Mrs. Minor’s June 2026 Letter

June 30, 2026

 

Dear Our Lady’s Academy Families,

 

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer.

 

This year’s summer letter is reaching you a bit later than usual due to my personal loss. As many of you know, my beloved husband of 58 years, Ed, recently passed away. During this difficult time, I have been deeply touched by the kindness, prayers, and support shown by the Our Lady’s Academy community.

 

While I miss Ed tremendously, I am grateful to be surrounded by such a caring and compassionate school family. Your concern, encouragement, and prayers have been a source of comfort, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I truly feel blessed to have all of you, your children, and our dedicated faculty as an extension of my family.

 

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to all of our new families. We are delighted that you have chosen to join the Our Lady’s Academy community. This letter contains important information to help make your family’s transition to our school as smooth as possible. Returning families will find many familiar reminders as we prepare for another exciting year.

 

Although the school building feels very quiet during the summer months without your children’s laughter filling the halls, there is still plenty of activity taking place behind the scenes. In addition to working with late enrollees, we have already begun preparing the building for September. As always, classrooms and common areas will be thoroughly cleaned and refreshed to provide a welcoming environment for our students.  Faculty members have also been coming in throughout the summer to organize classrooms, tie up loose ends from the previous school year, and prepare for another successful year at Our Lady’s Academy.

 

Important Information

 

Class Placements

Class placements will be mailed during the second week of August. Our faculty carefully considers academic needs, student relationships, learning styles, gender balance, talents, and personalities when creating class assignments.

Please remember that students in each grade are supported by all teachers at that grade level.  Many classes are not self-contained, allowing teachers to work collaboratively and provide instruction tailored to students’ individual needs.

Summer assignments and school supply lists for each grade are available on our website:  Our Lady’s Academy

 

New Faculty Member

Another exciting development is that we have hired our own Physical Education teacher who is employed directly by the school.  We are pleased to welcome Jill Wilder as our Physical Education teacher.  Jill is a former Our Lady’s Academy parent who brings enthusiasm, experience, and a commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for our students.

As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, all new faculty members undergo comprehensive background checks. In addition to the required screening processes already in place, we have expanded our review procedures to include additional social media and background screenings.

A complete faculty and staff directory will also be distributed in August.

 

Curriculum Initiatives

Gifted Program

Sometime in July,we will be designing a program for our students that demonstrate high achievement as identified by their grades, testing, teacher recommendation and eagerness to take on additional challenges.  We do provide support to students that would benefit from extra support from our reading specialist, resource teacher and through differentiation of instruction, the classroom teachers.  It is our goal for this gifted program is to provide support to those students that would benefit from an expanded curriculum.  More information will follow.

 

Early Literacy

In Kindergarten through Grade 3, we will be adopting the Fundations program as part of our commitment to following the latest research in literacy instruction and the Science of Reading. Fundations provides students with a strong foundation in phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, handwriting, and reading fluency. We are excited to bring this research-based program to our early elementary students to help ensure they develop the skills necessary to become successful readers. 

 

Reading Instruction

Our book room continues to grow each year with the addition of new leveled readers and instructional materials that support individualized reading instruction in grades Prek thorough grade four.  Grades four through eight will

be reading novels with the direction of the reading teachers.

 

Mathematics

 

Math Expressions will continue as the primary mathematics curriculum for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Please note that in math, as in other subjects, students’ grades do not dictate the level at which they learn.

Our Advanced Math Program will continue in the Middle School. Across all grades, mathematics instruction will be differentiated to meet individual student needs.

 

Social Studies

Middle School students will continue to use a traditional social studies curriculum focused on Ancient, World and American History.  Middle school students will continue to participate in the National History Day Competition. 

 

Science

Our science program, Generation Genius, will continue this year for all students in Kindergarten through Grade 8. This program features hands-on, research-based learning with an online component for students in Grades 3–8. It supports project-based learning and gives students opportunities to explore scientific concepts in engaging and meaningful ways. 

 

Greek and Latin Roots

Our Greek and Latin Roots course will continue for students in Grades 6–8. This program plays an important role in strengthening students’ vocabulary development, word analysis skills, and overall reading comprehension. By learning the building blocks of academic language, students are better able to decode unfamiliar words, make connections across content areas, and develop more precise and confident language use. This coursework also helps prepare students for rigorous high school coursework and competitive entrance exams, where strong vocabulary and language skills are a key advantage. 

 

STEM Program

We are pleased that Alejandro Montes de Oca will be on hand for the entire school week.  He will lead our STEM program in grades 6–8 and serve as our technology coordinator, helping support the school’s technology needs.

 

Harkness Method

The Harkness Method will continue in the Middle School. This discussion-based instructional approach encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and meaningful student participation. More information about this method can be found through Phillips Exeter Academy resources.

 

Leadership Development

Our Leadership Program will continue to provide students with opportunities to develop and demonstrate leadership skills. Student Government will serve as a foundation for many of these initiatives. Additional information will be shared in the fall.

 

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

While we will continue to maintain our BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program in Grades 5-8, we are also paying close attention to the most recent research around student screen time and its impact on learning and development. This summer, we’re taking time to thoughtfully plan ways to better balance and limit device use during the school day. We absolutely recognize and value the benefits of technology in instruction, and we remain committed to using it in purposeful, meaningful ways that reflect current research and best practices. 

BYOD use in Grade 4 remains at the teacher’s discretion and follows established school guidelines. Chromebooks are available through the school for students in Grades 3 and 4, and additional devices are purchased as needs arise.

 

IXL Learning

IXL Learning will continue to be used on a limited, intentional basis to support student learning and skill development. We value the targeted practice and immediate feedback it provides for students, and we see it as a helpful tool when used thoughtfully. At the same time, in light of our ongoing commitment to being mindful about screen time, we are reviewing how and when it is used to ensure it remains balanced, purposeful, and aligned with best practices. 

 

Extracurricular Activities & After-School Programming

We are excited to continue offering a variety of after-school opportunities for our students.

Current offerings include:

Karate                                     Monday

Piano                                       Monday

Band                                        Tuesday

Debate                                     Thursday

ICROBOT                                Thursday

Chess                                      Friday

Basketball                                TBA

Drama Club                             TBA

Art Club                                   TBA

Armenian Language               TBA

French Language                    TBA

Soccer                                     TBA

Field Hockey                            TBA

 

Additional activities may be added throughout the year. Flyers and registration information will be distributed as programs become available.

Most activities begin at 2:30 p.m. and run for approximately one hour unless otherwise noted.

 

After-School Program

 

Our After-School Program is available for students who require extended care.

Program hours vary depending on dismissal schedules and selected enrollment options.

On early dismissal days, the program operates from dismissal time until 6:00 p.m.

Families are encouraged to register in advance. Information regarding registration, fees, and policies is available through the school office and website.

Questions regarding the After-School Program may be directed to the After-School Office at 781-899-0206.

 

Required Forms

The following forms are required prior to the start of school

 

• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)
• Child Safety Requirements VIRTUS/Mandated Reporting
• CORI Form for FY27 (please use this form only for OLA)
• Student Health and Emergency Information Forms (PK-K) & (1-8)
• Authorization for Administering Prescription Medication in School Form

Please complete all required forms and return them to the school office.

 

Volunteers and Staff Requirements

 

In accordance with Archdiocesan policies, all volunteers, faculty, coaches, cafeteria staff, and school personnel must complete:

• Annual CORI Screening
• Virtus Training (Protecting God’s Children – In-Person)

CORI screenings must be renewed annually. Virtus Training is generally completed once and remains valid during your time at OLA.

Please note:

• CORI forms must be completed in person and witnessed by school personnel.
• A valid driver’s license or other government-issued identification is required.
• Anyone volunteering in the school or participating in school activities must have a current CORI on file and complete Virtus Training.

To accommodate busy schedules, OLA will offer in-person Virtus Training sessions at the school on Saturday, September 19 and Saturday, October 17. Instructions to sign-up are included in the attachment “Child Safety Requirements (Virtus/Mandated Reporting) If you have not already taken Virtus training, it is suggested that you take advantage of one of the trainings. You only need to attend one of the trainings. Additional information is included in the attached materials. 

 

Communication 

 

FACTS/RenWeb will continue to serve as our student information and reporting platform.

Parents in Grades 3–8 will have access to:

• Grades
• Progress reports
• Attendance information
• School communications

All families, including those paying tuition in full, must complete online registration through FACTS/RenWeb. Information entered during registration populates important school systems, including attendance, communication, and reporting tools.

Progress reports and report cards for students in Grades Pre-K–2 will continue to be provided directly by classroom teachers.

 

Transportation

 

Bus transportation is provided through the Waltham Public Schools Transportation Department for Waltham residents.

Questions regarding transportation should be directed to:

Waltham Public Schools Parent Information Center
 617 Lexington Street
 Waltham, MA 02452

Please note:

• Transportation is not available for Pre-Kindergarten students.
• Transportation is only available at regular dismissal times.
• Students participating in after-school activities must arrange alternate transportation home.

Bus routes and stop information will be published prior to the start of school.

 

School Lunch Program

School lunch service will begin on the first full day of school.

Lunches will continue to be ordered and paid for through FACTS/RenWeb.

We are working closely with our food service provider to offer healthier, appealing meal options while maintaining affordability for families. Additional information will be provided in August.

 

Uniforms

 

Students are expected to be in full uniform beginning on the first day of school.

Families should purchase uniforms through approved vendors; however, all uniforms must comply with school guidelines outlined in the Parent Handbook. The school reserves the right to determine whether uniforms meet academy standards.

Particular attention will be given to skirt, skort, and short lengths to ensure consistency with uniform requirements.

 

New Parent Orientation

A New Parent Orientation will be held in September. The date and time will be announced in the coming weeks

 

Important Dates

 

Faculty Return

 

Faculty Opening Meeting: Thursday, September 3

 

First Day of School

 

Kindergarten–Grade 8

• Tuesday, September 8
• 11:30 a.m. dismissal
• Bus transportation available

Kindergarten–Grade 8

• Wednesday, September 9
• Full day of school

Pre-Kindergarten

• Thursday, September 10
• Students will follow the schedule selected during registration

 

Please refer to the school calendar for additional dates and schedule changes.

 

Thank you for your continued support of Our Lady’s Academy. We look forward to welcoming our students and families back in September for another year of faith, learning, and growth.

 

Enjoy the remainder of your summer!

 

Warm regards,

Chandra Minor
Principal
Our Lady’s Academy