It's been a quiet week, but it's been filled with exciting teaching and learning opportunities for your children. As I walk through the halls of our school I am struck by the passion and dedication of the teachers I observe. Wonderful things are happening at Wheelock!
Literacy Professional Development
This week ELA Coordinator, Jamee Callahan, led professional development for our teachers. The teachers took an in depth look at the Mass Frameworks, Foundational Reading Skills in Grades 2 and 3. Teachers were pleased to come away with many fluency strategies they can use in their classrooms. Nice work, everyone!
A lot of boys and girls brought in hats to donate to Cradles to Crayons. It was fun to see some of the crazier hats worn to school. Thank you! Enjoy some cute pics!
Next week the Tanglewood Marrionettes visit Wheelock. The entire school looks forward to this visit every year. We so enjoy this tradition! Thank you PTO.
Dale and Wheelock also just received a collaborative grant to bring Urban Improv to grade 3. This diverse, interactive theater group's performance will support our work in teaching empathy, diversity and mindfulness to our students. Thank you to our MCPE!
Morning Drop-Off
It was brought to my attention that morning drop off has become somewhat dangerous. The intention of our drop-off procedures is for parents to drive into the third driveway and drop off their student on the side with the sidewalk that connects to the front of our school. Three adults are present during morning drop-off so parents can feel confident their student will arrive safely at the playground.
Another reminder to you is that students should not be dropped off before 8:10. There is no supervision prior to that time. Students being dropped off after 8:25, however, may need a parent to walk them in. In any case, following that process described above should reduce the need for parking spaces during this hectic time. No one should be double parking. The way the process was explained in September should not in any way require a child to cross where cars are travelling. The intention is for parents to stay in line in their cars, drive up and drop off their child and drive away. Unfortunately, it appears, based on reports to me, that parents are in a great rush. May I respectfully request a little more patience? If you do insist on walking your child to the front of the school, then kindly park in the area across from the soccer field so the third driveway does not become clogged dangerously with cars . Thank you for your consideration. Our goal is the safety of our children!

On Wednesday Mrs. Ellen Toubman, World Language Content Specialist 2-12, and I presented a brief overview at Memorial for Grade 1 parents interested in hearing about the world language selection process for the 2016-2017. A Google form will come home in March when you may choose either Spanish or Mandarin. Just a reminder that grade 2 parents have one final option to change their student's language. The language a student takes beginning in grade 2 will remain his/her world language until the next time for a change, entering Middle School.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Go Pats!
Best,
Donna Olson
Principal