Principal's Corner
Dear FitzGerald Families,
Welcome to the FitzGerald School community! The FitzGerald School provides a bright and modern learning environment that is staffed by people who bring energy, diligence, dedication and a love for learning to our school every day. We work to provide an enriching and differentiated academic experience for every learner and promote high expectations for being positive members of our school community.
Our school mascot (a panther named Fitzy) helps us to promote our Panther PRIDE core values. We focus on a core value each month and say our mission statement together each morning. Our mission statement is “Our Panther PRIDE we always show, every day we learn and grow.” The core values are: positive attitude, personal ownership, respect, role model, integrity, individuality, determination, dignity, empathy and excellence.
Our school prioritizes Social Emotional Learning in numerous ways, including a weekly Community Circle in each classroom. This structure focuses on engaging students in conversations around topics such as promoting a cooperative classroom environment, solving interpersonal problems, embracing a growth mindset, and building positive relationships.
A strong home school partnership is an important part of a child’s elementary experience. Ongoing classroom communication, as well as regular office informational updates, are embedded into our work each year. There are also many opportunities to volunteer within the FitzGerald Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and on the FitzGerald School Council. The FitzGerald School Council updates are located within the school's Fitzy's Flyer newsletter. The FitzGerald PTO provides our students with meaningful enrichment opportunities that connect directly to items such as grade level curriculum, fine and performing arts, social emotional learning, and cultural events, as well as help to fund field trips for the students. There are also many PTO run events for families throughout the year as well.
Our school hours are from 8:42am-3:00pm. Drop off begins at 8:25am. All students have the option to receive free breakfast and lunch this school year. We have a before and after school program on site through the Waltham YMCA. You can contact the Waltham YMCA directly for more information on these programs.
We appreciate the collaborative partnership of all members of our school community in order to provide every student with an outstanding and positive elementary school experience. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time at 781-314-5680.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jennifer Santillo, Principal