Janet Rixon | John D. Hardy Elementary School

Hello Hardy

Janet Rixon — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:59:24 +0000

Dear Hardy families,

Highlights from the past week:

*On Monday, third grade students shared model homes that were designed to protect against various types of extreme weather as part of a Project Based Learning activity.

*On Friday, we had Class Buddies. Students met with their buddy classes and many enjoyed Thanksgiving themed activities. A second and fourth grader coloring a turkey.

*On Friday, we had a student Principal of the Day. This was awarded as part of a Trunk or Treat raffle. A very skilled Kindergarten student did a great job leading our school!

Turkey Trot

On Wednesday, we will have a Turkey Trot, Walk and Ride to School Day. As part of this students are encouraged to walk or ride their bikes/scooters to school.

Attention 3rd grade parents/guardians

On Friday at 8:45 AM, you are invited to school to attend our all-school meeting, which will be led by our third graders.

School Spirit Day

We’ll have our Spirit Day for the month of November this upcoming Friday. Students are encouraged to wear their Hardy gear to school.

Have a great week!

Respectfully yours,

Grant Smith

Principal

The post Hello Hardy first appeared on John D. Hardy Elementary School.

Hello Hardy

Janet Rixon — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:37:41 +0000

Hello Hardy

Highlights from the Past Week

We had the final week of parent-teacher conferences as parents/guardians came together with teachers to discuss ways to support student success.

Students are enjoying the return of the big blue blocks at recess. They were added this month to the offerings at recess for students.��

School Council Update
The School Council met this past week and continued our planning of a re-envisioned innovation lab for our school. As members of our team visited an innovation lab at the Meadowbrook School in Weston, there was discussion about this model lab and what we would want to replicate at Hardy. We also reviewed resource materials from innovation labs in local public schools. Stay tuned for updates on the work of the School Council in future principal letters.��

Veterans Day – No School Reminder Tuesday, Nov. 11, we will have no school in honor of Veterans Day.

School Photo Re-take Day
For families wishing to have their child’s school photo retaken, this will take place this Wednesday, Nov. 12.

Have a great week!

Respectfully yours,
Grant Smith
Principal

The post Hello Hardy first appeared on John D. Hardy Elementary School.

Hello Hardy

Janet Rixon — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:13:13 +0000

Hello Hardy Families

Highlights from the Past Week

Last Sunday we had Trunk or Treat as families who celebrate Halloween had the opportunity to bring students to school for Trick or Treating from some very creatively designed trunks. A special shout out to parent Marah Thornhill for organizing this event for our community.

On Friday we had the 2nd annual Pumpkin Parade. Students showed off their very creatively designed pumpkins at school. These are a few fourth graders showing off their amazing pumpkins.

Half Day Thursday
As a reminder, we will have a half-day (12 noon dismissal) this upcoming Thursday for parent-teacher conferences. We will have our regular half day on Wednesday as well.

Student Council Update
We have relaunched the Hardy Student Council. As part of this, groups of 5th graders are meeting during their lunch block on Friday. Students identify an area for improvement at Hardy and then develop a plan to address this area. Our first Student Council group suggested introducing current events into our morning announcements. So right now students are developing a daily announcement that names school specific events (Trunk or Treat, Bingo Nights etc), holidays (Veterans Day), or even more child-friendly special days (National Hot Dog Day). With each current event, there will be a description to help educate students. These current events will be announced by 5th grade students right before the student shares a joke of the day.��

For Families Facing Financial Hardship/Food Insecurity
As a reminder, we have a program at Hardy known as Hardy Cares. This program exists for Hardy families facing an extraordinary event or having difficulty meeting needs of their children such as hospitalization, a loss, surgery, a birth, school supplies, clothing needs etc. Knowing that there are some families who receive SNAP benefits who are currently not receiving these benefits during the Government shutdown, you can reach out if you would benefit from a grocery store gift card. If you have a need, please reach out to any of the following staff members: Principal Grant Smith, Assistant Principal Kellie O’Brien, Psychologist Lisa Goodman, Psychologist Rebecca Hoitash, or School Adjustment Counselor/Social Worker Julie McMenamy. We will exercise confidentiality in sharing needs to Hardy Cares organizers.��

Halloween Candy Donations
If families have any unwanted Halloween candy that you’d like to donate to the school, we have a candy bin in the main office that teachers and staff enjoy throughout the year. The PTO is also collecting donations to support teachers and PTO activities. So any donations are appreciated. Feel free to send these donations to the main office, 4 High Ledge Avenue, or 33 Edgemoor Avenue.��

Have a great week!

Respectfully yours,
Grant Smith
Principal

The post Hello Hardy first appeared on John D. Hardy Elementary School.

Hello Hardy

Janet Rixon — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 13:58:03 +0000

Hello Hardy families,

Highlights from the Past Week:
We had our School Book Fair. As part of this, we had a Family Night on Wednesday. Assistant Principal Mrs. O’Brien did a read-aloud during this event.��
We had a School Spirit Day on Friday. First grade students showed off their Hardy Husky spirit!

Parent-Teacher Conferences
We will begin parent-teacher conferences this week. As part of this, parents/guardians and teachers will come together to discuss students and establish a shared vision for student success.

Lost and Found
A table will be set up near the office with lost and found items. Please check it out when you are here for conferences, and encourage your children to look for any missing clothing, water bottles, etc. We will donate unclaimed items to a local charity.

Handicapped Parking Reminder & Showing Respectful Behavior During Drop Off/Pick Up
As a reminder, parents/guardians/caregivers must adhere to the signage and only park in the handicapped parking spots if there is a handicapped placard in place. Also handicapped parking spaces need to remain accessible at all times. As part of this, in the Weston Road parking lot, there should be no parking (or live parking) in the striped space adjacent to the Handicapped spots or in the end cap at the end of the lot. Also, I would remind adults to show respectful behavior to one another on school property, as this not only helps adults to feel respected, but also sets an appropriate example to children. Thank you for your cooperation.��

Parking in Bus/Van Line
We’ve noticed recently that there are cars parking in the bus/van line during pick up times. This lane is for bus/vans only during pick up time. Outside of school hours (specifically after 3:30 PM on M, Tu, Th, and F & after 12:30 PM on Wednesdays), cars can use this lane for parking.

Pumpkin Parade & PJ Day Reminder
On Oct. 31st at 9:00 AM, we will have our second annual Pumpkin Parade. Students are encouraged to bring decorated pumpkins to school. Parents/guardians are invited to come to school, starting to arrive around 8:45 AM to view these pumpkins and be in position as students parade through the line. Students are also invited to wear pajamas to school.��

Have a great week!

Respectfully yours,
Grant Smith
Principal

The post Hello Hardy first appeared on John D. Hardy Elementary School.

Hello Hardy

Janet Rixon — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:12:56 +0000

Dear Hardy families,

Highlight from the Past Week
On Friday, we had an All-School Meeting led by our fourth graders. This all-school meeting included a focus on showing kindness. Fourth grade teacher Ms. Budnik served as the mystery guest.

STEAM Week
Massachusetts STEAM week will take place from Oct. 20-24. Our district elementary dept. Head for Science & Engineering Lisa Fox created this for families with students in grades K-5 for at-home or community participation.

School Council Update
The Hardy School Council had our first meeting earlier in October. As part of this, we confirmed our plan to have our special focus this year be on re-envisioning the school’s innovation lab. We are right now in the process of identifying established innovation labs that exist in nearby elementary schools. Then our plan is to consult with, and perhaps visit, these spaces to get ideas. Ultimately, our goal is to establish a vision for the Hardy innovation lab that aligns to best practices in elementary innovation labs, and put the pieces in place to have a high functioning lab for student use. Stay tuned for more updates on the work of the School Council in future principal letters.

Pumpkin Parade & PJ Day Reminder
On Oct. 31st at 9:00 AM, we will have our second annual Pumpkin Parade. Students are encouraged to bring decorated pumpkins to school. Parents/guardians are invited to come to school, starting to arrive around 8:45 AM to view these pumpkins and be in position as students parade through the line. Students are also invited to wear pajamas to school.��Students should bring their pumpkins with them to school on the 31st.��

Students are invited to decorate a pumpkin in any way they want- either a real or an artificial pumpkin is fine!

Some ideas for pumpkin decorating include:
as a character,
in a spooky way,
painted, or
bedazzled.

Be creative!
Suggested materials are:
acrylic paint,
��پ��,��
��ǳ��ǳ��,��
permanent marker,
googly eyes,
pipe cleaners, and
buttons.

School Spirit Day
While we typically have a School Spirit Day the last Friday of each month, as we’ll be having a school-wide Pajama Day on the last Friday (Oct. 31st), we’ll have our Spirit Day for the month of October this upcoming Friday, Oct. 24th. Students are encouraged to wear their Hardy gear to school.

Special Thanks
Thanks to the second grade families for providing staff with a delicious lunch this past Wednesday. We appreciate your ongoing support!

Have a great week!

Respectfully yours,
Grant Smith
Principal

The post Hello Hardy first appeared on John D. Hardy Elementary School.

Hello Hardy

Janet Rixon — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:52:22 +0000

Hello Hardy families

Highlights from the Past Week

We had a Creative Arts and Sciences (CAS) program for 3rd-5th grade students led by Chris Waddell, a Paralympic sit-skier, and wheelchair and track athlete. This program entitled “Name Tags” promoted disability awareness and also helped students feel empowered to not let challenges stop them from pursuing their goals.
On Wednesday we had a Walk & Roll to School Day. Thanks to Mr. Guzzi for planning this special day for our school community.

MCAS Reports Information
Attention 4th & 5th grade families: the district will be mailing home MCAS reports (from the Spring 2025 test) by the end of this week. Families can expect these by early next week.

Attention Grade 4 Parents/Guardians
You are invited to our upcoming all-school meeting this Friday, Oct. 17, at 8:45 AM in the cafeteria. This all-school meeting will be led by our 4th graders.��

Save the Date: Pumpkin Parade
Pumpkin Parade Friday, Oct. 31, at 8:45 AM, In celebration of fall, we will have our 2nd annual Pumpkin Parade! We’ll also have a special school-wide Pajama Day to add to the fun! Students are invited to decorate a pumpkin in any way they want – either a real or an artificial pumpkin is fine! Some ideas for pumpkin decorating include: as a character, in a spooky way, painted or bedazzled – be creative! Suggested materials are acrylic paint, stickers, pompoms, permanent marker, googly eyes, pipe cleaners and buttons.��Students should bring their pumpkins with them to school on the 31st. Staff will be on hand at arrival to take the pumpkins and arrange them by class. Parents/guardians are invited to view the pumpkins outside at the front of the building starting at 8:45 AM. Class pumpkins will be placed together. Students will then parade through our line of amazing pumpkins!

Dogs on School Property
As a friendly reminder, we have students who are afraid of dogs so we ask that families please keep dogs at the edge of the school property throughout the school day (especially during drop-off and pick-up). Thank you for your cooperation.

Reminder: Please Use Name Signs During Carline Pick-up
As a friendly reminder for families doing carline pick-up at dismissal, please make sure to have posted a sign with your child’s last name to the passenger side window of the vehicle. Also, please keep this sign up throughout the duration of the carline. This will help expedite the pick-up process.��

Have a great week!

Respectfully yours,

Grant Smith
Principal

The post Hello Hardy first appeared on John D. Hardy Elementary School.

Hello Hardy

Janet Rixon — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 14:46:35 +0000

Hello Hardy families

Highlights From The Past Week
On Friday, the PTO hosted Movie Night on the Hardy field. Students enjoyed watching “Dog Man” on the big screen!

Welcome Back Mr. Corcoran
Our dedicated music teacher Mr. Corcoran has returned from paternity leave. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Corcoran back to Hardy!

School Photos Retake Day
We’ll have our school photos retake day on Nov. 12th.��

Hardy Cares
such as hospitalization, a loss, surgery, a birth, school supplies, clothing needs etc., Hardy cares exists to help support these needs. If you have a need, please reach out to any of the following staff members: Principal Grant Smith, Assistant Principal Kellie O’Brien, Psychologist Lisa Goodman, Psychologist Rebecca Hoitash, or School Adjustment Counselor/Social Worker Julie McMenamy. We will exercise confidentiality in sharing needs to Hardy Cares organizers.

Simply email: hardyschoolcares@gmail.com to be included on the Hardy Cares distribution list! You will be informed about our community’s specific needs throughout the year, including opportunities to: donate gently-used winter clothing/gear, baby items, etc. as needed by Hardy families, donate gift cards to help Hardy families purchase basic supplies, deliver a meal to a Hardy family in need of support and when safe, provide carpool rides for Hardy students who do not have a ride to school during cold winter mornings (especially when temperatures dip below 20 degrees)

Have a great week!

Respectfully yours,

Grant Smith
Principal

The post Hello Hardy first appeared on John D. Hardy Elementary School.

Hello Hardy

Janet Rixon — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:51:48 +0000

Hello Hardy!

Highlights From The Past Week
On Friday, we had an all-school meeting led by our 5th graders. Students were taught about RISE. We also had the staff band/singers join the 5th graders in performing the song “Lean on Me.”
Also on Friday, we had our first Spirit Day of the year. Students showed their Hardy pride as they wore Hardy gear to school.

No School Reminder
In honor of Yom Kippur, we will have no school this Thursday, Oct. 2.

�޾��Դ�ɼ� METCO Kick-off Event Sept. 30
The �޾��Դ�ɼ� METCO Parent Council (WMPC) is sponsoring the �޾��Դ�ɼ� METCO kick-off event, which will take place this Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 6:30-7:45 PM at the The Black Box Theater, 637 Washington St., Dorchester. This event will highlight �޾��Դ�ɼ� METCO programming; showcase the WMPC; and include information about our community groups, Friends of �޾��Դ�ɼ� METCO & Family Friends. Children are welcome. For questions, reach out to �޾��Դ�ɼ� METCO director Stephanie Holland at hollands@wellesleyps.org.

WPS Is Communicating Via ParentSquare (PSQ)
WPS has transitioned our mass communication platform for emails, calls and text messages from SchoolMessenger to ParentSquare (PSQ). ParentSquare uses 1 email address and 1 phone number from PowerSchool for each parent/guardian/caregiver.��Please check your contact information in the and delete any outdated phone numbers or emails to ensure you are receiving all communications. Reach out to portal@wellesleyps.org with any issues. Visit the to learn more about PSQ, including how to register to set your delivery preferences or track communications via the app or on a desktop.��

Information For 3rd-5th Grade Parents
WPS administers the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth online assessment for students in grades 3, 4 and 5 in reading and grades 3 through 10 in math.The results of the NWEA MAP assessment will be available in the Powerschool portal at the end of October. When results are ready, a communication will be sent home explaining how to access your student’s results. In the meantime, more information about the NWEA MAP Growth assessment can be accessed .

Reminders To Parents/Guardians Of Students Who Ride Bikes To/From School
In speaking to School Resource Officer Kathy Poirier, she asked that I remind families that students should be encouraged to use safe practices when riding bikes. Parents/guardians are encouraged to remind their children:
Students riding bikes should stop at the crosswalk (especially at the intersection of Weston Rd. & Hardy Rd. where students often cross to the other side of Weston Rd.), and wait until the pedestrian light indicates it’s safe to cross and the crossing guard tells the students that it is safe to go.��While students are waiting for the light to change, they are asked to wait safely back on the sidewalk being mindful to both not block the sidewalk from pedestrians and to not crowd the Weston Rd. roadway.

Have a great week!

Respectfully yours,
Grant Smith
Principal

The post Hello Hardy first appeared on John D. Hardy Elementary School.

Hello Hardy

Janet Rixon — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:37:38 +0000

Highlights from the Past Week

On Wednesday, we had an instrumental music demonstration assembly for our 2nd-5th graders. The purpose of this assembly is to promote the instrumental music options that are available in 3rd-5th grade.

On Thursday, we had Back to School Night as we welcomed parents and guardians to Hardy to share information about the year ahead! For those families who missed the Principal/PTO welcome, you can view the slide deck that was shared.

An election for parent reps to serve on the Hardy School Council took place and parents Maura Renzella, Zhuhua Cai, and Jennifer Dolan were elected. Thank you Maura, Zhuhua, and Jennifer for your willingness to serve in this way!

On Friday, we had class buddies. Kindergarteners met with fifth grade, first grade met with third grade, and second grade met with fourth grade. Students were introduced to their assigned buddies and students had the chance to focus on some get to know you activities.

No School Reminder
In observance of Rosh Hashanah, we will have no school on Tuesday, September 23rd.

Dates for All-School Meetings
As we’ve done in past years, parents/guardians are invited to attend the all-school meetings that are led by their child(ren)’s grade level. Please take note of the following scheduled dates:
Sept. 26- 5th grade
Oct. 17- 4th grade
Nov. 21- 3rd grade
Jan. 16- 2nd grade
March 13- 1st grade
May 15- Kindergarten These all school meetings take place from 8:45-9:15 AM in the cafeteria.��

Attention 5th Grade Parents/Guardians
You are invited to an upcoming all school meeting led by our fifth graders. This will take place on Friday, Sept. 26th from 8:45-9:15 AM in our cafeteria.

Spirit Day
On Friday, we will have our first School Spirit Day of the year. Students are invited to wear their Husky gear or red/black clothing to school.��

Have a great week!

Respectfully yours,
Grant Smith
Principal

The post Hello Hardy first appeared on John D. Hardy Elementary School.

Hello Hardy

Janet Rixon — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:08:17 +0000

Hello Hardy families,

Looking forward to seeing many families at Back to School Night on Thursday!

Highlights from the Past Week

Kindergarten students began doing full days at Hardy.
Students enjoyed a new picnic table that was added to our playground. This was a class gift from the Hardy fifth grade class of 2025.��

I did a principal read aloud in every classroom over the past two weeks. I read the book “Saturday” by Oge Mora to KH.

Back to School Night Schedule
Our Back to School Night is scheduled for Thursday, September 18. The schedule is:

5:45-6:15 PM K-2nd grade classroom presentations
6:20-6:40 PM Principal/PTO welcome in cafeteria
6:45-7:15 PM 3rd-5th grade classroom presentations

*This is an adult-only event (however, the 5th graders and their parents are offering fee-based babysitting in the library as a fundraiser for 5th grade events).

School Council Parent Representative Candidates
We will be having an election of Parent Representatives on the Hardy School Council. The PTO is coordinating this election. Please be on the lookout for an email with a link to vote. We have three candidates running for our three openings. See more information below:

Candidate #1: Maura Renzella (running for re-election) Hi, my name is Maura Renzella, I am the Youth Director and Community Social Worker for the Town of �޾��Դ�ɼ� and a past Hardy PTO President. I am the proud mother of three Hardy School Alumni Griffin – 24, Brady – 21, and Caleigh – 19, and currently have Cailin in the 2nd grade.��Fun fact: my husband Jeff is also a Hardy Alum! I am looking forward to continuing to serve on the Hardy School Council as a parent rep to build community and ensure all voices are heard throughout our school community!

Candidate #2: Zhuhua Cai (running for re-election) My name is Zhuhua Cai, mother of Caiden (5S) and Riley (a 9th grader at WHS and a Hardy graduate). I am a chemical engineer working on next-generation EV battery development, focusing on extending driving range and improving charging speed. My family moved to �޾��Դ�ɼ� in early 2020, and we all love the Hardy community! Over the past five years, I’ve volunteered as a room parent and as the grade-level CAS representative. I hope to have the opportunity to continue to serve on the Hardy School Council and continue supporting the Hardy community!

Candidate #3: Jennifer Dolan (running as a new member of the Council) My name is Jenny Dolan. I currently have a 1st grader at Hardy (Ellie Nir), and a child in Pre-K at WCCC. I am a middle school principal and this is my 9th year in school administration. I was a teacher in Newton at the start of my career. I would like to get more connected to the Hardy community as I will have kids here at Hardy for many years to come. I offer a unique point of view as a current educator and I love to learn from other parents, teachers and staff.

Have a great week!

Respectfully yours,
Grant Smith
Principal

The post Hello Hardy first appeared on John D. Hardy Elementary School.