Dear K-4 Families,

What a classic New England week! We went from frigid mornings to a beautifully mild afternoon today, but no matter the temperature outside, our school was filled with warmth and "warm fuzzies" all week long.

 

We want to send a huge thank you to the PTO and all the families who provided treats for the Staff Appreciation breakfast on Wednesday. Being remembered during this busy season was deeply appreciated—it was such a delicious way to start the day!

 

The joy continued on Thursday with a heartwarming performance by our talented 3rd graders. It was clear how much passion and hard work Mrs. Hoffman and the students poured into their preparation. They truly shone on stage!

 

Today was extra special with some very exciting visitors. We are so lucky to have regular visits from Catherine O’Hare and her sweet therapy dogs. Today, the students in 4J had the best time petting and "chatting" with the lovely Piper! Superintendent Graham joined me to explore the incredible creations inspired by the 1st grade EL literacy unit on inventions. We were blown away by the creativity: 1L designed a clever "Lost and Found" for their hallway, 1N crafted homemade fidgets for their calming corner, and 1S built impressive toy cars and ramps. It was wonderful to see the students so engaged in hands-on learning—Dr. Graham even enjoyed some cozy reading time with a few of our scholars!

 

Please mark your calendars for a school favorite: PTO Bingo Night on January 30th, 2026! This is always such a beloved event filled with toys, games, and prizes. Keep an eye out for a message from the PTO when we return in the new year for ways you can get involved.

 

Wishing you all a cozy, wonderful weekend!

 

Warmly,

Sarah

Showing our CARES values to animals around the world. Donations will go to the World Wildlife Fund.

Make a fuzzy felted patch with wool. Pick from four rainbow designs. Use the finished piece as a patch on a jacket, or frame it for a unique piece of art. Pop up Art School will show you how to use a barbed needle and wool roving to make this cool accessory. Needle felting is fun and easier than it looks! For ages 11+. Register here:  https://lincolnpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/pop-up-art-school-for-ages-11-19-felted-rainbow-patches/

Practice reading in a supportive environment with a certified therapy dog! Join Abigail, a six-year-old “Pets and People” certified therapy dog for a one-on-one 15 minute reading session. Abigail is friendly, calm, and non-judgmental, helping young readers build confidence and strengthen literacy skills. This program is intended for emerging or independent readers, ages 5 and up. Please register for only one 15-minute session. Any questions, email dleopold@minlib.net Register here: https://lincolnpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/read-to-a-retriever-25/

This two-session workshop (Saturdays 1/24 and 1/31) for young authors will dive into the creative process and help your child find their own unique voice. Through journaling, writing prompts, mindfulness, movement, and visual art - children will explore their own natural creativity and use it to write an original story. Intended for children in grades 4-6. Participants are highly encouraged to attend both sessions. Workshops are taught by published author Erin Petti. Register here: https://lincolnpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/young-writers-workshop-7/

Sponsored by Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth, Inc.

2025-2026 POSTER & PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT (PSA) PROJECT THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S PROJECT IS:

KIND PEOPLE ARE THE BEST KIND OF PEOPLE

We invite you to express the power of kindness through art! Submit your creative poster and PSA projects that showcase the importance of showing compassion, care and understanding to everyone, including yourself. Together, through small, thoughtful gestures, we can build a more caring, connected world.

Choose kindness because kind people are the best kind of people!

We are reaching out from the HEARTplay grief support program to make sure you are aware of the services available to students and families in your school communities. Our mission is to support children, teens, and young adults of all abilities and their families who are coping with the serious illness and/or death of an important person. All services are offered at no cost and take place at our office in Newton, MA, online, or at other designated locations for specific programs. More information below and on the attached flyers. Please share this information with colleagues and families and/or feel free to be in touch any time about families in your school community who could benefit from grief support.

 

Individual/Family Support: sessions offered in person or online on a limited basis (typically 4-6 sessions) with one of our experienced team members of Licensed Mental Health Counselors and Expressive Arts Therapists.

 

HEARTplay Groups: offered in person in Newton, MA beginning October 4 and online. More details about available groups on the attached flyer.

 

Camp HEARTplay at the Museum of Science: Sunday, November 9 9am-5pm. 3rd annual family day camp program at the Museum of Science Boston. Participants have opportunities to honor and remember their person who has died, connect with peers who have experienced similar losses, explore the museum, participate in a luminary ceremony on the Boston Duck Boats, and have fun! Offered at no cost. Museum admission, parking, and lunch are all included for participating families.

Registration for all HEARTplay programs: https://www.heartplayprogram.org/register-heartplay-groups