I hope everyone enjoyed their summer, and I'm looking forward to continuing to build language skills with existing students and get know new families. In the past, I have used a blog to share information about the community, but this year I'm changing to this padlet format that allows me to organize information by school and category.

To learn more about the ELPAC, join our Facebook group, and find out ways to get involved, please visit the English Language Learner website at https://sites.google.com/wrsd.net/departmentofele/english-learner-parent-advisory-council

Curriculum Night

If you require a translator for curriculum night, please let me know as soon as possible so that one may be scheduled for you. Curriculum nights are a chance to learn about what your children will be learning in school this year. These are not individual meetings with your child's teacher but rather a time to visit the class and learn about what to expect throughout the year. Different grades have different dates and times. Grades K-2 are parent only events. Grades 3-5 are parent and student events.

Monday,September15

K Curriculum Night

5:30 PM - 6:15 PM

1st Grade Curriculum Night

6:00 PM - 6:45 PM

Tuesday,September16

2nd Grade Curriculum Night

5:30 PM - 6:15 PM

3rd Grade Curriculum Night

6:00 PM - 6:45 PM

Wednesday,September17

5th Grade Curriculum Night

5:30 PM - 6:15 PM

4th Grade Curriculum Night

6:00 PM - 6:45

In the United States, October 31st is the celebration of Halloween. It is primarily a cultural holiday focused on fun, imagination, and community, and it is not a religious holiday.

The most common activities you will see are:

• Costumes: Children (and sometimes adults!) dress up as characters, superheroes, animals, or spooky things like ghosts and witches.

• Jack-o'-lanterns: People carve faces into pumpkins and put a light inside. They place them outside their homes as decoration.

• Trick-or-Treating: Children in costumes go door-to-door in their neighborhoods saying, "Trick or treat!" Neighbors then give them a small candy or treat.

A Note on Celebrating

It is important to know that every family is different, and it is completely okay if your child does not participate in Halloween activities for any reason, including family beliefs or cultural practices. If you do not wish to participate, a common practice is simply to keep your porch light turned off on the evening of October 31st.

Dear Families,

Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for next week: Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon. This is a great opportunity to meet with your child's teachers!

Action Needed: Sign-Up

Please remember that you must sign up for each teacher separately!

• If you wish to meet with your child’s Classroom Teacher, you must sign up for their time slot.

• If you wish to meet with your child’s Multilingual (ESL) Teacher, you must sign up for their time slot.

Each conference is only 12 minutes long, so please be on time so that all families can meet with their teachers.

Schedule and Childcare

• Conference Dates: Next Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon.

• Do not bring your children to the conferences. The expectation is that parents attend without the student so you can speak freely with the teacher.

No School Reminder

• Next Friday is a half-day for students.

• There will be no school for students on the day after the evening conferences (Thursday).

Please see below for sign-up information specific to your school:

10/29 In Person at Davis Hill

https://www.myconferencetime.com/davishill/schedule/1005750/ 

10/30 In Person at Thomas Prince

https://www.myconferencetime.com/thomasprince/schedule/998456/

🎃 Tonight! Community "Trunk or Treat" Fundraiser

Tonight, October 24, 2025, there is a fun community event for our families!

This is a voluntary event hosted by the PTA and is not a school-sponsored celebration. Families can choose whether or not to attend, reflecting varying family traditions and participation in the holiday.

What is "Trunk or Treat"?

A "Trunk or Treat" is a modern Halloween activity where people gather in a large parking lot, decorate the trunks of their cars with fun or spooky themes, and hand out candy. Children in costumes walk from one decorated car trunk to the next to get treats in a safe, contained space.

Event Details

Who is Welcome:All families and students from Davis Hill Elementary and Thomas Prince School are welcome!

Time: 6pm-6:30pm

Location: Davis Hill Elementary School in Holden, MA Parking Lot

Cost:$5 per person OR $25 per family (whichever is less)

Purpose:This is a fundraiser for the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to support Davis Hill.

What is "Trunk or Treat"?

A "Trunk or Treat" is a modern Halloween activity where people gather in a large parking lot, decorate the trunks of their cars with fun or spooky themes, and hand out candy. Children in costumes walk from one decorated car trunk to the next to get treats in a safe, contained place.

Dear Parents of Multilingual Learners,

November is often called the "Season of Giving" in American culture, as we focus on gratitude and helping others just before the Thanksgiving holiday. We are hosting two drives to assist families within our community during this time.

Food Pantry Donation Drive at Davis Hill

• What to Donate: Non-perishable food items.

  • November 7th: We are focusing on Thanksgiving dinner items (canned yams, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, canned green beans/corn, cranberry sauce, boxed pie crust mix, canned pumpkin).

  • November 14th: We need snack items (granola bars, crackers, individual fruit cups, applesauce pouches, cereal, peanut butter/nut-free butter).

• Collection Dates: November 7th and November 14th

Winter Clothing Drive at Thomas Prince

• What to Donate: We need winter items (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, snow pants, etc.) to keep all children warm.

• Collection Deadline: December 5th

A Word of Community Support

The intention behind both of these initiatives is to offer support to our community families. If you or your family is in need of assistance, whether for food or warm winter clothing, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school administration, the school nurse, or the school adjustment counselor.

Your request will be handled with confidentiality and care. We are here to support our students and families in every way we can.

ICE SKATING

1. Holden, MA

   Holden has its own ice skating rink outside the senior center. You just need to bring your own ice skates.

2. Worcester, MA

   If you don't have your own skates, Worcester has a rink right outside their town hall. For a fee, you can rent skates and enjoy the lights of the park.

SLEDDING

1. Holden, MA

   If we get snow, many local families utilize the golf course at 1800 Main St, Jefferson, MA 01522.

SKIING, SNOWBOARDING, and TUBING

1. Princeton, MA

   Mt. Wachusett is the local ski destination. They offer paid for classes for all ages as well ask ski rentals. Unlike in some other countries, you must bring your own snow gear like gloves, mittens, and coats. Only skis and boots are available to rent.

2. Shrewsbury, MA

   Another great option for a smaller hill, and excellent snow tubing experience is a 30min drive to Skiward in Shrewsbury, MA.

Please note that these activities are not officially sponsored by WRSD. These activities are just suggestions for those who may be new to the area and curious about what activities are available to the larger community.

We are beginning our annual ACCESS testing this week to see how much our students have grown in their English language skills. Here is everything you need to know:

• The Letter: You should have received a letter in December notifying you that your child will be participating in this assessment.

• The Schedule: To ensure students do not get too tired, we have split the test over four non-consecutive days. This helps them stay energized and focused!

• Why this test? While we use many different ways to measure your child's success, ACCESS is the Massachusetts state-approved way of tracking progress in English.

• Preparation: There is no way to study for this test. The best way to help is to make sure your child gets plenty of sleep and a good breakfast!

• Moving Forward: Your children are going to do great! We use these results to help us adjust our future lessons to better support your child's specific needs.

• Results: You will receive your child’s official score report in May.

We are so proud of the hard work our students are doing. Please reach out if you have any questions!

📝 Important Information:

• It’s for Friends: In elementary school, this is not a romantic holiday. Students give small cards (called "valentines") to their friends and teachers.

• Cards for Everyone: If your child chooses to bring cards, please make sure there is one for every student in their class so no one feels left out.

• No Candy, Please: To keep all students safe from allergies, please do not send candy or food. Many families choose to attach a small sticker or a pencil instead!

• The Date: Since February 14th is a Saturday, we will celebrate at school on Friday, February 13th.

  
  

❓ Questions?

Every classroom does things a little differently. If you have questions about a class party or a student list, please message your child’s classroom teacher.

It may still be cold outside, but it is already time to start thinking about summer! Many summer camp registrations in our area are opening this month (February) and often fill up very quickly.

🏕️ Local Camp & Recreation Links

WRSD does not endorse or recommend any camps; however, to get you started in your search I've provided you with some local resources. You can visit the websites below to see the 2026 summer schedules, activities, and costs for our local towns:

• Holden Recreation Department

• Princeton Parks & Recreation

• Worcester Recreation (Recreation Worcester)

• Bancroft Summer Camp4

📝 Important Reminder

Please note that the school district does not specifically endorse or recommend any particular summer camp. We provide these links only as a helpful resource for families looking for childcare or summer activities.

❓ Questions?

If you have questions about how to find more summer resources, please feel free to reach out.

Please remember that there will be no school for Winter Break soon!

• Dates: Monday, February 16th – Friday, February 20th

• School Reopens: Monday, February 23rd

We hope all of our students and families have a safe and relaxing week off!

Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in many Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and more. It marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar. It is a time for:

• Family Reunions: Gathering with loved ones to share special meals.

• Good Fortune: Wishing for health, wealth, and happiness in the coming year.

• Tradition: Honoring ancestors and enjoying vibrant performances like lion dances.

Join the Celebration!

The Asian Student Association (ASA) warmly invites all K-12 students and their families to a district-wide festival.

• 📅 Date: Friday, February 13th

• ⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• 📍 Location: High School Auditorium

• ✨ Hosted by: The Asian Student Association (ASA)

Come enjoy cultural performances, traditional music, and community spirit! We look forward to seeing our multilingual families there to help us welcome the new year.

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

• The Fast: Many students (typically those who have reached puberty) will fast from dawn until sunset. This means they do not eat or drink (including water) during daylight hours.

• The Goal: It is a time for spiritual growth, practicing self-discipline, and showing empathy for those less fortunate.

• The Celebration: The month concludes with a joyful three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast).

Communication with the School

We want to ensure a positive environment for all students. If your family has specific requests or if there is information you would like to share regarding your student’s participation in Ramadan, please feel free to reach out.

Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026

In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a secular (non-religious) community holiday. While it has Irish roots, it is now a day for people of all backgrounds to celebrate friendship, spring, and "the luck of the Irish!"

Common Traditions

• The Color Green: People wear green clothing or accessories to show spirit. You might even see "green eggs and ham" or green-dyed milk at breakfast!

• Parades: Many cities hold large parades with music, dancing, and bagpipes.

• Community Meals: A traditional meal shared on this day is corned beef and cabbage, though many people simply enjoy festive treats like shamrock-shaped cookies.

• Symbols of Luck: You will see many four-leaf clovers (shamrocks) and "pots of gold" used as decorations in schools and shops.

Is it a day off?

No, St. Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday. Schools, banks, and businesses will remain open as usual on Tuesday. It is simply a fun day to celebrate together!

Quick Tip for Families: Don't forget to wear something green on March 17th to join in the fun!

This Friday, March 20, you will receive two different updates regarding your child's growth:

1. Official Report Card: Issued by the classroom teacher via PowerSchool.

2. ML Progress Report: Issued by me (sent to your Email). This report focuses specifically on your child’s English language development and successes!

🌐 PowerSchool Translation

We want to make sure the information is clear for everyone. If you are accessing the official report card in PowerSchool:

• Automatic Translation: PowerSchool can translate your student's information into your preferred language.

• How-To: Look for the language settings in the top corner of your PowerSchool portal to toggle to your native language.

📬 Check Your Email Friday

Keep an eye out for an email from me on Friday, March 20. My Progress Report will highlight:

• Growth in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

• Specific "wins" your child had in our language sessions this term.

• Tips for supporting language practice at home.

Question? Feel free to reply to my email on Friday if you have any questions about your child's language progress!

What is April Fool’s Day?

In many countries, April 1st is known as April Fool’s Day. It is a lighthearted day where people play "practical jokes" (small, harmless tricks) on their friends, family, and coworkers. When the trick is finished and the person is surprised, we shout "April Fools!" and laugh together.

Why Do We Celebrate It?

The main goal of this day is joy and laughter. It is a way to bond with others and practice being "good sports." At school, we use this day to teach students the difference between a joke that is funny (where everyone laughs) and a joke that is mean (where someone gets hurt or upset).

The "Golden Rules" of Joking

To keep the day fun for everyone, we follow these simple rules:

• Keep it Kind: If a joke makes someone cry or feel scared, it is not a good joke.

• Safety First: We never play tricks involving "emergencies," fire, or getting hurt.

• No Messes: A great joke is easy to clean up!

• The Noon Deadline: Many people believe that jokes should only be played in the morning. After 12:00 PM, the "fooling" stops!

Try These Simple "Language-Free" Jokes at Home!

You don’t need to speak perfect English to have fun with your children on April 1st. Try these silent, silly tricks:

1. The Upside-Down Room: While your children are sleeping, turn a few safe items upside down (like a cereal box, a stuffed animal, or a lightweight chair).

2. The Shoe Stuffing: Put a small piece of tissue paper in the toe of their shoes so it feels like their feet grew overnight!

3. The "Fish on the Back": In France and Italy, this day is called "April Fish." Children try to tape a small paper fish to a parent’s back without them noticing.

4. The Frozen Breakfast: Put a bowl of cereal and milk in the freezer the night before. Serve it in the morning and watch them try to get their spoon in!

A Global Tradition

Did you know many cultures have a day for jokes?

• Iran celebrates Sizdah Bedar around this time with picnics and pranks.

• Spanish-speaking countries celebrate Día de los Santos Inocentes in December.

• India celebrates Holi, which involves colorful fun and playfulness.

We want to hear from you! Does your home country have a special day for jokes or tricks? Please share your stories in the comments below!

Helpful Vocabulary for the Day

• Prank / Trick: A silly action used to surprise someone.

• Harmless: Something that is safe and does not cause damage.

• April Fool: The person who gets "tricked" (it’s okay to be the fool—it means you have a good sense of humor!).

Padlet Tip: If you are reading this on a computer, you can right-click anywhere on this page and select "Translate to..." to read this article in your preferred language.

What is Easter?

Easter is a holiday celebrated in the spring. For many, it is a religious holiday, but it is also a very popular cultural holiday in the United States. It celebrates new life, the arrival of spring, and time spent with family.

Common Symbols of Easter

You will see these images everywhere this month! Here is what they mean:

• The Easter Bunny: A friendly, imaginary rabbit who brings treats to children.

• Eggs: A symbol of "new life" and spring. We often decorate them with bright colors.

• Baskets: Children use these to collect treats or gifts.

• Spring Flowers: Lilies, tulips, and daisies are popular decorations.

Popular Traditions

If you see these events happening in your neighborhood or at school, here is what to expect:

1. Egg Decorating Families boil eggs and dip them into colorful dye. Some people prefer "Plastic Eggs" filled with stickers, coins, or candies.

2. The Easter Egg Hunt This is a very popular game! Adults hide eggs (real or plastic) in the grass or around the house. Children race to find as many as they can and put them in their baskets.

3. Easter Candy You will see a lot of chocolate shaped like rabbits or small sugar candies called "Peeps" (which look like yellow baby birds).

4. The Sunday Meal Many families celebrate with a large lunch or dinner on Easter Sunday. Common foods include ham, spring vegetables, and colorful cakes.

Important Note for Families

• The Date: Unlike many holidays, Easter changes every year. It always falls on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. This year Easter is on Sunday, April 5.

  
  

• Inclusion: While Easter has religious roots, our school activities focus on the seasonal themes of spring, growth, and kindness.

What is the MCAS?

MCAS stands for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System. It is a state test that students in Massachusetts take every spring.

The goal of the MCAS is to:

• Check how much students have learned during the school year.

• Help teachers know how to better support your child’s learning.

• Make sure our school is providing a great education for everyone.

Which Subjects are Tested?

Students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 will take tests in the following areas:

1. ELA (English Language Arts): Students read stories or articles and answer questions. They also practice writing essays.

2. Mathematics: Students solve problems using numbers, shapes, and patterns.

3. STE (Science and Technology/Engineering): Only Grade 5 students take the Science portion. It covers things like animals, weather, and how things are built.

When is the Testing?

Testing happens throughout April and May.

📅 Check your inbox! I will be sending a detailed Email to all families this week. This email will include the specific dates and times your child will be testing. Please mark these dates on your home calendar to ensure your child arrives at school on time and well-rested.

Can We "Study" for the MCAS?

One of the most important things to know is that students do not need to "study" or memorize facts at home for this test.

The MCAS is designed to measure the skills your child has been building all year long in the classroom. There are no textbooks to memorize. Instead of "studying," the best way to help your child is to:

• Encourage Reading: Read books together in your home language or English.

• Keep it Stress-Free: Tell your child to "just do your best." We want them to feel confident, not nervous!

• Rest and Nutrition: Make sure they get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on testing mornings.

How We Support Your Child

We know that testing can feel "big" for students. In the classroom, we provide many breaks, a quiet environment, and lots of encouragement. For our multilingual learners, we also ensure they receive the specific "accommodations" (special tools or extra time) they are allowed by the state.

Questions?

If you have questions about the schedule or how the testing works, please reply to my upcoming email or leave a comment here on the Padlet!

Padlet Tip: To see this information in your preferred language, right-click on the text and select "Translate."