Dear Upham Families,

As we approach Mother’s Day, a time to celebrate the incredible women in our lives, I reflect on a recent moment that reminded me of the profound power of human connection. I’d like to share this moment with you all.

Recently, I had the privilege of receiving a hug from Owen Rose. For those of you who know Owen, you understand that he possesses more energy than the sun itself. His exuberance is infectious, and his hugs are no exception. He called me over to his lunch table. You never know what to expect, and as I walked up to him…he stood up and gave me a huge hug! In that embrace, I felt a warmth that transcended mere physical touch. It was a reminder of the importance of human connection, particularly in a world where we often find ourselves rushing from one task to the next, sometimes forgetting to pause and embrace the simple joys of life.

Hugs, as simple as they may seem, carry immense significance. They can convey love, comfort, and understanding without words. In a single embrace, we can communicate more deeply than any conversation ever could. And on Mother’s Day, which is dedicated to honoring the women who have nurtured and supported us, hugs take on an even greater meaning.

For many of us, our mothers were the first to wrap us in their arms, providing us with a sense of security and belonging that has stayed with us throughout our lives. They have been our steadfast pillars of strength, offering comfort in times of need and celebrating our triumphs with unbridled joy. On this particular day, let us take a moment to express our gratitude to these remarkable women, whether they are with us in person or spirit.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us also remember that the power of a hug extends far beyond our immediate family. Hugs are a universal language that transcends barriers of language, culture, and distance. They remind us of our shared humanity and our innate need for connection with one another.

So, to the Upham Families, I urge you to take a moment today to share a hug with someone you love. Let them know they are seen, valued, and appreciated, whether it’s a family member, a friend, or even a stranger. And to all the mothers out there, thank you for your endless love, sacrifices, and hugs that have shaped us into the people we are today.

Important Dates

Friday, May 24, 8:45 AM – All-school assembly with Patriotic Sing-Along for Memorial Day; parents welcome

Monday, May 27 – Memorial Day, no school 

Monday, June 3, 8:45 AM – Band/Chorus Concert; parents welcome

Thursday, June 6, 2:00 PM – Upham Celebration – afternoon assembly + school party on the Upper Fields. Parents welcome. See below for more info!

Tuesday, June 11, 9:00 AM—5th Grade Moving On Ceremony, refreshments to follow. All are welcome!  

Wednesday, June 12 – Full day of school, 3:06 PM dismissal, Light’s Out Upham 5:00 PM 7:00 PM.

Thursday, June 13 – Last day of school, 11:55 AM 5th Grade Clap Out, 12:00PM dismissal 

Dear Upham Parents,

   Certainly, you’ve noticed the beautiful dumpster adorning our parking lot. I am sorry for the inconvenience of having an unsightly dumpster complement the front of our school. Unfortunately, it does signify the end of Upham. The dumpster will be available throughout the remainder of the year to clean out our wonderful school.

The clean-up will not interfere with the teaching and learning. We still have the math and science MCAS ahead of us. So, business as usual, but with a dumpster to maneuver around.

Additionally, we will maintain our promise to you and the children. We will make each day the best day ever. Laugh, cry, and then laugh even louder as we complete the remainder of this school year. Although we are sad that our school will be closing, our hearts are filled with unmistakable gratitude for our time together.

Flashlight Tag

The PTO presidents asked me to give each grade level one last crack at flashlight tag (Thank you, Mrs. McGeough and Mrs. Carpenter, for all you have done for the families at Upham). Unfortunately, I will need to cancel. I do apologize to you and your children. My immediate family is dealing with some medical issues, and I will not be available. Again, I am so sorry for the miss. I hope that you understand.

Upham’s Last Assembly

Our last school assemblies will be held on May 3, May 24, and June 6.

Please note that our last school assembly will be on Thursday, June 6th. Our standard start time for assemblies is 8:45 AM, but on June 6, we will begin at 2:00 PM and run until 3:00 PM. This “last assembly” will honor our current students and staff, alumni, and community members who wish to join. At 3:00 PM, we will depart to the upper field and enjoy food and fun (provided by our fabulous PTO). So that you know, all are welcome to join. Everyone will be invited to peruse the Upham hallways and classrooms for “one last time.” Please join us for this special celebration.

5th Grade Moving On Ceremony

On Tuesday, June 11, we will celebrate our 5th Graders with our Moving On Ceremony. We will begin that celebration at 9:00 AM and continue until 10:00 AM. Refreshments will be offered after the ceremony. All are welcome!

Last Day of School

Please be reminded that Wednesday, June 12, is a full day (dismissal at 3:05 PM), and Thursday, June 13, is a half day, and our dismissal will be at noon. Our 5th grade “Clap-Out” will begin at 11:55 AM. All are welcome!

IMPORTANT DATES

Friday, April 26 – Upham Movie Night

Wednesday, May 1 – Last day to order yearbooks!

Friday, May 3 – All School Assembly, Parents Welcome

Friday, May 24 – All School Assembly, Parents Welcome

Thursday, June 6 – Save-the-Date: Upham Celebration – Afternoon Assembly + School Party on the Upper Fields. More info to come!

Tuesday, June 11- 5^th Grade Moving On Ceremony

Wednesday, June 12- Full Day of School

Thursday, June 13- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Dear Upham Parents,

As we prepare for the upcoming academic year, I wanted to outline the process for assigning classrooms to Upham students moving to other schools for the 2024-2025 school year. We aim to ensure that each student is placed in an environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Here is an overview of the process:

Recommendations by Classroom Teachers: Upham classroom teachers will recommend classroom assignments to Dr. Hoitash and Mr. Dees based on various factors, including academic performance, social dynamics, and individual needs.

Review and Discussion: Dr. Hoitash and Mr. Dees will carefully review the recommendations provided by the classroom teachers. They will then meet with each teacher to discuss these recommendations in detail, considering the best interests of each student and the overall classroom dynamics.

Special Recommendations and Accommodations: If you have specific recommendations for your child’s classroom assignment, such as requesting placement with a friend or special accommodations, please communicate these directly to the teacher. We will collect these requests and discuss them with Dr. Hoitash to ensure that every consideration is given to your child’s needs.

Communication with Receiving Principals: Any unique recommendations or accommodations will be communicated to the receiving principals to facilitate the smooth transition of students into their new classrooms.

Class List Availability: We anticipate the final class lists will be available in late August. Once finalized, these lists will be shared with all parents.

We understand that classroom placement is essential to your child’s educational experience, and we are committed to making this process as transparent and fair as possible. Our ultimate aim is to create a supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.

If you have any questions or concerns about the classroom assignment process, please do not hesitate to contact me or your child’s classroom teacher. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education.

Dare to Dream,

Mr. Dees

MCAS Dates

IMPORTANT DATES

Friday, March 15  – All School Assembly at 8:45 am, Parents Welcome

Tuesday, March 26 – 5th Grade Parent Night at WMS

Friday, March 29 – No School, Good Friday

Tuesday, April 2 – Early Release, Parent Conferences

Wednesday, April 3 – METCO Stay Day

Monday, April 15 – Friday, April 19 – April Break, No School

Thursday, June 6 – Save-the-Date: Upham Celebration – Afternoon Assembly + School Party on the Upper Fields. More info to come!

To the Entire Upham Community:

On behalf of the entire Hunnewell community, I would like to send a sincere thank you for welcoming us into your community over the past 18 months. We are so grateful for your willingness to embrace us with open arms, as our new school was under construction. We would not be moving this past week if it were not for your generosity and support. I know our students and staff felt very much a part of the Upham-Hunnewell community and were sad to leave the Friday before break. Your send-off to us was spectacular! You have a joyful community and I know our staff and students felt that joy every day!

Sincerely,

Ellen

Dear Hunnewell and Upham Parents​â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹,

The Hunnewell 2nd graders have been an integral part of our Upham culture, bringing joy, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie to our school each day. These students have genuinely made Upham a brighter place, from their enthusiastic participation in assemblies to their laughter-filled moments on the playground. And now, it is time for us to say goodbye.

I want to thank the dedicated teachers of the Hunnewell 2nd grade, Ms. Murray and Mrs. Cannon, for their unwavering belief in their students. Their passion and dedication have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the experiences and successes of their students.

As we bid farewell to the Hunnewell 2nd graders, I invite you to join us next Friday, February 16, at 8:45 AM for our All School Assembly, where we will have the opportunity to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of our departing Hunnewell friends. Following the assembly, we will have a “Clap Out” at 2:55 PM to send off the Hunnewell 2nd graders with cheers and best wishes for their future endeavors.

Additionally, I want to inform you that the transition process for Upham students to Bates, Hardy, and Sprague will soon begin. Dr. Hoitash and I will be visiting classrooms after the break to discuss the transition with students, address any feelings or concerns they may have, and outline plans for visiting the particular schools in late May.

After the break, I will meet with each principal to develop detailed plans to address class lists, student placement, visiting schools, and allowing parents to visit the receiving schools.

If you have questions or comments about the Upham student transition, don’t hesitate to contact me, and I will schedule a meeting to discuss it.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community. Together, we can ensure a smooth transition for our students and continue to foster a nurturing and supportive environment for all.

Dare to Dream,

Mr. Dees

IMPORTANT DATES

Friday, February 16- All School Assembly (Goodbye Hunnewell) at 8:45 am & Hunnewell Clap-Out at 2:55 pm

Monday, February 19 – Friday, February 23 – February Break, No School

Wednesday, March 6 – METCO Stay Day

Tuesday, March 26 – 5th Grade Parent Night at WMS

Friday, March 29 – No Schoo., Good Friday

Tuesday, April 2 – Early Release, Parent Conferences

Wednesday, April 3 – METCO Stay Day

   We wanted to take a moment to share some important details about the upcoming transition plan for our beloved Hunnewell second graders, who have been an absolute joy to have in the Upham building. The last week for our Hunnewell second graders at Upham will be from February 12th to February 16th. Throughout this week, we have planned some special activities to honor and celebrate their time here with us. On February 16th, we will have an All School Assembly where we will dedicate a portion of the program to recognizing and celebrating our Hunnewell second graders. This assembly will be a fantastic opportunity to highlight the achievements, contributions, and friendships they built at Upham. Following the All School Assembly, at 2:55 PM, we will gather for a heartfelt “clap out” to bid our final goodbye to the Hunnewell second graders. This will be a touching moment for our entire Upham community as we come together to show appreciation and wish them well on their journey.

We encourage parents to join us for these special events to celebrate the achievements and growth of our second graders during their time at Upham. It has been an honor and a privilege to have them in our building, and we want to make sure they leave with fond memories and the knowledge that they will always be a part of the Upham family.

If you have any questions or need further information regarding the transition plan or the events planned for that week, please contact our school office. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with you and your children.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education, and we wish the Hunnewell second graders continued success as they move on to new adventures.

One additional item. I have been chosen as a finalist for the Tucker Elementary School in Milton, MA. The announcement will be made public shortly. I will meet with the hiring team next week, and a decision should be announced in early February.

Dare to Dream,

Mr. Dees

IMPORTANT DATES

Tuesday, January 23 – METCO Late Day

Friday, February 2 –  All School Assembly, Parents Welcome

Wednesday, February 7 – METCO Stay Day

Friday, February 16- All School Assembly (Goodbye Hunnewell)

Monday, February 19 – Friday, February 23 – February Break, No School

Wednesday, March 6 – METCO Stay Day

Tuesday, March 26 – 5th Grade Parent Night at WMS

Friday, March 29 – No School, Good Friday

Tuesday, April 2 – Early Release, Parent Conferences

Wednesday, April 3 – METCO Stay Day

Dear Upham and Hunnewell Parents,

Happy Holidays! Can you believe it is December? We have several very exciting experiences to provide to you and your children throughout the month.

 In collaboration with the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club, °ÄĂĹÁůşĎ˛ĘżŞ˝±Ö±˛Ą is proud to welcome Dr. Merritt Moore to help us celebrate National Computer Science Education Week.

Dr. Moore, who graduated with Magna Cum Laude Honors in Physics from Harvard and a Ph.D. in Atomic and Laser Physics from the University of Oxford, has also pursued a professional ballet career. She is also an Adjunct Professor at NYU Abu Dhabi teaching “Creative Robotics,” which fuses arts and science.

Dr. Moore will talk to the Upham and Hunnewell students on Wednesday, December 13, from 9:00 to 9:30 AM.

We invite you to join us on the evening of December 13th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Merritt will discuss how STEAM helped her follow her passions by combining science, coding, and art. Please see the attached flyer for the QR code.

As you will see in our important dates section, we have our Winter Concert on Friday, December 15, from 8:45-9:30 AM.

Now…for the Grand Finale! This year, Upham/Hunnewell is planning to celebrate the winter season and end-of-year break in a big way!  Fun activities have been planned for the students and staff to enjoy Upham’s final week of 2023.

Monday, December 18

PJ Day and Read-A-Thon

Wear your comfiest PJs to snuggle up with a good book.

Tuesday, December 19

Whole School Craft (Ginger Bread Houses)

Wednesday, December 20

Classroom door decorating at Upham/Hunnewell

Bring your ideas to help create the perfect winter-themed door.

Thursday, December 21

Hat Day and Scavenger Hunt

Wear a hat of your choice

Friday, December 22

Hollywood Day and Special Assembly

Come to school in your fanciest glam. Smile for the cameras as you enter on the red carpet!

All Week- Nonperishable food drive to support a local pantry

As you can see, we have lots of fun experiences planned, and I hope that you can join us for some or all of the activities. Have a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you so much for your support.

Dare to Dream,

Mr. Dees

Important Dates

Friday, December 15 – Upham Winter Concert @ 8:45 am, Parents Welcome

Tuesday, December 19 – METCO Late Day

Friday, December 22 – All School Assembly, Parents Welcome

Monday, December 25 – January 1 – December Break, No School (Yahoooooo!)