFIC, DROP-OFF and PICK-UP RULES

At All Times:
· Do not pull into the circular driveway.
· Do not park in or drive through the Staff Parking lot.
· Do not park in crosswalks.
· Do not block fire hydrants.
Morning Drop-Off
The curbs between the two circular driveway entrances are a LIVE DROP-OFF ZONE in the morning AFTER 8:15am. Therefore, you are not allowed to leave your car for any reason. If your child isn't ready to walk into school alone, please find a place to park and walk your child into school.
During Live Drop-off
· Pull your car as far forward as possible to make room for others.
· Pull your car completely to the curb before discharging your children.
· Children should exit the car on the curb side only.

Afternoon Pick-Up
The curbs between the two circular driveway entrances are a NO
STOPPING ZONE from 2:50-3:20pm. This is a SCHOOL BUS ONLY ZONE. The bus needs clear access to this area. It creates a safety hazard and disrupts the flow of traffic if the bus has to maneuver around cars.

 

Click HERE for a complete listing of traffic and parking rules.

 

SICK CHILD  and TARDY PROTOCOL

If your child needs to be absent, please call the school as soon as you are aware that your child needs to be absent. We need to verify that all our students are safely accounted for.

The sick/absent line is 781-446-6245 Option 8.

If you are notifying Hunnewell that your child will be tardy on a given day, please indicate within your message if your child will be ordering lunch: hot lunch, cold lunch, or milk.

 

Thank you for your cooperation on all these issues! 

 

WELLESLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

Click here to go straight to the new WPS Hunnewell website!

Enrichment

NOTES FROM PERFORMING ARTS

Monday, September 9 - Music Lessons begin for Returning Students

Wednesday, September 11 - Instrument Lesson Registration Session @ 3pm, WMS

Thursday, September 12 - Instrument Vendor Night 4-6pm, WMS

Monday, September 16 - Music Lessons begin for New Students

 

Please contact Beth Cook with any questions regarding Performing Arts

In the Community

Fiske Wild West Round-Up!

Saturday, September 21; 10am to 2pm (Rain or Shine) at Fiske Elementary School 45 Hastings Street

The Wild West Round-Up is a Family Fair with a Western Flair. This popular event features games of chance and skill for all ages, arts and crafts, face painting, fun prizes and fabulous food.

 

Wellesley Boy/Girl Scout Sign-Up : Wednesday, Sept 11; 7-8pm at the Wellesley Community Center; 219 Washington St

Learn more about the Boy and Girl scout opportunities and join the fun and excitement of America's foremost youth programs for boys and girls.

 

Wellesley Service League's Annual Toy Drive

For over 40 years, the Wellelsey Service League has been collecting toys to distribute to Wellesley Friendly Aid families in our community. Look for collection bins at Hunnewell in Sept. and Oct. Click HERE to learn more about how you can help.  

 

Wellesley Parent Advisory Council (WPAC)

Wellesley PAC is a volunteer organization of parents and caregivers of children with disabilities in the preschool, elementary schools, middle school, high school, and in private schools. In order to create a responsive school environment, the central purpose of Wellesley PAC is to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of families whose children with disabilities receive special education
services from WPS. Wellesley PAC is an integral part of the broader school community and we strive to have a positive impact on special education programs in our school district. Through the identification of shared goals, strong communication and positive outcomes, the Wellesley PAC adds an important voice to our school district's dialogue and decision-making process. WPAC meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month beginning in October. Click HERE to learn more about WPAC.

 

Celebrate Grandparents Day with the Wellesley Council on Aging

Sunday Sept 8th at 3pm at the Wellesley Community Center;

219 Washington St; Henderson Hall