• Dear Cabot Families,

     

    Welcome to the start of the 2021-2022 school year.  Last year was a year like no other.  We had many challenges that we had to overcome with multiple learning models and frequent changes along the way.  I am impressed and thankful that this community worked together to support one another.  The Cabot staff recognize that this year will also require a thoughtful transition to our new normal.  Therefore, teachers will start the year building classroom and school community.   Teachers building connections with students and students reconnecting with one another is our first priority.  We appreciate your kindness and patience as we navigate this year together making sure that all students have a successful Cabot experience.  We strive for families to feel supported and know we are here for you as well.  If you have any questions or need anything please don’t hesitate to let us know.

     

    With a focus on safety, we are following the medical advisory group recommendations.  We recognize the challenge when parents and visitors are not permitted to enter the building prior to the start of the school year.  We are working to have students come in for an open house before the year begins to help build students' comfort level back at Cabot.  In addition, teachers will send home a welcome message to parents so you can get to know them.  

     

    OPEN HOUSE

    We will have an optional open house for students on Thursday, September 2 from 2:00 - 2:30pm. While we are unable to have parent visitors into the building, your children will see their classroom before school starts and meet the teacher.  Grade K - 2 teachers will meet their students on the playground side of the building and Grade 3 - 5 students will meet their teacher near the Flagpole/Humpty Dumpty statue.  Teachers will hold up signs indicating where students should line up. Please remember that currently everyone in the building (staff and students) are required to wear a mask.

     

    ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL

    For detailed information, please review the Cabot School Arrival and Dismissal Plan document located here.  Our arrival and departure routines are similar to last year.  

     

    ARRIVAL:

    By 8:10 each morning, students in grades K-2 are expected to meet their child’s teacher near the playground and students in grades 3-5 are expected to meet their child’s teacher near the Flagpole/Humpty Dumpty side of the building.

     

    DISMISSAL: 

    Once you have your child’s class assignment, please fill out this form or write a note that includes your child's name, teacher and the dismissal plan for each day.  

    Dismissal options include:

    Grade K-2: Plaza (Met by Parent/Guardian)

    Grade K-2: Plaza (Met by Sibling)

    Grade 3-5: Dismissal in front of the school (self-dismissal including walking/biking/parent meeting)

    CASP

    METCO

    Newton Bus

    Boys and Girls Club

    Newton Van

     

    Staff that are no longer at Cabot this Year: 

    Lindsay Olson (grade 2) - Meghan Williams (Inclusion Facilitator) - Peggy Wright (Literacy Interventionist) - Lisa Lacava (Social Worker) - Mary Manning and Lauren Dietz (IT) 

     

    New Staff at Cabot this Year:

    Elmer Torres Ortiz (grade 2)- Alyssa Colemen (grade 2) - Micaela Ryan (grade 3) - Jennifer Mega (Inclusion Facilitator) - Robyn Barry (Literacy Interventionist) - Kerry Fahey (Social Worker) - Katie O’Reilly (BCBA) - Jen Roy (IT) - Heather Cavanagh, Amy Duarte, Vidade Rateau, Armani Smalls, Sarah Doane, Caitlin Sheehan, Jonathan Starks (Aides/Behavior Therapists) - Emma Morris (ISS)  

     

    ZOOM MEETING FOR NEW PARENTS - MONDAY, AUGUST 30 - 7 PM

    We will have a meeting for new Cabot families on Monday, August 30th to introduce you to the school as we review our school routines and practices.

     

    WELCOME ZOOM MEETING FOR ALL CABOT PARENTS - TUESDAY, AUGUST 31 - 7 PM

    This meeting will be an opportunity for parents to hear about the upcoming school year and review of the protocols related to health and safety.  In addition, parents will have an opportunity to ask questions.

     

    Important Dates

    Friday, August 27th   *Classroom assignments available to families

     

    Monday, August 30th Zoom meeting with new families 7:00 PM 

    Eric Sprung is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

    Topic: New Families meeting

    Time: Aug 30, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)



    Tuesday, August 31st Zoom Parent Meeting All Interested Parents 7:00 PM

    Eric Sprung is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

    Topic: Cabot Family Meeting

    Time: Aug 31, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)



    Thursday, September 2nd Students may visit their classrooms at 2:00 PM (for safety reasons 

    this optional visit into the building is for students only, parents are unable to come in the building at this time)

    K-2 students will line up on the blacktop near the playground

    3-5 students will line up near the Flagpole/Humpty Dumpty plaza  

     

    Monday, September 6th No School Labor Day

     

    Tuesday/Wednesday, September 7-8th  School Holiday - Rosh Hashanah

     

    Thursday, September 9th First day of School

     

    Wednesday, September 29th  Back to School Night (Virtual)

     

    *Note about Class Lists

    Classroom teacher assignments will be published on Aspen on Friday, August 27th.  As you know, the placement process is complex and involves a variety of staff members as we consider a wide number of factors and needs.  If you provided feedback about your child’s placement, please be assured that your comments and concerns were reviewed and considered by the teams and me as we engaged in our process.   It is important to note that no changes will be made to teacher assignments.  While requests for changes have not been common here, it feels important to acknowledge that sometimes children (or parents!) may be disappointed, for example, when they are assigned to a classroom separate from a good friend or do not receive the teacher they had hoped for. In such circumstances, we recommend that you acknowledge the disappointment, yet convey your confidence in your child’s ability to have a great year just the same. Your positive attitude and enthusiasm for the year ahead sends important cues to your child and we appreciate your assistance in helping every one of our students to have the best start to the year!

    As you may recall from last year, we are not able to provide class list information until all parents/guardians have the opportunity to annually review their privacy settings in Aspen to indicate whether or not we have permission to publish their child’s name on class lists.  For more information about Aspen, you can visit this link.

     

    School Schedules:

    Monday/Tuesday/Thursday and Friday -- 8:10-2:50pm

    Wednesday Schedule -- 8:10 - 12:20pm

     

    FAQ about Cabot School

    The following link provides general information about including phone numbers, notifying the office about absences and dismissal, building security, and more.

     

    I look forward to a great year!

     

    Eric Sprung

    Principal