Our students had the opportunity to learn from the Audubon Society through engaging nature lessons, spending time exploring and learning along the river. We celebrated and honored our retiring teachers, recognized a significant achievement with a state award, and today our 5th graders enjoyed their annual trip to Kimball Farm. Tonight, we look forward to the Fun Fair!

On Wednesday evening, we had the opportunity to share an update on Thoreau's School Improvement Plan with the School Committee. Much of our work this year has been done in partnership with Alcott and Willard, with a focus on strengthening literacy instruction, social-emotional learning, and supporting the well-being of both students and staff. As we reflected on our progress and looked ahead to the future, I was reminded of the many people who help guide and support this important work. I would especially like to thank the members of our School Advisory Council: Mary Little, Meaghan Sinclair, Jean Oviatt-Rothman, Annette Howard, Jacqui McKenna, and Rachel Levesque. This dedicated group has generously shared their time, perspectives, and expertise throughout the year, helping us celebrate successes, identify growth opportunities, and keep our focus on what matters most. Their thoughtful guidance and partnership have helped ensure that every student feels connected, challenged, supported, and successful, while serving as an important compass for the work we do each day.

As we enter the final weeks of the school year, I continue to be grateful for the incredible students, staff, and families who make Thoreau such a special place.

What an incredibly busy, joyful, and fun-filled week it has been at Thoreau!

Welcoming our incoming kindergarteners while also preparing to say goodbye to our 5th graders brings a mix of emotions and serves as such a powerful reminder of the beautiful journey elementary school represents. At one end, there is excitement, wonder, and brand-new beginnings. At the other, there is growth, confidence, and students ready to spread their wings toward their next adventure. Watching those two moments exist side-by-side this week felt especially meaningful.

We also had a fantastic Field Day with more than cooperative weather! A huge thank you to our amazing PTG and parent volunteers who helped make the day so special for our students. Events like these would not be possible without your time, energy, and support. The smiles, laughter, encouragement, and school spirit throughout the day were a wonderful reminder of what makes the Thoreau community such a special place for children to grow, learn, and belong.

As I was walking through the construction zone this week, the quote pictured above from Henry David Thoreau really struck me. It prompted me to reflect on how much is happening around us at this busy time of year, but also how important it is to slow down and notice the joy, community, and small moments unfolding each day.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve watched students laughing together on the playground, teachers creating memorable final experiences for their classes, families coming together for events, and our school community supporting one another in countless ways. These moments matter deeply and are often the moments students carry with them long after the school year ends.

Especially during this season of celebration, transition, and reflection, it feels important to pause and appreciate the people and experiences that make Thoreau such a special place.

What a fun-filled week it has been at Thoreau! Between the Husky Hustle, our author visit, STEAM Lab experiences, and so many other enrichment opportunities, there has been tremendous energy and excitement throughout the building.

We wrapped up Math MCAS this week and will end things on a positive note with our Multicultural Food Festival. A huge thank you to our PTG for making this possible.

Demolition work is now underway in the ’94 Wing and moving along nicely. It is exciting to see progress continuing on this project.

Looking ahead, Monday evening is the CMS parent night for 5th-grade families. Please note that this event is for parents only. We will also hold our final all-school meeting of the year on Wednesday.

There is so much joy this time of year and so many wonderful traditions that make this season special at Thoreau. I hope to see many of you at an upcoming event as we continue celebrating the close of another incredible school year.