Welcome to this edition of the Early Steps Newsletter! We're excited to share the latest happenings and updates from our school community to keep you informed and engaged.

On Monday, February 2, we celebrate Groundhog Day! Did you know that Massachusetts has its very own famous groundhog, Ms. G. She lives at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln.

Groundhog day is a fun tradition that comes from the idea that a groundhog can predict the arrival of spring. According to the tradition, if the groundhog sees its shadow, we may have six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, spring may be just around the corner!

Thank you again for your continued support.

After two snow days already this season, we are reminded that in New England, snow days whether loved or not, could be just around the corner.

Please read below for important information about, school closure, delayed openings, and early releases.

● WCVB Television (Channel 5)

● WHDH Television (Channel 7)

● NBC Boston (Channel 10 and NECN)

● WFXT Television (Channel 25)

● WBZ Television (Channel 4)

● WBZ Radio (AM 1030)

We will post at the above locations as soon as the decision is made. On most occurrences, the decision to open, delay, or close school is made between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. It is only on rare occasions that conditions are such that a clear decision can be made the night before. In those cases, we endeavor to make the decision to have it broadcast on the 11:00 PM news.

Additionally, the District will call households once a decision has been made about the school cancellation or delay.

A delayed opening may be announced to allow the District and/or Department of Public Works to adequately prepare streets, walkways, and parking lots for safe travel. Delayed openings will be for one (1) hour to two (2) hours after the schools’ regular scheduled start times. Before-school programs are canceled on days with delayed openings.

For Pre-K students at Cunniff, Hosmer, or Lowell, school will begin two hours after the regular school day (10:30am)

For Preschool and Pre-K students at Early Steps, school will begin two hours after the regular scheduled day (8:00am)

Lunch will be served at the regular time and the school day will at the regular time for all students.

Extended Day programs are canceled on days of school closure. On days with delayed openings, before-school Extended Day programs are canceled and after-school Extended Day programs begin as usual.

On occasion, the District may call for an early release or cancel PM and evening activities including after-school Extended Day programs. Please check the aforementioned television and radio stations for notifications of PM closures. Please be sure to let the main office know your child's dismissal plan for these days.

In Massachusetts, public schools are required to periodically screen students to help identify potential health-related concerns.

Preschool and Pre-K students are required to undergo vision screenings to meet this requirement. We will be conducting these screenings over the next few weeks. Families will be notified of the results only if additional follow-up by a healthcare provider is recommended.

If you prefer that your child not receive this screening at school, please reach out to me via ParentSquare or email.

Please note that if your child will be entering kindergarten next year, this screening does not replace the vision screening that their pediatrician is required to complete prior to entry.

If you have any questions or feel your child needs additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you!

Kaitlyn Reynolds

kaitlyn.reynolds@watertown.k12.ma.us 

If your child is currently enrolled in Pre-Kindergarten at Hosmer, Lowell, Cunniff, or Early Steps and will be attending WPS for Kindergarten, you do not need to re-register for school. However, you will need to provide an updated physical exam form and proof of residency to the main office at Early Steps, 1 Concord Road, Watertown.

We will be hosting a Kindergarten Information Session on March 4. If you are unable to attend, registration information will be shared on the Early Steps website.

Please take a moment to complete the linked form to help us learn more about your plans for your child entering kindergarten this September. Please complete the form by Friday, February 13, 2026.