January newsletter

Rosanna Paribello, OST Director

Adriana Guereque, OST Assistant Director

Gina Miranda, Student Services Coordinator

Dana Gordon, Clinical Consultant

Parent Resources

EzChildTrack Parent Portal

Parent Handbook

Important Dates

February Vacation Program for Registered Students (February 17–20)
Registrations for the 2026–2027 school year will be open from March 17 to March 27

Financial Aid Assistance Information

In our commitment to making our program as available as possible, we continue to provide financial assistance for families. If you need information, please contact Adriana Guereque at aguereque@k12.somerville.ma.us. You can also contact the Site Director at your child's school.

Thank you for all your support to Community Schools – being with your children makes us all happy!

Counselor's Corner

A warm welcome back to all of our families! We hope you enjoyed a peaceful and rejuvenating winter break and a happy New Year. At Community Schools, we are off to an exciting and fresh start as we revisit and recommit to our routines, expectations, and healthy friendships. This month, students are reviewing and updating our community agreements that focus on respecting ourselves, our shared spaces, our peers, and our teachers. Creating and maintaining these agreements takes meaningful collaboration that fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility. When students have opportunities to share their perspectives, it strengthens their sense of agency, belonging, and investment in their community—helping to build a culture rooted in mutual respect, success, and joy. We hope your children are adjusting well to the start of the term. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Thank you, and happy January!

Albert F. Argenziano

Site Director: Elizabeth Bell

Assistant Site Director; Brianna Arevalo

Ileana Perlera, Etta Resnick, Ana Cortez, Sana Kazemi, Gianna Bottiglio, Jennalyse Charles, Brandy Ellis, Shruti Sood, Zaita Antonio, Sophia Ortega, JAred Perovic,

andrea cardoza

Happy January Argenziano families!! Happy New Year! We started Session 2 and are looking forward to a variety of fun activities & crafts in new clubs or enjoying some popular ones again. Some examples of our new clubs are: Paper Airplane Pilots, Snowflake Squad, Game World, Computer & Coding, Aspiring Authors, and Peaceful Painting. Let’s see what each grade level is up to..

Pre-K/K (Ms. Shruti):

Happy New Year! To ring in 2026, the Pre-K students made “Happy New Year” crowns, made ball drop necklaces, and drew their resolutions for the upcoming year. We also explored all things under the sea by making paper jellyfish, handprint octopi, and learning new ocean-themed games like “Fishy, Fishy, Cross My Ocean!”

K-2nd grade (Mr. P, Ms. Sana, Ms. Etta, Ms. Elizabeth, Ms. Brianna):

Students in the Paper Airplanes club are test flying their own creations. The daily folding directions are not easy for everyone, so there are plenty of helpers around the classroom. After enough time folding and decorating their projects, students line up to fly their planes, and measure distance by counting the number of floor tiles flown. Next week, students are learning to fold the world record holding paper airplane.

3rd-5th (Ms. Ana & Ms. Ileana):

Session 2 has been packed with fun for our 3rd–5th graders! Students jumped into exciting clubs like Lego Building, Peaceful Painting, Gym Games, Science Adventures, Crafty Kids, Journalism, and Reading Corner. From building cool creations to painting masterpieces, playing active games, and writing their own stories, everyone is having a blast while learning, creating, and making new friends!

Here in the Science Adventure club, students get the chance to drive deeper into their favorite science themes and engage in exciting science activities. For this week's activity, students were asked to demonstrate their understanding of the big bag theory through the big bang experiment. Students are given a balloon that they fill with confetti, scrap paper, and pompoms; once they have filled up their balloon, it is pumped up with air and then it is popped to demonstrate the "big bang" occurring.

Parents/Guardians:

With the colder temperatures, please ensure your children have warm jackets, etc., and label all outdoor clothing and belongings. Items without a name/label will be placed in lost and found.

Arthur D. Healey School

Site Director: Amanda Oppman

Assistant Site Director: Alexander Walters

Nicholas Triant, Suri Gonzalez, Christopher Thompson, Samuel Macmillan, Delmis Aviles, Rafael Santos,

Miriam Borges, Ryan Ribeiro-Bisetti, Maria Lima Da SIlva, ALEXA RYAN,

Hello families and a Happy New Year!

We came back from break ready to kick off our next session of clubs. Kids in K-2n have been creating with perler beads and an arts and crafts club. They are learning about sports from all around the world and testing their trivia knowledge with jeopardy. We’re getting outside, even in the cold with Farrington Nature and exploring the Spanish language with the Spanish Fun club. Our older students in 3rd-7th are enjoying time in the gym with our two gym classes to help us burn more energy with the winter weather. We’re trying new skills in our collage club, Michelangelo Magic, painting the globe and winter wonderland. Students are testing out their critical thinking with chess club, story to screen and book club. We’re learning that exercising our brains is just as important as exercising our bodies. Our PreK friends continue to learn through play with one another in their classroom and look forward to their interactions with some of the older students in the gym. We’re learning numbers and counting and seem so much bigger than before we left for break.

I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a great rest of your school year as I prepare for my maternity leave to begin on February 2. It has been a pleasure working with your students this year and I hope to see them back again in the fall when I return. In the meantime, please connect with Mr.Walters or the Community Schools main office with questions!

Benjamin G. Brown School

Site Director: Kelsey Kent

Assistant Site Director: Justin Penezic

Ashley Marks, Jessica Alvarenga Lazo, Marie Cheney, Grace Barton,

El Ark, Jesus Castro, Ryleigh Martell, Vijayalaxmi, COLE THOMPSON, Madeleine LUCEY

Happy January everyone! We hope everyone had a great Winter Break and New Year! We are so excited to welcome the kids back to afterschool!

We have a few very exciting things to highlight for January, including two new staff members Madeline Lucy (Ms G) and Cole Thompson (Mr. Cole). Ms. G is the new 4th grade afterschool teacher and Mr. Cole is leading one of the split Kindergarten groups! They have started leading clubs this session and are excited to make an impact! Please help us welcome them to the team!

Another thing we would like to highlight is student council clubs! Some of the older students lead a personally designed club helping teach the younger students, with some of these clubs including: Vet club, Small problems Vs Big Problems, Jr Science club and Comic club!

East Somerville Community School

Site Director: Yolanda Andrade

Assistant Site Director: ali tammaro

Raymond Corsini Joanne Simon, Sonia Barahona, Mario Quiroz, Sharon Castellon, Ashley Castro, Michael Chiaravalloti, Jaime Albayeros, Taylin Smith, Olivia Oliveira, Devin Andrade, Bryan Rodriguez, Luzmila Magana, Bryan Rodriguez, Kayla Lopez, Virgilio Garcia, Jessy Munos-Palacios, Emily Posada, Angie Montealegre

Cheers to an exciting start to 2026! January welcomed us with a little bit of everything: light snow, rain, and even some sunshine. Here at the East, we never quite know what to expect, which only adds to the fun and energy of our days! As we returned from winter break, students and staff enjoyed reconnecting and sharing stories about their time off. It was wonderful to hear about trips, activities, and special family moments.

As the new year began, so did new clubs. Bringing fresh excitement to our afternoons. The first few weeks were spent building community through icebreakers, establishing club rules, and refreshing expectations and responsibilities. The positive energy has been felt throughout the program.

Our K–2nd grade students are thrilled to participate in a variety of clubs, including Superhero Mask Making, Classic Board Games, Creative Crafters, Bracelets & Friendship, and staying active in the gym through soccer and all-sports games. Our youngest learners are fully engaged with their peers, strengthening social skills and building new friendships. When not in clubs, our PreK students enjoy circle games, social-emotional discussions, and fun activity stations after spending time outdoors getting some fresh air. Their afternoons are truly filled with enriching and joyful learning experiences.

In Buildwave, students are challenged with different levels of LEGO building. After completing each level, they are rewarded with a prize, as we always encourage effort and perseverance in our Afterschool Program! Students are also enjoying a variety of other clubs such as Cinemakidz, Skiller Soccer, Farrington Nature, and Spanish Is Fun. We are fully engaged and having a great time.

Our 3rd–7th grade students have also started Session 2 strong, jumping right into their clubs. Pokémon Art Creation with Mr. Ray has been a big hit. While on half days, students have opportunities to lead games themselves and keep score in creative ways. Hunt & Solve with Ms. Ashley offers time to play with friends and try out different gym games. In Minute to Win It with Ms. Joanne, students stay focused and excited as they wait to hear the winner announced. In Cultura y Lengua, students explore cultures from around the world, learn about their own backgrounds, and reflect on the languages we speak.

We are incredibly proud of the amazing work happening at the East and are so happy to be back in full swing with our students and brand-new clubs!

Michael E. Capuano Early Childhood Center

Site Director: Michael Horowitz

Assistant Site Director: Sarthak Khamal

Bryan Convey, Ana Treska, Neelam Sehil, Mei Idri, Joao Detoledo, Mamata Chalise, Latifa Mortady, Devin Baxter, Fanta Diawara, Rute Zephyr, Gabriela Miranda

Capuano January 2026 Newsletter

It’s been just a week and a half since school came back after winter break. Our party just before break went off well. We thank everyone for their input and support. We hope that families were happy to get to meet other families and that we helped facilitate a feeling of community.

Entering the month of January, the weather has been warmer and more pleasant than usual. Classes have had the opportunity to get outside more frequently than is normal at this time of year. We are also coming up to the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, so there is no school and no afterschool on Monday January 19th.

At the Capuano, classes have been doing activities centered around winter and snow. Classes have read books like “Snow Is Falling” by Franklyn Branley, “Katy and the Big Snow” by Virginia Lee Burton, “The Mitten” by Jan Brett and “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats. Projects related to the reading have included igloos, multi-colored mittens, all different kinds of snowmen, coffee filter snowflakes of various types, and shaving-cream-snow sensory play.

January is passing by quietly, but stealthily and quickly. Before we blink, it will be February.

John F. Kennedy Elementary School

Site Director: Allison Pelletier

Assistant Site Director: Kelly Lopez

Nicole Tolbert, Savannah Paul, Maureen Nichols,

Liliam Borges, Christmary Orellana, Mary Lou Hodgdon, Laura Modhal, Silvana Dinka, Christopher Montejo, DAMARIS MENDEZ, JENISSA AYBAR

Hi everyone!

Happy 2026! We are enjoying easing back into the world of after‑school after a restful winter break.

A few notes for parents:
Ms. Laura and Ms. Jenissa are both on leaves of absence, so we are doing our best to keep clubs fun, engaging, and safe during this time. I wanted to make you aware in case any of your children mention their teachers being away. We look forward to welcoming them back when they return.

Session 2 is off to a fantastic start. Thank you, parents, for all your support and for helping provide supplies for our classroom. The students are extremely grateful and are truly enjoying the benefits. They have been having a great time playing games together and letting their creativity shine through their projects. We are excited for all the fun and growth still ahead, and we appreciate you being part of our wonderful learning community.

In our knitting activities, students are building fine motor skills, hand–eye coordination, and patience. Using age‑appropriate materials, they practice simple stitching, looping, and finger movements that strengthen focus and spark creativity. Knitting also supports early math development through counting and pattern recognition, all while giving students a sense of pride as they create something of their own.

Our young learners also participate in a weekly yoga session designed just for them. Through gentle stretches, breathing exercises, and playful poses, students learn how to relax their bodies and focus their minds. These activities help them manage big feelings, improve balance and coordination, and build self‑confidence while encouraging calmness and mindfulness in a fun, supportive environment.

Winter Hill Community Innovation School

Site Director: Diana Posada

Assistant Site Director: Maria Henriquez

Tanty Koita, Nehemie Simon, Luz Janampa, Roxana Alfaro, Alaa boutkhurst, Ruolx Dorvilier, Olivia coleman, nancy nimako, aryanna peart, olivia prophete

Hello January!

January has officially arrived, bringing fresh beginnings, new goals, and just enough snow to remind us that winter is here—but not quite enough to perfect our snowman-building skills. While the chilly weather has kept us indoors more than usual (shoutout to winter coats even though our students insist “it’s not even cold!”), our afterschool program has been full of energy as we kick off our 2nd session of clubs!

With the start of this new session, students are diving into new clubs, revisiting old favorites, and discovering new interests along the way. January is all about trying something new, and we’ve loved seeing students step out of their comfort zones, learn new skills, and build friendships across different activities. From creative clubs to active indoor games, our spaces have been buzzing with excitement; even if Mother Nature insists we keep the fun inside.

Although we’ve been navigating snowy days and limited outdoor time, we’ve embraced the cozy vibes by turning classrooms into hubs of creativity, teamwork, and laughter. Who needs the playground when you have imagination, enthusiasm, and plenty of indoor fun? Plus, the snow has given us the perfect excuse to slow down, warm up, and enjoy time together (while secretly hoping spring is already peeking around the corner- can’t wait for the 6 pm sunsets)!

January has set a wonderful tone for the year ahead, and we’re excited to see what this new club session brings. Here’s to fresh starts, new adventures, indoor fun, and a winter that keeps us on our toes, without freezing them off!

West Somerville Neighborhood School

Site Director: Joshua Leibovitz

Assistant Site Director: Seana Read

Jane Fabiano, Darly Pierre, Gianna Amari, Joseph Amari, Rodrigo Rodriguez, Katherine Yanes, Henry Duarte, Teodor Todorov, Valerie Perez

Happy New year!

Welcome back to the new year, new year, new me, but the same amazing afterschool! The weather may warm up… or it may not, the world may never know, but here in afterschool, our students never want to go on vacation because they truly love being here. This month we focused on wellness, and what better way to take care of yourself than by building your very own house? While we don’t recommend living in it (LEGO and magnetile structures aren’t the sturdiest), a little huffing and puffing from Ms. Jane might bring it right down. Returning to our imaginations, and inspired by the finale of Stranger Things, we dove into Dungeons & Dragons to create new worlds. Students explored different realms with creative wizards and centaurs, teaming up to save the day. Afterschool never has a dull moment, and we’re always exploring, imagining, reading, and enjoying every day, until next time!

Reminders for Families

Please see our WSNS Afterschool class on the TalkingPoints for Families app for the quickest updates. Email Josh or Seana if you have any questions about the app.
As the weather cools, please remember to send your child with a warm jacket for outdoor play. We’ll be spending as much time outside as possible.

Pack extra clothes for younger children in case of accidents or emergencies.
Afterschool does not have its own Lost and Found. We use the Lost and Found located outside the main office. Please be sure to check it regularly!

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS PROGRAM

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