Dear Happy Hollow Families,
As you know, this year we have been implementing our new Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program, Wayfinder, across classrooms. We are excited about the positive impact this work is already having on our students and school community.
Wayfinder is grounded in five core social-emotional competencies that help students build the skills they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally:
- Self-Awareness – Understanding one’s emotions, strengths, and areas for growth
- Self-Management – Regulating emotions and behaviors in different situations
- Social Awareness (Empathy) – Understanding and valuing the perspectives and feelings of others
- Relationship Skills – Building and maintaining healthy, positive relationships
- Responsible Decision-Making – Making thoughtful, ethical, and constructive choices
Focusing on SEL is essential. Research consistently shows that when students develop strong social-emotional skills, they are better able to manage stress, resolve conflict, persevere through challenges, and engage more deeply in learning. These skills support not only academic success, but also overall well-being and long-term life outcomes.
Based on our most recent benchmark data, I wanted to share the following reflections I had about our students’ growth:
- Empathy is currently our strongest core skill. Our students are demonstrating care, perspective-taking, and kindness toward one another in meaningful ways.
- Self-Awareness is our most improved area. Students are becoming more reflective about their emotions, strengths, and personal growth.
- Adaptability is an area for continued growth. We will be placing intentional focus on helping students navigate change, manage flexibility, and respond productively when things do not go as planned.
I always find it helpful to partner with families. You can support the development of adaptability at home in simple and meaningful ways:
- Model flexible thinking. When plans change, narrate your thinking: “This wasn’t what I expected, but I can adjust.”
- Practice “Plan B” thinking. If something doesn’t work out, ask: “What’s another way we could handle this?”
- Normalize mistakes and setbacks. Share your own examples of times you had to adjust and what you learned from the experience.
- Encourage problem-solving. Before stepping in, ask your child what they think they could try next.
- Introduce small, manageable changes. Try a new route home, a new recipe, or a new routine and reflect afterward: “What felt challenging? What helped?”
- Use flexible language. Phrases like “not yet,” “let’s try again,” and “we can figure this out” reinforce resilience and growth.
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Adaptability is a lifelong skill that helps children manage uncertainty, build resilience, and approach challenges with confidence. With consistent modeling and practice, students grow more comfortable navigating change and thinking flexibly.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership. Together, we are building a community where students feel known, supported, and empowered.
Warmly,
Nicolette Foundas, Happy Hollow Principal
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HAPPY HOLLOW ANNOUNCEMENTS |
We continue to see a high number of student absences, and it is important to emphasize that attendance matters. Every school day provides valuable academic instruction, opportunities for social connection, and critical skill development that cannot be fully replicated outside of the classroom. Consistent attendance supports student achievement, builds routines, and strengthens our school community. We appreciate families’ partnership in prioritizing regular school attendance whenever possible. |
Dear Happy Hollow,
Beginning the week after February Break, we would like to host a Happy Hollow Kindness Olympics. Our goal is to boost the amount of kindness in our school. We ask that teachers monitor the kindness in their classrooms and note it down on their tally charts. We encourage students to share and report acts of kindness, too! The grade who demonstrates the most acts of kindness will earn a well deserved prize. Prizes might include things like extra recess, or a pajama day, and they will definitely earn some bragging rights!
From,
The Happy Hollow Student Council
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FROM OUR PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION |
A Few To Dos:
-STEAM FAIR TONIGHT! Please come to support the scientists, visit with RSM, Code Ninjas, See 3D printing, Sweet Treats, and Gems/Teeth Fossils!
-March 22, 6:30 PM: Save the Date – Hang with the PTO at Jindu!
-Donate your goods and services to our second annual fundraiser: the Backpack Auction.
-5 th Grade – Save the Dates:
*Beach Bash is Wednesday June 3rd
(Rain Date June 10th)
*Clap out Pool Party are the last
day of school - currently June 23rd
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Volunteer Opportunities
Calling all 3 rd and 4 th Grade Caregivers: JUST LIKE ME Program, Friday 3/13 – volunteers
Grade Sign Ups
Pick a Country! ANY Country or area of the world that speaks to you and host a Booth
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1) March 10 th : 8:00 PM HH PTO BOARD meeting – Open to Everyone – Zoom Only
2) March 13 th : 8:15 AM - PTO Coffee with Literacy Update with Sarah Sontag. PTO Coffee Zoom Link ( Zoom only available until 8:45, so please join early if youhave specific questions)
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4) March 13 th : Happy Hollow Talent Show-- AUDITION VIDEO DUE
5) March 22 nd : 6 PM PTO Social @Jindu
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1) March 26 th : Happy Hollow Art Show
2) April 7-10 th : Book Fair
3) May 17 th : World’s Fair
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So many of you are helping out to make this year special for our 5th graders - THANK YOU! If you would like to volunteer to help in any way, big or small, email us at Happyhollow2026@gmail.com. Many hands make light work!
*If you have not filled out the activities form, please do so here: WUFOO FORM
*If you have not sent in yearbook photos of your child, please email them
to Happyhollow2026@gmail.com
*Save the Dates:
Beach Bash is Wednesday June 10th (Rain Date June 17th)
Clap Out Pool Party are the last day of school - currently June 23rd
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Planning for the 2026 Backpack Auction has begun! The auction is the second (of two)
fundraising events that directly supports all of Wayland’s elementary schools. The auction (to
take place in March) has historically had a huge response across families and the Wayland
community and we hope it lives up to its reputation in 2026! Our goal is to identify thoughtful
and exciting bidding items to make this year’s auction a success!
That’s where YOU come in!
Please consider donating any of the following to the auction:
Your services or hobby or skill (sports or music lessons, hiking guide, photography,
baking or cooking lessons, etc.)
Donations from a local business, virtual experiences, online subscriptions, outdoor
activities, or even time in a vacation home
Cook & Deliver a meal for a family
New toys, apparel or items for the home
Gift cards to your favorite restaurants and businesses
If you have a auction item to donate, please complete this Google form:
Have questions? waylandbackpackauction@gmail.com
Did you know: The funding we raise for the PTO this year determines our 2026-27 budget and
directly impacts what we’re able to do for our students next year--think of the back-to-school
picnic, incredible field trips, and all of the other wonderful enrichment opportunities that the
PTO enables through your generous support.
~Thank you from the Backpack Auction Team
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Sunday, May 17, 2026
2:00–4:00 PM
Loker School Back Field
The Wayland World’s Fair is back, and we want YOU to join in the celebration! Hosted by all three Wayland Elementary Schools, this event is a vibrant showcase of global cultures, where families can come together to experience
food, music, dance, crafts, games, and much more! Learn more about how to get involved here. Questions? Reach out to Sarah at HappyHollowPTO@gmail.com
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Please be mindful of these dates when scheduling appointments and absences for your children
Grade 3
Friday, March 27- ELA session 1
Tuesday, March 31- ELA session 2
Tuesday, May 5- Math session 1
Thursday, May 7- Math session 2
Grade 4
Monday, March 30- ELA session 1
Wednesday, April 1- ELA session 2
Thursday, April 30- Math session 1
Friday, May 1- Math session 2
Grade 5
Tuesday, March 24- ELA session 1
Thursday, March 26- ELA session 2
Tuesday, April 28- Math session 1
Monday, May 4- Math session 2
Wednesday, May 6- Science session 1
Friday, May 8- Science session 2
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If your child(ren) will be absent, tardy, or have a dismissal change please Fill out Pick Up Patrol accordingly, any time of day or night. You can enter this information as soon as you know it and don't need to wait until the date of the absence, tardy (or change).
Our safe arrival program was established to ensure that every child is accounted for at the start of each day. If a child is unaccounted for, the office staff follow the process below until the child is located:
1) recheck the child's classroom
2) contact parents/guardians at all phone numbers on file with an automated call system
3) call emergency contacts
4) contact police for a wellness check
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- Open Safari.
- Navigate to the website you want to save to your home screen by entering the URL of the website you want to create a shortcut to. ...
- Tap the Share button on the bottom of the page. ...
- In the list of options that appear, scroll down until you see Add to Home Screen.
How To Make PUP An Icon On Your Android Device:
- Open Chrome.
- Navigate to the website or web page you want to pin to your home screen.
- Tap the menu icon (3 dots in upper right-hand corner) and tap Add to home screen.
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Please see photgraph for instructions: |
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or change today's dismissal plan |
For mid day appointment or something simialr |
Your child's default dismissal plans is their expected weekly dismissal on a typical day. |
Your parents have taught you that it is impolite to not hold the door for another person. As awkward as it may feel, according to the police protocol we ask that you do not hold the door open for anyone coming into our building behind you or as you leave our school (even students). In fact, we ask that you remind anyone trying to piggy back into the building that they please buzz in for their own personal greeting. Please make sure that the door closes tightly behind you. There are red octagonal signs by our front door reminding visitors of this request. I know how hard this is to do and goes against your natural instinct, but please know that we will kindly explain it to the other party and we do notice and appreciate your vigilance in keeping our children safe. |
The Happy Hollow office is working very hard to keep your children safe and happy in our building. To this end, we are following a protocol created by the Wayland Police that has been implemented in all of the schools. We are responsible for vetting each person before they enter our building. Every visitor must buzz in individually. They will be asked to identify themselves, their student and their business in the building. Anyone with whom we are not familiar or who does not have a job or student in the building will be personally met at the door and escorted. Anyone, regardless of their connection with the school, who does not have a Wayland Public Schools-specific CORI on file is not allowed past the front office without an escort. While this feels counter to the friendly environment we strive for here, it is necessary to keeping your children safe and allows us the personal contact to make sure that you do have a friendly welcome. We will do it with a smile! |
A CORI IS REQURED FOR EVERYONE
Anyone who walks the halls of our building must be CORIed or escorted. This means that everyone who visits their child's classroom, volunteers in the building, visits the book fair/field day or attends field trips must be CORIed.
- CORIs completed with other town departments are NOT transferable to the schools.
- We cannot allow you into our building without a valid Wayland Public Schools CORI on file
To complete a CORI application please present in person at any Wayland Public School Office (or central office) with valid government issued photo identification
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