J. T. Hood School News

Parent Workshop on Restorative Practices

Dear Families,

We are excited to invite you to participate in an upcoming virtual parent workshop on Restorative Practices, which will be shared on May 22, 2026.

This session will be facilitated by members of our school team, including our School Adjustment Counselor, Ms Aleksa & School Psychologist, Dr. Jacki Dowd, and is designed to deepen family understanding of how we support student behavior, build community, and address conflicts in meaningful ways.

As part of this effort, we are also working to highlight how restorative practices are being implemented in our classrooms and across our school community. Our goal is to strengthen partnership with families and ensure a shared understanding of our approach to student discipline and relationship-building.

To make this workshop as meaningful and responsive as possible, we kindly ask that you complete the attached Google Form by May 1, 2026. Through this form, you can:

• Submit any questions you would like addressed during the workshop
   
• Share topics of interest related to student behavior and school practices

Here is the link: https://forms.gle/7qtm87MHquvSyy8a9

Please note that this session will be recorded and shared with families. 

Your input is incredibly valuable, and we look forward to your participation as we continue to work together in support of our students.

Warm regards,

Dr. Dowd & Ms. Aleksa

 

J. Turner Hood Elementary School: Principal’s Newsletter

March 20, 2026

Dear Members of the J. Turner Hood School Community,

The year is passing by in the wink of an eye! It is hard to believe that spring is already here. I am grateful for the longer days (goodbye 4:15 PM sunsets!) and look forward to the warmer weather before the "end-of-year madness" begins.

Preparing for Success in April

April is a vital month for teaching and learning. Here are a few ways you can help your children make the most of their opportunities:

• Sleep: Research shows elementary-age children require 10–12 hours of sleep each night.
• Physical Activity: 20 minutes of daily aerobic activity reduces stress and improves concentration.
• Nutrition: A protein-rich breakfast and healthy snacks provide the "fuel" needed for sustained effort.
• Punctuality: Arriving on time reduces student stress and prevents classroom disruptions.

School Updates & Announcements

Restorative Practices: Please be on the lookout for a letter from Dr. Dowd and Ms. Aleksa. We are excited to invite you to a virtual parent workshop on Restorative Practices.

Principal’s Blog: "Inside the Hood" I have added new posts to our blog, including a piece on school morale teams and a summary of our recent time capsule event. This space offers a more personal, reflective view of life at our school.

• Read more here: Welcome to Inside the Hood

Report Cards: Report cards will be available via the e-locker later in the day on Monday, March 23.

• Tip: We highly suggest using a computer rather than a phone to retrieve these, as mobile devices often encounter technical issues.
• New families should have received login instructions; please contact the office if you need assistance.

Health & Wellness: Tips from Nurse Blanchette

To keep our community healthy, please remember:

• Keep students home if they are unwell. They must be fever-free and vomit-free for 24 hours (without medication) before returning.
• Notify the nurse of diagnoses involving Strep, Conjunctivitis, Flu, or COVID-19.
• Encourage frequent handwashing and coughing/sneezing into the elbow.

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

School Calendar: We are simply and happily a very busy school.  Please stay up to date regarding school events (We have so many exciting things happening) by accessing the Hood School calendar. Our school website is a great resource. We hope that you will find the information that is posted on our website to be valuable to you and your children. Please check our site often, as there are always things going on. Please click on the calendar tab in order to view a monthly school calendar.

Additionally, here is the link: Hood School Calendar

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Registration should now be complete. Our schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, March 26: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (In-Person)
• Friday, March 27: 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM (Virtual)

Open House & Fine Arts Night: Please save the date for May 27, 2026.

• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Classroom Visits & 4th Grade Wax Museum
• 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Art Show (Perusal available throughout the evening)
• 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: School Performances

MCAS Testing (Grades 3–5): The state assessment window opens March 23 and runs through May 22. Our first school-based sessions begin on April 1. Specific dates for each grade level are listed on the school calendar.

Community Highlights

Parents Association:  As Mrs. Liekweg and I attended our Parents Association meeting on Wednesday, I was reminded of the vital role these dedicated individuals play in the lives of our students. We are truly fortunate to have their support. Their contributions are so extensive that they are difficult to fully measure.

I also want to acknowledge, with transparency, that field trips have become increasingly expensive for a variety of reasons. Our Parents’ Association has done an incredible job supporting us and helping to offset these costs. If you see one of our devoted PA parents, I hope you’ll take a moment to recognize and thank them for their efforts.

Thank You!  

Inclusion & Culture:  As part of our School Improvement Plan, Hood School will host a Day of Cultural Learning and Celebration on May 29. We look forward to learning about the diverse cultures that make our community so vibrant.

Teacher Appreciation Week: From May 4, 2026, to May 8, 2026, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week at our school. Every one of us contributes to the learning and growth of our students in meaningful ways, and this week is a special opportunity to honor all the incredible members of our professional staff.

I feel truly grateful to work alongside such a talented, dedicated, and inspiring team of professionals who go above and beyond every day to support and uplift our students. Your hard work, creativity, and care make a real difference in the lives of every child in our school community.

I encourage everyone to take a moment this week to celebrate and thank our amazing staff. A kind word, a note of appreciation, or a small gesture can mean more than you might imagine—and it is a wonderful way to show just how much we value the incredible people who make our school shine.

Honoring Mrs. Gorman

On April 2, 2026, we will honor the memory of our colleague and friend, Mrs. Gorman. Her kindness and passion for teaching left a lasting legacy at Hood School. More to follow on March 31, 2026, on this topic.

• Staff Tribute: Staff will wear green (her favorite color) and butterfly pins. We encourage everyone to participate. 
• Moment of Silence: We will hold a moment of reflection early in the day.
• Legacy Project: We are currently planning a permanent memorial to recognize her impact on our school and look forward to sharing more details later in the spring.

 

Warm regards,

Dr. McKay, Principal

 

 

January 8, 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians of Students in Grades Three, Four, and Five,

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has released the state assessment testing window for students in Grades 3 through 5.

This year, the testing window opens on March 23, 2026, and continues through May 23, 2026. The specific dates for each assessment have been added to the school calendar, which is accessible through our website at the link below:
 

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0?cid=bm9ydGgtcmVhZGluZy5rMTIubWEudXNfZThoM2czdXE5MW5qcmtkYXU5NDV2YmNhdGtAZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ

Throughout the testing period, it is important that students come to school well rested and nourished. We ask that all children be present during test administration unless absence is unavoidable due to illness or other serious circumstances. Additionally, please avoid scheduling appointments that interfere with the school day during testing weeks. We encourage you to support your child by reinforcing the importance of trying their best and approaching each test with confidence.

How can you help your child do well?

You can support your child in the following ways:

• Ensure your child gets adequate sleep, eats well, and arrives at school on time. Regular attendance is a strong predictor of academic success.
• Encourage daily reading. Reading together and discussing books helps reinforce positive literacy habits.
• Establish a consistent daily routine for study and homework.
• Provide a quiet, well-lit, comfortable space for studying with necessary supplies such as paper, pencils, pens, calculators, rulers, a dictionary, and a thesaurus.
• Encourage your child to record assignments and due dates in their agenda book.
• Review homework to ensure it is completed thoughtfully and to the best of your child’s ability.

It is also important to reduce test-related anxiety. Please speak positively about testing and reassure your child of your confidence in their abilities by focusing on their strengths.

As a school learning community, we emphasize performance character and growth mindsets that foster success through effective effort. Effective effort is defined as “the hard work and learning strategies a person can use to deliberately get smarter at important knowledge or skills” (Saphier, Haley-Speca, & Gower, 2008). We respectfully ask that you encourage your child to demonstrate effort, apply learned strategies, and maintain a positive attitude—skills that matter every day, and especially during testing.

Please note that electronic devices are prohibited during testing. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support in this important matter.

Sincerely,

Glen S. McKay
Principal

 

 

November News

Dear Hood School Families,

It’s hard to believe we are already well into the school year! 

Throughout October and early November, I’ve had the opportunity to observe a multitude of amazing classroom lessons and schoolwide events. It continues to be an absolute joy to see our students learning, our teachers innovating, and our families supporting every step of the way.

As we move into this season of gratitude—and just one day after World Kindness Day—I want to take a moment to express how thankful I am for every member of our Hood School community. Our students, staff, and families are working together at a high level, and it shows in every area of growth, kindness, and collaboration.

In our classrooms, students are highly engaged and eager to learn. The dedication of our teachers and support staff shines through daily, and I encourage everyone to pause this month and reflect on the great things happening at the Hood School. Every day, someone goes above and beyond to make this a truly special place to learn and grow.

I’m also thrilled to share that our latest state accountability report places the Hood School in the 95th percentile statewide—a remarkable reflection of our collective efforts and commitment to excellence.

Be sure to check out the newest post on my blog, Inside the Hood, where I’ve highlighted some recent events, including our incredibly successful STEAM Night. You can read it here: Welcome to Inside the Hood. A special shoutout to Mrs. Cleary and the amazing Hood staff volunteers who made it possible.

A heartfelt thank-you also goes to our Parent Association (PA) for their outstanding efforts this fall—from sponsoring enrichment programs and organizing the Fun Run to supporting field trips and classroom initiatives. The Boo Bash was another huge success and continues to be a beloved, time-honored tradition thanks to them. If you see a PA member, please take a moment to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

We are also proud of our third graders who were the stars of the Veterans Day celebration, coordinated by Ms. Comeau. Thanks to our third-grade team, and of course, the veterans who joined us. It’s a meaningful tradition we are honored to continue.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming soon—please be on the lookout for more information, which will be shared on November 14, 2025.

 

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Reminders and Updates

School Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:15 PM

Tardiness and Attendance:
Student attendance is taken in the classroom promptly at 8:00 AM. Students arriving after that time are considered tardy.

Arriving on time helps children begin their day calmly and confidently, ensuring they don’t miss important morning routines, directions, or social interactions that set the tone for learning. Research shows that frequent tardiness in elementary school can negatively affect academic achievement, disrupt classroom instruction, and contribute to increased anxiety or disengagement over time. Establishing strong attendance habits early is one of the best predictors of future school success.

We understand mornings can be busy, and we appreciate your ongoing efforts to get students to school on time—it truly makes a difference!

 

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Morning Drop-Off Reminders

• Please pull forward as far as possible before stopping. (New signage has been added to improve efficiency as colder weather approaches.)
   
• Remain in your vehicle—please do not open or close the driver’s side doors.
   
• Students should enter and exit only from the passenger side.
   
• If you need an alternative drop-off or pick-up arrangement, please contact the office—we’re happy to help.
   

 

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Our students have been amazing, our routines are in full swing, and the year is off to a fantastic start. Thank you to our dedicated teachers, staff, and families for making the Hood School such a vibrant and caring community.

Here’s to another great month ahead!

Warm regards,
Mr. Glen McKay
Principal, J. Turner Hood Elementary School

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