The Lion's Roar
McAvinnue's Weekly Newsletter: Week Of April 12th
MCAVINNUE'S PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Hello McAvinnue Community!
We had an amazing first week of the return to full in-person learning at McAvinnue! 309 students were able to participate in teaching and learning within the building starting on Monday, April 5th. Overall, they did an outstanding job! Students did really well with all COVID-19 safety precautions including proper making wearing and social distancing. Everyone enjoyed the great weather that we had during their mask and recess breaks in the morning and afternoon.
If your child attends in-person learning, please be aware that the school day begins at 9:10 AM (late bell rings at 9:25 AM) and the end of the school day occurs at 3:30 PM. We had students that were arriving late to school as well as being picked up late on each of the 5 days of school last week. Do your best to drop off your child by 9:10 AM and pick up your child at 3:30 PM. With schools back in session throughout Lowell, the morning and afternoon traffic has significantly increased. You will need to leave earlier that you previously had to in order to be on time for drop-off and pick-up daily.
Our teachers did really well with "concurrent teaching" this week. This form of teaching balances live instruction for both the in-person students and the remote students in each of our classrooms. This is brand new for everyone...and we are still working through a few issues that came about this past week. We continue to ask for your patience as we refine and improve this new teaching and learning experience at McAvinnue.
We are looking forward to another fantastic week at McAvinnue before we leave for Spring Break starting on Monday, April 19th - Friday, April 23rd. Please note that school will not be in session during this time.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Main Office at McAvinnue or send Mr. Domina a message a mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us.
Here are important dates to remember over the next month of school:
- Thursday, April 15th: McAvinnue's School Site Council Meeting @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Monday, April 19th - 23rd: No School - Spring Break
- Monday, April 26th: McAvinnue Reopens @ 9:10 AM
- Wednesday, May 12th: Early Release Day - Student Dismissal @ 1:30 PM
McAvinnue's School Site Council Meeting
You will be able to access the meeting agenda as well as the Zoom link by clicking below. This information can be found on Wednesday, April 14th.
LPSD Pooled Testing Information & Consent Form
We are continuing to offer voluntary free weekly COVID-19 testing. This testing will lower the risk of spread of COVID-19 by helping to identify those positive cases in people who do not show any symptoms of COVID-19. Testing will be conducted on Wednesday each week.
We will continue this program for the remainder of the school year as we continue to plan on bring back more students for in-person learning on Monday, April 5th.
We hope that you will participate by signing a consent form for your child. The more students and faculty who participate, the safer our schools will be!
We have created an easy to use newsletter that contains the following information:
- What is the COVID-19 testing program?
- How can my student participate in the program?
- Online consent form translated in multiple languages
- How does it work?
If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Robin at rmcneil@lowell.k12.ma.us, The Family Resource Center at (978) 674-432 or The Equity and Engagement Office at (978) 674-4326.
You can access the Pooled Testing newsletter using the link below that includes the online consent form.
Bus Pass Information
Bus passes have been mailed for Kindergarten and Grade 1 students. Those students that are in Grades 2 - 4 had their bus pass information sent to their district email address.
If you need bus numbers, bus stop location, and bus stop time, please use the button below. You will need to have your child's 6-digit LASID (lunch number) handy to access all of this information.
Return To In-Person Learning Presentation
Additional Dates For In-Person Learning Opportunities
MCAS Update: Grades 3 & 4
Stay tuned for more information to come in after Spring Break.
LPSD School Calendar 2021-2022 School Year
Please click the link below for the recently approved LPSD School Calendar for the 2021-2022 school year.
Change Of Address Form
McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements
Missed McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements? You can watch the videos on the McAvinnue's Learner's Google Site and on McAvinnue's YouTube page. Links can be found below for each.
These announcements bring the in-person and remote students together in the usual way we launch each day of school with some important information...while having some fun!
Google Learner's Site:
https://sites.google.com/view/mcavinnueelementaryschool/home?authuser=0
YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAUzGwuFaKMy13iFbHpSiMw?view_as=subscriber
McAvinnue's Week In Review!
"Great News" At McAvinnue!
Things at McAvinnue have gotten off to an amazing start over the past 2 days. Our teachers continue to work extremely hard on how “concurrent” or simultaneous teaching will work for our in-person and remote students. Check out a few pictures that highlight how learning is balanced over both platforms.
"Fun News" In Room 204!
Even though we have access to technology for each of our students, it’s important to remember to integrate hands-on learning opportunities.
Grade 1 students were each provided their own Lego kit to build a structure that could serve as a shelter during “Independent Practice and Extension”. So much fun!
"Great News" with Ms. Anderson!
Dr. Boyd Visits McAvinnue!
Online Emergency Contact Form
You can complete this form or complete a paper copy that we have used in previous school years. This form will be sent home with those students that will be at McAvinnue for in-person learning. However, the paper copy of the emergency form can also be picked up at McAvinnue for those families who will be working remotely to start the school year.
PLEASE COMPLETE ONE FOR EACH CHILD ENROLLED AT MCAVINNUE!
If you could like a paper copy of the emergency form, please contact Ms. Nancy in the Main Office and she will set you up with what you need to complete.
If you have changed any numbers or have new primary care providers that you would like to add, please complete the form below or reach out to us with this new information. It's important to do this as we start to return to students to in-person learning for the second half for this school year.
Remote Learning Daily Meal Service: Spring 2021
- Students will receive two breakfasts and two lunches on Mondays and Wednesdays at these sites.
- Students will also receive meals for the weekend days on Fridays at all of our meal sites.
- All LPS students are eligible for meal service. All meals are free of cost. No student ID is required and students don’t have to be present to pick up a meal. A parent or neighbor can pick up the student’s meal.
- Meals will be served outside in a grab and go format at the front or back of the school, depending on the location.
- Please remember to wear a mask or face covering and follow social distancing protocols when visiting the meal sites.
Any updates to the remote learning meal service schedule will be posted here:
McAvinnue's Yoga Pose Of The Week: "Warrior III"
We will try another new pose this week called the Warrior III". This new pose will allow us to focus on increasing our endurance and strength while maintaining our personal power. We will practice the "Warrior III" technique daily during our "Virtual" Morning Announcements during this up and coming week. You can get an early head start and practice this technique before we launch into another exciting week!
WE'VE GOT TECH SUPPORT FOR YOU!
McAvinnue's Virtual & In-Person Learning And Information Spot For Students
Click The Button Below To Access The Site
Lowell Public School District Tech Support - Week Of April 12th
The LPSD IT Team will continue have a "Technology Tent" set-up at the following locations during the times listed below this up and coming week. No appointment is necessary and you can pick which location works best for you.
- Tuesday, April 13th from 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Lincoln Elementary School (300 Chelmsford St. - next to the main entrance)
- Thursday, April 15th from 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Pawtucketville Elementary School (425 West Meadow Rd. - next to the main entrance)
- Friday, April 16th from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Reilly Elementary School (115 Douglas Rd. - rear door facing rear parking lot)
Bring the charger for the device that you need support with.
You can also contact the Help Desk at (978) 674-2024 for assistance.
HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES
COVID-19 Data & Guidelines
Here is the most recent health data for Lowell released this past week. COVID-19 cases continue to occur in Lowell, with 880 new cases (increase) reported in the City over the past 14 days. Lowell has a COVID-19 average daily incident rate of 54.1 (increase) and a percent positivity rate of 7.97% (increase) as of Thursday, April 8th. This continues to places our community in the "red" high risk category.
COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINIC FOR LOWELL RESIDENTS
There will be a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic held at the Robinson School upper parking lot on Monday, April 12, 2021. To sign-up go to boxcarvax.com and follow the instructions below:
- Click Book Your Vaccine Today
- Click Reserve MA Mobile Vaccine
- Click "Lowell (LOWELL RESIDENTS ONLY), 4/12
- Select April 12 as the Date and then follow the instructions to sign-up for your appointment
Please make sure that you bring an ID or utility bill that lists Lowell as your primary residence. The name on the ID/Bill must match the name of the person getting the vaccine. This is for the single-does Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
FAMILY INFORMATION & RESOURCES
STEAM Workshops: April 20th - 23rd
Spring is finally here! Looking for something fun AND educational to do over April vacation? Register for Mini IDEA Camp running from April 20th - 23rd. You can sign up for workshops including the following:
Coding & 3D Printing (Hosted In-Person at the Morey)
Sphero Robotics
Mind Body Wellness
STEM Wars
STEM Challenge Mash-Up
Atmospheric Perspective Landscape Painting
Mini IDEA Camp is open all for all Lowell Public Schools Students in Grades 2-10.
Link to register - https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeDA569mIkV4O.../viewform.
Questions? Please contact ideacamp@lowell.k12.ma.us.
The Greater Boston Food Bank
The Greater Boston Food Bank will be at the STEM Academy (43 Highland Street) will take place from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
The next food pantry is Tuesday, April 13th. Other dates for this school year are listed on the flyer.
This food pantry is a drive-up distribution of assorted foods for all Lowell Public School students and their families. All food bank clients are required to wear a mask to ensure the safety of our volunteers as well as other clients and community members. Please bring reusable grocery bags, baskets, or a cart to carry your food.
Please see the flyer below for more details.
Community Resources and Daycare Options for Families
Here is a list of daycare options in Lowell:
Community Team Work (CTI) (978) 454-5100
Families who are already enrolled in a CTI program...
Call or text school-age coordinators to request a slot
Billy 978-995-0028, wma@commteam.org
Karen 978-729-7216, kshannon@commteam.org
CTI will have full and half day slots for CTI kids
Families who are not enrolled in a CTI program
If you’ve filled out a CTI application in the past...
Contact Karen (978) 729-7216, kshannon@commteam.org to see if where you are on the waitlist
If you’ve never filled out a CTI application...
Fill out an application at 17 Kirk St., 126 Phoenix Ave
Or call the main CTI number (978) 454-5100 to request an email version of the application.
YWCA: (978) 454-5405 or (978) 458-9983; 41 Rock St in Lowell
The YWCA is offering full-day remote slots for families who are working with the Department of Children and Families (DCF)
Call your DCF worker and/or the YWCA to request a slot
YMCA: (978) 454-7825; 1 YMCA Dr in Lowell
Karen Espinola is the school-age director
Fill out a application online or at the YMCA to request a slot
Debbie Doben is the preschool director if your child is preschool age
Family Childcare: Call programs to see if they have openings near you
Bethel Family Childcare (978) 458-6577
Clarendon Family Childcare (978) 454-3026
Child Development and Learning (CDE) (978) 275-2843
ACRE Family Childcare (978) 937-5899
CTI: See above contact information
Girls Inc: (978) 458-6529, 220; Worthen St. in Lowell
Accept girls ages 5-14 years old
Accept Child Care Circuit vouchers, DCF vouchers, and private pay (income-based, sliding scale)
Call Pam Lerocque (Director of Finance & Administration) to check on openings
Girls Inc. has full and part-day options, but no transportation
Boys and GIrls Club: (978) 458-4526; 657 Middlesex St in Lowell
School-age openings for after-school only
Teens who are working with the Department of Children and Families can call BGC or DCF to see if they’re eligible
Follow McAvinnue On Social Media
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/McAvinnueElementarySchool
Twitter: https://twitter.com/McAvinnueLPS
Instagram: http://instragram.com/mcavinnueelementarylps
McAvinnue's Weekly Family Read-Aloud
"Mosquitoes Can't Bite Ninjas"
Our Vision
#McAvinnuePride #BeTheDifference #NextLevel
Email: mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Domain/21
Location: 131 Mammoth Road, Lowell, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 937-2871
Facebook: facebook.com/McAvinnueElementarySchool/
Twitter: @McAvinnueLPS