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As we welcome April, we look forward to the arrival of spring! This new month brings fresh opportunities for learning and growth, and we remain committed to supporting our students on their educational journey.

Throughout April, we will focus on the character trait of Acceptance, encouraging students to embrace differences, show empathy, and foster a sense of belonging for all. Creating an inclusive school community helps strengthen connections and ensures that everyone feels valued and respected.

April is also Autism Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals with Autism. Our students with Autism are an important part of our community, and we are dedicated to promoting understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity. Leading up to April break, we will hold our annual Spirit Week (April 14-17) with activities that highlight acceptance and inclusion—stay tuned for more details!

Next week marks the first round of MCAS testing for ELA. Please refer to the schedule below and ensure your child arrives at school on time, well-rested, and ready to do their best. A nutritious breakfast is key to focus and energy, and we offer breakfast daily in the café from 9:00 to 9:15 AM.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

Warm regards,

Kathie and Kate

Kathie Lasky, Principal klasky@framingham.k12.ma.us

Kate O'Leary, Assistant Principal koleary52@framingham.k12.ma.us

• Tuesday 1st
  • 5th Grade ELA MCAS Session 1
• Wednesday 2nd
  • 5th Grade ELA MCAS Session 2
• Thursday, 3rd
  • 4th Grade ELA MCAS Session 1
• Friday, 4th
  • 4th Grade ELA MCAS Session 2
• Tuesday, 8th
  • 3rd Grade ELA MCAS Session 1
• Wednesday, 9th
  • 3rd Grade ELA MCAS Session 2
• Thursday, 10th
  • Early Release: (PD), 1:05 dismissal
• Monday-Thursday, 14th-17th
  • Spirt Week (More to come)
• Friday, 18th
  • No School: Good Friday
• Monday-Friday, 21st - 25th
  • No School: Spring Break

• Tuesday, April 1st – 5th Grade ELA MCAS Session 1
• Wednesday, April 2nd – 5th Grade ELA MCAS Session 2
• Thursday, April 3rd – 4th Grade ELA MCAS Session 1
• Friday, April 4th – 4th Grade ELA MCAS Session 2

The Night Before the Test

• Make sure your child goes to bed on time so he or she is well-rested.
• Keep your routine as normal as possible. Upsetting natural routines may make children feel anxious or unsure of him/herself.
• Be positive and confident knowing your child will do his/her best.
• Plan ahead to avoid conflicts on the morning of the test

The Morning of the Test

• Please have students leave all cell phones and electronic watches/devices at home. Electronic devices are not allowed during testing time.
• Get up a few minutes early to avoid rushing and make sure your child arrives to school on time.
• Have your child eat a nutritious breakfast (or encourage them to eat when they get to Dunning).
• Have your child dress in comfortable clothes.
• Be positive and communicate that this is your child’s chance to show what he/she knows. The most important thing is they try their very best!

It is important for all students to be IN ATTENDANCE and ON TIME.

Thank you for your continued support

Please join us for this fun family fundraiser where our 5th graders will serve you dinner!

All proceeds from this year’s pasta dinner go to fund our 5th graders’ field trip and other end-of-the-year activities. Reserve your seat at the “Dunning Trattoria” for just $5 per person or $25 per family.

To sign up, return the form (going home in backpacks soon) to your student’s teacher by Wednesday, April 30th with your check made payable to: Charlotte Dunning PTO.

We are excited to fill the yearbook with photos of our 5th Grade Graduating Pandas! Please help us do this by uploading photos below. We will only be able to use photos that are associated with school (field trips, school events, in class activities, etc). We will not be able to use photos from playdates, birthday parties, etc. 

The Character Trait for the month of March is Confidence!

Acceptance: Respecting the differences of other people.

"I will accept others for who they are."

The 2024 Annual Dunning Arts Night will be split into two separate Arts Nights:

• Monday, May 19th, 6:00 - 7:30 Grades K-2
• Thursday May 22 6:00 - 7:30 Grades 3-5

For the month of March, we are collecting Snacks (crackers, chips, etc.)

to go to A Place To Turn food pantry in Natick. The two classrooms that collect the most food items for the pantry will earn extra recess!

ATTENTION 5th GRADE FAMILIES!

Framingham Public Schools Proudly Offers Students the Opportunity to Earn the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy, Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction, and Language Opportunity Coalition (LOC) Biliteracy Awards. All multilingual learners in Framingham Public Schools in grades 5, 8 and 12 are encouraged to participate in these biliteracy recognition opportunities.

For additional information on the Biliteracy awards, caregivers of students in grades 5, 8, and 12 in all schools and programs are invited to attend a virtual information session taking place on February 27th at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

• Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oec-wouo-oyv
• Or dial: ‪(US) +1 443-584-5065‬ PIN: ‪782 883 734‬#

During this event, community members will learn more about Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy, Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction, Language Opportunity Coalition and Framingham Public Schools biliteracy pathway awards, as well as how to register to participate in this opportunity!

Interpretation services in American Sign Language, Spanish and Portuguese will be available for the family/caregiver event.

The Dual Language Family/Caregiver Advisory Council is also collaborating with the Department of Multilingual Education to host an in person meeting on February 26th from 7-8 PM at the Farley Administration Building Auditorium at 19 Flagg Drive, Framingham, MA 01702.

Framingham Public Schools (FPS) & Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Updates 

Updated February 4, 2025

• January 29, 2025 District Communication 

• January 22, 2025 District Communication 

Additional Resources

Caregiver Authorization Affidavit

Protecting Students and Their Information 

Addressing Hate and Bias in Schools - Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office

Combatting Hate in Our Schools - Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office

The Framingham Public School District uses images and/or videos (‘media’) of students and student work to showcase educational activities and programs (including before and after school and vacation programs), as well as to inform the community of the Framingham Public Schools experience. Photographs, videos, and/or the name of your child may be included in publications (print or digital), news releases, and on District maintained websites or social media accounts.

If you DO NOT give Framingham Public Schools permission to use your child’s name, image, or school work in any public display or presentation, please complete the digital Google Form (Photo / Video Opt-Out | Exclusión de foto/video | Formulário de Exclusão de Mídia (Foto/Vídeo) or print, sign, and return the form(s) listed below to the appropriate place based on your school(s).

Printed Forms

• Photo / Video Opt-Out (Click here to view)
• Exclusión de foto/video (Click here to view)
• Formulário de Exclusão de Mídia (Foto/Vídeo) (Click here to view)

Printed forms can be returned to the:

• School Office
• Homeroom for elementary students

Please note that FPS does not control the disclosure or use of photographs or video taken by participants at events that are open to parents, community members, and/or the news media. Additionally, this form does not apply to students participating in public events, like academic competitions, performances and athletic events. Student photos and names from these events may be published by news media.

Upon receipt of this signed opt-out form, school staff will document your child’s status (Media Opt-Out) in the X2 Student Information System for the current school year.