Lowell Parent Newsletter
May 2, 2021
Message from Mrs. Phelan
I want to kick off this week of appreciation with a gigantic 'THANK YOU' for all you do on behalf of our students. It is super important that you know I view our entire staff as 'teachers' in their own right and own way. I am hopeful that every member of our school community feels valued, important, appreciated, embraced, and loved throughout the course of this week. Your compassion, empathy, and kindness are life-changing for our students every day, especially during this past year. Your commitment and dedication are inspiring. This year as you were asked to Pivot from traditional learning to remote learning, you did so instantly. You have remained flexible and responsive throughout this year, no matter what the ask: all while supporting each other and our families.
We have an unbelievable staff at Lowell. You work tirelessly on behalf of students and serve critical roles in the lives of so many. Your impact is profound and reaches places and depth that, in many cases, you will never see or realize. The lives you touch and the service you provide are unspeakable. Your unwavering focus on improving the experiences, outcomes, and opportunities for students is motivating and awe-inspiring. The love you demonstrate for our students, our school, and our community has shaped who we are and what we are known for. I am incredibly proud to serve in your company and alongside each one of you.
As you embark on another week of learning and growing, please know how deeply fortunate we all are to be able to call you a colleague, teacher, educator, collaborator, contributor, and friend. I love each one of you and have the most sincere and profound gratitude for what you do with and for our students. Thank you. Thank you. You have impacted, influenced, and moved me every day.
Have a great week, and know how much we all appreciate the 'teachers' here at Lowell School.
Enjoy the recognition you deserve!
Stacy
Lowell Assistant Principal Search and Timeline
Dr. Galdston and I have created a search timeline and a job description I'm sharing with you here. This week I am offering two Parent Forums, one in the evening on Thursday, May 6th at 6:30 PM and another on the morning of May 7th at 8:30 AM. Both events are online for your convenience.
We are also looking for people interested in participating in the search process, which will take place over the coming month. Interested participants should make sure they are available to attend all the necessary dates.
Please send me an email requesting to be on the interviewing committee. If you have any questions, please contact me by email at stacy.phelan@watertown.k12.ma.us.
Dr. Kimberlee Henry VIsits Lowell on Thursday Afternoon 1:00-2:30
Our recently hired director of Equity and Inclusion for the Watertown Public Schools - Dr. Kimberly Henry, will be visiting Lowell on Thursday afternoon from 1:00-2:30. Dr. Henry is visiting each school in Watertown this week. Please join me in welcoming her to our school and District.
NO SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN ONLY JUNE 4TH
Upcoming Dates:
Picture Day - Monday, May 3rd from 8:45-2:30
School Committee - Monday, May 3rd 7:00
Parent Forum for Assistant Principal Search Thursday, May 6th, 6:30-7:30 PM
Parent Forum for Assistant Principal Search Friday, May 7th, 8:30-9:30 AM
Retake Picture Day - Monday, May 10th
Grade 5 to 6 transition - Tuesday, May 11th at 6:30
Ms. Martin will be holding an Information Night for Parents/Caregivers on Tuesday, May 11th at 6:30 pm on Zoom. Mr. Del Porto, Ms. Skypeck (the rising grade 6 guidance counselor), and I will be sharing information about Watertown Middle School and answering any questions you may have.
Let’s Chat – Thursday, May 13 at 6:30 PM Brought to you by Lowell's SEL Team
ELA MCAS for In-Person Students Tuesday, May 11th
Lowell School Site Council Thursday, May 13th, 7:00 pm
ELA MCAS WVS for Remote Students Friday, May 14th
MATH MCAS for In-Person Tuesday, May 18th
Parent Diversity Council Meeting, Thursday, May 20th
MATH MCAS WVS for Remote Students Friday, May 21st
SCIENCE MCAS WVS for Remote StudentsMonday, May 24th
SCIENCE MCAS 5th In-Person Students Tuesday, May 25th
PTO Meeting: Tuesday, May 18th at 6:30 PM.
Kindergarten Screening: Friday, June 4th by appointment
NO SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTEN JUNE 4TH- INCOMING K SCREENING DAY
Assistant Principal Search Evening Forum
Thursday, May 6, 2021, 06:30 PM
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Assistant Principal Search Day Forum
Friday, May 7, 2021, 08:30 AM
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MASKS ARE REQUIRED ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
This week Governor Baker and the CDC stated mask-wearing outdoors after April 30th. While I, too, was thrilled to hear we don't need to wear a mask while going for a run. I am concerned that many people will think it's okay to come to school for pick up or drop off without a mask on. You are required to wear a mask on school property. We will continue to expect all adults and children to wear masks on school property; this includes the playground. I hope by September, that requirement will change, but for now, we must continue to stay diligent in our efforts to keep everyone safe.
Please continue to wear your mask! It's the kind thing to do for others!
Last week at the Lowell
The Lowell Leopard was spotted ....
Lenny joined the P.E. Classes!
Ms. Donahue and Ms. Loguidice appreciated Lenny’s help teaching the P.E. classes. Lenny was impressed with the student’s speed. He was ready to race everyone. Lenny encouraged the classes to show sportsmanship, cooperation, and teamwork. Thank you Lenny!
Before April Vacation the Leopard was spotted...
Lennie the Leopard had a ball hanging out with us cool cats & kittens this week! We learned some facts about leopards and when the students learned that some leopards are endangered, they began problem solving. We looked up ways to help and then the students crafted a letter to the PTO asking for help adopting a leopard. We wanted the students to know that they have powerful voices and can work together for the greater good of our world. We ended up adopting an amur leopard through the WWF, and we're happy to share that the PTO agreed to fund this project for us! We love Lennie the Leopard and are so happy that we were able to help a leopard like Lennie in the wild!
This Week at the Lowell
Parent Teacher Conferences
The ESL Team will be booking interpreters for conferences and calling families directly.
Conferences will be held on Zoom.
Thursday, 6/10 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Tuesday, 6/15 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Weds. 6/16 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Sign-up Genius will be open on June 1st.
School Pictures
We are holding another make-up picture day on Monday, May 10th. Students absent from school tomorrow or quarantining will have another chance on May 10th.
Online ordering made easy a classroom code is not necessary. We also sent home a hard copy last week.
MCAS DATES
Virtual students:
All 3 schools on the same day
3rd and 4th go to their neighborhood school
ELA
WVS Friday, May 14
In-Person Tuesday, May 11th
MATH
WVS Friday, May 21
In-Person Tuesday, May 18th
SCIENCE
WVS Monday, May 24
In-Person Tuesday, May 25th
No Dogs are Allowed on School Grounds
PTO Corner
PTO Update
Thank You for the generous donations of goodies for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! We are very excited about all the special events we have planned to celebrate our teachers and staff. Thanks to all our teachers and staff for their hard work in this especially challenging year.
Gift Card Donations: We are collecting gift cards for the Teacher and Staff gift card raffle. You can send them in with your kids to Ms. Flynn in the front office. Thank you!
Thank You Photos: Take a photo of your children saying thank you to their teachers. They could hold a thank you sign or you can decorate a photo of them using emojis and text. Please email the photo to lowellelementarypto@gmail.com by Tuesday, May 4.
Thank You Notes: Please have your children draw a picture or write a note to show thanks to their teachers(s). They can bring in this special thank you notes to their teachers on Friday, May 7.
SAVE THE DATE for Let’s Chat – Thursday, May 13 at 6:30 PM. We get together once a month to talk about issues that help families and parents support their children. These are a great way to get some helpful tips and connect with other parents and caregivers. Hope you can join us!
Join the PTO! We have many leadership and volunteer positions available next year including President (or Co-Presidents), Vice President, and other event coordination positions. The PTO is a fantastic way to be more involved in the school and build friendships with other parents and families. Please email lowellelementarypto@gmail.com to learn more.
DATE CHANGE: Next PTO Meeting: Tuesday, May 18th at 6:30 PM. We are moving the May PTO Meeting to Tuesday, May 18th at 6:30 PM. This will be our last PTO Meeting of the year.
Summer Success
Summer Success for Reading, Math and ESL
This year we will be once again offering a summer success program for eligible students. This program will run from July 12 - August 5th on Monday - Thursday from 8:30 - 12:00 at the Lowell School. Eligible students will be notified by the end of April and those that attend will receive small group instruction in math, reading, and writing.
Please reach out to Deb Opar (deborah.opar@watertown.k12.ma.us), Elizabeth Kaplan (Elizabeth.kaplan@watertown.k12.ma.us) or Kate Phillipson (kathryn.phillipson@watertown.k12.ma.us) with any questions about this summer program.
Contact Us at
Email: Stacy.Phelan@watertown.k12.ma.us
Website: https://lowell.watertown.k12.ma.us/
Location: 175 Orchard Street
Phone: (617) 926-7770