Dear Cunniff Families,
We could not be more excited to start the 2026 2027 school year with you on Tuesday! Our teachers and staff have been hard at work putting the finishing touches on things, and we are ready for you!
As you all enjoy this last weekend of summer, please make sure to read through the information below - it will ensure that our first week of school goes smoothly, and that you have all of the information you need.
Please Note:
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The parking lot is for staff only. In order to ensure the safety of our students, do not enter, park, or idle in the lot during arrival or dismissal. Thank you for keeping our community safe!
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There is no Drop-and-Go on Tuesday, September 8th or Wednesday, September 9th.
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Dogs on campus: While we do have our own Facility Dog at the Cunniff (see below!), non-WPS dogs are not allowed on campus. In an effort to keep everyone safe and comfortable, we ask that you do not bring your dog with you onto Cunniff school grounds. This includes the walkway between the school and the cemetery, the parking lot, and the walkways around the school. The sidewalk in front of the school on Warren Street is not considered school grounds. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
Pre-K Families: Your students will start the week of September 14th. Ms. Hartford and Ms. Cobuccio (Ms. Tina) will be sending more details out next week.
Here’s to a wonderful year,
Julia MacEwan
Principal
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Arrival will begin at 8:05am, and classroom teachers will be outside to greet students at their designated dismissal spots (please refer to the Dismissal Information, below, for your location).
In order for this to go smoothly, please make sure you know the name of your child’s classroom teacher. If you do not know who your child’s teacher is, please call us at 617-926-7726.
Students dismiss at 2:30pm.
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Kindergarten students will be visiting their classrooms by appointment. If you do not know when your child is scheduled, please reach out to Kim Golden at kimberly.golden@watertown.k12.ma.us. |
Arrival: 8:05 - 8:15
Teachers will be located at their class's dismissal spots, just like the first day of school! Teachers will wait with their students and head into the building once they have everyone, or at 8:15 (whichever comes first!).
Dismissal: 2:30pm
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Arrival: 8:05 - 8:15, Door #2
Kindergarten students will be greeted at Door #2 (by the large/Cougar playground), and brought into the building. Please plan a quick good-bye with your child to make their transition into the building smooth.
Kindergarten Dismissal: 12pm, Door #2
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Students will enter the building through their regular arrival doors, starting at 8:05am.
1st - 5th Graders: Enter through Door 1. Teachers will meet them in their classrooms, and there will be additional staff throughout the building to direct and assist them.
Kindergarteners: Enter through Door 2. Teachers will welcome them into the building and take them to classrooms.
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Our Drop-and-Go will be open! Here is how it works:
- Drop-and-Go happens at the curb on the Cunniff side of Warren Street, designated by orange cones.
- If your child needs your assistance getting out of the car, please do not use Drop-and-Go. Instead, please park your car, help your child with their belongings, and walk your child up to the door instead of using the Drop-and-Go.
- If you use the Drop-and-Go line, we ask you to stay in your car at all times and do not pass the car in front of you or exit the car line unless directed by a staff member. This is for the safety of our staff and students.
- Your child should be situated on the PASSENGER SIDE of your car, and must exit onto the sidewalk.
- Cunniff staff members will assist your child in exiting the car, and make sure the door is closed before you drive forward.
- On days of inclement weather the line may get long and slow. Don't worry: we will hold attendance on those days and not mark students late.
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Do NOT pull out of the Drop-and-Go line. Once your child has exited your car, please wait for the car in front of you to move and/or to be waved forward by staff.
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Drop-And-Go is during arrival only; we have no live pick-up. At dismissal, you must park your car and walk to your child's dismissal spot to get them.
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As many of you already know, we have a facility dog at our school - his name is Bowie, and he is a 5-year-old English Cream Golden Retriever. Bowie's job at the school is to simply be present with students and staff -- he has been trained by the organization Golden Opportunities for Independence (GOFI), and started working at the Cunniff last school year.
Bowie is typically at school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and he is handled by our social worker, Elaine Antonellis. Bowie visits classrooms, participates in school activities, and provides comfort and joy to anyone who would like to interact with him.
If you have any concerns about your child interacting with Bowie due to allergies or phobia, please let us know by filling out the form linked below.
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Students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 may be given permission by their guardian(s) to walk home from school at dismissal without an adult. If you would like your child to be able to do this, please fill out the form linked below.
Students in Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grade may be dismissed to an older sibling without an adult. If you would like your younger child to be dismissed to an older sibling or friend, please fill out the form linked below.
You must fill out one form PER child (not one form per family).
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September
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Tuesday, September 8: First Day of the 26-27 School Year!
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Thursday, September 24: Cunniff Open House, 6p - 7:30p (more details to come!)
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If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links:
- (617)-926-7726
- julia.macewan@watertown.k12.ma.us
- https://cunniff.watertown.k12.ma.us/
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