Murkland School Info and News
"Join the PRIDE"
Weekly Message 6/13/21
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
On Monday, we are holding a Stepping Up event for our grade 4 students. We are going to miss them so much as they make the leap to middle school. The event will take place in our field and start at 11:30. If grade 4 family would like to attend, you will be able to view from the small hill outside the fence.
Our Walkathon fundraiser was very successful. Thank you so much for supporting this event. Funds for this offset costs of future field trips and other Murkland events. We are so looking forward to having our schoolwide events next fall. Let’s hope we have no restrictions.
Wednesday is the last day of the school year. It is also an Early Release with dismissal at 12:45. Please plan accordingly.
The plan shared from our district leadership is for all computers to remain with children over the summer. This will provide continued access to learning platforms. Please do all you can to keep the device safe and keep track of the power cord. If you know your family is moving out of district, please return the device to school with a note stating you’re moving out of district.
Summer packets will be heading home this week. Please be on the lookout. Also, Report Cards will be heading home.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Early Dismissal Tomorrow (June 8), Due to Weather
Good Evening,
Per the message from the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.
Due to inclement weather conditions (heat advisory), schools in Lowell will be dismissed two hours early tomorrow afternoon (Monday, June 7). Dismissal for the Murkland will be at 12:50. Please plan accordingly.
For our PreK families, please note that there is no AM or PM Prek.
School buses have been scheduled to drop off students at their bus stops two hours earlier than usual.
Thank you.
Early Dismissal Tomorrow (June 7) Due to Weather
Good Evening,
Per the message from the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.
Due to inclement weather conditions (heat advisory), schools in Lowell will be dismissed two hours early tomorrow afternoon. Dismissal for the Murkland will be at 12:50. Please plan accordingly.
For our PreK families, please note that there is no AM or PM Prek.
School buses have been scheduled to drop off students at their bus stops two hours earlier than usual.
Thank you.
WEEKLY MESSAGE 5/16/21
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
This week begins our MCAS testing for students in grades 3 and 4. We have many remote students heading into school for testing. We are excited to see them. Testing days are Tuesday for grade 3 students and Wednesday for grade 4 students. For the remote families bringing in their child for testing, please bring your child between 8:30 – 8:45. Free breakfast and lunch can be provided by the school, if you’d like. If you child is remaining remote for this test, please know that they can receive no assistance during the test. Please refrain from helping them.
With MCAS testing next week, for parents of third and fourth graders, please make extra effort to make sure your child is getting plenty of sleep the night before their test and eating a solid dinner. Also, please show them encouragement toward taking the test. The MCAS is a very important test and we are always proud of the effort our students put toward this test. We have no doubt that our students will try their best.
Student attendance remains strong at the Murkland. Let’s strive to finish this year with great attendance. With summer vacation on the horizon, we want to make the most of our remaining school days. Please do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
WEEKLY MESSAGE 5/9/21
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
Thank you for making Teacher Appreciation Week special for your child’s teacher. The various ways students could join in on the week proved to be quite uplifting. We have the BEST teachers at the Murkland and it’s always nice to honor them.
On Monday, we are launching our MCAS practice with students in 3rd and 4th grade through zoom. This year’s MCAS test is much shorter than previous years and can be taken either remotely or in person. Thank you to those families who will be sending their child in for formal testing in the coming weeks.
Wednesday is an Early Release Day. Dismissal is at 12:45. Please plan accordingly.
That’s all for this week. I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day. Please remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
WEEKLY MESSAGE 5/2/21
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
Wednesday is picture day at the Murkland. There will be no class pictures, only individual pictures. For remote families who want their remote child to have school picture, please know you can come any time after 1PM but preferably come between 3:00 and 3:45PM.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has decided to continue with MCAS Testing this year for students in 3rd and 4th grade. However, it will be shortened test. Typically there are two sessions in Math and two session in English Language Arts. This year, there is only one session per content area. We will be contacting our remote families this week to ask that you consider having your child take the test at the Murkland School. During the phone call, we will provide information on how we will have safety measures in place. Please consider having your child take the test in person. However, if you decide to have your child take the test remotely, that is fine.
This week is Teacher Appreciation week. We have the BEST teachers at the Murkland School. Mrs. Perrin and I have various events planned for teachers, but we want to offer students a chance to join in. Here are things your child can do to show their Teacher Appreciation.
On Monday, students can write about or draw about their teacher…and share it with them.
Tuesday, students can bring a teacher a favorite school supply.
On Wednesday, students can wear their teachers favorite color to school.
Thursday, students can help fight germs by bringing in tissues or wipes.
On Friday, students can wear a superhero shirt, because teachers seem to have superpowers!
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 4/16/21
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
I hope you and your family had a wonderful April vacation. We are now on the final stretch of the 2020-2021 school year.
Prior to vacation, we held our annual Murkland School International Day celebration. Although we couldn’t honor this event with our typical activities, because of the pandemic, we had a great day and a fun Zoom assembly. Our International Day is a great reminder of what makes the Murkland School such a special place. We have such rich culture within our community and our staff feel so fortunate to be part of it.
Please save the date for spring pictures. There will be an option for our remote students to come in for school pictures, if you would like. The Picture Day date is Wednesday, May 5.
On Tuesday, the Food Pantry is available at the Rogers Stem Academy at 2PM.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 4/11/21
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
We had a great week with our new in-person students. It was amazing to see how smoothly students transitioned to in-person learning. It speaks to all the effort you and your child’s teacher have put in this year to support learning. Our remaining remote students are also doing a great job zooming into classrooms.
We continue to supply water bottles for in-person students as needed. To support with this, feel free to send your child into school each day with a sports-type bottle filled with water.
On Friday, we will be holding an International Day Assembly via Zoom. In the spirit of our school’s International Day Celebration, feel free to have your child wear colors or clothing that represent your family. International Day has been a wonderful tradition for quite a while at the Murkland. We hope to honor this tradition, despite the social distancing and remote challenges.
Friday also marks the beginning of Spring Vacation. We will be back in school on April 26.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 4/4/21
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
We are excited for our in-person roster expansion starting Monday. We have almost 200 additional students coming back to school. With that, we still have about 150 students remaining remote. On April 5, teachers will likely have a delayed start to zoom while they greet students in front of the building.
If you are dropping your child off on April 5, please make sure they know and their teacher knows how they are getting home from school. Please make sure that you have them get out the curb side door and avoid driving through the bus line. We expect the parking lot, on this first day of in-person school for many students, to be busy. Please plan accordingly.
If your child is coming into school on April 5, please remember to send your child into school with items requested by your child’s teacher, such as their laptop, charger, and headphones. It is important that these items come back with students, because they will be used in the classroom.
For our students who are remaining remote, please expect a learning curve for your teacher as they work to teach simultaneously. We have amazing teachers at the Murkland and we know they will do well with this, but please be patient with them and know they are doing their very best.
For students who are coming in person, Pool Testing for COVID is available If you would like to sign your child up for Pool Testing, I’ve provided the link in the email with this call. https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=4570)
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 3/28/21
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
As April 5 approaches, please reach out if you have changed your mind with regard to the decision for either remote or in-person learning. To prepare for our return, we held a parent forum last Thursday. It feels that all are well informed of the coming changes, but please reach out if you have any questions about April 5.
To prepare for the 5th, teachers are hard at work preparing their classrooms. In the coming week, your child may be assigned a handful more asynchronous assignments to support teachers with setting up their classrooms.
If you child is coming into school on April 5, please be prepared to send your child into school with items requested by your child’s teacher, such as their laptop, charger, and headphones. It is important that these items come back with students, because they will be used in the classroom.
For students who are coming in person, Pool Testing for COVID is available and occurs on Mondays. If you would like to sign your child up for Pool Testing, I’ve provided the link in the email with this call. https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=4570)
There is no school on Friday, because it is Good Friday. Please plan accordingly.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 3/19/21
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
We have heard from all families with regard to the April 5 return to school. Most Murkland students will be coming back in person, while some will remain remote. If you have chosen to have your child remain remote, but now want you child in person, please let us know as soon as possible. I will be holding a parent forum this Thursday at 6PM. The zoom information for that will be attached to the email from this call, on our website, and posted on our school SMORE page. During that Forum, I will share important information for the changes that will be occurring on April 5. In addition to this parent forum, teachers and I will be updating families as needed.
Here is the parent forum Zoom info: https://lowell-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/85296108125?pwd=YjlFMUplcmZwcEtCL1g1SHdEVTVEZz09
Meeting ID: 852 9610 8125
Passcode: 064709
This week we will have volunteers from UMass Lowell painting some items in front of the school. Please be aware of this if you a walking up to the building so you don’t accidently step on one of those drying spots.
There is a Food Pantry again this Tuesday, March 23 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM. Applications can be found online for this pantry or be completed on site. It is being held at the Stem Academy located on 43 Highland St. in Lowell.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 3/14/21
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
The commissioner of education for our state is requiring all elementary schools to open to current remote students in April. However, parents still have a choice to whether they want their child in-person or remote. We are very excited at the prospect of having more students back in the building. To prepare, we are calling all families to see what decision is best for each family and answer all questions. Most families have been called. If you haven’t been called yet, it’s likely you will be contacted on Monday or Tuesday.
With schools opening to more students in early April, the state guidance on social distancing in school has been updated. We will continue to strive to have students be 6 feet apart, however, guidance allows us to go below 6 feet, but not less than 3 feet apart.
We will continue to update families on changes coming on April 5. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for continuing to support your child’s education. This has been quite the unique school year, with its many twists and turns. Keeping your child’s education as a priority has been critical for their development and I’m thankful there has been so much support. Please continue to do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance and learning.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 3/7/21
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
We are happy to have 25% of our students back in school. We hope that this number can climb as we head into April.
Progress reports were be mailed out recently. Please be on the lookout for it and review it with your child. If you have any questions regarding this report, please reach out.
There is a Food Pantry this Tuesday, March 9 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM. Applications can be found online for this pantry or be completed on site. It is being held at the Stem Academy located on 43 Highland St. in Lowell.
We continue to have great student attendance in 2021. Our school attendance rate is still 96%. Please continue to do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 2/28/21
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
25% of our students will be returning to in-person learning on Monday. We are excited to have so many students returning to the Murkland. Please remember that your child needs to bring a mask to school.
Progress reports will be mailed out later this week. Please be on the lookout for that and review it. If you have any questions regarding this report, please reach out.
At the Murkland, we have five charms students can earn to join the “Murkland PRIDE.” They are perseverance, courage, responsibility, teamwork, and kindness. During our weekly Zooming into the PRIDE meetings, we discuss one charm at a time. Our new focus is on kindness. We feel that Murkland students and staff are so kind and look forward to talking about kindness during our upcoming meeting.
We continue to have great student attendance in 2021. Our school attendance rate is still 96%. Please continue to do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 2/7/21
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
Tomorrow kicks off our Murkland School Spirit Week! We are very excited to show our Murkland PRIDE. Each day we have a different opportunity. Here they are:
· Monday: Superhero Day/Use Your Manners
· Tuesday: VIP Sports Day/Give a Compliment
· Wednesday: Crazy Hair/Do Kind Act
· Thursday: Valentine Colors Day/Talk to Someone New
· Friday: Pajama Day
Monday also begins our next round of iReady Assessments for all K-4 students. This is an important test in Math that shows progress your child has made this school year. It also gives teachers information on what to target with your child. Please note that students should work independently on these tests. Unless you child is in need of tech support during this test, please avoid helping them with questions.
Wednesday, February 10 is an Early Release Day. It is also a supply pickup day for most grades. Please plan accordingly.
Multiple surveys have been requested from the district. Please let us know if you need support completing these surveys. Teachers will also be offering support for families with the surveys.
We had another great week of attendance at the Murkland. Our school attendance rate was 96%. Please continue to do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Survey Requests
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to request that families complete a survey the district has requested. This survey is for parents who did not have an in-person student this fall. I have placed a link to the survey on the Murkland School website. The survey is called “April 1 Return to School Parent/Guardian Survey. Your teacher will be available to support with completing this survey.
In addition to this survey, the district is requesting the following surveys be completed prior to February vacation. There is a Kindergarten Survey regarding your experience thus far and a District Satisfaction Survey. If you have time, please complete those surveys, too.
As always, please reach out to the Murkland School with any questions. Thank you.
April 1 Return to School Parent/Guardian Survey Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnEtTJxu29t2_ULLZ2G_gXtVSLWho70vExhyJN8s0_AXvr6Q/viewform
District Satisfaction Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HDJCMJQ
Kindergarten Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/93P85GF
Weekly Message 1/31/21
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
Monday begins our next round of iReady Assessments for all K-4 students. This is an important test in ELA and Math that shows progress your child has made this school year. It also gives teachers information on what to target with your child. Please note that students should work independently on these tests. Unless you child is in need of tech support during this test, please avoid helping them with questions.
Wednesday, February 3 is World Read Aloud Day! I encourage you or another family member to read a book to your child. In addition, consider having your child read one of their favorite stories aloud to you. Reading aloud to children is so beneficial to their academic success. I encourage you to read to your child as much as possible.
We had another great week of attendance at the Murkland this week. Our school attendance rate was 96%. Please continue to do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 1/17/21
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
There is no school tomorrow, Monday, January 18 to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We are back to Remote Learning on Tuesday, January 19.
We had a very fun celebration through zoom for students who completed their optional work over the recent vacation. Those who attended completed at least 5 iReady online lessons over the break. iReady is a great learning platform. I highly encourage you to have your child log into iReady if you are looking for something to support their learning. There are well-developed reading and math lessons your child can complete. The best part of this program is it’s ability to adapt to each child’s individual needs. If you have any questions about iReady, feel free to reach out to us.
There are many supplies that need to be picked up by families at the Murkland. If your child’s teacher has informed you of a pickup, please pop by the school any day from 8:30 – 3:00. Also, there are new ipads for PreK students. PreK parents, please swing by with your old iPad to switch it out for a new one.
We had our BEST attendance week of the year last week. Our school attendance rate was 96%. Grade 4 had a remarkable 99% attendance rate last week. Please continue to do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 1/10/21
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
This Tuesday at 2PM at the Rogers Stem Academy, there is a food pantry available. Those looking to go will need to preregister by calling 978-674-2053.
Wednesday is an Early Release Day. Dismissal is at 12:50. Please plan accordingly.
Teachers have had many supply pickups over the course of this school year. Please make every effort to pick up items when requested so your child has the appropriate materials for certain lessons. Thank you for your support with this.
We had over 100 students complete extra, optional work over the holiday break. Well done to these students! We will be having a reward for them on Friday at 1:15 via zoom.
Our attendance rate last week was quite high. Thank you for continuing to support your child’s daily attendance.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 1/3/21
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
We are back to Remote Learning tomorrow, January 4.
We hope you and your family enjoy the break and had a Happy New Year. After a tricky 2020, I know many are welcoming in this new year!
Report cards were mailed out. Hopefully you received it over the break. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher or the Murkland School.
Students had the opportunity to complete some extra, optional work over the break. If they were able to complete it, we will be rewarding them with a zoom activity.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 12/20/20
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
After school on Wednesday begins the winter holiday break. There will be no school between Thursday, December 24 through Sunday, January 3. Students will be zooming back in on January 4. With that said, we are encouraging all students to maintain their learning momentum. Students in grades K – 4 should try and complete at least five iReady lessons over break. Our theme is “Bring in 2021 with five lessons done!” Of course they could complete more if they’d like.
The food pantry is available again on Tuesday, December 22 from 2-3PM at the Stem Academy. If you would like to register, please call 978-674-2053.
Report cards are being mailed out. Please be on the lookout for this in your mail. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Student attendance remains strong, but we need your help this week. Although it is a short week, please strive to have your child log in to their class on time, each day.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 12/13/20
Weekly phone call in text.
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
Parent conferences have been happening. Your child’s teacher has been reaching out to families to set 15ish minute meetings. I strongly encourage you to commit to having a conference so you can hear about your child’s progress and goals. If you have any questions about this, please call us.
All Lowell Public School students must receive the influenza vaccine by 12/31/20. The Murkland School hosted a clinic last week. On Monday and Tuesday from 3:00-5:30, Lowell High is hosting a clinic. Signing up online is preferred, but walk ins are welcome. This information is posted on our facebook page and website.
Murkland School continues to be a remote learning meal site on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:30 – 1:00. Just a reminder that there are other sites in the district that have different times. Information on this is located on our website and within our school news page.
Student attendance remains strong. We had a 96% attendance rate again last week. Please continue to do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance. Grade 4 is still in the lead at 98%.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 12/6/20
Weekly phone call in text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
All Lowell Public School students must receive the influenza vaccine by 12/31/20. The Murkland School will be a site for the flu shot on December 8 from 3-5:30 PM. Your child’s teacher shared sign up information and it was posted on our facebook page.
This Wednesday is an Early Release Day. Dismissal is at 12:50. Please plan accordingly.
Families that had a child who was in-person this year before going remote, please complete the survey your child’s teacher sent to you as soon as possible.
Student attendance remains strong. We had a 96% attendance rate again last week. Please continue to do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance. Right now, grade 4 is maintaining its 98% attendance rate and they are in the Attendance Battle lead…they making it hard for grades 1, 2, and 3, who are at 96%, to catch up. Please do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 11/29/20
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share information about school. Given this is Thanksgiving weekend and all we have gone through during these tricky remote learning times, I’d like to thank you for a few things.
I'm thankful for all you’ve done as a parent to support your child’s education and the Murkland School.
I'm thankful you are our partner in educating your child.
I'm thankful you come to pick up remote supplies when asked.
I'm thankful you make sure your child has logged into their classroom on time throughout the day.
I'm thankful you call us when your child is going to be absent from school.
I'm thankful you communicate with your child’s teacher when needed.
I'm thankful your family is part of the Murkland School community.
Finally, I’m thankful you listen to my weekly calls and ask your child what they learn at school each day…and that you don’t let them tell you they learned nothing.
Weekly Message 11/22/20
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
This Thursday is Thanksgiving. As a result, students have a half day on Wednesday. Dismissal on Wednesday is at 11:10AM. Also, there is no school on Thursday and Friday as result of the holiday. Please plan accordingly.
All Lowell Public School students must receive the influenza vaccine by 12/31/20. The Murkland School will be a site for the flu shot on December 8 from 3-5:30 PM. There will be a website for parents to sign up. Once that is available, we will share it out.
For families that had an in-person student before going remote, the district is asking that you complete a survey. Your child’s teacher will reach out to you with a link to a survey. Please complete it as soon as possible.
For families with students in our remote 21st century program, please be on the lookout for emails with additional information about the start of the program. There will be a supply pickup on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
We continue to have very good attendance during remote learning. We had a 96% attendance rate again last week. Please continue to do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance. Right now, grade 4 is still in the lead with a 98% attendance rate…grades 1, 2, and 3 are right behind at 96%.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 11/15/20
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
All Lowell Public School students must receive the influenza vaccine by 12/31/20. LPS is partnering with CVS to offer a flu clinic on Saturday, 11/14, at the Stoklosa parking lot from 9-1 pm. Space is limited. Reservations are required, along with an insurance card. You can go to the LPS website for additional information and sign up. Murkland School will be a site for the flu vaccine in December.
We continue to have solid attendance during remote learning. We had a 96% attendance rate again last week. Please continue to do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance. Right now, grade 4 is in the attendance battle lead with a 98% attendance rate…grade 3 is right behind at 97%.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 11/8/20
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
There is no school on Wednesday, November 11 to honor Veteran’s Day. Please plan accordingly.
Last week we had a supply pickup day. If you were unable to make it, please come into the Murkland during school hours or tomorrow, Monday, November 9 from 3-4:30PM.
While zooming with students, teachers have noticed many households that have a smoke detector chirping noise in the background. A smoke detector will often chirp when a new 9 volt battery is needed. It’s important to put a new 9 volt battery in a chirping smoke detector.
We have had incredible attendance during remote learning. In fact, we had a 96% attendance rate last week, again. This is very impressive during these tricky times. Please continue to do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance. Our Attendance Battles at the Murkland. Right now, grade 4 is in the lead with a 99% attendance rate…really impressive!!!
Finally, the food pantry is open at the STEM Academy on Tuesday at 2PM. To register, call 978-674-2053
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 11/1/20
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
There is no school on Tuesday, November 3 because of Election Day. Please plan accordingly.
The Murkland School continues to have a food truck in the parking lot on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12:30.
Internet hotspots are still available to those who might need one. They work very well. If your child is in need of better internet to access online learning, please reach out to us at school or contact your child’s teacher.
Progress Reports went completed last week. We sent them off to be mailed to all homes. Hopefully you receive your child’s report soon. If you have any questions, please reach out.
We have had incredible attendance during remote learning. In fact, we had a 96% attendance rate last week. This is very impressive during these trick times. Please continue to do all you can to support your child’s daily attendance. We have begun Attendance Battles at the Murkland. Right now, grade 4 is in the lead with a 99% attendance rate…quite impressive!!!
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 10/25/20
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Students and families have been doing a great job accessing learning during this unique time. We have had great participation from bell-to-bell each day in the remote setting. Thank you for your continued support.
On Tuesday at 2:00, there is a food pantry located at the STEM academy. To preregister for this, you should call 978-674-2053.
On Wednesday, your child’s progress report will be mailed out. You might not receive it until later in the week. Please review this report and contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions.
Throughout this week, students will be finishing their ELA iReady Assessment and also begin their Math iReady Assessment. Thank you for ensuring your child is completing this test without help. It’s important for us to know what your child’s strengths and areas of need are so we can best support their learning.
We have had incredible attendance during remote learning. Mrs. Perrin and I are beginning grade level attendance battles starting this week. Please do all you can to continue supporting your child logging into school at 8:30 each day.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 10/18/20
Weekly Phone Call in Text (You can translate this using the icon on bottom of screen)
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
Students and families have been doing a great job accessing learning during this unique time. We have had great participation from bell-to-bell each day in the remote setting. Thank you for your continued support.
As we enter a new week of learning, our in-person students will also join the remote setting. Unfortunately we have seen a rise of cases in the city that has made the state dashboard for Lowell red for multiple weeks. Let’s hope this setback is short lived. For our in-person families going remote, please know that office staff will still be at the Murkland to support.
As our in-person students head into the remote setting, please know that when you child’s camera and microphone are on, others can hear and see into the background of the space your child is working. We encourage you to keep the noise level down in your household and hold adult conversations away from the zoom.
During this week of school, most students will be taking an iReady Assessment focusing on Reading. This is a very important assessment. It provides teachers with important information about your child’s reading development. Please be sure your child takes this test without support, so we get a true picture of your child’s progress. Also, please encourage your child to try their best on this assessment. Next week, students will take the iReady Math Assessment.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Weekly Message 10/11/20
Weekly Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
There is no school tomorrow, Monday, October 12 due to it being Columbus Day. Please plan accordingly.
The Murkland School continues to have a food truck in the parking lot on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12:30. This week it will only be Wednesday and Friday.
For families of an in-person student, an email went out from the Mayor and Superintendent talked about the states dashboard that codes cities and towns either grey, green, yellow, or red. Lowell has now been red for two straight weeks. The email from the Mayor and Superintendent stated that if Lowell is again coded “red” next week, the district will shift to a full remote learning model beginning at the start of school on Monday, October 19, 2020. Please be aware of this possibility and plan accordingly.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Early Release and UML String Project
Phone call reminding families of early release and UML String Project:
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to remind families that tomorrow, Wednesday, October 7, is an Early Release Day. Dismissal for in-school students is at 12:45. Please plan accordingly.
Also, for families of students in grades 2 – 4, the Umass Lowell String Project is open again. Students can learn to play violin, viola and cello with help from UMass Lowell college students as tutors. Tuition is low and scholarships are available to families with need. Sign ups are Thursday, October 8 from 2:30 – 7:00 PM at Durgin Hall located at UMass Lowell’s South Campus, off Wilder Street. If you have questions, you can email umlstringproject@gmail.com This is a great opportunity for your child to develop a life-long skill and love of music.
Weekly Message 10/4/20
Sunday Phone Call in Text
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
Wednesday is an Early Release Day for both in-person and remote students. Dismissal is at 12:50. Please plan accordingly.
The Murkland School continues to have a food truck in the parking lot on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 12:30.
If you were unable to complete an emergency form during our orientation, we will be mailing a blank one out within the week. Please be on the lookout and fill this out and return it as soon as possible. It is very important that we have this information, even for our remote families.
Your children are doing a terrific job during remote learning. They are logging into their classrooms at 8:30 and working hard throughout the day. A few things to remember during the school day:
- Please know that when you child’s camera and microphone are on, others can hear and see into the background of the space your child is working. We encourage you to keep the noise level down in your household and hold adult conversations away from the zoom.
- Messaging your child’s teacher during the day is okay, but please know it is very hard for them to respond right away, as they are running the online class. Please be patient and aware of this when reaching out to your child’s teacher.
- There are times in the day when you child’s class takes screen breaks. Please make sure your child rejoins his or her class when expected.
- Teachers ask many questions throughout the day for students to answer. Typically when students are in school, we have students turn and talk to a partner about their answer, so all students can share their thinking. This isn’t possible online, so teachers can only have one child answer a question at a time. Please know that teachers would love to hear from all students, but it’s impossible with over 20 students in a remote setting. Please encourage your child to not get discouraged if they aren’t called on to answer every question.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Import COVID Info for Families
Weekly Message 9/27/20
Good evening, this is Mr. Andriolo calling to share important information about school and the upcoming week.
This Monday brings an in-person start to about 25% of our students. Students who have Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Moynihan, Mrs. Quealy, and Mrs Genninger will begin their in-person learning. For those families, please be cautious in the parking lot if you are walking or dropping off your child. If dropping your child off, always try and let your child out on the curbside of your car. Staff will be outside to direct your child. Please remember that your child will need a mask to come into school.
For our remote families, please remember it is important that your child’s teachers have the ability to contact an adult in case your child is having technical difficulties or isn’t logging back into class. If there are changes to who is supervising your child, please reach out with that information to your child’s teacher.
Speaking of tech support, there will be a tech tent available at the Murkland on Friday, October 2 from 9AM – 11AM. In addition, the tech tent is open on at the Robinson School on Monday from 9-11 and at the STEM on Wedneday from 9-11. It’s important to have your child’s device running well. I encourage you to head to a tech tent if there is a need.
We have some families who are still in need of wifi. Please know that we will provide support once it arrives. Hopefully the wifi sticks arrive soon. We will keep you posted.
We continue to have solid attendance with remote learning. It’s not easy on families and we really appreciate your part in getting your child on from bell-to-bell each day. Please continue to support your child logging into their classroom at 8:30, each day.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
Link to Lowell Pubic School Student Handbook
Weekly Message 9/20/20
Our remote learning for grades 1 – 4 went well last week. There are some remote learning wrinkles that still need to be worked out.
To support families with spotty internet connections, the district has purchased a limited number of internet sticks. Your child’s teacher has taken note of who needs internet support. Hopefully we receive those devices by the end of this week. In addition, if you are having issues with your child’s device, we have been working to fix those that have been brought to the Murkland School. Feel free to reach out if you have an issue with your child’s device.
Most Kindergarten and PreK families have met with their child’s teacher. We should have devices in hand tomorrow to provide to Kindergarten families. Please be on the lookout for a notification that your Kindergarten child’s device has arrived at the Murkland so you can pick it up.
We have about 40 PreK and Kindergarten students starting in-person tomorrow. Please be sure to send your child into school with a mask. If you choose to send your child in with a water bottle, please make sure it is labeled. PreK and K students will enter through their classroom’s back door located near the parking lot. Those doors are also where they will be dismissed.
We had excellent attendance during Remote Learning last week. Please continue to work with you child to make sure they log into their classroom on time, each day. Our continue approach to remote learning is for students to be working from 8:30 – 2:50.
That’s all for this week. I hope you have a great week. Remember to ask your child what they learned at the Murkland every day - and please, don’t let them tell you nothing!
First Day of Remote School for Grades 1 - 4 (9.17.20)
Our first day of school for all grade 1 - 4 students is tomorrow, Thursday, September 17. As you know, at this time, all grade 1 – 4 students are remote. The remote school day is still “bell-to-bell” from 8:30 – 2:50.
We had 95% of our families pick up a device over the last few days. If you haven’t been in contact with your child’s teacher, it is critical that you call us tomorrow at 978-937-2826. During your meeting with your child’s teacher, you were asked about an adult who would be available if needed during the day to support with something tech related. This is critical during the first day of school.
In addition to supporting your child with logging into their first day, please work to create a distraction-free space for your child. They will need to be listening closely to their teacher and classmates throughout the day. Also, each child has received a supply box. All items should be placed into that box at the end of each school day so they don’t get lost. Please double-check this so your child isn’t searching for an item when a teacher asks for it.
Remote attendance requirements are the same as in-person requirements. Please be sure to communicate to your child’s teacher if your child will be absent, late, or dismissed. If there isn’t communication, there could be confusion about whether your child’s absence is excused.
Learning remotely will certainly come with some challenges. Murkland staff has worked hard to develop systems that support your child’s independence. However, even the best of plans can sometimes have unexpected issues during implementation. Please continue to be patient and work with us as we set up routines and structures for the remote start.
Finally, this amount of time working remotely is new to all children. Please check in with your child as the begin to develop their online stamina over the coming days. Maintaining focus from “bell-to-bell” will take time. I encourage you to speak with your child about the time it will take to develop that stamina.
That’s all for now. We look forward to finally starting the 2020-2021 school year. It is certainly the most unique start we’ve ever had, but we feel ready to support your child’s learning.
Weekly Message 9/14/20
Translation available by selecting your families language for this message.
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! Thursday is the first day of school for students in grades 1 – 4. We have about 100 in-person students starting and about 300 working remotely. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten will be starting on Monday, September 21.
To support families who have a child coming in person, we will be holding a parent info session this Tuesday evening starting at 6:30 on Zoom. I will post the Zoom link on our website and on Facebook just prior to the meeting. I’ve also attached it to the text email you receive from this phone call.
To support families who have a grade 1 – 4 child working remotely, your child’s teacher is reaching out to schedule appointments with you starting Monday. This year, our family-school partnership needs to be as strong as ever. Please do all you can to connect with your child’s teacher. It is very important that you learn what is needed to best support your child’s remote education.
During your meeting with a Murkland teacher this week, you will receive a box of items for your child. Teachers have worked to prepare a large amount of important resources to support your child’s independence during remote learning. It is very critical that this box of items stays organized and intact. Please try and provide your child with their own space in your home to set the remote experience up for success.
The beginning of every school year is always an exciting time. Our early goal of a new year is to make your child feel a true connection to their new classroom community so they are able to reach their full potential over the course of the year. Although we are in unique times, we still strive to make the start to this year one that brings joy to your child. We look forward to starting this journey together on Thursday.
Meal Site Info
Murkland Elementary School
Website: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/murkland
Location: 350 Adams Street, Lowell, MA, USA
Phone: 9789372826