Memorial Mustangs

Dear Memorial Families and Caregivers:

One of the great parts about being involved with education–whether as a student, parent, professional or combination of any of these perspectives–is the chance to have multiple “new year” experiences throughout a 12-month period. We begin the “new year” in late summer (end of August or early September) with excitement, anticipation, and energy for new learning, growth, and development. There are also orchestrated intervals built into the school year with marking periods and assessment schedules. Finally, we celebrate the closing out of one calendar year and the beginning of another with the rest of the world when we restart school in January after the winter holiday break.

Since coming back from our holiday break, we began an 8-week cycle of rigorous work, delivering new content to our scholars, and preparing for yet another round of assessments. We collect new data to examine and identify where and how to implement strategies and resources to provide supports to our young scholars. We do so by using a Response to Intervention (RtI) model. We then take another break in February only to return for another 8 weeks of new content which leads us to our Spring Break. All of this to be followed by our annual state testing. The Cycle of Continuous Improvement repeats itself again for 8 more weeks and just like that the school year ends.

I say all this because it is important to know that we move at a quick and rigorous pace. As we get further into the school year, I would like to remind you of the importance of good attendance for all students. Every day a student is absent is a lost opportunity for learning. It is an interruption in their cycle of continuous improvement. Most children miss a few days of school each year without long-term consequences. However, when they miss many days, the effects are almost always negative. Too many absences not only can affect achievement for the absent student but also can disrupt learning for the entire class.

Thanks for your continued support!

Warmest regards,

Troy Holding

The Discovery Museum visited Memorial and worked with the third graders on a force and magnet workshop. Students learned about forces like pull, push and gravity. They experimented with magnet toys to discover how they work. Following experimentation, students used common materials as well as two magnets to make some sort of magnet toy. This real-world experience aligned with our 3rd grade science standards, was a great introduction to force and magnetism.

#memorial3rdgradepride!

1. The Elementary Enrichment Program runs for two 8-week sessions per year. This session we have courses offered at Ben-Hem, Brown, Johnson, Lilja and Memorial. Classes are designed and led by NPS staff and focus on hands-on exploration and collaborative fun, and open to students who attend the school at which each course is offered. Clink on the link provided: https://www.smore.com/ny5rm

2. I want to share with you wellness programs from Spark Kindness, a wonderful community resource that “makes sure no one feels alone, bullied, unsupported, or unconnected—every day and especially in the most challenging times”. Attached is the link to all their upcoming events of interest: Spark Kindness

3. *NEW* BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HELP LINE *NEW*

The Department of Mental Health has launched a new Behavioral Health Help Line that people can call or text at 833-773-2445. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in more than 200 languages. The help line can help individuals and families navigate the behavioral health system and access treatment, including mobile crisis services. Anyone with questions or concerns about the help line can email the help line director at Mio.Tamanaha@mass.gov.

4. Please enjoy my weekend vibe: Give A Little Bit Of Love- Supertramp

The Memorial PTO is a parent and teacher run, non-profit organization committed to enhancing and enriching the education of our students and fostering a sense of community within our school. The PTO provides assistance to teachers within the classroom settings, raises funds for educational materials and experiences, advocates school and family social interaction, and provides an unbiased forum for sharing information on issues that impact our students. We believe in cultivating a positive learning environment to allow for students to achieve their highest potential. Please become an active participant in the PTO. Below is the link to their website:

https://www.memorialnatickpto.org/

or email them at:

pto@memorialnatickpto.org

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5