Dear Hunnewell Families,

As we stand at the close of another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we have traveled together 鈥� our Great Adventure.

From the very first day, we heeded the call to adventure, daring to believe we were meant for something greater than ourselves. We set out not merely to complete a school year, but to embark on a quest 鈥� one that would stretch us, challenge us, and ultimately bring us closer as a community. Along the way, we faced obstacles 鈥� dragons to slay, doubts to confront, and challenges that demanded courage, resilience, and heart. But we met them together.

And with those challenges came treasures: new friendships, strengthened bonds, the joy of discovery, and the lessons that only come through effort and vulnerability. We laughed 鈥� a lot. We stumbled and stood again. We celebrated each other鈥檚 victories and offered grace in moments of struggle. We lived the adventure fully 鈥� with heart.

As we turn the page on this chapter, let us remember that no true adventure is complete without a little pain, a lot of love, and the quiet moments in between. We鈥檝e made friends, learned lessons, felt hurts that hurt, and, perhaps most importantly, we鈥檝e known the joy and laughter that make the journey worth it.

To those families continuing with us, I look forward to where the next trail leads. And to those whose journey takes them beyond Hunnewell, thank you. Thank you for sharing this part of the trail with us. Your footsteps have left a mark on this place. You will always be part of this story.

So instead of 鈥済oodbye,鈥� we say: 鈥淪ee you again鈥� somewhere down the trail of adventure.鈥�
Because once a Hunnewell Hawk鈥� always a Hunnewell Hawk.

Dare to Dream,

Mr. Dees

Dear Hunnewell Families,

I want to take a moment to send a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to Mr. Ligon for his incredible work organizing Fun Field Day this year!

The day was packed with joy, laughter, and high energy from start to finish. Our students had an unforgettable time, and it was clear from every smile, every cheer, and every grass-stained knee that the event was a huge success.

Of course, none of it would have been possible without the tireless effort and enthusiasm of Mr. Ligon. He poured his heart into planning a day that our students would love, and by the end of it all, I think we can all agree鈥攅specially Mr. Ligon himself鈥攖hat the exhaustion was well worth it!

Thank you again, Mr. Ligon, for making Fun Field Day a highlight of our year. Your creativity, commitment, and love for our kids never go unnoticed.

Autograph Party

All families are invited to join us on the blacktop for the annual Autograph Party on Tuesday, June 17th @ 2:50 pm. Students will be given autograph books and pens, and will be led out to the blacktop by their classroom teachers. This is a fun tradition for students to celebrate the end of the year by collecting messages and signatures from their friends and teachers before heading off for summer! 

Be sure to stick around after school dismissal for the Year-End Celebration! Van Leeuwen ice cream will be served. 

Ice cream scoopers are still needed! Please click  to lend a hand!

– The PTO is looking for feedback on how you feel their events went this year. Click  to complete this short online survey. 

–  Please vote for your next Hunnewell School Council member ; the deadline to vote is Saturday, June 21. 

Library Books

We currently have 25 books still outstanding. Notices have been sent. If your child still has any books at home, please help them return them to the school library as soon as possible.

Upcoming Dates

鈥� June 17th: 

• Yearbook Autograph Party, 2:50 pm
• Year-End Celebration, 3:05 pm

鈥� June 18th: Full Day of School

鈥� June 19th: No School – Juneteenth

鈥� June 20th: 

• 5th Grade Clap Out, 11:45 am
• Last Day of School (Half Day)

Dear Hunnewell Families,

As we move into these final weeks of the school year, I wanted to pause and reflect on the values we strive to nurture in our students鈥攙alues that go far beyond academics. The image below, titled 鈥�10 Lessons I Want to Instill in My Kids,鈥� is a powerful reminder of what truly matters:

If you’re thankful, show it.
If you love someone, tell them.
If you’re wrong, fess up.
If you’re confused, ask questions.
If you learn something, teach others.
If you’re stuck, ask for help.
If you made a mistake, apologize.
If you trip, get back up.
If someone needs help, help them.
If you see wrong, take a stance.

These are lessons we hope every child carries with them long after they leave our school. And as we close out another successful year, we thank you, parents and caregivers, for your partnership in modeling these values each day.

A few quick but important reminders:

Library Books
Today, June 6th, was the official return date for all library books. We currently have 65 books still outstanding, which is more than any other year. If your child still has any books at home, please help them return them to the school library as soon as possible.

Important Upcoming Dates:

• June 12th:
  鈥� Field Day 鈥� K鈥�2nd: 9:20鈥�11:00am | 3rd鈥�5th: 11:50鈥�1:30pm
  鈥� Staff vs. 5th Grade Kickball Game 鈥� 1:30鈥�3:00 pm

• June 17th:
  鈥� Yearbook Autograph Party 鈥� 2:50 pm

• June 18th:
  鈥� Full Day of School

• June 19th:
  鈥� No School 鈥� Juneteenth Holiday

• June 20th:
  鈥� 5th Grade Clap Out 鈥� 11:45 am
  鈥� Last Day of School 鈥� Half Day Dismissal

Thank you again for your continued support. Let鈥檚 finish strong, with kindness, gratitude, and a whole lot of heart.

Dare to Dream
Mr. Dees
 

Dear Hunnewell Parents,

It鈥檚 Fun Fair Time 鈥� Let鈥檚 Go!

Rain or shine, the Fun Fair is happening tomorrow from 12:00鈥�3:00 PM! Fingers crossed the rain holds off, but rest assured, we鈥檝e got plenty of indoor fun lined up just in case.

Here are a few important reminders:

• Tickets, t-shirts, and cake boxes were sent home with students yesterday.
• If you鈥檇 still like to donate a cake, empty boxes are available at the front desk until 4:00 PM today. Otherwise, feel free to bring your cake tomorrow, and we鈥檒l box it for you!
• Cake drop-off is between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM tomorrow at the Black Top.

We still need volunteers! Even if you can鈥檛 commit to a full shift, any time you can give is appreciated. Just note your availability and we鈥檒l make it work. Please  to sign up as a volunteer. 

Upcoming Dates
鈥� May 31st: Fun Fair, 12:00鈥�3:00 PM
鈥� June 12th: Field Day

Thanks for all your support 鈥� see you at the Fun Fair!

Dare to Dream,

Mr. Dees

Dear Hunnewell Families,

When my boys were in elementary school, we had a swing set in the backyard. Like clockwork, they鈥檇 head outside, and鈥攖rue to form鈥攖hey never used that swing set the way it was intended. Instead, they turned it into their acrobatic training center: walking the top bar like a tightrope, launching themselves off swings like stuntmen, and proudly showing off their daring feats. Their mom, understandably, would yell at their dad (that鈥檚 me), and I鈥檇 be left wondering: 1) Why was I getting in trouble for the three knucklehead Dees’ boys? And 2) What was so wrong with what they were doing? I mean, honestly, I was impressed.

I鈥檝e been thinking about those moments again recently while reading Jordan Peterson鈥檚 Twelve Rules for Life. I recommend it鈥攊t鈥檚 thought-provoking and practical. Rule #11 particularly stood out to me: 鈥淒o not bother children when they are skateboarding.鈥� In this chapter, Peterson argues that we must resist the urge to overprotect children from every possible bump and bruise. Why? Because it鈥檚 through these very acts of risk, trial, and even failure that kids develop resilience, courage, and a true sense of identity. When we let them test limits鈥攜es, even on a swing set turned flying trapeze鈥攖hey learn what they鈥檙e capable of.

We live in a world that is increasingly risk-averse, where caution often overshadows curiosity. But if we intervene too much, hover too closely, or protect too quickly, we risk stunting the very spirit that helps children grow into strong, capable adults. Whether they鈥檙e building forts at recess, experimenting with new ideas in class, or daring to be themselves socially, kids need space to stretch, stumble, and soar.

At Hunnewell, we work to strike that balance鈥攑roviding safety and structure while also honoring their need to explore, create, and take ownership of their learning and growth.

Here are a few important dates to keep on your radar:

• May 26th: No School 鈥� Memorial Day

• May 27th: Screenagers Film Screening & Panel Discussion 鈥� 6:30pm

• May 29th: School Council Meeting 鈥� 10:15 am

• May 31st: Hunnewell Fun Fair 鈥� 12:00鈥�3:00 pm

Let鈥檚 continue to encourage our students, not just to follow the path, but sometimes to climb above it, hang upside down from it, and see where their daring imaginations can take them.

Dare to Dream
Mr. Dees

Thank you for your continued support. Let鈥檚 finish strong with community spirit, celebration, and connection.

Dare to Dream
Mr. Dees
 

Dear Hunnewell Families,

As we move through these final weeks of the school year, I wanted to pause and share a message that speaks to what we strive to build here every day鈥攏ot just strong academics, but strong character.

I recently came across a simple, powerful list titled 鈥�10 Lessons I Want to Instill in My Kids.鈥� It includes reminders like:

• If you鈥檙e thankful, show it.
• If you love someone, tell them.
• If you鈥檙e wrong, fess up.
• If you鈥檙e stuck, ask for help.
• If you see wrong, take a stance.

These lessons echo what we believe at Hunnewell: that character matters. That kindness, accountability, courage, and compassion are every bit as important as math facts and reading fluency. Our classrooms, assemblies, morning meetings, and hallway conversations all serve as places where these life lessons come to life.

And it鈥檚 not just words鈥攊t鈥檚 our kids living it. We see students helping one another up (literally and emotionally), asking great questions, owning their mistakes, and offering sincere apologies. We see them standing up for what’s right. And they learn this not only from us but from you, our parents and caregivers, who model it daily.

As we approach the end of this school year, let鈥檚 keep partnering to reinforce these lessons. Let鈥檚 celebrate the small wins, continue to nurture our students鈥� hearts and minds, and close the year with strength and purpose.

Upcoming Dates to Note:

• Monday, May 13th 鈥� PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM
• Tuesday, May 14th 鈥� Final Student All-School Assembly 11:15 AM
• Wednesday, May 15th 鈥� Kindergarten Orientation 6:30 PM

As always, thank you for your partnership, your care, and your unwavering support of our school and your children.

Dare to Dream,

Mr. Dees

School Nurse

The School Nurses, in conjunction with the Fitness and Health Department, will be conducting postural screening for the 5th-grade students.  This screening will be done during physical education classes the week of May 11th.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandates postural screening for all school-aged children in grades 5-9.  The purpose of this screening is to find early signs of possible spinal problems during an adolescent鈥檚 growth period.  This screening is not diagnostic, but designed to identify young people who may need further evaluation.  Early detection and prompt treatment of spinal issues can prevent problems from becoming severe.

Each student is screened separately.  For optimal viewing of the spine, your child鈥檚 back should be bare.  We suggest that the female students wear a sports bra or the top of a two-piece bathing suit, the day of the screening.  

If you do not wish your child to participate in the Postural Screening Program at school, *written documentation from your physician stating that your child has been screened within the last year* should be sent to the school nurse before screening.  A recent physical examination with documentation that postural screening was done is acceptable.

If your child has any unusual findings, you will be notified and asked to take your child to your physician for evaluation.  

Please do not hesitate to contact the school nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

Dear Hunnewell Parents,

Welcome back from Spring Break!
We hope your time away was restful and refreshing. We are fully in the final stretch of our school journey together this year, and the excitement is building.

This week, our 5th graders visited 无尽资源采集 Middle School and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Meanwhile, our 3rd graders took part in a lively Boston Tea Party experience 鈥� not the real one, of course, but a memorable and fun learning opportunity nonetheless!

As we look ahead, the last part of our journey begins in earnest next week with the Math MCAS assessments for our 4th and 5th graders. The pace of our activities will continue to pick up each week as we move closer to summer break.

A few important PTO reminders:

Fun Fair T-Shirt Design Contest ends next Tuesday, May 6th.  All students are welcome to enter! Details, including instructions and design tips, can be found .

Staff Raffle ends next Wednesday, 5/7. Tickets can be purchased  or via the  sent home in students’ orange folders. Our amazing teachers and staff have generously donated fabulous experiences that families can buy tickets to enter to win. Buy a chance, for only $1 each, to win a unique experience for your child with a favorite teacher or staff member! 

Hunnewell Helps, Beebe Meadow Cleanup, community service opportunity on Saturday, May 10. Details . All helping hands welcome!

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support. Together, we are making these final weeks of school meaningful, memorable, and full of joy for our students.

Important Dates to Remember

• April 27 鈥� May 7: Staff Raffle
• May 3: Red Sox Family Night
• May 5 鈥� 9: Staff Appreciation Week
• May 13: PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM

Dare to Dream,

Mr. Dees
 

Dear Hunnewell Families,

As we head into April Break, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your continued support, partnership, and encouragement throughout this busy spring season. Our students and staff have worked incredibly hard, and this upcoming week is a well-deserved opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy some family time.

Whether you鈥檙e traveling over the break or enjoying a relaxing 鈥渟taycation,鈥� I hope the days ahead are filled with joy, connection, and a healthy dose of fun. If you are heading out of town, please travel safely. If you’re staying close to home, I hope you find time to explore, unwind, and soak in some slower moments.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, April 28, ready to finish the school year strong.

Have a safe, restful, and happy April Break!

Dare to Dream,

Mr. Dees

Dear Hunnewell Families,

In our shared journey of guiding our children, there鈥檚 a phrase we often hear: 鈥淚 just want my child to be happy.鈥� It鈥檚 a heartfelt and loving sentiment. But through years of reflection, experience, and working with hundreds of children, we鈥檝e come to understand something deeper鈥攈appiness is not the aim. At least, not by itself.

Happiness is fleeting. It comes and goes, often tied to circumstances we can鈥檛 control. But meaning鈥攖hat鈥檚 different. Meaning is what sustains us. It鈥檚 found in rising to challenges, in serving others, in learning deeply, and in discovering who we are and what we鈥檙e capable of. When children pursue meaning鈥攖hrough responsibility, character, effort, and connection鈥攈appiness often follows. Not the momentary kind, but the kind rooted in confidence, purpose, and pride.

Whether it鈥檚 mastering a new skill, helping a peer, or contributing to a group project, our students are constantly engaged in building a life of substance. They鈥檙e learning that their actions matter, that growth comes through struggle, and that fulfillment doesn鈥檛 come from avoiding difficulty but from leaning into it with courage and compassion.

So instead of asking, 鈥淚s my child happy today?鈥� maybe the better question is, 鈥淚s my child becoming someone who can face life with strength, kindness, and integrity?鈥�

Together, let鈥檚 continue to nurture not just happy children but capable, grounded, and purposeful young people ready to meet the world with heart and meaning.

Dare to Dream,

Mr. Dees

Important Items

In observance of Passover, Whitson鈥檚 Food Service will be offering Matzah with the Caesar salad next week. Yum!

Our next All-School Assembly is next Thursday, April 17, from 2 to 3. Everyone is welcome, and this will be a special assembly. We will be offering The Mask Singer, Hunnewell Edition. Students will not be performing. We will have our last All-School Assembly (student performances) on May 15 from 11:15 to 12:00.

After the April Break, 3rd-grade students will no longer be escorted to the door by a teacher. They will also be able to walk home or ride their bike if allowed by the parent or guardian.

Lastly, please do not drop your children off before 8:15 a.m. We do not have adult supervision until 8:15 am. Students are not allowed in the building until 8:30 am, when the bell rings, unless they have paid the fee for before-school care. Thank you for attending to this situation.

Upcoming Dates

Apr 14-16^th– Hunnewell Used Book Fair

Apr 17^th 鈥� Hunnewell School Council 10:15 am-11:00 am

Apr 17^th– All School Assembly Masked Singer- Hunnewell Edition

Apr 18^th– Good Friday – No School

Apr 21-25– NO School April Break