Family Update

Posted on January 23, 2026

Dear Walnut Square Families,

I hope this letter finds you well as you prepare for the upcoming storm this weekend.  Please be advised that due to the weather forecast, the PTO has postponed our Mr. Mike’s Restaurant Night to Monday, February 9th.  Before the storm hits, many of you will be running errands…don’t forget to make a stop at the Haverhill Public Library!   While you are hunkering down at home, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a few good books!

Speaking of great books, I am thrilled to announce the upcoming Caldecott Reading Challenge at Walnut Square!  The Caldecott Medal is the highest honor a picture book can receive in the United States, awarded annually since 1938 to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Whether it’s the famous gold seal of the winner or the silver seal of an “Honor” book, these awards represent the finest artwork in children’s literature.  The 2026 winner will be officially announced by the American Library Association on Monday, January 26th.  Stay tuned for more specific details about our school challenge next week!

Finally, please take a moment to review the upcoming MCAS dates listed in the “Mark Your Calendar” section below.  We will continue to update the calendar as more events are scheduled throughout the school year.  Stay safe and warm this weekend!

Sincerely,

Jen Rubera

Principal

 

Superstar Reading at Home Resources

Superstars Theme of the Month for January: Respect.

Throughout the month, our classrooms will focus on what it means to be a “Respectful Superstar.” We will be exploring how we treat ourselves, our peers, and our environment with kindness and consideration.

SUPERSTARS Theme of the Month:  RESPECT

What is Respect?

At school, we define respect as treating others the way you want to be treated.  It is the understanding that every person- and every object- has value. Being respectful means:

  • Listening when others are speaking.
  • Using kind words and a calm voice.
  • Asking before borrowing something.
  • Accepting and celebrating our differences.

Supporting Respect at Home

You are your child’s first and most important teacher! Here are a few simple ways to reinforce this month’s theme at home:

  • Model the Behavior: Children watch how we interact with neighbors, retail workers, and family members. Using “please” and “thank you” consistently sets a powerful example.
  • The “Pause” Technique: Encourage your child to pause and think before they speak: “Is what I’m about to say kind?”
  • Narrate Respectful Moments: When you see your child handling a toy gently or waiting their turn, name it! “I noticed how respectfully you treated your sister’s drawing.”

January Reading List: Stories of Respect

We encourage you to visit the library or check your bookshelves for these wonderful titles that explore different facets of respect:

  • I Choose to Be Respectful by Elizabeth Estrada
  • My Respectful Robot by Melanie Acker
  • A Bug and a Wish by Karen Scheuer
  • Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
  • Don’t Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller
  • Tease Monster: A Book About Teasing vs. Bullying by Julia Cook
  • Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller
  • The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane DeRolf
  • Treat Me Right! by Nancy Loewen
  • Everyone Matters by Pat Thomas
  • Ease the Tease by Judy S. Freeman and Mimi P. Black

We look forward to seeing our Superstars grow in kindness and respect this month!

PTO Updates

We invite you to become an active part of our school community by supporting the Walnut Square School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)!

The PTO funds essential programs, purchases classroom resources, and organizes community-building events that directly benefit every student.  Your involvement—no matter how big or small—makes a real difference!

Why Should You Participate?  

  • Direct Impact: See firsthand how your time and skills translate into better resources and activities for our students.
  • Build Community: Connect with other parents, teachers, and staff, strengthening the entire school environment.

Upcoming Activities & Projects Where We Need Your Help

We have several key initiatives and fundraising events coming up, and we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us ensure they run smoothly.  Please complete this Google form to select the specific activities that interest you and fit in your schedule:  Please click on this link to sign up to volunteer!  Thank you so much for your support! 

Fundraising & Logistics Support

  • Walnut Square T-Shirt Fundraiser (March TBD): Similar to the pie fundraiser, we need volunteers to organize/sort t-shirts and coordinate family pick-up.

Teacher Appreciation Week May 4-8, 2026 

This is a vital week to show our educators how much we value them! We need help with:

  • Meal Coordination: Organize a staff breakfast or luncheon.
  • Gift Organization: Organize staff gift cards or donations of chocolate or plants/flowers.
  • Business Outreach: Contact local businesses to seek donations or gift cards.

School Events & Clean-Up

  • Grade 3 Luau Coordinator: Lead the planning and execution of the luau event, which takes place on the afternoon of the last full day of school.
  • Grade 3 Luau Station Volunteer: Work an activity or game station during the luau event.
  • Slush Pick-Up: Help with the pick-up and distribution of slush treats for Field Day and the Grade 3 Luau.
  • Earth Day Clean-Up: Help organize and participate in our school grounds clean-up efforts on Haverhill’s Annual City-Wide Earth Day Clean Up Event.  

Can you spare an hour or two for one of these crucial tasks? We welcome all assistance and will provide clear instructions for every role!  Please click on this link to sign up to volunteer!

Thank you so much!

-The Walnut Square PTO

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!

January 2026

  •  Mon 1/19 • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – No School/District Offices Closed
  •  Thu 1/22 • PreK – 8th Grade Progress Reports Issued – 2nd Trimester
  • Fri 1/23 PTO Pancakes with the Principal Fundraiser 9:15 am
  •  Wed 1/28 • Early Release – All Students/Staff Professional Development Dismissal is 11:35 am 
February 2026
  •  Mon 2/02, 5:00 pm – 7:15 pm • Walnut Square Site Council and PTO meeting
  •  Wed 2/4 • PreK – 4th Grade Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00-5:30 pm
  • Mon 2/9:  PTO Restaurant Night at Mr. Mike’s
  • Feb 9-13:  Spread the Love of Reading Spirit Week (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole) 
    • Mon 2/9:   Hats off to Reading!  Wear a favorite hat or headband.
    • Tue 2/10:  Reading Knocks Your Socks Off!  Wear fun socks!
    • Wed 2/11:  Cozy up with a good book and Read!  Wear your pajamas to school!
    • Thu 2/12:  Reading Gives Your Superpowers!  Wear superhero themed clothing or your Walnut Square shirt!
    • Fri 2/13:   Friday, February 13th:  Spread the Love of Reading!  Wear a red or pink shirt OR a shirt with a positive message!

March 2026 

  • Monday, March 2nd:  Read Across America Day!
  • Monday, March 2nd:  PTO/Site Council Meeting 5:00-7:15 pm
  • Monday, March 9th:  Pre-K – 8 Grades close 2nd Trimester
  • Wednesday, March 11th:  Early Release/Staff PD  Dismissal is 11:35 am
  • Friday, March 13th:  Pre-K – 8 Report Cards Issued 2nd Trimester

April 2026 

  • Monday, April 6th:  PTO/Site Council Meeting 5:00-7:15 pm
  • Tuesday, April 7th:  Grade 3 ELA MCAS Session 1
  • Thursday, April 9th:  Grade 3 ELA MCAS Session 2

    • ELA Make-up Dates: April 10th and April 13th – 17th

  • April 13th-17th:  April Showers Bring Math Powers Spirit Week
  • April 20th-24th:  NO SCHOOL SPRING RECESS
  • Tuesday, April 28th:  Pre-K – 8 Progress Reports Issued- Third Trimester

May 2026 

  • Monday, May 4th:  PTO/Site Council Meeting
  • Monday, May 4th- Friday, May 8th:  Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
  • Monday, May 11th:  Grade 3 MCAS Session 1
  • Tuesday, May 12th:  Grade 3 MCAS Session 2

    • Math Make-up Dates: May 14th, 15th, 18th, and 19th

  • Wednesday, May 13th:  Early Release Day- Dismissal is 11:35 am
  • Monday, May 25th:  Memorial Day- NO SCHOOL

 

Early Release Dates:

  • Dismissal time is 11:35 am on the following dates:
    • Wed. 1/28
    • Wed. 3/11
    • Wed. 4/8
    • Wed. 5/13
    • Fri. 5/29
    • Wed. 6/11 (Day 180-Last day of School)