Attendance Matters
We begin each day at Marathon with a greeting and a welcoming smile. We’re happy to start our day and look forward to the learning adventures ahead. For our students, learning encompasses many domains that include academics, as well as, social emotional learning. In order for these foundational skills to develop and grow, we need students at school. The work we are doing now at Marathon is not work that can be made up: learning expectations, procedures, and routines. This is important work that contributes to student learning.
Research has shown that attendance in the early grades contributes to school success. Habits established at the early levels regarding consistent attendance promote positive growth.
Throughout the year, we will review student attendance and reach out to families. As a school community, we are vested in our students and your children attending school. We work with families to overcome obstacles that impede attendance. Please contact us if getting your child to school is a challenge so that we can work together to promote a positive early learning foundation. The benefits will be far-reaching well beyond your child’s time at Marathon Elementary.
How many absences are considered to be chronic absences? Massachusetts defines Chronically Absent as missing at least 10% of the days enrolled. For our school year that is 18 of our 180 school days. To learn more: Help Your Child Succeed in School: Build the Habit of Good Attendance Early.
Health Office Reminders
Don’t forget to send in updated physical exams throughout the year
Please send in snacks and a change of clothes if possible
You may contact Nurse Candace Burnell at 508-497-9876
If you email the teacher with a health need, also email cburnell@hopkinton.k12.ma.us
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Pledge of Allegiance
In public schools in Massachusetts, Massachusetts General Law requires the display of the American flag and the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in the schoolhouse. Students may choose not to recite the Pledge, or during the recitation, they may choose to remain silent for the words “under God,” or they may choose to substitute in their own words for “under God.”
In the Hopkinton Public Schools, we will continue to carry out our daily practices as we currently do--recite the Pledge of Allegiance prior to the start of the school day in the schoolhouse. Students and families may make decisions that fall within their purview regarding the recitation of the Pledge. Please note that this is a family decision and accordingly, conversations regarding the Pledge should take place at home if you are inclined to do so. Whatever decisions are made by individual students and their families will be respected, honored, and dignified in our schools.
Hopkinton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Dear Marathon Families,
My name is Erica Seekell and I am the Marathon Elementary School Parent Liaison for SEPAC. SEPAC stands for Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Our mission is to create a strong, collaborative relationship between parents, care partners, and schools for the benefit of students with special needs and disabilities, thereby improving education for all students. Membership is open to all parents, care partners, and allies.
I am a mom of 2 children. My daughter attends Marathon Integrated Preschool on an individualized education program (IEP) because she is a medically complex child. I joined SEPAC because I remember feeling isolated and overwhelmed when my daughter’s special needs journey began and I want to help other families know that they are not alone.
My daughter was born with a laundry list of unexpected complications. Her medical team couldn’t tell us if she’d ever be able to walk, eat, speak, or do any of the things some might take for granted. I struggled to accept these diagnoses. Those early days were probably the most difficult I’ve ever faced, but I was able to get through them because of the relationships I made with other special needs parents who understood what I was going through. Having a support network and belonging to a community that understands your story is a powerful thing. I hope to build a strong community for special needs parents.
You are invited to attend our monthly events! We would love to meet you!
Please contact me for more information about SEPAC at ESeekell@gmail.com or Sepachopkinton@gmail.com.
Sincerely-
Erica Seekell
September / October SEPAC Events
Hopkinton SEPAC Parents and Care Partners Coffee Hours
Welcome back to school! Hopkinton SEPAC is hosting two September coffee hours for parents and care partners of special needs students. Come to meet other special needs parents and learn more about Hopkinton SEPAC. We will be serving coffee and donuts.
When: Friday, September 8th, 2023 10am - 11:30 am AND
Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 10 am - 11:30 am
Where: Hopkinton Public Library, Betty Strong Room (Large Event Room)
Fall Family Fun Day with Hopkinton SEPAC
Come join SEPAC for a fun day of pumpkin decorating, crafts, and cider donuts at Marathon Elementary School playground (behind the school). We will be serving cider, cider donuts, and other snacks. Come meet other special needs families at our free event. RSVP is preferred, but not required. RSVP here.
When: Saturday, October 14th, 2023 10am - 12pm
Where: Marathon Elementary School playground (behind the school)
Fridays are Spirit Days
Let’s show our school pride! On Fridays wear your Marathon gear, Hopkinton gear, or school colors (green, orange, white). Throughout the year, we show our home team pride as our local teams have big games. The goal is to build community spirit and support of our favorite teams even if it’s not a New England team!
At various times during the year, the HPTO will sponsor Marathon gear sales.
Marathon Elementary School It All Starts Here
Contact us at: moffice@hopkinton.k12.ma.us
Lauren Dubeau, Principal
Eric Mitchell, Assistant Principal
Mark Campbell, Administrative Assistant
Rosemary Tabakin, Administrative Assistant