Summer Update from Boardwalk Upper Elementary School
August 14, 2026
Greetings!
I hope you and your family enjoyed summer (and it's not quite over yet). I enjoyed myself and was able to get away a bit to the Cape and Maine with my family. While my daughter Sarah, a senior at UVA, worked in Virginia at the UVA Health System, my two other children, Jack, a sophomore at UMASS Amherst, and Mia, a senior at Connecticut College, pictured below, were home. Mia spent her summer teaching gardening to students in Grades 4-8 from Boston/Cambridge, while Jack did online work on social media. 
Staff have started to come to the building to unpack crates and gear up for what promises to be a wonderful year. I've had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with many of them as we begin to build our staff/school relationships to ensure we're ready to meet our schools. In all my conversations, I've heard this undeniable enthusiasm from staff. Despite the challenges that may arise as we collectively work to begin to write the story of Boardwalk Upper Elementary School, we are excited and can't wait to see the smiling faces of our students on Monday, August 31st.
Yes, there will be transitions for our staff, students, and the entire community; however, we are committed to making sure that everyone has a strong sense of belonging at Boardwalk Upper Elementary School. Together, we will build a community where all voices are heard and valued and where we hear all perspectives.
To that end, please be sure to join us virtually for our first coffee with the school administration, Mrs. Patrick, and me. Details are below:
Friday, September 11, 2026
9:30-10:30 AM
Link to Meeting
Also, as we begin the transition to our new school communities, please see details regarding the free webinar being offered by Cartwheel:
ABRSD/Cartwheel Webinar
Preparing Elementary Students for a Smooth School Transition: Practical Strategies for Families
DATE: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
TIME: 7:00 PM
LINK: https://cartwheelcare.zoom.us/j/84230625713
Big transitions can bring big questions—for both kids and parents. Join us for a practical webinar focused on helping children navigate school changes with confidence. We'll explore what kids may be feeling, how to respond in ways that build resilience, strategies for supporting friendships and adjustment, and when additional support may be helpful. Families will leave with realistic, evidence-informed tools they can use throughout the school year. NOTE: This webinar is open to ABRSD families only and has been designed in the context of the transitions associated with AB Forward.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Juliana Chen, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Officer at Cartwheel Care, which partners with ABRSD to provide mental health support for students and families. She previously worked as a staff psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and as a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Chen previously founded and co-led The Resilience Project Parents Program based out of Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She is passionate about helping families support children’s well-being through practical, evidence-informed strategies that are supportive, sustainable, and grounded in everyday family life.
Stacy Swasey, LICSW, is a Clinical Program Manager at Cartwheel, partnering with school district staff to ensure effective utilization of Cartwheel's care. Previously, she spent years at Boston Arts Academy (a Boston Public Schools pilot high school), serving in roles including School Social Worker, Clinical Supervisor, Family Engagement Coordinator, and Associate Dean of Health and Wellness. She also worked as a Home-Based Individual Therapist at the Old Colony Y Mental Health Clinic in Brockton, supporting families in or transitioning out of homelessness, and began her career as a community-based clinical social worker in Boston, providing Family Stabilization and In-Home Therapy services.
I'll reach back out as the beginning of the year gets closer with logistical information, but I wanted to check in and let you know that we're busy getting the school ready to greet your children! Enjoy the remainder of the summer!
Feel free to reach out at lwolpe@abschools.org should you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing all of you soon as we begin our journey to build our community together.
Thanks
Larry