“I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong. So don’t be afraid—you hear me, young people? Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered. Empower yourselves with a good education, then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise. Lead by example with hope, never fear.”  -Michelle Obama

Dear Families,

Happy Vacation!  I hope you all enjoy the well deserved time off with your families.  Walnut Square would like to hear your feedback about our school community. Please click on the link to complete a brief survey about Walnut Square.  Your feedback is really important and helps us with decision making for our school as we begin to plan for next school year!  

Earlier this week, Dr. Marotta sent a letter to families about mask choice beginning on Monday, February 28th.  However, the following mask wearing requirements remain in place until further notice:

• Students and staff returning from 5-day quarantine following a positive COVID test must follow strict mask use, other than when eating, drinking, or outside, and conduct active monitoring for symptoms through day 10 of exposure.
• Masks will be required in all school health offices. 
• By federal public health order, all students and staff are required to wear a mask on school buses.

Please note that our other mitigation measures like 3 feet between desks, physical distancing as much as possible, open windows, and distancing during lunch as much as possible will continue to be in place at Walnut Square.  For the most recent COVID Protocols in Schools, updated by DESE 1/31/22, click here DESE COVID Protocols.  For information on our At Home COVID testing program, and links to Opt in or report positive COVID tests, click here: At Home COVID Testing Program and Test Reporting Link

On Friday, March 4, 2022, the students at Walnut Square will participate in a school wide Read-A-Thon.  This Read-A-Thon is designed to reinforce good reading habits while raising funds to help with in school programs, classroom needs, and end of the year activities.  We encourage students to collect pledges from relatives and neighbors.  Sponsors may pledge an amount for each book read (example $1.00 per book) or a flat rate for the event (example $5.00)  During the Read-A-Thon, students will  read to themselves, with a buddy, and listen to reading.  We ask that all pledge sheets and money be returned to school by Friday, March 11, 2022.Students are encouraged to come to school dressed as their favorite Letterland Character on the day of our Read-a-thon (March 4th).  (English and Spanish Notices)

For other resources and information about Walnut Square, please go to https://walnutsquare.haverhill-ps.org/.   In addition to the Walnut Square School website, you can also “like” our Facebook page, Walnut Square Elementary School, and follow us on Instragram @walnutsquaresuperstars to get updates and see all of the fun and learning that happens at Walnut Square.  

Sincerely,

Jen Rubera, Principal

Here are other updates for the week:  

Mark Your Calendar!

• Monday, February 21st-Friday, February 25th:  NO SCHOOL Washington’s Birthday/Winter Recess  
• Tuesday, March 1st:  Deadline to submit recipes for the Walnut Square Cookbook 
• Wednesday March 2nd:  Read Across America Day!  Wear a hat or funny hairstyle.  
• Friday, March 4th:  Dress as your favorite Letterland Character Day/ PTO Read-a-thon 

HPS and Community Updates:  

•  Please click here to view the revised school calendar that was approved. 
• HPS Preschool Resource Fair Information
• HPS Registration is OPEN!  Kindergarten Registration for 2022-2023 opened on February 1st and families are welcome to begin completing the registration applications for enrollment. 
• Riverside Baseball English and Spanish 

DUE MARCH 1. 2022 PTO Recipe Request:  Do you have a favorite family recipe?  Share it with the Walnut Square Community!  Last year the Walnut Square School published a cookbook with favorite family recipes that our students brought to school.   It was such a big hit, that we have decided to do it again.  This is a school wide project where every family can participate.  All we need are one or two of your favorite recipes.  Please take the time to write your recipe on the sheet that was sent home on Friday, December 3rd and send them back to school with your child.  If you would like to send a picture of your child or a picture of the recipe, we will add that to our cookbook as well.  We will compile all the recipes and photos over the next month or so and publish a cookbook full of appetizers, entrees and desserts!   

• Recipes Flyer English
• Recetas Flyer Spanish 

 Student Supplies

Please send your child to school with the following supplies:  

• Water bottle (to refill at our water bottle station)
• Extra masks (can be kept in a plastic bag in backpack) 
• Extra change of clothes (can be kept in backpack) 
• Extra gloves