6/9/21
Technology Equipment Collection
All district issued technology equipment issued to students for the 2020-2021 school year will be collected for summer storage, updating, and redistribution to your child’s school/classroom in the fall. All students PreK-4 must turn in their equipment by the following date to their classroom. All equipment must be returned in the black Brenthaven carrying case that was issued to the students. Grade 4 students will bring home their black carrying case on the last day of school. Parents will be contacted concerning any missing equipment.
Dates of Collection:
Cohort D/Remote Students: Friday, June 18, 2021 from 12:30-3:00 pm and Monday, June 21, 2021 from 9:00-12:00 noon.
Equipment to be returned:
PreK: iPad, charge white AC Adapter/charger, USB/Lightning charging cable, and black Brenthaven carrying case
Kindergarten: iPad, charge white AC Adapter/charger, USB/Lightning charging cable, and black Brenthaven carrying case
Grade 1: iPad, charge white AC Adapter/charger, USB/Lightning charging cable, and black Brenthaven carrying case
Grade 2: Chromebook, AC adapter/charger (both pieces), mouse, and black Brenthaven carrying case
Grade 3: Chromebook, AC adapter/charger (both pieces), mouse, and black Brenthaven carrying case
Grade 4: Chromebook, AC adapter/charger (both pieces), and mouse. Note: Grade 4 students may keep their black Brenthaven carrying case and reuse this case at Quinn Middle School.
If you have any questions, please send an email to eschuck@hudson.k12.ma.us. Thank you.
Ellen K. Schuck, Director of Technology
5/26/21
Important Dates for the End of the Year:
June 14th: Last Day of Kindergarten, Quinn info Session
June 18th: Last Day for Grades 1-4
End of Year Events:
Cohort D Teachers have been hard at work planning some fun virtual activities. Our goal is to ensure that all students in Cohort D have the opportunity to celebrate the end of the year together virtually as a class as they would do if there were in the building. Below is our schedule of events for the end of the year:
Event Dates:
Week of June 7th: Cohort D students will pick up a surprise summer fun bag
June 10th: Kindergarten Fun Day
June 15th: Grades 1-4 Fun Day
Fun day will include activities such as virtual dance parties, virtual games such as minute to win it, and other opportunities to do special events through the day. In addition, the students will have virtual visits from special guests to join them for these activities.
June 17th: Cohort D Grade 4 Fly Up Day to Quinn. In-person and virtual options will occur ont he same day. The in-person visit will take place from 8:30-9:30. Please fill out the survey on the link below to confirm your in-person participation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLmhmOVQmWyn_ey3ShF80ogZI-ssT4XL1jvZdkaW624d_XUw/viewform
June 18th: Grade 4 End of Year Celebration/Budding Scholars Ceremony
Grade 4 Teachers are planning a special ceremony which will include: a slide show, presentation of end of year certificates and visits from building principals. In addition, students from each building will receive their yearbook and t-shirt to celebrate the end of the year. Parent are welcome to join the virtual celebration.
Important MCAS Reminders:
· MCAS Administration Dates for Cohort D
Mathematics
June 1 Grade 3 Mathematics
June 2 Grade 4 Mathematics
· Students will receive an email from the district the day before their scheduled test with the following:
o A Google Meet Link for the Testing session
o A link to the website for testing.
o A password and username they will use to log into the test.
o If your child does not receive the email above, please email the classroom teacher directly.
· If possible during MCAS testing, please limit the number of people using WIFI at home
· Find a quiet spot for your child to work
· Students will be able to take breaks to use the bathroom, to stretch, and to have lunch
· Students must keep their camera on during the testing session
· In the unlikely event that the internet is slow, the teacher may request that a student turn off a camera.
Forest Avenue Mrs. MacKay Memorial Fund:
Last year we lost a cherished member of our Forest Avenue Family, Erin MacKay. Mrs. MacKay was a beloved first grade teacher, colleague, and friend. As a school community, we would like to honor her memory by creating a mosaic in the entryway of Forest Avenue School. A local artist, Josh Winer, is a mosaic artist and teacher who specializes in leading group projects from initial brainstorming through final installation and all of the steps in between. His mosaics are original, beautiful handmade works of art created with input from the school community. In planning the mosaic for Forest Avenue School, we will collaborate with Josh as a staff to create a memorial, which both honors Mrs. MacKay and creates a welcoming entrance to our school for all to enjoy. In order to raise the funds necessary to create this mosaic, our school community will be holding a Virtual Boosterthon beginning the week of May 17th and running until June 4th. The goal is to raise $15,000, the cost of the mosaic project. Any funds beyond that amount will be used to purchase books for the library in Mrs. MacKay’s name.
If you would like to make a donation please click on the following link: https://give.mybooster.com/mrsmackaymemorialfundraiser
If you would like to learn more about the artist or the process he uses to create these personalized mosaics, please use the following link: http://www.schoolmosaics.net/
Portuguese:
5/19/21
MCAS Administration Dates for Cohort D
English Language Arts
May 24 Grade 3 English Language Arts
May 25 Grade 4 English Language Arts
Mathematics
June 1 Grade 3 Mathematics
June 2 Grade 4 Mathematics
Additional MCAS Reminders:
Students will receive an email the day before their scheduled test with the following:
A Google Meet Link for the Testing session *They will not use their regular classroom link.
A link to the website for testing.
A password and username they will use to log into the test.
If your child does not receive the email above, please email the classroom teacher directly.
If possible during MCAS testing, please limit the number of people using WIFI at home
Find a quiet spot for your child to work
Students will be able to take breaks to use the bathroom,to stretch, and to have lunch
Students must keep their camera on during the testing session
In the unlikely event that the internet is slow, the teacher may request that a student turn off a camera.
End of Year Events for Cohort D:
The teachers are hard at work planning a range of fun events for the end of the year. Once the dates and plans are finalized, we will be sharing that information with students and families.
A Virtual Field Day is in the works! Stay tuned for details.
5/12/21
MCAS Testing Information:
Student in grades 3 and 4 will be taking the MCAS this year. Those students in Cohort D, will be taking MCAS remotely from home Parents in grades 3 and 4 should have received an email on 5/7 with additional information. If you did not receive this email, please let us know.
MCAS Administration Dates for Cohort D
English Language Arts
May 24 Grade 3 English Language Arts
May 25 Grade 4 English Language Arts
Mathematics
June 1 Grade 3 Mathematics
June 2 Grade 4 Mathematics
Additional MCAS Reminders:
· If possible during MCAS testing, please limit the number of people using WIFI at home
· Find a quiet spot for your child to work
· Teachers will be updating browsers and Chrome prior to testing
· Students will be able to take breaks to use the bathroom
· Families will receive an email prior to testing with the link and password to access the test remotely
End of Year Events for Cohort D:
The teachers are hard at work planning a range of fun events for the end of the year. Once the dates and plans are finalized, we will be sharing that information with students and families.
Exciting news from Farley's Home and School--Blacktop Update: We finished phase 1 of our new interactive blacktop project . At the start of COVID it was determined that this space was an underutilized space that Home and School wanted to invest in for our students and community. A team of administrators, teachers, and home and school parents have been working hard to get this space ready as quickly and efficiently as possible. The sealcoating and fixing of deep cracks was completed over the weekend by D.C. Seal Coating. The committee is currently waiting on a final draft to review the last edits of the design for this space. The team will share this draft with the Farley community when it is completed. On that note, the committee already knows the exact stencils that are going on the blacktop and those are in the process of being ordered. The shipping of the stencils and special paint will hopefully be here by months end. It could be up to 4 weeks to receive our supplies to create this space. The Farley Giving Drive has given us the ability to create this touch free space for kids to use for play after school, summer breaks, recess, and gym. Fortunately, we raised enough for the stencils, paint, and supplies. Unfortunately, the amount raised is not enough to hire a painting company to do the two-three layers of paint that needs to be placed on our new space. The team needs your help!!!! If you know a paint company that would like to help by volunteering their time, we would love to work with them? Please contact this email farleyschoolvolunteers@gmail.com if you know any paint companies interested in volunteering. On that note, we are also going to be sending out a sign-up genius that will have space for volunteers to sign up that are willing to comply with social distancing and wear a mask. When the stencils are shipped, we will have a better idea of what weekend we will be starting our painting. Weather plays a big part in all this. We need your help to make this decorating day happen, be on the lookout for more information! Thank you for all your donations to the Farley Giving Drive and the Fun Run. We couldn't do this, without your support.
Sincerely, Farley Home and School & Intereactive blacktop design team
MCAS Dates and Information will be sent home soon. Please check your email for more info.
A Virtual Field Day is in the works! Stay tuned for details.
4/14/21
No School next week. Have a relaxing and fun week off!
Congratulations to the Farley students in second-grade for raising the most money during the Farley Giving Drive. You have won a New City Micro-cone good for use starting today through the end of May. This goodie will be mailed to remote students using the mailing address on file. Hold on tight to those vouchers they are good for something yummy!
Forest Ave Fundraisers: Forest Avenue Home & School
Horseshoe Pub & Restaurant Night -Wednesday, April 14th 4pm - 9pm
Are you tired of cooking? Getting stressed with finishing up the last few days of school before April break? Enjoy a night off to benefit the school! Take out with curbside pick-up or dine in! Official flyers will be emailed out soon and posted on the Home and School Facebook page. Please show a copy of the flyer or note online that this is for the Forest Ave Fundraiser for us to receive credit for your order.
Beyond the Barn Spring Fundraiser -Tuesday, April 27 th
Come on down and join us Tuesday night at one of Hudson’s hidden gems! Located right downtown at the rotary, Beyond the Barn is opening specially for us so that we can Shop for a Cause—find gorgeous pieces of home décor and support Forest Ave at the same time! You can shop online all day and choose pick-up or local delivery or go in person and shop with the help of our own personal shopper! A portion of the proceeds will go back directly to the Forest Ave Home & School! We can’t wait to see you all there!
Information for Grade 4 Parents about Band and Chorus: At this point, the district is working to find a way for band and chorus to continue for the rest of the year for our fourth graders. With the return to five full days of school, we needed to rearrange some of our specialist blocks. With the combination of in person and remote learning we are unable at this time have our music staff also provide band and chorus within the regular school day. We are working on some creative solutions within the community, and if any of our ideas take hold, we will let you know. Until then, we ask you to be patient. We will keep you informed of any possible solutions as they become available
3/17/21
Forest Avenue Book Fair: The Scholastic Book fair is now underway!! Help support your child's classroom while getting new books for your student! You can shop the fair by clicking on the link below and shopping at the virtual book fair or the scholastic store. Cohort D students from any school can purchase books. Click here to be directed to the Book Fair! Also, click here for the flyer that is full of suggestions!
Fundraiser for Forest Avenue Families: Butter Braid Pastry & Joyful Traditions Cake Rolls
Are you craving an amazing dessert without all the work? Order a mouthwatering Butter Braid Pastry or Joyful Traditions Cake roll and help support Forest Avenue's Home & School. Choose from several flavors and enjoy this light and flakey dessert with your family while supporting your child's school. https://your.mcmfundraising.com/signup/T5WP Place your order by March 21st to receive by Easter!
Farley Elementary School's Giving Drive Fundraiser: Click here for our latest Giving Drive Video.
You guessed it--MR. QUINN will be taking the polar bear plunge to help us raise money for an interactive black top design. Check it all out on the Farley Home and School page or on our Farley School Website. Copy and paste this link into your browser to be directed to Farley's Home and School Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FarleyHSA
3/10/21
Given the announcement by the state, many of you have emailed us to ask whether Cohort D will remain as an option for learning after April 5th. We want to reassure you that Cohort D will remain as an option for students when students from the hybrid model are shifted to in person learning on April 5th. Tomorrow you will receive a survey from Dr. Rodrigues and the district office. Please complete the survey form ONLY if you are requesting a change in your child’s learning model. If you intend to remain in Cohort D, you do not need to fill out the survey. Cohort D will remain unchanged, unless a request for change is made by a parent/guardian. If you do want to switch out of cohort D to the in-person model, your response to the survey will be due on March 18th, and there will be no further changes to learning models after March 18th. The change in learning model will take effect Monday, April 5th.
Forest Avenue Book Fair: The Scholastic Book fair is now underway!! Help support your child's classroom while getting new books for your student! You can shop the fair by clicking on the link below and shopping at the virtual book fair or the scholastic store. Cohort D students from any school can purchase books. Click here to be directed to the Book Fair! Also, click here for the flyer that is full of suggestions!
Fundraiser for Forest Avenue Families: Butter Braid Pastry & Joyful Traditions Cake Rolls
Are you craving an amazing dessert without all the work? Order a mouthwatering Butter Braid Pastry or Joyful Traditions Cake roll and help support Forest Avenue's Home & School. Choose from several flavors and enjoy this light and flakey dessert with your family while supporting your child's school. https://your.mcmfundraising.com/signup/T5WP Place your order by March 21st to receive by Easter!
Farley Elementary School's Giving Drive Fundraiser: Click here for our latest Giving Drive Video.
You guessed it--MR. QUINN will be taking the polar bear plunge to help us raise money for an interactive black top design. Check it all out on the Farley Home and School page or on our Farley School Website. Copy and paste this link into your browser to be directed to Farley's Home and School Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FarleyHSA
3/3/21
Forest Ave Book Fair: More Information to follow.
Hudson Youth Baseball/Softball Registration is now open. Click here for more information.
Farley Elementary School's Giving Drive Fundraiser is coming soon: Can you guess which Farley teacher will be doing a polar bear plunge if we meet our Farley Giving Drive goal? Who is this Mystery Polar bear? Find out only on March 10th which teacher is taking the polar bear plunge to help us raise money for an interactive black top design. Check it all out on the Farley Home and School page: Copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.facebook.com/FarleyHSA. If your company matches donations, pleasecopy and paste this link into yoru browser: http://www.melmarkne.org/matching-gifts
ACCESS Testing: This week, students who are designated as English Language Learners in our district began ACCESS testing for the state of Massachusetts. Parents of any child who qualifies for ACCESS testing should have received a letter in the mail and a follow up call about your testing date. The state requires that are students are tested in person in school. In order to fulfill this requirement for Cohort D students, testing will be done in person at your child’s home school on Wednesday mornings.
2/23/21
Hudson Youth Baseball/Softball Registration is now open. Click here for more information.
Farley Elementary School's Giving Drive Fundraiser is coming soon: Can you guess which Farley teacher will be doing a polar bear plunge if we meet our Farley Giving Drive goal? Who is this Mystery Polar bear? Find out only on March 10th which teacher is taking the polar bear plunge to help us raise money for an interactive black top design. Check it all out on the Farley Home and School page: Copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.facebook.com/FarleyHSA. If your company matches donations, pleasecopy and paste this link into yoru browser: http://www.melmarkne.org/matching-gifts
ACCESS Testing: Beginning this week, students who are designated as English Language Learners in our district will begin ACCESS testing for the state of Massachusetts. Parents of any child who qualifies for ACCESS testing should receive a letter in the mail and a follow up call about your testing date. The state requires that are students are tested in person in school. In order to fulfill this requirement for Cohort D students, we will be doing the testing in person at your child’s home school on Wednesday mornings.
2/10/21
Farley's Virtual Valentine's Day Dance will be on 2/12/21. All are welcome!
Here are the links to the dance:
Grades PreK-2 6:30-7:00
https://meet.google.com/qcd-hvcx-qog?authuser=0
Grades 3-4 7:00-7:30
https://meet.google.com/zkv-cedg-pxt?authuser=0
Reading Assessments: This month marks another assessment period. In order to efficiently complete reading assessments, on February 24th and March 3rd (both Wednesdays), after morning meeting all Cohort D classroom teachers will be leaving asynchronous work for the students to complete. Teachers will be reaching out to schedule a time for your child’s individual reading assessment.
Black History Month: Monday was the start of Black History month. While we work hard to incorporate Black history throughout our school year, teachers will be sharing a variety of books and resources with students in their remote classrooms. If you are looking for diverse books to share with your children at home. Here are a few websites with great resources:
· https://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/blackhistory
2/3/21
Reading Assessments: This month marks another assessment period. In order to efficiently complete reading assessments, on February 24th and March 3rd (both Wednesdays), after morning meeting all Cohort D classroom teachers will be leaving asynchronous work for the students to complete. Teachers will be reaching out to schedule a time for your child’s individual reading assessment.
Valentine’s Day: Just a reminder that sadly due to Covid, no physical Valentine’s Day cards/trinkets will be allowed this year. Teachers are working hard to create digital ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Black History Month: Monday was the start of Black History month. While we work hard to incorporate Black history throughout our school year, teachers will be sharing a variety of books and resources with students in their remote classrooms. If you are looking for diverse books to share with your children at home. Here are a few websites with great resources:
· https://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/blackhistory
1/27/21
Note from Ms. Moburg: Hello, my name is Erika Moburg and I am the school psychologist for the HPS Remote Learning Academy. It is so exciting to be a part of the Hudson community! I attended University of Massachusetts Amherst for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees (Master of Education and Education Specialist degrees in school psychology). Additionally, I am a nationally certified school psychologist. I am enjoying my time and look forward to continuing to work with the wonderful HPS staff, students, and parents!
Monday is the start of Black History month. While we work hard to incorporate Black history throughout our school year, teachers will be sharing a variety of books and resources with students in their remote classrooms. If you are looking for diverse books to share with your children at home. Here are a few websites with great resources:
https://diversebooks.org/
https://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/blackhistory
Sadly, no physical Valetine's Cards or goodies will be allowed this year. Teachers' are working hard to create ways to celebrate our Holidays virtually.
1/20/21
Here is a link to online books and videos about the new President and Vice President: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11dO5At89OQa8Kq3Siyna8EzH_ygWqqmyWE-RkXYR4Bs/edit?usp=sharing
Picture retakes have now been rescheduled for Thursday, January 21st, in the Farley Gym. No appointment is necessary. The photographers will be here between 9:15am and 12:00pm.
1/13/21
No School on Monday, January 13, 2021.
Picture retakes have now been rescheduled for Thursday, January 21st, in the Farley Gym. No appointment is necessary. The photographers will be here between 9:15am and 12:00pm.
A message from all the Related Arts specialists: In order to streamline specialist days, we will be setting a set schedule for specialists each week for every grade level. This will make it easier for specialist teachers to keep track of assignments and know when there is a missed day of school. Specialist times will still be set by the individual classroom teacher based on various schedules. Starting next week specialists will occur on the following days for each grade level:
o Monday: Art
o Tuesday: Physical Education
o Wednesday: Technology
o Thursday: Library
o Friday: Music
· Memo from the Librarians: The librarians would like to let parents know that students should be completing any library activities within the week they are assigned. They will put dates on the assignments (posting on Thursdays with the last day each Wednesday) so the students have enough time to complete the assignment.
Congrats to Cohort D’s School Psychologist Sam Holmgren on the birth of her daughter. Sam will be out on maternity leave. Cathay Kilcoyne, the Head of Special Education, has hired a substitute School Psychologist. Her name is Erika Moburg and her email is eamoburg@hudson.k12.ma.us.
Picture retakes are scheduled for Wednesday, January 20th, in the Farley Gym. No appointment is necessary. The photographers will be here between 10:00 and 1:30. For those of you still experiencing problems with your school pictures, here is the contact information for O’Connors: Jack O'Connor-Owner, Jack@commencementphotos.com Jason Vanikiotis, General Manage, Phone: 978-640-6250 jason@oconnorstudio.com
12/16/20
Cohort D Spirit "Week"- December 21st-23rd
Dec. 21-Crazy Hat or Hair day
Dec. 22-Tropical day/Beach day
Dec 23-PJ Day
School Picture Retakes will be on 1/20/21, more info to follow
If you are a Farley Student or have a Farley teacher this year. Please click here to read a flyer from Farley's Home and School.
12/9/20
School Pictures: As of today, elementary schools have not been given any Cohort D pictures. We have been assured that they will arrive by December 14th. If you ordered online, they should be delivered to your home this week. If you ordered on paper, they should arrive to school. When they do, we will notify you and put them in the classroom bins for pickup at Farley. If you did receive your pictures in the mail but are missing one of your children, please call O’Connor’s directly. Their number should be on the package.
Get ready for Cohort D Spirit Week!
Dec. 21-Crazy Hat or Hair day
Dec. 22-Tropical day/Beach day
Dec 23-PJ Day
Reminder about Parent/Teacher conferences: Conferences will be held on Wednesday, December 16th from 8:20 am– 3:00 pm and on the evening of Thursday, December 17th from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Due to Parent/Teacher Conferences, there will be no school for students on Wednesday, December 16th.
This year conferences will be taking place virtually via Google Meet or by telephone for those in need of an interpreter. Click on links below to sign up per your home school link. If Cohort D families would like a conference with a Specials Teacher (P.E., Art, Music, Library, & Technology), please see chart below. Go to that teacher’s home school PTC Fast link and sign up there (please see chart below to see the specialists' home schools). If there are no more appointments, please email the specialist teachers directly. Specialist teachers will have openings on Thursday night only, but if all slots are filled, will make a time to meet on a different day.
https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/J_L_Mulready_Elementary_School
https://ptcfast.com/schools/Forest_Avenue_Elementary_School
https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/C_A_Farley_Elementary_School
11/18/20
Just a reminder that there will be no school next week on Thursday 11/26 or Friday 11/27. If your child is missing any school next week due to travel plans, please make sure to contact the front office of your home school so that they can mark attendance accordingly.
Google Platform Upgrade: The Hudson Public Schools have received an upgrade to our Google platform. Teachers now have the ability to more easily send students into breakout rooms for small group work. You may soon see students using the rooms for both literacy and mathematics.
Send us pictures for our website: We are always looking to update pictures on our Cohort D website. If you are comfortable with us posting them, please email them to Ms. Scanlon or Ms. Merra.
Cohort D Spirit "Week"- December 14-23-more info to come!
11/4/20
Yesterday the Grade 2 Chromebooks that were ordered last spring were distributed at Farley Elementary School. If you have a grade 2 student and missed your opportunity to pick up your Chromebook, please email Ellen Schuck, our technology director, to set up a pick up time. (eschusk@hudson.k12.ma.us)
We want to take this opportunity to Welcome Jaclyn Mertz back from her maternity leave. Thank you to Christine Sweeney for covering this leave.
We would also like to congratulate Angela Ryll on the birth of Noemi on November 3rd. After completing the coverage for Jaclyn Mertz’s leave, Mrs. Sweeney will now be covering for Mrs. Ryll.
Coming soon! A conference schedule is in the planning stages: Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to set up virtual conferences with teachers. Once the schedule has been set, we will let you know.
Just an FYI… Ms. Scanlon and Ms. Merra try and “pop” into virtual classes throughout the week. We love seeing all of the learning happening in our virtual classrooms.
The Hudson Public Schools have received an upgrade to our Google platform. Teachers now have the ability to more easily send students into breakout rooms for small group work. You may soon see students using the rooms for both literacy and mathematics.
Next Wednesday, November 11th, there is no school due to Veteran’s Day.
10/21/20
Picture Day, Oct. 28th-at Farley. Click here for protocols and parking info. Click here to sign up!
Need help with Screen/Brain Breaks? Are your children finishing indepenent work early? Click here for some helpful suggestions on what can be done at home.
10/14/20
Attendance/Substitutes:
Here is the protocol the district is following in regards to substitutes for Cohort D teachers:
“If your child’s cohort D teacher is ever going to be absent on a school day, we most likely will not be able to provide substitute coverage. Teachers will provide independent work via their Google Classroom and students should still follow their daily schedule. Students are considered “virtually present” if they complete the work provided by their teacher.”
School Pictures on October 28th:
Please remember to sign up for pictures using the link on the website. Classroom teachers will be given the sign up schedule so they will know when your child/children may be “absent” from their class on Wednesday morning. Students’ attendance will not be impacted due to time missed for pictures.
This past Monday, you should have received an email from O’Connor’s Studio. Please email your home school secretaries if you did not receive one.
Pictures will be taken outside near the Farley Gym. Directions, protocols, and map will be uploaded to the Digital Dinosaur website by the end of the week.
Brain Break Ideas:
Mrs. Scanlon is working on a Google Slides presentation geared towards helping families and students navigate brain/screen breaks. It will be posted on our website by the end of next week.
9/30/20
9/28/20