Dear Families,

Happy Spring!  It’s so nice to have warmer temperatures!  Despite bad weather and illness, Covid and quarantine, our teachers, families and students have persisted to keep learning happening whether it was in person or not. We appreciate everyone’s hard work and commitment to our school community. Thank you, thank you!

As the weather gets warmer, absences spike in March and the weeks before and after the April spring break as families squeeze in a few more days off.  We know that just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost instructional time. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school: too many absences can affect a student’s chances for academic success and for graduation.

Right up until break starts and on the first day back, our teachers will be teaching, and our students will be learning. You can help us convey that message. This spring season, give your children the gift of reaching for their hopes and dreams and the habit of school attendance. 

• If your family or your child need support, please call us at (978) 374-3471 for help.
• As long as your child is healthy, please encourage showing up to class when school is in session. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers.  

On Wednesday, March 23rd, Walnut Square is having Class Picture Day.  Forms went home last week.

On Thursday, March 31st, families from Pentucket Lake and Walnut Square can participate in a sunset nature walk and guided tour with a Conservation Commissioner around Lake Pentucket.  We will meet in the front of Pentucket Lake School at 6:15 pm.  All families will receive resources and ideas to explore nature.  This event is rain or shine, and proper dress is highly recommended!  We hope you will attend this fun outdoor event!

• Please click here to view the flier.  
• Please click here to sign up to attend the nature walk.  

Our BCBAs are working to provide families with resources to help their children.  Please click on the link below to learn more about Behavioral Momentum.  This is a helpful strategy to use when trying to leave the house in the morning!  Walnut Square’s BCBA is Melissa McCarthy, and she can be reached at melissa.mccarthy@haverhill-ps.org.  

•   The Helping Hillie English
• The Helping Hillie Spanish

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.  There will be two in-person Kindergarten information sessions:  

• Tuesday, March 29 6pm-7:30pm at Haverhill Public Library

• Wednesday, April 13 6pm-7:30pm at Bradford Elementary 

Please click on the link to view the flier in English or in Spanish.  

Haverhill Public Schools has partnered with McLean Hospital to provide two virtual parent workshops this year.  The English workshop was held on Friday March 11th from 12-1:30pm.  The event will also be translated in Spanish and presented virtually on Friday March 25th from 12-1:30pm.  This workshop is called Raising a Resilient Child and will provide families with ready-to-use strategies to help their children approach difficult challenges in life.  If you are unable to attend, the workshops will be recorded and made available at a later date.  More information can be found by clicking on the links:  English and  Espanol 

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!

• • Wednesday, March 23rd:  Class Picture Day
  • Tuesday, March 29th:  PTO Meeting 5 pm 
  • Tuesday, March 29 6pm-7:30pm at Haverhill Public Library Kindergarten Information Session 
  • Wednesday, April 13 6pm-7:30pm at Bradford Elementary Kindergarten Information Session 

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 

 Student Supplies

Please send your child to school with the following supplies:  

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