This week the Groundhog saw his shadow so we are preparing for an additional six weeks of winter. Fortunately, Willard staff and students have plenty of exciting learning for the remaining weeks of winter. Our 4th graders have been quite engaged in the study of Ancient China. To enhance this unit of study, 4h grade students are enjoying their work with a specialist on the topic of Chinese culture and poetry. This district-sponsored Poet-in-Residence program is providing a wonderful enrichment experience for students and staff.

Band and Orchestra students are busy preparing for the All Town Band and Orchestra Concert which will be held on Wednesday, February 10th at 7:30 PM at Sanborn. This concert offers students a chance to perform with their peers from Alcott and Thoreau. Any band questions about this event should be directed to Mr. Hendricks (Whendricks@colonial.net). Likewise, orchestra questions should be directed to Mrs. Anderson (Aanderson@colonial.net).

Fifth grade students recently began the DARE Curriculum with School Resource Officer Detective Scott Camilleri. The DARE Curriculum is taught in each grade 5 classroom at the three elementary schools. Helping students make healthy and responsible decisions and developing an understanding of the the danger of drugs and alcohol are an important part of the program. I encourage all 5th grade parents to discuss DARE lessons with their child.

Kindergarten students thoroughly enjoyed their visit from Mother Goose two weeks ago. Since her visit, they have been thoroughly immersed in reading, reciting, and illustrating Nursery Rhymes. This has been a pleasure to witness. Students have also are have also been involved in thematic units learning about topics such as Snowflake Bentley, the Rain Forest and dinosaurs, a favorite kindergarten topic. In my visits to classrooms I have been impressed with the excitement and engagement of students. During my visits to classrooms it was quite clear that kindergarten students have an impressive knowledge of nursery rhymes, dinosaurs and the flora and fauna of the Rain Forest.

Students at all grade levels are studying a variety of science topics. First grade students have been studying Liquids & Solids, as part of the science curriculum. Through hands-on activities and exploration, they are discovering the properties of liquids and solids. Similarly, second grade students are discovering the properties of sound. I had the pleasure of visiting all second grade classrooms and witnessed a great discussion about sound and a demonstration of student-made devices that generate sounds. What fun! In grade 3, students have been busy constructing their own circuits. Third grade students and 5th grade students have worked with science consultant Tom Wahle on the topics of electricity and simple machines, respectively.

Willard School Counselor Julee Vitello is offering an Open Circle Workshop Series for Parents. This parent training will begin after February Vacation. Open Circle is the cornerstone of our social competency program at Willard. The Open Circle Parent Workshop will provide parents with a great overview of Open Circle and will offer strategies for applying the principles of Open Circle to parent-child interactions at home. I strongly encourage all parents to consider participating in this opportunity.

First Semester Progress Reports will be mailed on February 5th. In addition, Special Education progress Reports and Special Subject Progress Reports will be issued at that time, as well. It is important to note that most Progress Report Learning Outcomes are not designed to be mastered until June. Using a 3 point scale, most children will earn a 2 for specific items on the Progress Report which indicates that the child is Making Progress toward the standard/outcome. There are a few items on the Progress Report that are measured on a 4 Point Scale. You will receive a detailed explanation with your child's Progress report.

District Maintenance Director David Anderson has assumed the lead role in coordinating the Punch List at Willard. A significant amount of work is planned for February Vacation. I am cautiously optimistic that the building will be available to parent-led school groups as of March 1st. Stay tuned for an update of Punch List work in the February 25th edition
of the Willard Weekly.

As always, thank you for all you do for Willard School.
- Pat Fernandes