Principal's Message - Click Here For Our Most Recent Issue of Leaps and Bounds 

Message from the Principal’s Office

MJ Community,

Over the next couple of weeks the classroom teachers, special education teachers, specialists, school psychologist, and I will begin the process of determining class placement for September 2024. During the placement process, it is important for us to consider all relevant information. We review information about each child’s academic, social, and personal characteristics and use that information when making placement decisions. Our primary goal is to assign each child to a classroom in which they can develop academically and socially.

If you have information about your child’s learning needs that you would like to share, please send me your input via email (mkuklentz@westwood.k12.ma.us) by Monday, April 29, 2024. Although you may have had a discussion with your child’s teacher or Ms. MaryKate Stimpson during the spring conference about class placement, all requests must be sent to me. Parent letters received will be compiled into a document separate from final lists and distributed to the placement team members for consideration. Please note that letters and emails are not kept from previous years since children change and grow, and we make decisions based on current information.

If you are the parent of multiples (twins, triplets, etc), you may specify whether you want your children placed in the same class or different classes. Also, please know that if you have more than one child in your family, there is a chance that they will not have the same teachers as their siblings.

Westwood Public Schools does not allow parents to request their children’s teachers; therefore, requests for specific teachers will not be accepted or considered. The placement process is both thoughtful and thorough as teachers do their best to balance classes and social dynamics. As Principal, I approve the final placement decision. The staff and I appreciate your cooperation and support as we begin this process.

Finally, there is no requirement to submit a placement letter.

Please contact me if you have any questions about the process. 

Thank you for your continued support.

Matt Kuklentz

Martha Jones

Principal

CONVERSATIONS WITH CAREGIVERS

Just a reminder that the Conversations with Caregivers on Supporting LGBTQ students and families is now scheduled for Tuesday, April 23rd from 6:30 to 8:00.

The School Engagement Committee will be hosting Conversations with Caregivers: Supporting LGBTQ Students and Families in Westwood at the Pine Hill School Library, from 6:30-8:00PM on April 23rd. We hope you will be able to join us.

Please see the following graphic for more information and the option to register with a virtual link.

MCAS

We will be conducting the MCAS testing on the following dates:

May 7 and May 9 - Math (Gr. 3, 4, 5)

May 14 and May 16 - STE (Gr. 5 only)

Each year, I have parents ask what they can do to best prepare their children. I think it's important to not do anything different. I encourage parents to prioritize good sleep and good nutrition. If your children express worry about the MCAS; tell the students that they have been well prepared.

Finally, when students take the MCAS the following items are not allowed on their person: phones and smartwatches. Please have students keep them at home.

updated 4 -12-24

PTO News and Update 

THANK YOU!

Thank you to all who planned, participated, and attended the STEM Fair yesterday. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math topics! 

CALL FOR NEW PTO BOARD MEMBERS!

We are looking for new PTO Board Members for next school year! Every year, there are co-positions for each role (president, treasurer, secretary, and social media). Board members fulfill a two-year term, so incoming members have the opportunity to shadow someone in the position before taking on the role as the lead. A PTO Board Position is a great way to meet more people in the Martha Jones community and to support our school! If you think you might be interested or have questions about these positions, please feel free to reach out to Katy DiMare or Kristen Donahue!

SQUARE 1 ART 

We have partnered again with Square 1 Art on a PTO fundraiser that showcases your child(ren)’s creative talents. Through Square 1, your child’s artwork can be printed on coffee mugs, tote bags, beach towels, note cards, and much more! These special keepsakes make wonderful gifts!  

Don’t forget to get your Square 1 Art orders in by April 15th! 

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated return of Martha Jones movie night on April 26th from 5:30-8:30pm! Get ready for an evening filled with outdoor games, prizes, music, and a captivating movie screening inside the school gym. Kids will be treated to complimentary popcorn, snacks, and refreshing water. Don't forget to bring your family and siblings along for this unforgettable event!

MJS ART FAIR

The MJS Art Fair will be held on Wednesday, May 1st at 5:30 pm. Get ready for a night filled with incredible student artwork, activities, and prizes!

To make this event a success, we’re looking for parent volunteers to help run an activity in the art room and hand out prizes for a school-wide activity. Sign up to volunteer here!

INTERNATIONAL NIGHT 

Celebrating & showcasing cultures from various countries around the world!

Save the date! On Friday, May 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Martha Jones School is hosting its first-ever International Night Celebration, and you’re invited! Join us for a night of fun, food, and festivities as we celebrate the diverse cultures that make our school community so special. From exciting performances to delicious international cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready for a memorable evening of togetherness and global exploration! Sign-up here to host a table, share food, music, photos, or a performance!

BIRTHDAY BOOKS & LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in the

PTO Birthday Book Program! Ms. Swimming has selected some fantastic books that students have requested, but the Martha Jones library does not currently have. During their birthday month, participating children are invited to the library to pick a brand new book from this collection. A bookplate commemorating your child’s birthday will be placed inside the front cover and they will be the very first student to borrow this book! Once they’ve finished reading it, the book will be returned to the library’s collection, where it can be enjoyed for years to come. The cost of this program is $15 per student. 

Sign-up as a Library Volunteer! Mrs. Swinning needs one parent per class to help check-in, shelve, and check-out books. This is a great opportunity to get into the school, interact with your child’s class, and support the library program! 

WEBSITE INFORMATION & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Log in or register on the PTO website to stay updated on all PTO events, receive important PTO emails, and stay connected with Room Parent communications. You will also be able to update your information, contribute to our Annual Contribution Drive, purchase Birthday Books, and volunteer for various PTO committees or in the Library! 

Many of our committees are still looking for volunteers. Volunteering for a committee is a great way to get involved, meet other parents, and support our school community!  Sign-up today!

MARTHA JONES PTO FACEBOOK GROUP

Join the Facebook group to get the latest PTO news and updates delivered right

to your news feed! Click here to join!

Martha Jones PTO Meeting Dates SY 2023 - 2024
May 7, 2023, 7pm

Martha Jones PTO Board 2023-2024

Katy DiMare, Co-President

Kristen Donahue, Co-President

Kirsten Bulger, Co-Treasurer

Kristen Gautreau, Co-Treasurer

Mary Jason, Co-Secretary

Priscilla Stephan, Co-Secretary

Megan Mahan, Co-Social Media