October 10, 2025
Happy Friday Edgartown Families-
Teachers have been busy today reviewing MCAS data, planning lessons with the new HMH curriculum, planning WIN blocks and much more. These types of professional development opportunities allow teachers to work collaboratively on how to best support and meet the needs of all students.
Playground/Outdoor Learning Space Update- It is exciting to see all the progress. What a fabulous campus our students will have when completed. This weekend the work will begin on our K-1 playground. Starting Tuesday, Oct 14th, all students K-8 will be using the Town playground space.
After school clubs have started and are going well. If you have any questions reach out to Laurie Jennings.
A few calendar reminders:
Oct. 13th No School Indigenous Peoples Day
Oct. 14th Cranberry Day recognition
Oct. 15th Literacy Night 5:30-7:00 Come join us for a night of literacy, learning and laughter. Pizza will be served in the cafe- event will take place in the gym.
Oct. 16th Children’s Day recognition
Oct. 21st Parent Teacher Conferences half day for students 12:00 dismissal
12:30-3:30 K-4 4:00-7:00 5-8
Oct. 23rd Parent Teacher Conferences- half day for students 12:00 dismissal
12:30-3:30 5-8 4:00-7:00 K-4
Oct 27rd Parent Teacher Conferences- half day for students 12:00 dismissal
12:30-3:30 K-4 4:00-7:00 5-8
An email was sent out on Oct. 3rd. explaining the conference sign-up process. The window for sign-ups begins on Monday, Oct. 13th at noon. Any questions about conferences please reach out to Mrs. Naron in the office.
Oct 22, 23, 24 all 6th graders will attend the Natures Classroom learning experience in Groton, MA
Oct. 24th United Nations Day celebration begins at 9:00. All families are welcome to join us.
Oct 27th- Pumpkin Fun Run and Community Meeting– fun run begins at 8:30. As with all Fun Runs related themed tshirts/costumes are allowed/ encouraged. Masks are not allowed for safety.
Oct. 27-31st Edgartown School Bookfair will be held in the Library- more information coming.
Nov. 7th 8th SAVE THE DATE- for our School Musical The Little Mermaid. More information coming.
Nov. 11th Veteran’s Day recognition No School
Have a great long weekend everyone- stay dry!
Respectfully,
Kate Campbell
Edgartown School Principal
October 3, 2025
Happy Friday Edgartown!
Great week here at school. As routines and expectations solidify, classrooms are really getting down to business. The students and teachers are building relationships, celebrating successes and working through roadblocks when they occur. Lots of learning is taking place.
Over the past 2 weeks I have held grade level data meetings with teachers and support staff. We have analyzed beginning of the year assessments and begun to set 6-8 week goals for each student/grade level. We are reviewing ELA and Math benchmarks. If we determine students need more support in specific areas we will be identifying where this support will occur. The possibilities could be one or multiple areas of instruction including: in-class support, small pull-out group instruction or targeted instruction during WIN time. Each grade level has 30-40 minutes a day for WIN time “ what they need”. These learning opportunities during WIN will fluctuate during the school year as we progress monitor students skills. We will also include extension/ enrichment opportunities during WIN block for students who are currently scoring on or above benchmarks.Throughout the year students will be able to have different areas of focus as well as connect with topics they show strengths and interest in. WIN cycles will allow students to explore grade level standards at a deeper level. We will also be using feedback from students on their own areas of interest for WIN opportunities. This type of learning will allow students to have more voice and connection to content as well as transferring skills and knowledge into real world situations. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you have as WIN will look different than in years past.
Parent Teacher Conferences are on the calendar(Oct. 21. 23, and 27) where you and your child’s teacher can discuss your child’s strengths and areas of focus more in depth. A separate email was sent this morning with information on how/when to sign up for parent conferences. Please reach out to Mrs Naron in the office if you have any questions or need any help.
Arrival and Dismissal– please remember school starts at 8:10. Doors open at 7:30 for breakfast. We know mornings can be tough but please try to get your child here on time.
Afternoon pick up- please follow the staff guiding cars in line. We are trying to make the process go as safety and as quickly as possible. Students need to get in and out of the car on the side that meets the sidewalk.
Registration Packets– As of today we only have about 50% of these packets returned. Please make sure to complete these important forms and return as soon as possible.
After School Clubs sign up was sent earlier this week. In case you missed it the link is below. Lots of choices for kids- hopefully something for everyone!
https://forms.gle/rFnuamWNMzUUfTJD8
Mock Trial is back again for the 2025-2026 school year. Any 7th grade student who would like to participate is welcome! Sign ups are starting and participants will meet Wednesday mornings, once a week, from 7:45 AM – 8:30AM. Classes begin November 5th through early April. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Mock Trial Facilitator, Sue Costello, at scostello@mvyps.org.
Weekly Flyers-there were many informational flyers this week so we sent separately in hopes of families getting as much information as possible.
Have a great weekend!
Respectfully,
Kate Campbell
Edgartown School Principal
September 26, 2025
Smiles all around this week! Picture Day was a success. Despite the rain- we were able to get class pictures done outside, while individuals were being taken inside in the cafe. If you missed picture day there will be a make-up date. More information about a make up day will be coming.
Our First Fun Run and Community Meeting of the year started today. I was excited to be a part of this special tradition. The fun run had both serious competitors and walkers chatting with friends. It was a geat way to come together as a community. Thank you to Mrs McDonald for the organization and the encouragement for all to participate.
Our community meeting was led with recognition of students who have stood out by following our core values. We celebrated our entire school community for recognizing the importance of kindness and respect and what it looks like in different aspects of the day. We will continue to focus on setting high expectations for our choices as well as supporting students on what they can do differently when needed. We believe if a student struggles making a good decision, we will reset the direction and help support the students in meeting the expectation. Some of the schoolwide expectations include how we treat each other, listening to our teachers, the way we travel and take care of our school building, our styles of communication- are we being respectful and kind when we talk to one another in class, the cafe, recess etc… When we identify collective goals and hold ourselves to these standards, our school becomes a healthy successful environment to learn and grow in. Please talk at home about kindness and respect as the students shared that they should be carrying these values beyond school to both home and the community. We have amazing students at the Edgartown School- we want them to be the best they can be.
Part of the community meeting also celebrates special school lessons, events or accomplishments from our students. We shared Derby WInner McCabe Neadow as well as listened to a few of our talented musicians with a song written and performed by the student group and Mr Nascimento. Way to go Edgartown School!
Anyone in need of a bike helmet? All sizes and styles available from a generous community donation. Please have your child check out the gently used bike helmets at lunch time if they are in need of a new one.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Respectfully,
Kate Campbell
Edgartown Principal
September 19, 2025
It was wonderful to see so many families during this week’s Open House. The positive energy and pride our students showed as they introduced their families to new teachers and led them around their classrooms/school was palpable.
Thank you to all the community members who came out to support our families and students with available resources and services -what a special community we get to call our own.
Thank you to Gina and her kitchen team for the delicious meal. How lucky are we at the Edgartown School!
Registration packets are being sent home today. Please review the information on the orange form and update as necessary. Please provide your appropriate proof of residency showing your current physical street address (no PO Boxes). Please read and fill out all the other forms and return them to school as soon as possible.
Upcoming Events:
Picture Day is next Wednesday, Sept. 24th. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the front office.
First Day of Banking- Thursday, Sept 25th, 7:30-8:10
If you are an existing student banker, your savings register is at the school bank on file- you are all set to start on Thursday.
If you are a new banker and would like to open an account and participate in the School Savings Program, please contact Brooke Leahy-(617) 680-2323, bjoileahy@gmail.com, or you can stop by any MV Bank branch and sign up.
Banking occurs every Thursday in the cafe from 7:30-8:10. Students simply bring their deposits into the cafeteria, where they will fill out their deposit slips and watch their savings grow!
First Fun Run and Community Meeting Friday, Sept.26th, 8:30 start time for the Fun Run followed directly by our Community Meeting in the gym.
Playground Update– we have continued to watch the design and building of the multicourt area. Every day there is something new for us to see.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Respectfully,
Kate Campbell
Edgartown School Principal
September 12, 2025
Another great week here at the Edgartown School. Lots of smiles and conversation as we get back into the groove of school. We continue to focus on our core values and what kindness and respect look like, feel like and sound like. Students have done well in making connections with different aspects of our school day. Please continue to ask your child about their day – there are great things happening in our classrooms and our school community.
The playground project is well underway and moving along as planned. The students are able to watch the daily progress as they make their way down to the town parks playground. The multi-court and basketball hoops have already been recognized by the students. It will be fun to see what next week brings. Will share some updated pictures of the project next week.
Quick reminder: please label all sweatshirts and jackets. Although the weather has been beautiful, we have a few items already sitting in the lost and found located in the cafe. Students can check the table in the cafe during lunch if they think they have lost anything.
Busy Week Ahead!
Tuesday, September 16th 8:30 am PTA meeting in the staff dining room. We would love more involvement and participation as we set out in the new year. Please know everyone is welcome.
Wednesday, September 17th- 5:30-7:00. Welcome Back to School Night. Can’t wait to see you all!
School Advisory Board– if you are interested in being a part of the Edgartown School Advisory Board for the upcoming school year, please reach out to Mrs Campbell. Our first meeting will be Oct.14th at 10:30am.
In Massachusetts, a School Advisory Council, is typically composed of parents, teachers, community members, and school administrators. Their primary responsibilities include:
- School Improvement Planning: The council collaborates with the school principal to develop, review, and revise the school’s improvement plan. This plan outlines strategies for enhancing student performance and achieving educational goals.
- Budget Review and Recommendations: The council reviews the school’s budget and makes recommendations to ensure that financial resources align with the priorities outlined in the school improvement plan.
- Policy and Program Development: The council provides input on school policies and programs, ensuring they meet the needs of the student population and align with district and state educational goals.
- Community Engagement: The council serves as a bridge between the school and the community, fostering communication and encouraging parental and community involvement in school activities and decision-making processes.
- Review of School Handbook: The council often participates in reviewing and suggesting changes to the school’s student and parent handbook, ensuring that policies are clear and fair.
If you served on the SAC last year, please know we would love to have you be part of the council this year as well.
Have a great weekend! Beautiful weather ahead.
Respectfully,
Kate Campbell
Edgartown School Principal
September 5, 2025
Happy Friday Edgartown Families!
What an amazing first week of school at the Edgartown School. Staff, students and families worked together as we transitioned back from summer. I have really enjoyed getting to know students and families these past few days. Thank you to our staff for the time and dedication getting our classrooms and school ready for our students.
I have been able to meet with all grade levels (kindergarten next week) and start conversations about our school core values. We discussed the meanings and connections of KINDNESS and RESPECT and why these values are important for students, staff and a successful school . We shared what these values mean as a community, what they look like for us as students within classes, how we treat each other, and how we transfer these values out into the bigger community. Please ask your child if they remember these conversations and how they can carry these values over to family and friends outside of the school day. As the year continues, we will recognize the importance of other core values and how they build our school community into an environment we are all proud to be a part of.
Thank you to the PTA for the warm welcome back sign and the parent coffee hour. What a wonderful surprise for everyone as they arrived back to school. Thank you to Rosewater for the teacher’s treats. Everyone was feeling the positive energy and thoughtfulness.
Outdoor Learning/Playground Project– is now underway! A very exciting time for our school as we embark on this project. The students have done a good job being flexible as we move down to the Town Park playground/fields for recess.
We are communicating to the town that due to our school project the Robinson Road Recreation Area will need to be closed 9:00am until 2:00pm Monday-Friday. Thank you for the understanding and the collaboration.
Please remember to check our school website for upcoming events. I will include upcoming weekly events, but you may want to mark your calendars with important future dates.
Tuesday, September 9th 8:30-9:30 Coffee and Conversation with Mrs Campbell. Feel free to stop by and share ideas, hopes and community connections for the upcoming school year.
Wednesday, September 10th 4:30pm School Committee held in the school library.
It appears the students and Shea the school therapy dog have already created a positive bond. Lots of smiles from our students as they get to know one of our newest staff members.
Have a fabulous weekend! Please reach out if you have any questions or if I can assist you in any way.
Respectfully,
Kate Campbell
Principal
Edgartown School
kcampbell@mvyps.org
September 1, 2025
Greeting Edgartown School Families,
It was a wonderful week back for staff at the Edgartown school. We have been working on future school goals, collaborating on curriculum, building systems for how to best create learning opportunities for all students to learn, grow and shine, and of course setting up our classrooms. Our teachers care deeply about your children.
It was great to meet so many of our newest students and their families at our Kindergarten Picnic last week. We are so excited to see everyone on Tuesday morning!
Important messages can be found below:
Message from Nurse Kate:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope you all had a relaxing and healthy summer! I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Tuesday.
If your student takes medication during the school day or uses an inhaler or EpiPen, please bring it to school on the first day. All medications must be in their original, labeled containers and handed directly to Nurse Kate or Nurse Colleen. If applicable, please also include your student’s Asthma Action Plan and/or Food Allergy Action Plan from their primary care provider.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me directly.
Wishing you all a wonderful start to the school year—I’m excited to work together again!
Warmly,
Nurse Kate
kcurelli@mvyps.org
Message from Mrs McDonald to students in 5th-8th grade:
Hello Families,
I am excited to be starting Open Gym on the first day of school! For those of you unfamiliar with Open Gym, it is a time for kids to get some movement in before school starts. It is open to all students in grades 5-8 from 7:30 am- 8:10 am. Here are the rules and expectations for all students who wish to participate. Students do not need to sign up or commit to coming, and they can get here anytime before 8:10. The biggest rule is if your child is having breakfast at the school, they must do that first, they cannot come to the gym and then leave for breakfast.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
Have a great day,
Megan McDonald
Safety Drills- we will be having safety drills throughout the school year. Our first fire drill will be within the first 3 days of school. The staff and students will know about the drill, discuss and review what the procedures will include. Our Edgartown Police and Fire deptartments work closely with the school as safety is always a priority. I will send out a family communication after a drill is complete.
Breakfast and Lunch Update-
We will send out the lunch menu each month and post on the school website. Without a doubt, our very special school member Gina Debettencourt runs the best kitchen around!
September lunch menus:
English
Portuguese
School lunch and recess calendar.
A special tradition at our school is the opportunity for a parent to come join their child for lunch. If you are interested in joining your child for lunch we ask that you follow the procedures below.
Please check in at the office with a photo ID and get a visitor pass.
Parents can wait in the lobby for their child and join the line as they enter the cafe
Parents get in line with their child to pick up their lunch.
Parents should exit the building following lunch and students will continue with their day
All students have breakfast and lunch available free of charge.
Adult breakfast $4.00
Adult lunch $5.00
Parents can pay by cash or check. They may not charge their child’s lunch account.
Kindergarten does not get lunch the first two weeks on the 1/2 days.
New playground project will be starting next Thursday. I will send out more information with details about fencing, equipment and if any changes in parking will be needed. This is a very exciting project for our students and our community.
One of Edgartown’s newest staff-
Shea the School Therapy Dog- Starting this year the Edgartown School will have a school therapy dog as part of the school community. Shea has been a school therapy dog for the past 3 years in Attleboro, MA. She has gone through extensive training and is certified to work in schools, hospitals and any areas of need. She has worked with ages 3 to 93. Her role is to bring smiles to a school community. Mrs Campbell, along with staff will be talking to students the first week about Shea and what it means to have a school therapy dog. Please know there will never be a time where students are required to interact with Shea. She is a 4 year old hypoallergenic bernadoodle who has brought smiles to many students and staff during her time as a therapy dog. Shea will either be with Mrs Campbell or Mr Butler throughout the school day. If families have any questions, concerns or worries about their child and interactions with Shea please reach out. If you would like your child to have no interactions with Shea please also let Mrs Campbell know and that request would of course be respected.
Shea the School Therapy Dog video: https://youtu.be/jbUxqw0h8XU
As the new principal, along with Debbie DeBettencourt, and our entire staff, we are excited and energized about the year ahead. Communication and collaboration will continue to be a priority for us. Your voice and insight matter in developing a school community where we can continue to grow and shine.
Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
Kate Campbell
Principal
The Edgartown School
508-627-3316- extension 402
kcampbell@mvyps.org
August 21, 2025
Welcome Edgartown School to the 2025-2026 School Year
Dear Edgartown School Community,
We hope you had a wonderful summer break and are as excited as we are to begin the school year. The first day of classes will begin on September 2nd. The Edgartown staff has been busily preparing for a great year ahead. We can’t wait to connect with you all, see your smiles, hear about your summer excitement, as well as listen to your hopes and dreams for this school year.
Important Dates and Events:
Classlists will be sent out to all families- August 22nd.
Popsicles on the Playground with Mrs Campbell- August 27th at 4:00. Swing by and say hi to our new principal. Mrs. Campbell is very excited to meet all her new students and families. There will be many opportunities for families to collaborate, share ideas and input and ask questions about our school as the year continues.
First Day of School for all Students- September 2nd.
PTA Opening Day Meet and Greet- Join us in the lobby on Sept 2nd from 8:00- 8:30am for a cup of coffee and a chance to connect with other parents.
School Committee Meeting- Wednesday, September 10th at 4:30pm in the library. We value your input and participation as we start the new year.
PTA Meeting- Tuesday, September 16th at 8:30 AM. Everyone is invited!
Open House and Family Dinner- Wednesday, September 17th- 5:30pm to 7:00pm.
Enjoy a family dinner, explore the health fair, tour our school garden, and visit your child’s classrooms.
5:30pm – stop by the cafe for a family style dinner.
5:30-7:00pm– Visit the Health Fair in the lobby, tour the outdoor garden and grab some dessert before heading to classrooms.
6:00-7:00pm-Visit classrooms, gym, music,art, computer and the many learning spaces throughout the school. Most importantly, say hi to our fabulous staff who are eager and excited to see everyone.
First Week Reminders:
- Bus routes/stops will be posted on the school website https://www.edgartownschool.org/
- (transportation tab). Please check for your street/route. If you have specific questions about the time or location of the stop please reach out to the transportation office at 508-693-10033 ex.253 or bustransportation@mvyps.org .
- Daily Arrival- student drop off begins at 8am. Please use the designated drop off line. Do not drop off your child in the parking lot. Safety is always our priority- please follow crossing guards and police directions when walking/driving. Open Gym for grades 5-8 begins at 7:30am.
- Students will be marked late at 8:15am.
- Dismissal is at 2:40pm.
- Important registration packets will go home with your child the first week of school. Please complete and return as soon as possible. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
- Free Breakfast and lunch are provided to all students.
- Check the school website regularly for updates and events.
- Weekly communication will be sent out on Fridays throughout the year. Please feel comfortable reaching out to Mrs Campbell or our staff with any questions, concerns or ideas as the year progresses.
Here at the Edgartown School we are all looking forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and community development. I am so excited to be a part of this school community and work alongside families as we foster the growth and development of all our children.
Warm regards,
Kate D. Campbell
Principal
Edgartown School
508-627-3316 x402
kcampbell@mvyps.org
August 20, 2025
Dear Edgartown School Families,
I would like to introduce myself as the new principal of the Edgartown School. I am very excited to be here and become a contributing member of our school community. These past 7 weeks have been full as I collaborate with staff and listen to the many wonderful aspects of our school. I look forward to bringing my 33 years experience to a very special place I now call home. I can’t wait to meet all our students on September 2nd!
My primary focus as your principal is to build strong, meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families. I believe that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in a way that empowers them to reach their full potential. A strong school community shines when each child feels valued and encouraged to excel. Identifying and building systems of learning opportunities for all students is a focus I have worked hard on in my career, and I look forward to collaborating with teachers to strengthen systems here at the Edgartown School.
Communication is key to our success, and I am dedicated to establishing clear, two-way channels between the school and families. My goal is to ensure you are informed and updated as the year progresses. I want families to feel confident sharing thoughts and insights, asking questions big and small, and feeling comfortable when difficult conversations need to be had. I believe working through challenges when they arise usually gets us to a better place.
Looking ahead, I am excited to explore opportunities for families to share their perspectives on what makes our school special and to express hopes and dreams for our students. Your input is invaluable as we plan for the future of the Edgartown School. I am eager to get to know each family, build trust, and instill confidence in my role as your school leader. I encourage you to reach out whenever needed. One of the best aspects of my role is the ability to work alongside teachers and families as we support and celebrate our children.
I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you all. More updates are coming soon!
Warm regards,
Kate D. Campbell
Edgartown School Principal
508-627-3316 x402
kcampbell@mvyps.org