Memorial Buzz
News from Manchester Memorial Elementary School!
June 2, 2017
Principal's Note...
Yesterday was truly one of the best days at MMES since I took over as Principal six years ago. We had the most moving and inspiring presentation from a group of young adults from the Berkshire Hills Music Academy. The troupe is comprised of men and women (age 18-30) who have intellectual disabilities. The keyboard player was also blind in addition to being on the Autism Spectrum. At MMES we promote our core value of "acceptance" everyday, but I am never sure how much the kids really get it. Yesterday, it was very clear that if they didn't "get it" before, they sure do now!
The group played a number of popular songs and told their individual stories of growing up with disabilities and highlighted the ABILITIES that they have despite their disabilities. They talked about not feeling accepted in school, being bullied, and having many questions about why they felt so different. Their individual stories and messages really connected with our students and staff. It was so great to see all of the kids dancing like they were at a rock concert (and the staff dancing in the lobby too)! The troupe was incredibly talented and really rocked our house!
We are so thankful to the MMPTO and the Hooper Fund for collaborating to make this happen for us. I think it was a life changing experience for many in the school. Acceptance and appreciation of all types of diversity is very important to us, and it was so great to see the kids really "get it!" You should be proud...I sure was!
If they haven't already told you about it, ask your child about the performance. After the show, one of the students said, "That was so great! I have disabilities too and those guys were awesome!" It was a huge hit with all!
Check out our Facebook page for some great videos of the show!
Have a great weekend!
Best,
John
Field Day!
MMPTO Enrichment News
The Berkshire Hills Music Academy Performance Troupe performed for us on Thursday to tie into school’s annual community read, also known as “One School, One Book.” Through a generous grant from The Hooper Fund, the school was able to provide a copy of Gaston, by award-winning author Kelly DiPucchio, to each family and staff member at the school.
The performance by Berkshire Hills Music Academy Performance Troupe provided a great complement to Gaston, which tells the story of Bruno and Antoinette, a bulldog and poodle mistakenly switched at birth. As the story unfolds, the pooches learn to accept and love each other, despite their differences. The Performance Troupe is a program at Berkshire Hills Music Academy, a community offering a post-secondary transition program as well as a long-term graduate program for young adults with intellectual disabilities. The concert will break down stereotypes and highlight the unique gifts of the musicians in the Performance Troupe. Information about the Academy and the Performance Troupe is at https://www.berkshirehills.org.
-MMPTO Enrichment
MERSD Preschool
The Manchester-Essex Regional School District Preschool is now accepting Peer Pals for the
2017-2018 school year!
MERSD Preschool, 43 Lincoln Street, Manchester
To schedule a screening appointment, call Student Services at 978-525-6060
Friendly Reminder
From Ms. Natti's Music Room...
June 6th (am - time to follow)- Kapok Tree (GRADE 2)
Jun 19 - Last Day of School - Noon Dismissal (K-5)
Upcoming Dates...
JUNE
6 - Gr. 2 Kapok Tree Performance (time - 9:30 AM)
6-9 Camp Merrowvista Trip (Grade 5)
14 - Field Day and Cookout
15 - Crossing the Bridge Ceremony
Notices From our Friends...
Summer Stage - Help Wanted!
summerstage.stagemanager@gmail.com for more information.
Thank you so much,
Meredith Wolf
MERHS
2016-2017 District Calendar
Please click the link below for the 2016-2017 District Calendar
MMES is on Facebook!
Memorial School:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009186193553&hc_ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf
MMES Library/Technology:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007713044842&fref=ts
"Like" our friends:
MERSD:
https://www.facebook.com/ManchesterEssexRegional/?fref=ts
MMPTO:
https://www.facebook.com/ManchesterMemorialPTO/?fref=ts