February 28, 2025
Dear Florence Roche Families,
We are kicking off the month of March with our Community Open House tomorrow morning from 10:00-12:00. Members of our 4th grade Student Council will be present to lead tours of the building. Light refreshments will be served. The school committee will host a public forum as part of this event. The forum begins at 11:00am. Please share this information with any of your neighbors who may not have students in our school, but may be interested in seeing the building.
Thank you to the PTA and specifically our 2nd grade families for providing snacks and supplies today! We truly appreciate your generosity and kindness.
A note from the IT department…
Please make sure to complete the parent consent form for your student to be able to access additional Google services while working on school devices. After March 31, students under 18 will no longer be able to access these services. Click on this link for more information.
Parent Consent for Google Services
Three of our 4th grade classes participated in a sound workshop presented by the Acton Discovery Museum. Students learned how sound waves can travel through a variety of materials. I think the water station was the most fun and also the messiest! The remaining 4th grade classes will experience this program next week. Thank you to our PTA for supporting this enrichment opportunity.
Ms. Kinneen started using the climbing wall in the gym this week. Students were introduced to this piece of equipment through an exploration of the different handholds and footholds. Students were excited to take on this physical challenge that requires some strategic thinking and a strong grip!
Kindergarten Information Night is Happening This Week!
The 2025-2026 incoming kindergarten information night is scheduled for Thursday, March 6th from 6:30pm-7:30pm. Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens on Friday, March 7th. Please plan to attend if you will have an incoming kindergarten student next year. If you have any friends of neighbors who are not yet parents in our school, please let them know about this informational event.
School Council Community Engagement Survey
A goal for the School Council this year is to increase community engagement throughout the transition into our new school building. Our school community grew with the addition of many Groton residents who had been attending Swallow Union Elementary School.
In addition to community engagement, we also wanted our many new families to feel welcomed as members of the new Florence Roche School Community. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey.
School Council Community Engagement Survey Your input is appreciated!
Elementary Science Fair
Florence Roche PTA & Swallow Union PTO invite you to participate in the Groton Dunstable Elementary Science Fair!
The fair will be held in the Swallow Union gym on Saturday, March 15th. Judging will begin at 9:30am. Students in grades K-4 are eligible.
By participating in this fun event, students will have the opportunity to:
complete a scientific project at home,
prepare a visual presentation and oral explanation of their project,
share what they learned with judges, peers, and families at the fair,
receive feedback,
and be a Scientist for a day!
Registration is open now through February 28th. Space is limited to 100 students. We have reached capacity in the past, so register early!
Follow the link below to complete your sign-up form and register.
https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/2025-science-fair
There is a non-refundable $10 registration fee to help cover the cost of operating the fair. If your family needs assistance with this fee, please reach out to our counselor Mrs. Cahill.
Additional information will be emailed to participants after registration. Please read the rules and guidelines before starting your project. All projects are individual, no groups please.
If you have questions, please email gdk4sf@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing the many interesting projects that students present!
Kind regards,
Heather Gerteisen and Bethany Vrouhas, Co-Chairs
VOLUNTEERS & DONATIONS For The SCIENCE FAIR
We are looking for volunteers to help on the day of the fair as well as donations for the refreshment stand. The proceeds from the refreshment stand help to offset the cost of the fair. This is not a fundraiser. If you are able to help that day, please remember that your student still needs a parent/guardian to stay with them at their table. If you are able to donate items or your time, we would greatly appreciate that! Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4EACAF2EA3FBC25-54595127-elementary
The Anxious Generation: Book Club
Join other Groton-Dunstable parents in a discussion of Jonathan Haidt's book, The Anxious Generation. The book is an in-depth exploration into the challenges to children's mental health in the era of smartphones, social media, and big tech—and a plan for a healthier, freer childhood. There will be two discussions on this topic, covering the two sections of the book.
Book Club: The Anxious Generation Part 1
The Great Rewiring Discussion
Thursday, March 13 7:00—8:30 PM @ Groton Public Library
Book Club: The Anxious Generation Part 2
Collective Action for Healthier Childhood
Thursday, April 10 7:00—8:30 PM @ Groton Public Library
Register for either or both of the discussions on the GPL website.
Have a nice weekend.
Brian