Our weekly family message is designed to keep you informed and prepared for the week ahead. From important reminders and upcoming events to schedule changes, deadlines, and school announcements, our goal is to make sure you have the information you need. We may also celebrate highlights from the previous week and share some of the great things happening around Center School. Weekly messages will be archived here with the most recent message at the top.
Embedded Files
September 28, 2026
Happy Monday, Center Families!
Cardinal Report:
Here is the link to our weekly Cardinal Report: https://youtu.be/Xm-Z0rZzXq0
This week’s update is our Monthly Newsletter for Families! At the end of each month, we’ll share a newsletter that includes our regular weekly updates, along with some bigger-picture information from around Center. You’ll find updates from our school counselor and nurse, monthly attendance information, important reminders, and a look ahead at all the things happening in the month to come! https://app.smore.com/n/ukwc3
Have a great week!
Best,
Andy Villamaino, Principal
Skylar Schmittlein, Assistant Principal
Jill Bombardier, Teaching Assistant to the Principal
September 22, 2026
Happy Tuesday, Center Families!
We have a short but busy week here at Center! There is a lot of important information below:
Cardinal Report:
Here is the link to our weekly Cardinal Report: https://youtu.be/U6uAKxIbUvo
Wishing Mrs. Schmittlein Well!
Later this week, Mrs. Schmittlein will begin her maternity leave. In the coming weeks, Mrs. Bombardier will transition into the main office to support our school community during Mrs. Schmittlein’s leave. Please join me in wishing Mrs. Schmittlein and her family all the best as they get ready to welcome their newest addition! We are excited for her and look forward to welcoming her back in January.
Back to School Night
This Thursday is Back-to-School Night from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Please note that this evening is for adults only so that families and teachers can focus on the information being shared and make the most of our time together. Here is the flyer that was emailed last week.
Required District Forms
We still have a number of families that need to complete the student permissions/agreement forms (student handbook, acceptable use policy, media releases). This link includes directions to sign the forms electronically: Accessing Family Portal Student "Permissions/Agreements" Form
SOAR Your Way Day!
This Friday, September 25 is our next Cardinal Spirit Day. It’s SOAR Your Way Day! Students can choose their way to SOAR which includes wearing a hat for respect, wearing your favorite color to own what makes you you, cozy clothes for kindness, or tye-dye to spread peace!
Fall Carnival
It is here! This Friday afternoon is our annual Fall Carnival from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the green. Our 5th grade students have been hard at work. Please visit our Carnival website to purchase your tickets in advance! https://sites.google.com/view/longmeadow-center-pto/carnival. Be on the lookout for a carnival specific email later this afternoon!
Music Mentors Program
The Music Mentors Program pairs band, orchestra, and choir students with high school mentors from the LHS Music Department for one-on-one sessions designed to help young musicians grow their skills and confidence. Families interested in participating can complete the Music Mentors Sign Up Form by Monday, September 28. Students will then be paired with an LHS music mentor. The Music Mentors Kickoff Event will be held on Tuesday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the LHS Chorus Room (Room 56).
Center School Council
With the terms of our previous parent representatives coming to an end, we are looking for two parent/guardian representatives and one community representative to join the Center School Council. The School Council meets monthly to discuss school needs, priorities, and our School Improvement Plan. Members are asked to make a two-year commitment to the council. Parent representatives must have a child currently attending Center School. The community representative must be someone who is not currently a parent/guardian of a Center student or a teacher at Center. If you are interested in serving, please email me at avillamaino@longmeadow.k12.ma.us. I would love to have you involved!
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, September 24 - Back-to-School Night
Friday, September 25 - School Spirit Day - SOAR Your Way Day!
Friday, September 25 - Fall Carnival (4:30-6:30pm on the green)
Monday, October 5 - Early release day (1:30pm dismissal)
Monday, October 12 - No School - Columbus Day
Thursday, October 29 - Picture retake day
CARRY OVER ITEMS:
SEAL:
Please make a note that SEAL, the Special Education Alliance of Longmeadow, meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Currently, the meetings are held virtually on Zoom. Please consider joining this group either in person or by zooming in for a meeting. Their schedule of events and topics is listed on their newly updated website which you can access using this link, SEAL.
Menus
Here is our September lunch menu.
Links:
Community Bulletin Board: https://www.longmeadow.k12.ma.us/parents/lps-bulletin-board
Center Website: https://ctr.longmeadow.k12.ma.us/
Center PTO: https://sites.google.com/view/longmeadow-center-pto/home
Have a GREAT week!
Best,
Andy Villamaino, Principal
Skylar Schmittlein, Assistant Principal
September 14, 2026
Happy Monday, Center Families!
We are settling into the school year! All students are finding their routines, building relationships, and getting into the rhythm of their days. There are so many great things happening in classrooms across Center.
We have also started our beginning-of-the-year benchmark assessments, which give our teachers valuable information about each student and help us determine how we can best support their learning throughout the year. Even though today is only the 12th day of school, it feels like we are already well underway!
Cardinal Report:
Here is the link to our weekly Cardinal Report: https://youtu.be/KGFnUBYWTB0
Back-to-School Night:
We are excited to have you join us for our annual Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 24 from 5:30-7:30pm,. Our goal is for you to leave with a clear picture of your child’s learning experience and a strong sense of how we can partner throughout the year. This evening is an opportunity to learn about and experience your child’s classroom, curriculum, routines, and what a typical day at Center looks like. The evening is designed as a general classroom experience rather than a time to discuss individual student progress. Please note that this evening is for adults only so that families and teachers can focus on the information being shared and make the most of our time together. A flyer with the schedule for the evening will be emailed home this week.
Fall Carnival:
Preparations are underway for our annual Fall Carnival. Our 5th graders are hard at work preparing for an amazing evening of fun. Please visit our Carnival website to purchase your tickets in advance! https://sites.google.com/view/longmeadow-center-pto/carnival
Picture Day:
The weather was beautiful last week for our fall picture day. We can still mail in late orders through Tuesday without having to charge a late fee. Our retake day will be scheduled soon. If you have any questions, please call Coffee Pond at 508-907-6633 or email lifeguards@coffeepond.com.
Fire Drill:
We conducted our first fire drill for the school year last week in partnership with the LFD. All students and staff exited the building swiftly and in an orderly fashion. We will continue to practice drills throughout the year as well as conducting a multi-hazard drill, which includes a lockdown drill.
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, September 21 - No School: Yom Kippur
Thursday, September 24 - Back-to-School Night
Friday, September 25 - School Spirit Day - SOAR Your Way Day!
Friday, September 25 - Fall Carnival (4:30-6:30pm on the green)
CARRY OVER ITEMS:
Required Electronic Forms
The link below includes directions for completing a few forms that, in the past, would have come home with students for a parent/guardian to sign and return. To help cut down on paper and make things a little easier, these forms are now available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal and can be signed electronically. The online forms are:
Student Handbook
Acceptable Use
Activity Waiver
Media Release
Accessing Family Portal Student "Permissions/Agreements" Form
SEAL:
Please make a note that SEAL, the Special Education Alliance of Longmeadow, meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Currently, the meetings are held virtually on Zoom. Please consider joining this group either in person or by zooming in for a meeting. Their schedule of events and topics is listed on their newly updated website which you can access using this link, SEAL.
Menus
Here is our September lunch menu.
From PTO (reminder)
The Center School Apparel Store is officially open! The store will be available through September 20, so be sure to check it out and grab some Center gear for the year ahead!
The 5th Grade Carnival is right around the corner, and we could use your help! We’re looking for volunteers to help make this a fun and successful event for our students. Please consider signing up to volunteer and help make this a fun and memorable event for everyone!
Links:
Community Bulletin Board: https://www.longmeadow.k12.ma.us/parents/lps-bulletin-board
Center Website: https://ctr.longmeadow.k12.ma.us/
Center PTO: https://sites.google.com/view/longmeadow-center-pto/home
Have a GREAT week!
Best,
Andy Villamaino, Principal
Skylar Schmittlein, Assistant Principal
September 8, 2026
Happy Tuesday, Center Families!
We had our first all school meeting on Friday where we talked about taking care of one another and our school community. Students learned about silent excitement, choral responses, and our SOAR values. Our music teacher, Mrs. Morrisey led us in a school-wide sing-a-long of "This School is Your School" and some 5th grade students read “Our School is a Family.” It was great to have all of our students together for the first of many times this year!
Cardinal Report:
Here is the link to our weekly Cardinal Report: https://youtu.be/RPOBhJTCsjU
Arrival/Dismissal Observations:
Just a few reminders to help keep our arrival and dismissal safe for all members of our community:
There is no active supervision outside until 8:25am.
Students in carline should only be picked up on Longmeadow Street
Please do not exit your vehicle from the carline.
Students should only exit or enter their vehicles on the passenger side.
Picture Day
Just a friendly reminder that this Thursday is Picture Day! Order forms went home last week. Weather permitting, our pictures will be taken outside.
Smart Watches
Please be aware of the policy in the K-8 LPS Handbook about electronic devices as well as wearable electronics noted in our family guide. The use of personal cell phones, iPads, tablets, and other personal electronic devices, including wearable electronic devices (i.e. Smartwatches, fitbits etc.) are not allowed to be turned on or used in the school building during the school day between the hours of 8:25 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. All devices must be turned off and kept in backpacks or lockers during the school day.
Required Electronic Forms
The link below includes directions for completing a few forms that, in the past, would have come home with students for a parent/guardian to sign and return. To help cut down on paper and make things a little easier, these forms are now available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal and can be signed electronically. The online forms are:
Student Handbook
Acceptable Use
Activity Waiver
Media Release
Accessing Family Portal Student "Permissions/Agreements" Form
PowerSchool Contacts
When you have a moment, please login to your parent portal and verify that your emergency contacts are up-to-date for the new school year and that your email addresses are current.
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, September 10 - Picture Day
Monday, September 21 - No school - Yom Kippur
Thursday, September 24 - Back-to-School Night (more information coming soon!)
Friday, September 25 - School Spirit Day - SOAR Your Way Day!
Friday, September 25 - Fall Carnival (4:30-6:30pm on the green)
CARRY OVER ITEMS:
SEAL:
Please make a note that SEAL, the Special Education Alliance of Longmeadow, meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Currently, the meetings are held virtually on Zoom. Please consider joining this group either in person or by zooming in for a meeting. Their schedule of events and topics is listed on their newly updated website which you can access using this link, SEAL.
Menus
Here is our September lunch menu.
From PTO (reminder)
The Center School Apparel Store is officially open! The store will be available through September 20, so be sure to check it out and grab some Center gear for the year ahead!
The 5th Grade Carnival is right around the corner, and we could use your help! We’re looking for volunteers to help make this a fun and successful event for our students. Please consider signing up to volunteer and help make this a fun and memorable event for everyone!
Links:
Community Bulletin Board: https://www.longmeadow.k12.ma.us/parents/lps-bulletin-board
Center Website: https://ctr.longmeadow.k12.ma.us/
Center PTO: https://sites.google.com/view/longmeadow-center-pto/home
Have a GREAT week!
Best,
Andy Villamaino, Principal
Skylar Schmittlein, Assistant Principal
August 31, 2026
Happy Monday, Center Families!
We’re heading into our first full five-day week of the school year! It was so great to have everyone back in the building last week. We’re settling into routines, building our community, and getting back into the rhythm of learning together. There’s already a lot happening at Center, and we’re excited for what’s ahead!
Cardinal Report:
Here is the link to our first weekly Cardinal Report: https://youtu.be/LxPqz1lGnkc
If you are comfortable with your child participating in these videos, please complete this quick Google Form. The videos will be unlisted on YouTube, meaning they can only be viewed by people who have the direct link and will not appear in YouTube search results. https://forms.gle/JXhsNb8V9N2nHCyF6
Dismissal Plans:
Please complete this form with your child’s dismissal information so we can ensure they are safe and follow the correct dismissal routine at the end of each school day.
SEAL:
Please make a note that SEAL, the Special Education Alliance of Longmeadow, meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. Currently, the meetings are held virtually on Zoom. Please consider joining this group either in person or by zooming in for a meeting. Their schedule of events and topics is listed on their newly updated website which you can access using this link, SEAL.
Upcoming Dates:
Friday, September 4 - School Spirit Day - Wear school colors or Center apparel
Monday, September 7 - No School - Labor day
Thursday, September 10 - Picture Day
Monday, September 21 - No school - Yom Kippur
Thursday, September 24 - Back-to-School Night (more information coming soon!)
Friday, September 25 - School Spirit Day - SOAR Your Way Day!
Friday, September 25 - Fall Carnival (4:30-6:30pm on the green)
Menus
Here is our September lunch menu.
From PTO (reminder)
The Center School Apparel Store is officially open! The store will be available through September 20, so be sure to check it out and grab some Center gear for the year ahead!
The 5th Grade Carnival is right around the corner, and we could use your help! We’re looking for volunteers to help make this a fun and successful event for our students. Please consider signing up to volunteer and help make this a fun and memorable event for everyone!
Links:
Community Bulletin Board: https://www.longmeadow.k12.ma.us/parents/lps-bulletin-board
Center Website: https://ctr.longmeadow.k12.ma.us/
Center PTO: https://sites.google.com/view/longmeadow-center-pto/home
Have a GREAT week!
Best,
Andy Villamaino, Principal
Skylar Schmittlein, Assistant Principal
August 26, 2026
Happy Wednesday, Center Families!
Many of you have been asking and it’s finally here! The first video of the 2026-2027 school year!!!
Dismissal Plans:
Please complete this form with your child’s dismissal information so we can ensure they are safe and follow the correct dismissal routine at the end of each school day.
From here on out, you can expect our weekly messages to go out on Monday mornings at 9:00am. In addition to the important updates and announcements, you will also get a link to watch our weekly Cardinal Reports that students view in their homerooms on Monday mornings.
In case you missed it, our plan for arrival tomorrow is below. We are so excited to welcome everyone back and see you tomorrow!
Best,
Andy Villamaino, Principal
Skylar Schmittlein, Assistant Principal
- - - - - - - - - - - -
First Day (Thursday, August 27 - Grades 1-5)
Our teachers and staff will be outside at 8:25am to greet students and families! Look for signs with the teacher's name! Listen for the tolling of our bell!!
1st graders: Meet at the top of the esplanade (concrete area between our two buildings) near the doors to the gymnasium.
2nd graders: Meet at the top of the esplanade (concrete area between our two buildings) near the doors to the main building.
3rd and 4th graders: Meet on the blacktop at the back of the school.
5th graders: Meet in front of the gymnasium.
After the First Day
Kindergarten, 1st, and 5th grade; Line up and enter through esplanade doors on the gymnasium side.
2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade: Line up in front of the school and enter through the main entrance.
Bikers: There is an expectation that all students walk their bikes to the back of the school, park their bike in a bike rack, and walk Longfellow Drive to the front of the school and then to the appropriate entrance. The back stairs to the esplanade are NOT accessible. Never travel to or from the playground on the driveway near the gymnasium-always travel in front of the school.
Walkers: Go directly to the appropriate assigned entrance. Walk to the front of the school to get to your entrance - please do not use the back stairs. Never travel to or from the playground on the driveway near the gymnasium-always travel in front of the school.
Carline: The carline moves efficiently when all community members follow procedures. We respectfully appeal to families to kindly use the carline and do not create other unsafe drop offs and pick ups around the school. PLEASE DO NOT PICK UP OR DROP OFF ON LONGFELLOW DRIVE OR IN THE BACK OF THE SCHOOL.
August 24, 2026
Happy Monday, Center Families!
It’s back-to-school week! This morning, all Longmeadow staff are returning to their buildings to begin our work together for the 2026–2027 school year. The excitement in the air is contagious! We are thrilled to see all of our students in grades 1–5 on Thursday and welcome our newest Cardinals for their first day of Kindergarten on Friday.
There is a lot of important information included in this week’s newsletter to help everyone get ready for a smooth and successful start to the school year. Please take a few minutes to read through the updates and make sure you have all the information you need for the week ahead. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back!
Be on the lookout
This Wednesday a special Welcome Back Video will be shared with families to show our students!
Playground Party
The rainy weather delayed our Back-to-School Playground Party - but we are set to make up for it tonight from 5:00-6:00pm. See you there!
Kindergarten Orientation
Our Kindergarten Orientation Day is Thursday, August 27. Families will meet on the esplanade (the area between the two buildings) and will be directed to their classrooms.
Orientation times are:
9:30–10:30 a.m. — Families with last names A–H
1:15–2:15 p.m. — Families with last names I–Z
Arrival/Dismissal
First Day (Thursday, August 27 - Grades 1-5)
Our teachers and staff will be outside at 8:25am to greet students and families! Look for signs with the teacher's name! Listen for the tolling of our bell!!
1st graders: Meet at the top of the esplanade (concrete area between our two buildings) near the doors to the gymnasium.
2nd graders: Meet at the top of the esplanade (concrete area between our two buildings) near the doors to the main building.
3rd and 4th graders: Meet on the blacktop at the back of the school.
5th graders: Meet in front of the gymnasium.
After the First Day
Kindergarten, 1st, and 5th grade; Line up and enter through esplanade doors on the gymnasium side.
2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade: Line up in front of the school and enter through the main entrance.
Bikers: There is an expectation that all students walk their bikes to the back of the school, park their bike in a bike rack, and walk Longfellow Drive to the front of the school and then to the appropriate entrance. The back stairs to the esplanade are NOT accessible. Never travel to or from the playground on the driveway near the gymnasium-always travel in front of the school.
Walkers: Go directly to the appropriate assigned entrance. Walk to the front of the school to get to your entrance - please do not use the back stairs. Never travel to or from the playground on the driveway near the gymnasium-always travel in front of the school.
Carline: The carline moves efficiently when all community members follow procedures. We respectfully appeal to families to kindly use the carline and do not create other unsafe drop offs and pick ups around the school. PLEASE DO NOT PICK UP OR DROP OFF ON LONGFELLOW DRIVE OR IN THE BACK OF THE SCHOOL.
Menus
Here is our August lunch menu.
From PTO
The Center School Apparel Store is officially open! The store will be available through September 20, so be sure to check it out and grab some Center gear for the year ahead!
The 5th Grade Carnival is right around the corner, and we could use your help! We’re looking for volunteers to help make this a fun and successful event for our students. Please consider signing up to volunteer and help make this a fun and memorable event for everyone!
It’s going to be a busy and exciting week at Center. Thanks for taking the time to read through everything, and we’ll see you soon!
Best,
Andy Villamaino, Principal
Skylar Schmittlein, Assistant Principal
August 17, 2026
Happy Monday, Center Families!
We are inching closer to the start of the school year next week! It has been great to see the building coming back to life as our staff prepares classrooms and gets ready to welcome our students. There is a lot of excitement around Center, and we can’t wait to have everyone back together soon!
Back to School Playground Party
All Center families are welcome to join us this Thursday, August 20 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. for a casual gathering on the Center playground to meet our friends (and make new friends too!) ahead of the 2026-2027 school year!
New Student Orientation
Friday, August 21 - We will be welcoming families and students in grades 1–5 who are new to the Longmeadow Public Schools for our New Student Orientation at 11:00 a.m. The orientation will include a tour of Center School and an information session.
Class Placement
Your child’s class placement will be available in PowerSchool after 3:00 p.m. this Friday, August 21.
Health Office Newsletter
Please see the September Health Office Newsletter from Nurse Hughes. It includes important back-to-school health reminders, information about required health records and medications, our district wellness policy, and guidelines for when students should stay home due to illness.
Center Stage - Back to School Edition
In case you missed it, here is the Back to School Edition of the Center Stage Monthly Newsletter! Please take a few minutes to look through our upcoming events, the 2026-2027 Family Guide, and all the ways you can stay connected and get involved at Center this year.
I look forward to seeing you on Thursday evening!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Best,
Andy Villamaino, Principal
Skylar Schmittlein, Assistant Principal
August 10, 2026
Happy Monday, Center Families!
It is hard to believe that we are in the homestretch of the summer! We are working hard to make sure that everything is ready for our students as we kickoff the new school year on Thursday, August 27.
Back to school - Everything you need to know!
Here is our Back to School Edition of the Center Stage Monthly Newsletter! Please take a few minutes to look through our upcoming events, the 2026-2027 Family Guide, and all the ways you can stay connected and get involved at Center this year.
Congratulations Mrs. Root
Over these last couple of weeks, we have been working to hire a new Secretary to the Principal as Mrs. Root transitions to a new role at Central Office. We are incredibly grateful for everything Mrs. Root has done for Center School and are excited for her as she begins this next chapter. We hope to introduce our new secretary to the Center community next week!
Back to School Playground Party
I would like to invite all Center School students and their families to our Back to School Playground Party on Thursday, August 20, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on the Center School playground. Please click the invitation below for all the details. We hope you can join us for a fun evening of reconnecting, meeting new friends, and kicking off the new school year together!
Enjoy these last couple of weeks of summer! I am looking forward to seeing everyone soon and kicking off a great school year together!
Best,
Andy Villamaino and Skylar Schmittlein
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