Principal’s Post

Dear Families,

As we approach the Thanksgiving break, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.  I am truly thankful for the enthusiasm and dedication our students display every day, as well as for the unwavering support from our families. Together, we create a nurturing environment where our children can learn, grow, and thrive.

The first trimester grades closed on Friday, November 21st, and report cards will be issued on Tuesday, December 2nd. For other important school calendar dates, please see the Mark Your Calendar section below, and/or subscribe to our school and district calendar here:  https://walnutsquare.haverhill-ps.org/events/.

The Santa Parade was on Sunday, and it was a wonderful community event!  I truly enjoyed seeing all of the families who participated in marching or riding on the float as well as the families who came to watch the parade!  A special thank you to the following people who made our float a spectacular one:

• Belinda Cronin for making the Walnut Square “All are Welcome at Walnut Square”  sign.
• Ms. MacRae for the Island of Misfit Toys cut outs and stockings to hang on the float.
• Mrs. Sanchez for coming to help set the float up.
• Ms. Morra for working with students to create the model of Walnut Square School.
• Mrs. Rousseau, Mr. Rousseau, Adam Rousseau, and Ainsley Rousseau for getting the trailer, driving the float, designing and assembling the float, breaking down the float, and getting the materials in trash/recycling.

The float was absolutely amazing, and I am so impressed with what was accomplished!  Participating in the parade was a wonderful experience, and I’m so excited that we participated in an event that brings our school together with our community!

I would also like to extend my thanks to the PTO for organizing a successful Pie Fundraiser, which raised $1,100.33!  I truly appreciate all the families who participated in and supported this important initiative.  The funds raised will contribute to the fun and enriching experiences we have planned for our students and staff.  A special shout-out goes to Morry and Alicia Korinow running a successful Pie Pick-Up Day. Everything was so organized, and everyone received their pies!

During this special time, I encourage you to take a break, enjoy quality moments with your loved ones, and reflect on the things that bring you joy.   May your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories.  Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Jen Rubera

Principal

Superstar Reading at Home Resources

• https://lote4kids.com/us-haverhill-public-library/  The Haverhill Public Library offers this wonderful resource with books in multiple languages!
• https://storylineonline.net/library/  Storyline Online
• Vooks Storybooks YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@VooksStorybooks
• Digital Reading Log:   https://forms.gle/bshU4hcReq2WGJ8r5
• Paper Log Passed out to Students: Traditional Paper Reading Log

Community Resources

We recognize that the need for support may extend to our own school families.  If you or your family could use a little extra help or support with food, clothing, or other resources, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can contact our School Adjustment Counselor, Cherie Rousseau, or myself, directly. We are here to help in any way we can.  Additionally, there is a wide network of support available right here in the Haverhill community.  Whether you are seeking immediate crisis support, need assistance with housing, or are looking for therapeutic services for a family member, the HPS Community Resources web page highlights essential resources designed to help.  Please click here to view the HPS Community Resources Page.  If you are still unsure of what resources you qualify for or where to go, please contact Community Action in Haverhill at 978-373-1971.  They have bilingual staff and are excellent at connecting families to the right assistance.  Your well-being and the well-being of our Superstars are what matters most.

Superstars Monthly Theme: Perseverance

Our Superstars Monthly theme for November is Perseverance!

What is Perseverance? Perseverance is simply sticking with it—it’s the quality of continuing to work toward a goal despite facing difficulties, obstacles, or setbacks. It’s about not giving up when something is hard or takes a long time. This is a crucial skill for learning; when a math problem is challenging or a reading passage is confusing, perseverance is what encourages a student to try a different strategy, ask for help, or keep practicing until they succeed.

Developing Perseverance at Home: You can foster this important trait through simple interactions:

• Model It: Share a time you had to work hard to achieve something difficult.
• Encourage Effort Over Perfection: When your child completes a task, praise their effort (e.g., “I love how many times you tried that!”) rather than just the final result.
• Use the Power of “Yet”: If your child says, “I can’t do this,” encourage them to say, “I can’t do this yet.” This simple word changes a statement of failure into one of potential growth.
• Break Down Big Tasks: Help them take a challenging goal (like cleaning a room or finishing a large project) and divide it into small, manageable steps.

Picture Books to Encourage Perseverance: Reading books where characters overcome challenges is a fantastic way to reinforce this theme! Here are a few suggestions you can find at your local library:

• Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
• A Dragon Has To Persevere by Steve Herman
• After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat
• A Chip Off the Old Block by Jody Jensen Shaffer
• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein
• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
• Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
• When Things are Hard, Remember by Joanna Rowland
• A Chair for my Mother by Vera Williams
• Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream by Delores Jordan & Roslyn Jordan
• Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats
• I’m Gonna Push Through by Jasmyn Wright
• Fail-a-bration by Brad and Kristi Montague
• Yay! You Failed! by Shannon Anderson
• The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

School Attendance:  Your Presence is Powerful! 

Please click on the pictures below to see the attendance rate for November.

To view weekly and monthly attendance data, please click here.  You can also view other data that is shared with all stakeholders in regards to attendance, behavior, course performance, and family engagement.

Mark Your Calendar!

Please visit https://walnutsquare.haverhill-ps.org/events/   or view the calendar on Parent Square to stay informed about important dates and events!  You also have the opportunity to subscribe to the Walnut Square calendar to get updates right on your device!

November 2025

 Wed 11/26 • Early Release – All Students

 Thu 11/27 • Thanksgiving Break

 Fri 11/28 • Thanksgiving Break

December 2025

 Tue 12/2 • PreK – 8th Grade Report Cards Issued – 1st Trimester

 Tue 12/23 • Early Release – All Students/Staff

 Wed 12/24 • Winter Break

 Thu 12/25 • Winter Break

 Fri 12/26 • Winter Break

 Mon 12/29 • Winter Break

 Tue 12/30 • Winter Break

 Wed 12/31 • Winter Break

January 2026