Embedded Files
Estabrook Connection
School News and Updates for the School Week ending January 21, 2022
Updates and Weekly "Wanderings" from Principal Martellone
Dear Estabrook Families,
This week was definitely a busy one, as many of them generally are! Since arriving, I've met with some of the key staff members as shared with you in the letter from the Superintendent of Schools when my transition was announced. The meetings have been informative and have begun to help me learn what will be most needed to support students, staff, and the Estabrook community.
I've updated the heading of this part of the news piece and included "wanderings" to share out some of what I've seen during the week. I generally make it a point to visit rooms across the school so that students and staff know that I am present. I'll usually grab my walkie talkie and let the office know that I'll be out visiting rooms. When I visit, I try to quietly go in and just watch for a few minutes to see what students are working on. This week I was fortunate to see students engaged in showing their thinking in mathematics, I was able to see lots of students engaged in reading some much loved books (I periodically asked if they liked what they were reading), I watched students working on word study (learning about words, their meaning, spelling, etc.), and students writing opinion writing (both drafting with pencil/paper and using technology-chromebooks). Additionally, I was able to see some young artists drawing and coloring insects in art class and I had the good fortunate to greet many students at both arrival and dismissal. It is always great to see students engaged in learning and to see the high degree of care they receive from their teachers. Your children are well cared for by the Estabrook staff!
I'll try to share out a few highlights from my "wanderings" each week. It's important to me that your children see me and that you know I'm a visible presence in the school.
As always, thank you for supporting the work of Estabrook School and the Lexington Public Schools. We appreciate your partnership!
Absence Form
If your child will be absent for any reason, please complete the Estabrook Absence Form in addition to contacting the school nurse or office. If your child will be absent for a number of days in a row, it’s only necessary to complete the form once. It’s very important that we receive this information for our records. Thanks for your cooperation.
Global School Play Day
Mark your calendars! On February 2, 2022, Estabrook School, along with other elementary schools in Lexington, will be participating in Global School Play Day. Early next week, you will be receiving an email from me with more information about Global School Play Day. The day is an opportunity for our school community to show the importance of play for our students, and the commitment we have for making sure students receive a well balanced school experience!
Dismissal Traffic and Cuing
It is very important that dismissal be a smooth (or as smooth as possible) process for students, families and staff. Part of that smooth process is highly focused on safety. As a note, please be sure that if there are cars lined up to the end of the drive on Grove Street, that you drive past and not cue up on Grove Street, but go down the street, circle back, and wait to get fully into the drive. Cars cuing up on the street make it difficult for any emergency vehicles to get through and creates safety issues during pick up. Also, there should be no cuing up on Robinson Road leading up to the back of the school. Our primary place for afternoon pickup by car is on the Grove Street side of the school. Thank you in advance for your help in keeping our dismissal process working smoothly, and most importantly, safely.
Literacy and Math Pilots
One of the very best things about Lexington Public Schools (there are quite a few) is the district's commitment to making sure that students are engaged in meaningful learning that will support them in school and beyond. If you did not know, the district is currently piloting programs in ELA (English Language Arts) and Mathematics. We currently have over 80 teachers across the district looking at new math programs and we also have many teachers across the district piloting phonics program at the early elementary level. As teachers pilot these programs, they regularly provide feedback to the K-5 department heads related to the impact and effectiveness of these pilots, helping the district make thoughtful decisions about the best way to support student learning. Math and literacy specialists are heavily involved and the outcomes will be improved learning experiences for our students! Be sure to ask your students about what they're learning in both reading and mathematics. The work is pretty amazing and I look forward to watching this during my time at Estabrook!
Estabrook Community Closet
Estabrook’s Community Closet is in need of clothing items. If you are able to donate new or gently used items, please drop off to the Estabrook main office. Thank you!
Sweat pants sizes 5-6, 7-8, 10
Leggings pants sizes 5-6, 7-8, 10
T shirt sizes 5-6, 7-8, 10
Long sleeved shirts S, M, L
Winter gear in all S, M or L, especially snow pants and gloves
The PTO Corner -- Friday, January 21, 2022
To join the PTO click:
Estabrook PTO - Home Page
Frank Pepe's Pizza 5th Grade Fundraiser- January 27th!
Are you tired of making dinners during the week? Looking to support local businesses? Craving pizza mid week? There are so many reasons to take the night off and order takeout or dine in at Frank Pepe's next Thursday, January 27th! 20% of the profits will be donated to the 5th Graders to help fund end of year events.
* You must mention ESTABROOK to receive the donation. A flyer will also be sent home next week.
* Frank Pepe's does have dedicated parking spots for pick up!
Frank Pepe's
Burlington Mall- outside entrance
75 Middlesex Turnpike
Burlington, MA
(781) 273-7377
order online: https://www.pepespizzeria.com
Shop at Wilson Farm Day!
Shop at Wilson Farm day for Estabrook is Wednesday, February 2nd! Shop at Wilson Farms (10 Pleasant St, Lexington, MA) anytime during their regular business hours–9 am to 7 pm–and 20% of your purchase will go directly to the Estabrook PTO!
Run of the Mill Post-Race Party Volunteers Needed!
Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who have signed up to help out with this year’s Run of the Mill, a beloved May Estabrook tradition that includes a Fun Run, 5K, and after-party! This year’s race will be held on Sunday, May 22nd.
We are looking for volunteers to help organize the post-race party for this year’s event. This role would entail planning and organizing the post-race party (including food), helping to set up and take down the party, and being on hand during the party to ensure things are running smoothly. Please note that if you are planning on running the race, this is not a good position to volunteer for.
If you are interested in helping out or learning more please email info@estabrookpto.org .
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