On June 18, we will celebrate Step-Up Day at Stepney—a special day when students meet their new teacher and new classmates for next year.
This is an exciting time, but it can also bring nervous feelings for some students. These emotions are completely normal when facing change.
As parents, you can help by:
- Normalizing these feelings—let your child know it’s okay to feel both excited and unsure.
- Reflecting on the positives—talk about the good experiences they’ve had this year, the friends they’ve made, and the qualities they appreciated in their teachers. This helps them see that each year brings new chances for learning and friendship.
Please remember, our teachers and staff spend countless hours creating class placements. We carefully consider each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs. Every one of our students is placed with thoughtful care and the best intentions.
We’re looking forward to a positive Step-Up Day for all!
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This year, we tried something new: Stepney Reads Together.
Stepney Reads Together has a similar purpose to our previous One School, One Book initiative. Families share books and reading experiences that connect home and school while building a community of readers and reinforcing important messages and themes.
In the past, Stepney participated in One School, One Book, an initiative in which every family received the same chapter book to read together at home. Families typically read one chapter each night and discussed a question connected to the reading.
How are Stepney Reads Together and One School, One Book the same?
- Both encourage family reading.
- Both strengthen the home-school connection.
- Both create a shared reading experience and build a community of readers.
How are they different?
- In One School, One Book, every family reads the same chapter book and follows a common reading schedule.
- In Stepney Reads Together, families borrow themed book bags and enjoy picture books and activities connected to our school theme, allowing for a more flexible and interactive experience.
While the format is different, the goal remains the same: bringing families together around books, fostering a love of reading, and creating a shared experience for all Stepney families.
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At an assembly on June 5, we celebrated the growth our students have made through Stepney Reads Together. Throughout the year, students set goals, took small steps, and discovered the power of "yet." To recognize their hard work, each student will bring home a special flamingo to kick off our Summer Reading Challenge!
This summer, we invite all Stepney students to participate in our Flamingo Bingo Challenge. Students are encouraged to complete as many squares as possible on their Bingo board by reading, exploring, creating, and learning throughout the summer.
Just as flamingos thrive in a flock, we grow stronger when we learn together. We hope this challenge inspires students and families to enjoy books, try new experiences, and make lasting summer memories.
Prizes and Recognition
- Complete the entire Bingo board (all 25 squares) and earn an invitation to our Popsicle Party in the fall.
- The class with the highest participation rate will earn a Special Lunch Picnic.
Thank you for your partnership and support. We can't wait to see all the ways our students read, explore, create, and grow this summer!
Have a wonderful summer!
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On June 12, Stepney students gathered as a school community to learn about Juneteenth. Observed annually on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates freedom.
To help students understand this important moment in our nation's history, students participated in age-appropriate learning experiences and listened to a read-aloud during our end-of-year assembly. Classrooms will also use books and resources provided by the district to support understanding.
During the assembly, our Grade 2 students shared songs that highlighted the message of freedom in our country. We are grateful for the opportunity to come together as a school community to learn, reflect, and celebrate the values of freedom, hope, and unity.
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Please plan on picking up your child's medication from the health office from June 15-June 19 between 8:45-2:00. Please come to the health office window near door 50 (behind the flagpole).
All medications currently held in the health office must be picked up by the last day of school. In accordance with state law, if parents/guardians do not pick up medication by the end of the last day of school, the remaining medication will be destroyed.
Thank you!
Nurse Quigley
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Library Books Must be Returned ASAP
As the school year winds down, please remember to return all library books ASAP. Help us keep our library collection complete and ready for next year’s readers! If you have any questions about missing or overdue books, reach out to our library staff.
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We have started planning for the 2026-27 school year. If your child will not be returning to Stepney in the fall, please fill out the form. |
As we near the end of the school year, our students at Stepney Elementary School are enjoying a variety of activities in the classroom, at lunch, and during recess. From wiffle ball and basketball to wall ball, dance, role-playing, and climbing, there are many exciting options for our students to participate in.
Our teachers have been emphasizing the importance of good sportsmanship, respecting boundaries, and displaying responsible behavior throughout the school day. It is crucial that all students honor each other's personal space and boundaries in every aspect of their day.
We are asking for your assistance in reinforcing these expected behaviors at home. By working together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all students during their recess activities.
Thank you for your continued partnership in promoting a positive school community.
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Assistant Principal
We are happy to welcome Stacia Piskura.
Kindergarten
Donna Haversat will be retiring.
Stephanie Gouveia will be teaching kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year.
Grade 1
Melanie Vieira will be taking a one year leave of absence to be home with her daughter. We will hiring for her position.
Grade 3
We are excited to announce Shannon Searles will be our new grade 3 teacher. She was a long term sub this year in grade 1.
Grade 4
We are excited to welcome Silvia Fedell. She currently teaches grade 4 at Fawn Hollow.
Grade 5
McKenzi Greco will not be returning next year.
We are happy to share that Emma Champagne will remain in grade 5. She is currently a long term substitute.
School Counselor
Kim Petrafesa will be a high school counselor next year.
We are excited to share that our new school counselor will be Ashley Gilbey!
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