The Lion's Roar
McAvinnue's Community Newsletter: Week Of February 6th
McAvinnue's Principal's Message
Hello McAvinnue Community!
What a way to end this week! It was down right freezing on Friday afternoon during dismissal. It was great to see that a large majority of our students were dressed for the frigid weather with heavy coats, hats, and gloves. Moving forward, it is important that your child arrives to school each day with appropriate gear that matches the weather forecast. If you need any of the items previous mentioned, please don't hesitate to contact the Main Office for support. We have access to several new winter coats, hat and gloves for our students. Just let us know and we will take care of everything!
We had a very productive week at McAvinnue! We are still conducting various benchmark assessments with our students. We will use the progress data obtained from these assessments to continue to design meaningful lessons as well as provide a level of intervention support for those students that are not progressing in an the expected manner. Our teachers have just completed the Fountas & Pinnell Reading Benchmark Assessment and the iReady Reading Diagnostic Assessment this past week. We are eager to see the great reading progress our students are making. We will move forward with the iReady Math Diagnostic Benchmark Assessment this up and coming week. You will receive the results of these assessments in the student progress reports that will be sent home on Wednesday, February 15th. Be on the lookout for these in your child's purple communication folder.
We have a few exciting events at McAvinnue that will be coming up soon. Our Grade 2 students have been working very hard on a musical showacase called "Colors: We're Better Together"! This performance will occur on Friday, February 17th at 9:30 AM. This is going to be amazing! Also, we have sent home sign-up information for a fantastic FREE evening event at McAvinnue called "Top Secret Science" coming up on Tuesday, March 7th at 5:15 PM - 6:45 PM in the cafeteria. This event will allow you and your child to have some Science fun by creating multiple fun take-home experiments. We have worked previously with "Top Secret Science" and they are a top notch experience that our students really enjoyed. Don't miss out on this tremendous FREE opportunity. Please see below for more information!
Finally, we have reached a school year milestone this up and coming week. We will reach the 100th day of school on Wednesday, February 8th. This is always an exciting day at our school where the focus of many of our lessons and activities center on the number 100! Stay tuned for pictures coming soon!
Here are a few items that you need to be aware for this up and coming week. Please mark your calendars for the following events and activities that will occur at McAvinnue:
- Monday, February 6th - McAvinnue Reopens
- Monday, February 6th - Friday, February 10th - iReady Math Diagnostic Window (Grades 1 - 4)
- Wednesday, February 8th - 100th Day Of School
You will find additional details for the events and activities list above in this edition of McAvinnue's "Lion's Roar" Community Newsletter.
As usual, we are looking forward to another amazing week at the "best school that we all know"!
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.
100th Day Of School: Wednesday, February 8th
STEAM Studio Family Night!
New this year! STEAM Studio Family Night!
FREE night of STEM activities With Top Secret Science!!!
Tuesday March 7, 2023
5:15 PM -6:45 PM
McAvinnue School Cafeteria
All students are invited to join us for a fun filled night of hands-on STEM activities. Students may attend with one adult family member and will get to take home several experiments that they made during the program!!
This FREE amazing fun-filled night is limited to the first 70 students that respond by sending back the bottom portion of the flyer!!! Don’t delay and miss this fun filled opportunity!!!! No exceptions will be made as the cafeteria can only hold a limited number of people.
Paper sign-up flyers will be going home this week! Make sure to look for it in your child's folder, sign up, and send back the bottom portion of the flyer ASAP!!! Don't miss out on a FREE fun filled night with your child!
Want to check out more....watch the video below and click the link to see what Top Secret Science is all about!
McAvinnue's Week In Review
McAvinnue’s “Artist of the Week”
McAvinnue’s “Artist of the Week” is Charlotte in Room 201! Charlotte used Markers to create a design using heart shapes that completely fill her paper. Her colors choices create a balance of warm and cool colors. Excellent example of determination and craftsmanship!
McAvinnue's "Musician Of The Week"
A Crankenstein Valentine!
PreK students in Ms. Annie's classroom enjoyed reading "A Crankenstein Valentine"! Students had a chance to reflect and write down things that make them say "Yechhhh!" We love this!
Movie Time!
Lets Make Some Valentines!
Good News From The After School Program!
ST Math Good News: 100% Progress & Beyond!
Week Of February 6th
ST Math Weekly Update: Week Of February 6th
Check out our ST Math updated weekly celebrations below!
What an amazing month of puzzle play for McAvinnue! Over 600,000 puzzles have been solved by students! Students continue to break records at McAvinnue with their commitment and hard work with this interactive and engaging Math platform!
Percent Progress Averages continue to impress! Our school reached 60% Percent Progress! We are well on our way to reaching 100% progress as a school by the end of this school year. This would be an unbelievable accomplishment to say the least!
During the month of January, McAvinnue's Winter Waddle took place. Nearly 100,000 puzzles were solved. We have included the final top by winning classrooms below. They will now hold the coveted ST Math JiJi trophy and have a chance to participate in the "February Freeze" which is a super fun 30 minutes of action-packed games in the gymnasium with Mr. Domina and Mrs. Bellerose!
JiJi and McAvinnue are always ready for the next challenge! February has just begun but March Mathness is heading your way. Stay tuned for weekly updates!
Total Puzzles Completed
Percent Progress Update
McAvinnue's "Winter Waddle" Total Puzzle Count
McAvinnue's Student Daily Attendance Policy
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out directly.
Upcoming Events
Here are important dates to remember for the month of February:
- Monday, February 6th - McAvinnue Reopens
- Monday, February 6th - Friday, February 10th - iReady Math Diagnostic Window (Grades 1 - 4)
- Wednesday, February 8th - 100th Day Of School
- Tuesday, February 14th: Valentine's Day
- Wednesday, February 15th - Student Progress Reports (Grades 1 - 4)
- Friday, February 17th - Grade 2 Musical Showcase: "Colors: We're Better Together" @ 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
- Monday, February 20th - Friday, February 24th - Winter Break - No School
- Monday, February 27th - McAvinnue Reopens
iReady Benchmark Assessments
The 2nd iReady Diagnostic window will open this up and coming week. The follow windows will be open district-wide:
- Math - Monday, February 6th - Friday, February 10th (Kindergarten - Grade 4)
The district has strongly encouraged all schools to test during the assigned weeks.
Please reach out to your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
Check Out McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements!
Like we had successfully done last school year, a new edition of McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements will be presented to our students on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. We will continue to use Tuesday and Thursday each week to be used for "Open Circle"....our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program that focuses on community building, prosocial decision making, and appropriate responses to daily stressors both within the school and home settings.
This will continue to be a great way to bring our school together each day focusing on the same message to get the energy, commitment, and engage up before we launch into another great day at "the best school we all know".
You can check out each edition of McAvinnue's Morning Announcements on our YouTube channel using the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7hxiBuRjqjqfASl_RLMleQ
If you want a peek of the latest edition of McAvinnue's "Virtual Morning Announcements", check out the video below!
McAvinnue's Yoga Pose Of The Week: "Geyster" Continued...
We will continue to practice the "Geyser" pose for this up and coming week. This pose will allow us to release tension by decreasing negativity and excess energy that will allow us to be ready to take on the next challenge with a clear mind and focused body! We will practice the "Geyser" pose daily during our "Virtual" Morning Announcements during this up and coming week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
You can get an early head start and practice this technique before we launch into another exciting week!
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Logistics
Drop-Off Logistics
- Arrival begins at 9:10 AM each day. The late bell rings at 9:25 AM.
- Please pull up to the 4th Avenue side of the building when dropping off your child.
- As you approach the 4th Avenue sidewalk, a faculty member will greet and support getting your child safely out of the vehicle.
- This area is a drop off area ONLY. You will not be permitted to park in this location.
- Please be sure to drive all the way down to the end of the sidewalk so we can fit as many vehicles in this location as possible.
- Ensure your child is ready to go and do not get out of the car so we can keep traffic moving.
- Students accessing our CSA program will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
- Large bus students will enter using the back door located in the rear of the school building.
- Small bus and van transportation students will use the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
Morning Lining Up Locations
- Grade 1, 3, and 4 students will use the Main Door to enter the school building.
- Grade 2 will use the 4th Avenue doorway near the front of the school to enter the building.
- PreK & Kindergarten will use the Early Childhood door to enter the building. This door is located to the right of McAvinnue's Reading Garden and to the left of the Main Door.
Pick-Up Logistics
- Grade 1 will be dismissed out the Main Door.
- Grades 2, 3, and 4 will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the front of the school.
- Kindergarten students will be dismissed out the Early Childhood door. This door is located to the right of McAvinnue's Reading Garden and to the left of the Main Door.
- Students accessing our CSA program will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
- PreK students will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway. Please contact Ms. Annie for the specific dismissal time.
School Bus Transportation Information
School bus transportation is provided to students in grades K-4, who live greater than .75 mile from their residence or alternate address to their assigned school. Middle school students (grades 5-8) must live greater than 1.5 miles from their residence or alternate address to their assigned school.
Kindergarten through 4th grade students will receive a printed bus pass via postal mail. These passes were mailed out on August 24th. You can also look up your student's bus pass information by using their Student ID for the username and date of birth for the password at the link below. This is the same information that students use to log in to their Chromebooks for school.
Please note that Kindergarten and 1st grader students must have an older sibling (4th grade or older) or parent present at the bus stop in the afternoon in order to depart from the school bus. If a parent or older sibling is not present, the student will be brought to the Moody School, located at 158 Rogers Street. A driver’s license or valid identification must be presented to the staff in order to dismiss the student.
You can use the LPSD "Bus Lookup Tool" using the link below. You will need to use you child's LASID or lunch number along with their birthdate to access this helpful system.
There also is a helpful video that you can watch that will walk you through the process.
Need Info? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
How can I update my contact information (phone number/email/address)?
- Go online to the Family Resource Webpage (https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/UpdateContactInfo) and fill out the “contact us” form. Families who don’t have access to the internet can fill out the form in person at the Family Resource Center. If an address change is related to economic factors or housing instability (family moves in with relatives, eviction, hotel/motel, fire or unsheltered, please contact the McKinney Vento Office located at the Family Resource Center in person (151 Merrimack Street), by phone (978-674-4321) or go to the webpage at https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/HomelessAssistance.
How do I update my emergency contacts?
- If you were in the school last year we will send a verification sheet out. if you are new we will send home an emergency form to fill out on the first day of school or use the online form found in this newsletter.
What should I do if my child needs a Chromebook or if my child’s Chromebook needs repairs?
- Families should contact their school to coordinate the issuing of a new Chromebook or to schedule repairs. After the school year begins, the district will resume its “tech tent” services and will inform families via email, text, and phone once the services resume.
How do I register my child for the new school year?
- All school registrations are completed online using a computer or laptop. You can access the online application by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolRegistration. If you only have a mobile device and don’t have access to a computer or laptop, you can register in person at the Family Resource Center (151 Merrimack Street). Please call the Family Resource Center if you have any questions (978-674-4321).
What should I do if I need to register my child(ren) and I don’t speak English?
- The Lowell Public Schools is committed to providing translation and interpretation services for families who require assistance in a language other than English. The online registration application and website is translated in Spanish and Portuguese and can be accessed by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolRegistration. For all other languages, please call Vannak Khin at (978) 328-6782 to arrange services. In-person language interpretation support for registration can be accessed by visiting the Lowell Public Schools at 151 Merrimack Street. Families can also call the Family Resource Center at (978) 674-4321 to make an appointment with a Bilingual Family Liaison.
How old does my child need to be to enroll in preschool or kindergarten?
- A child must turn 4 years old on or before September 1, 2021, in order to apply for preschool and 5 by September 1 to apply for kindergarten. A family can apply for preschool by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/PreschoolRegistration to fill out an online application or https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/KindergartenRegistration for kindergarten. For registration questions, please call (978) 674-4321.
How do I apply for a transfer for my child to change schools in the new year?
- Per the 2021-22 School Assignment Policy, all students have the option to request one school transfer per year. Families can apply online by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolTransfer or can come to the Family Resource Center in-person to complete the application. Transfers are assigned on a space availability basis.
Medical Information Reminder
Forms and medication can be dropped off to Nurse Robin any time during the school day. However, it's ideal to drop things off between 9:10 AM - 9:30 AM each day.
Nurse Robin cannot administer ANY medications without a physician's order, including over-the-counter medications. Please make sure that the school nurse is provided refills in advance of any medication supply running out.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Nurse Robin directly,
Lowell Public Schools COVID Guidelines Update
Please see the message that was recently sent out regarding the latest COVID-19 guidance for this school year.
"Dear Lowell Public Schools Families,
We are looking forward to welcoming you all back to school on August 31st (Sept 7th for PreK and Kindergarteners) for the start of the 2022-2023 school year!
We would like to take this time to share the latest COVID-19 guidelines and policies:
- There will be no more in-school testing or contract tracing and schools will be distributing one last at-home testing kit, which will expire Sept. 29.
- Masks are not required (except for in the school nurse’s office), but staff and students who wish to wear a mask may do so.
- Students and staff who do have a positive case of COVID-19 must stay out of school for a minimum of five days, but may return if symptoms improve on days 6-10 if they wear a high-quality mask.
The Centers for Disease Control’s latest COVID-19 guidance can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html
We ask that you continue to stress good hygiene habits to your children, such as thorough hand washing and coughing into their elbows when they cough, and ask them not to share cups or water bottles with friends.
We strongly encourage all who are able to do so to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and subsequent boosters. We are thankful to our partners at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, who provided vaccinations at our Back-to-School Block Party, which was attended by more than 3,000 people. To find a location to receive a vaccine or booster, as well as additional information about the vaccine, visit: https://www.lowellma.gov/1523/COVID-19-Vaccine"
2022-2023 School Year Calendar
February Breakfast & Lunch Menu
Parent & Family Resources
Preschool Registration Information
Winter Reading Challenge 2023
Lowell Kid's Week: February 18th - February 26th
PreK Family Focus Group: February 7th
SNAP Benefits For Families
Mental Health Support Available
Emergency Contact Form: 2022-2023
Get a jump start now and complete your emergency contact form for the 2022-2023 academic school year?
We have made it really easy for you to complete this important task. You can access the online form below. When you complete this form, it is immediately sent to McAvinnue and we will print it out for our records.
You don't need to come to the school to complete this form...you can do it right on your phone, tablet, or computer!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. De La Luz at adelaluz@lowell.k12.ma.us or contact the Main Office at McAvinnue for support!
McAvinnue Spirit Gear By Prep Sportswear
We have an online store if you wish to order any McAvinnue gear! It is open 24 hours per day and there is no due date for orders. Anytime you want to order...on any day!
The company is Prep Sportswear and has been reliable with solid product quality from reputable brands.
There is a 30% off deal occuring now on all items! This is a major discount if you are interested in purchasing McAvinnue merchandise.
We are also exploring additional local options to purchase McAvinnue gear. Stay tuned for more information in the month of September.
To access our current online store for McAvinnue spirit gear, please click the link below.
Mill City Grows Winter Markets
Don’t let winter stop you from eating fresh local fruits and vegetables! Fresh, locally grown produce is now available for purchase through April 2023 at Mill City Grows’ (MCG) Indoor Winter Mobile Markets at UMass Lowell University Crossing and MCG’s ROOT Kitchen.
Shoppers can enjoy a variety of seasonal vegetables grown on farm sites in the City of Lowell as well as fresh produce sourced from area farmers and growers. Mill City Grows Mobile Markets accept SNAP/EBT, cash, credit, debit, and Mill City Grows E-Gift Cards (a great stocking stuffer: https://squareup.com/gift/A6CVNHCK5PKAE/order) for payment. All markets also accept HIP (Healthy Incentives Program), a SNAP benefit that provides $1 back for every dollar spent on fruits and vegetables purchased directly from a HIP authorized farm or vendor. SNAP customers are encouraged to ask about HIP discounts while shopping.
The full Indoor Winter Mobile Market schedule can be viewed and downloaded at https://www.millcitygrows.org/mobile-markets/, including multilingual schedules in Khmer, Spanish, Vietnamese, Portuguese, Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Pashto. Please follow Mill City Grows on Facebook and Instagram for all scheduling updates or call 978-455-2620. The full schedule is listed below:
2022-2023 MILL CITY GROWS INDOOR WINTER MOBILE MARKET SCHEDULE
University Crossing Atrium at UMass Lowell
220 Pawtucket Street, Lowell
Monthly on Wednesdays from 2 PM – 4 PM
- February 15, 2023
- March 15, 2023
- April 19, 2023
* Parking is available at the Pawtucket Metered Lot across from University Crossing at 219 Pawtucket Street.
Mill City Grows ROOT Kitchen
19 Hall Street, Lowell
Bi-weekly on Thursdays from 2 PM – 5 PM
- February 2 & 16, 2023
- March 2 & 16, 2023
Community Connections & Opportunities
Winter Playgroups
Register here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScox9aCS.../viewform
6-Week English Classes
Community Resources & Daycare Options for Families
Looking for before or after school daycare options for your child? Here is a short list of options and information for your consideration.
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
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 there is a 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.
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
Boys and GIrls Club: (978) 458-4526; 657 Middlesex St in Lowell
School-age openings for after-school
Teens who are working with the Department of Children and Families can call BGC or DCF to see if they’re eligible
Local Food Support
Click the link below for a list of local food pantries that are willing to help.
You can also reach out to Mrs. De La Luz, McAvinnue's Social Worker, for support navigating these and other options.
McAvinnue's Family Read-A-Loud
"A Crankenstein Valentine"
McAvinnue's School Website
Please visit our website at: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/mcavinnue
Follow McAvinnue On Social Media
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