4th Graders vs. Teachers Basketball Game

On Friday afternoon, the Wakefield High School Fieldhouse was filled with the sounds of joy as the 4th grade students challenged the teachers in the annual basketball game. It was such a fun time....and the students won by 2 points!!

Kindergarten Field Trip

Our Kindergarten students ventured to the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston last week. They had a wonderful time! Below, Mrs. Campbell's class poses for a picture. Also, Ms. Purrington took some great shots of the animals.

Second Grade Living Wax Museum

All of our second grade students did a wonderful job in their Living Wax Museum this week. They all researched a famous person, wrote a report, and gathered artifacts that represented their famous person. The students did a great job and I am so proud of them!!

This Week's Principal's Award

This week’s Principal’s Award Winner is Joseph in Mrs. Siafakas’ Class. Joesph is a hardworking third grader. He demonstrates the Woodville core values daily by his behavior in and out of the classroom. He has made tremendous gains in all areas of the curriculum this year. It has been my pleasure to witness his personal and academic growth this year. His good work ethic and effort has earned him this award.

4th Grade Spelling Bee

All Grade 4 students in Wakefield Public Schools were at the Dolbeare School this morning participating in the annual Spelling Bee. Each 4th grade class had a finalist and alternate. The finalists were the ones that competed in the Spelling Bee. Congratulations to all the students who participated.

Mrs. McCarthy's Massachusetts Projects

Students in Mrs. McCarthy's third grade class have been studying the history of Massachusetts throughout this school year. For one of their projects, they were to research a famous Massachusetts person. The student's projects are gracing the display case in the front of our school.

Mrs. Sokol's Class

Mrs. Sokol's son, Kevin, who volunteers in her classroom, is graduating from Wakefield High School this year. In the fall he'll be enlisting in the US Marines for his basic training. The students in the classroom took the opportunity to thank Kevin for his work in their classroom as tomorrow will be his last day volunteering. Thank you, Kevin and best of luck in the future!

First Grade Memorial Day Performance

Our First Grade students performed a Memorial Day program with songs and poetry. They did a great job of honoring men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country and we're very proud of them!

Color Me Benjamin Contest Winners

Three of our 3rd graders were selected as winners for the Color Me Benjamin contest, in which the students had to read a selection about a child with Epilepsy and write a short essay describing how they would treat the boy in the story. Anthony, Laura, and Kelly were honored last night at the School Committee Meeting and were each awarded a $50.00 savings bond. Congratulations!

Descriptive Poems

Students in Mrs. Ryan's Second Grade class recently wrote poems using descriptive language. They are very creative!

Music Class

Mrs. Barry, our music teacher, was working with Mrs. Campbell's kindergarten class on the musical scale.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle, was the inspiration for Mrs. Greatorex's class to create their own book.

Biography Reports

Ms. Bedrick's second graders are writing biography reports in which they are working on many different curriculum frameworks.

Our Core Values

Ms. Bedrick's friend used our core values as her inspiration for a beautiful piece of work for her classroom.

Our core values are: Responsibility, Cooperation, Respect, Caring, and Honesty.

Phonics/Spelling

Mrs. Burdick's first grade class was studying -ur and -ir words today for their phonics lessons and spelling lessons for the week.

Family Fun Night

Thanks to our wonderful PTO, families had an awesome time at the Woodville Family Fun Night!!

Buddy Reading

Ms. Kontos' 4th graders and Ms. Martin's kindergarteners took advantage of the beautiful weather to buddy read with each other.

This Week's Principal's Award Winner

This week’s Principal’s Award Winner is Tyler in Ms. Kontos’ Class. Tyler is a hard worker in class and always wants to do well. He possesses the ability and willingness to learn and apply what he has learned in new and creative ways. Tyler constantly advocates the CORE values and reminds other students in class to remember them throughout each and every day. He represents all the qualities of a STAR student by always raising his hand, participating in class activities, reaching out to other students and most importantly putting his heart into all that he does. Overall, Tyler is a great role model for many students here at the Woodville School.

Cooperation Assembly

The 4th grade student council helped me prepare for our Cooperation Assembly by drawing pictures that showed our core value of cooperation.

This Week's Principal's Award Winner

This week’s Principal’s Award Winner is Kiley in Mrs. McDonald’s and Mrs. Machaiek’s Class. Kiley is a great role model. She is a conscientious student who always tries her best. She is eager to learn and will ask questions to gain further information. She always has a pleasant attitude and a big smile for others. We can always count on her to be kind to her peers. She speaks up for other students when they've been treated unfairly and has voluntarily given up her recess time to help other students. She is a wonderful student who consistently exhibits the Woodville school values.

Sketching Woody the Bear

As many of you may be aware, a recent fire on Richardson Street severely impacted a Woodville family.  The Hernandez family, whose rented apartment was destroyed in that fire nearly a month ago, lost everything they owned and have been living in a shared room at the Lord Wakefield Motel.  With only a small refrigerator for a few basic items and a microwave oven, this family of five has been dining on heat-and-serve meals or inexpensive fast food.  Not being able to cook for her family is something that Mrs. Hernandez misses terribly and the family is in desperate need of nutritious, home cooked meals.

A town-wide effort is underway to aid the Hernandez family with rebuilding their lives, but their need for healthy meals is immediate and can go a long way in relieving at least one burden for them during this difficult time.  We are putting together a meal schedule, starting on Monday, 5/17, and are asking the entire Woodville community for their help.  If you’d like to help by donating a meal, please contact Kim Margolis at kim_margolis@yahoo.com or (781) 245-0821.

Recycling Projects

Students in Mrs. Campbell's Kindergarten class proudly display their work. They made projects from recycled materials. Reduce, reuse, and recycle!

Toiletry Drive

Last Thursday and Friday, students at the Woodville School participated in a Toiletry Drive to benefit the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry. Students were able to dress in their favorite sports outfit. This is party of our monthly series to give back to the community.

Happy Mother's Day

Students in Ms. Christine Purrington's PreK and K classes made Mother's Day projects through their butterfly and caterpillar lessons. Beautiful work!

Massachusetts Walk to School Day

On Wednesday, May 5, 2010, the Woodville School participated in Massachusetts Walk to School Day.

This Week's Principal's Award Winner

This week’s Principal’s Award Winner is Logan in Mrs. Shea’s Class. Logan earned this award because he looks out for everyone in his class. He is one of the first to lend a helping hand. He is also enthusiastic about the day’s activities. He is careful, cooperative and caring about his work and his schoolmates. Logan listens closely and follows directions all of the time. He uses his time wisely and is dependable. We can always count on Logan to do what needs to be done. Thank you, Logan, for being such a good friend!

Stories for a Safer Wakefield Guest Reader Day

On Tuesday, May 4th, students at the Woodville School participated in a Guest Reader Day in which members of the community read books with an anti-bullying theme to our entire school. This was part of the "Stories for a Safer Wakefield" project which is a month-long community inquiry during May, intended to provoke thought and discussion about violence and its deterrence. The books were purchased for all four Wakefield Public Elementary Schools through a generous grant from the Wakefield Educational Foundation.

Principal Brian Middleton-Cox said, "Bullying in schools is such a “hot topic” right now and it is important to teach our students the ways to recognize it, talk about it, and strategies to deal with it so that we can put an end to it! I thank these wonderful community members for helping to send that message to our students."

Books on Our List:
The Bully Blockers Club by Teresa Bateman
Lotty Raccoon is bullied in school so much that it makes her feel sick. After several failed attempts to deal with the problem, she comes up with an idea that works.
No! by David McPhail
Repeated only three times,“ No!”, is the only word spoken in this beautifully illustrated book about a boy who walks to the post office to deliver a letter to his President and witnesses the war raging around him. A good story dealing with bullying.
The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill
Mean Jean is the biggest bully on the school playground until a new girl arrives and challenges Jean’s status as the Recess Queen


Many thanks to the following individuals for donating their time to read to our students today: Cindy Addeo, Kevin Pierce, Kathy Byrne, June Peterson, Dr. Kim Smith, Debbie Collura, Dan Lieber, Debbie Donovan, Maddie Sifantus, Jean Hall, Judy Worthley, Maria Fondini, Joanne Noren, Debbie Murphy, Jim Morin, Lynne Zervas, Sherri Oakun, Stephanie Tournas, Tim Healy, Alyssa Guarino, Therese Jarmusik, Jane Good, and Kevin McCaul.

Honoring Nurse Crispo

In May 2nd's Boston Sunday Globe, there was an article about Inspirational Stories about Nurses. The article illustrated many stories honoring the men and women in the nursing profession. Most of the nominees were from Boston area hospitals and medical centers. There were very few school nurses nominated. I am very pleased to announce that our very own school nurse, Mrs. Cathy Crispo was honored in the Salute to Nurses. Congratulations Cathy and thank you for being so professional!!!! We appreciate you!!!!!!!!!

Bravery Award

I would like to acknowledge Katelyn in Ms. Kontos' class for her courageous act in seeking help for a family member who was in need of medical attention. Katelyn took matters into her own hands and made excellent choices thinking quickly and maturely on her feet. Katelyn is a very responsible young lady who always puts others first. She is always on the look out for those who could use a kind word or a simple pat on the shoulder. I would like to honor Katelyn at this time for being such a strong young lady and an positive role model. I am confident that Katelyn will fulfill her dreams in the future and make a positive impact on those around her.

Pictured (l to r): Ms. Kontos, Mrs. Crispo, Katelyn, and Mr. Middleton-Cox

Boil Water Order Lifted

Good morning everyone,
 
Governor Patrick early this morning announced that the water flowing to Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) communities is once again clean and safe for all purposes, following repair of the rupture of the major water supply line to much of Greater Boston on Saturday, May 1st.

The boil-water order, which was issued at 4 p.m. on Saturday, has been lifted for all of the 30 MWRA communities east of Weston whose water service was interrupted by a rupture of the MetroWest Water Supply Tunnel on Saturday.

State officials have offered the following guidelines for communities:

Residents are advised to “flush” their water following the lifting of the boil water order to clear plumbing of potentially contaminated water.  Flushing household and building water lines includes interior and exterior faucets; showers; water and ice dispensers; water treatment units, etc.

Cold Water Faucets: Run tap water until the water feels cold, 1 minute or more, before drinking, tooth brushing, or using for food preparation.

Hot Water Faucets: To clear hot water pipes and water heater of untreated water, turn on all hot water faucets and flush for a minimum of 15 minutes for a typical household 40-gallon hot water tank and 30 minutes for an 80-gallon hot water tank or larger. Never use water from the “hot” faucet for drinking, cooking, or other internal-consumption purposes. After this flushing, hot water is then safe to use for washing hands, and for hand-washing of dishes, pots and pans, etc. 

Refrigerators:  Water dispensers from refrigerators should be flushed by at least one quart of water.

Dishwashers:  After flushing hot water pipes and water heater, run dishwasher empty one time. 

Humidifiers: Discard any water used in humidifiers, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral, medical or health care devices, and rinse the device with clean water.

Food and baby formula: Be sure you have discarded any baby formula or other foods prepared with water on the days of the boil order.

Ice cubes: Automatic ice dispensers should be emptied of ice made during the boil water order. Then, discard ice made over an additional 24 hour period to assure complete purging of the water supply line.

Due to the flushing of the lines by residents and the flushing of the hydrants, some customers may experience a lack of water pressure and/or discolored water. However, this is an expected result and does not pose a health risk. Contact your local Water Department if you have any questions.

Since Monday morning, more than 800 water samples at 482 locations have been taken in affected communities, with those samples tested by MWRA under protocols agreed-upon with the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Those tests have shown no contamination that could threaten public health. As a result, the boil water order can be lifted, and normal use of water can be resumed, in 29 of the 30 affected communities, following certain steps to ensure than any less-than-fully treated water is purged from the water supply system in homes, businesses, and institutions.

Beginning at approximately 6:40 p.m. Saturday, back-up water supply of chlorinated, but not fully treated water from the Chestnut Hill reservoir was used to supplement treated water delivered through the Hultman Aqueduct (which is in the midst of rehabilitation to provide redundant capacity for the MetroWest Tunnel) to maintain water pressure for flushing, fire fighting, and other priority uses. But this water was not deemed safe for drinking or cooking without decontamination by boiling for at least a full minute.

The source of the rupture was swiftly determined to be a failed coupling connecting sections of the MetroWest Tunnel in Weston. With crews working through the night, MWRA and its contractors were able to fabricate a replacement coupling and install it by 4 a.m. on Monday, May, 3rd. After pressure testing and disinfection, the repaired MetroWest Tunnel was up and running by 6 a.m., in time for the morning peak water demand.

Additional information can be found at www.mwra.com.

Water Emergency

Dear Parents,
Please be informed that school will be in session tomorrow Monday, May 3rd. The scheduled lunch menu for tomorrow will be served with some minor changes. The National Guard delivered water to Wakefield today so I had bottled water delivered to our schools this afternoon in preparation for the opening of school. Because we will have a limited supply of bottled water available for our students, we ask that students bring individual water bottles to school if possible. All water fountains will be turned off and covered so students will not have access to them during the school day. I will keep you updated as more information is obtained. Please know that we will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our students.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at landersj@wakefield.k12.ma.us.
Thank you in advance,
Joan Landers
Superintendent of Schools

Boil Water Notice In Effect

Hello Woodville Community,
Please see the message below and the attachment regarding the Boil Water notice. I will send more information as I receive it.
Mr. Middleton-Cox

----- Original Message -----

This is an emergency water use notification being sent by Wakefield Fire Chief Michael Sullivan and Wakefield DPW Director Rick Stinson.

The MWRA has issued a boil water notice for all its communities, including Wakefield, until further notice. There is a major water leak in a MWRA water supply pipe in Weston. All residents are asked to conserve water and to boil any water used for drinking. Water can still be used for bathing, flushing, and fire protection.

Another emergency alert will be sent to all Wakefield residents once this ban has been lifted.

Citizens with urgent inquiries can contact the MWRA at 781-305-5970.

============
Citizens,

As you are aware, a boil water order has been issued by the MWRA and the Town of Wakefield in response to a break of the main MWRA water line in Weston, MA. Wakefield is fortunate in the fact that we are able to supply the town with water from Crystal Lake, which is not impacted by the MWRA breakage. However, it is still possible that untreated MWRA water may enter the system for a number of reasons.

ACCORDINGLY, THE BOIL WATER ORDER IS STILL IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

During this trying period we ask for your assistance in the following areas:

Please limit your usage of water for non essential purposes.

Please obtain regular updates on mwra.com and mass.gov throughout this is incident.

Please refer to the Town website for periodic updates regarding the Town’s water supply

Please refer to www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/boilordr.htm for information on the procedures to be followed pursuant to the boil order.

Please be assured that the water quality in Wakefield will be monitored to ensure the safety of all citizens.