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Walnut Square Elementary School

Shine Bright, Superstars!

Family Update

Posted Date: 05/22/26 (03:07 PM)
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Principal's Post 

Dear Families,

Congratulations to our Walnut Square Superstars for performing an amazing spring concert!  Thank you to all of our families for your incredible support; it was wonderful to see a full house.  Our Superstars also completed their Reading iReady Diagnostic this week, and I am incredibly proud of how hard everyone worked.  Looking ahead, students will begin the Math iReady Diagnostic starting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.  There is no school on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.  

What is the i-Ready Diagnostic?  i-Ready is an online, adaptive assessment that adjusts to your child’s unique needs.

  • How it works: If a student answers a question correctly, the next question becomes a bit harder.  If they answer incorrectly, the next question becomes a bit easier.

  • The goal:  Because it adapts, your child will see questions they do not know yet, and that is completely normal!  It is not a graded test.  Instead, it simply pinpoints exactly what your child knows and what they still need to learn so we can better support them.

The most important thing we can do is prepare our Superstars and motivate them to put forth their best effort. Here are a few ways you can support your child:

  • Rest and Fuel:  Make sure they get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast in the morning (either at home or at school).

  • Encourage Progress:  Let them know you are excited to celebrate how much they have learned this year!

  • Talk About Effort:  Remind them to try their best and take their time without rushing, but not to get stuck on any single question for too long.

You can tell your Superstar: "This helps your teacher and me see how much you've grown since the fall.  Just do your best, don't worry if a question seems hard, and show off how much you know!"

I am incredibly grateful for your continued partnership, encouragement, and dedication to our school community.  Your involvement plays a crucial role in your child's success, and I cannot wait to celebrate the amazing growth all of our Superstars have made this year!

The Spring Family Feedback Survey is now open: https://forms.gle/a5EWnFufoVccyPw96.  Your feedback is valued and appreciated and will be shared with staff, Site Council, and PTO with the goal of school improvement efforts.  Please note that this brief survey contains the same 10 questions from the fall, and 6 additional questions regarding Technology.  This survey will be open until Friday, May 29th.  Thank you, and have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely, 
Jen Rubera
Principal

Walnut Square School Alphabet Calendar

Starting Tuesday, May 12th, we will begin a 26-day sprint through spring, with each day featuring a
unique theme corresponding to a letter of the alphabet.  From "A for Athlete Day" to "Z for Zero
More Days," our school will be buzzing with creative activities, school spirit days, and special
community events.  

Walnut Square School Alphabet Calendar- English 
Walnut Square School Alphabet Calendar- Spanish 
Walnut Square School Alphabet Calendar- Portuguese


Superstar Reading at Home Resources

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!

May 2026 
  • Monday, May 18th:  Reading iReady Diagnostic Begins/MCAS Makeups 
  • Friday, May 22nd:  K-3 Spring Music Concert 10:15 am
  • Tuesday, May 26th:  Math iReady Diagnostic Begins 
  • Friday, May 29th:  K-3 Spring Music Concert 10:15 am RAIN DATE
  • Monday, May 25th:  Memorial Day- NO SCHOOL
June 2026 
  • Tuesday, June 9th:  Field Day
  • Thursday, June 11th:  Field Day Rain Date
  • Friday, June 12th:  Grade 3 Walk Up Day to Pentucket Lake 9:30 am-11:30 am
  • Monday, June 15th:  Kindergarten Teddy Bear Picnic 9:45-10:45 am
  • Tuesday, June 16th:  Grade 3 Promotion Ceremony 11:00 am- 12:00 pm
  • Tuesday, June 16th:  Grade 3 Luau 1:30-2:30
  • Wednesday, June 17th:  Last Day of School *Early Release Day- Dismissal is 11:35 am
 
Early Release Dates:
  • Dismissal time is 11:35 am on the following dates:
    • Wed. 6/17 (Last day of School