The Lion's Roar
McAvinnue's Weekly Newsletter: Week Of October 19th - 23rd
McAvinnue's Principal's Message
Hello McAvinnue Community!
As you are already aware, McAvinnue will be transitioning to remote learning for all students with the exception of those students that are part of our CSA sub-separate program. The district made the decision to reduce in-person learning from 25% to 3% in the district beginning of Monday, October 19th. McAvinnue will remain in this learning model until further notice.
In preparation for this shift for our in-person learning students, we sent McAvinnue "Supply Swag Bags", laptops/iPads, and chargers home with students on Friday. If your child did not return home with these items on Friday, please contact the Main Office at McAvinnue and we will arrange for you to pick these critical items up at a time that works best for you.
If you missed the most recent LPSD announcement regarding transitioning from in-person to remote learning, please see the important message below that outlines the increase of positive COVID-19 cases in Lowell and how it will directly impact learning throughout the city until further notice.
IMPORTANT: LPS Shifting to Full Remote Learning Model Starting Monday, October 19th
"This message is a follow-up to the communication that was shared with you last week regarding the district’s monitoring of the state’s COVID data dashboard and its impact on the district’s in-person learning program. This evening the City of Lowell was coded “red” or “high risk” for a third consecutive week in the state’s Weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report. The state releases this report each Wednesday, and according to this week’s update, Lowell’s average daily case rate per 100,000 residents is 16.4, up slightly from 16.3 last week, and more than twice the state’s threshold for being considered “high risk”. Our “percent positivity rate” (the percentage of tests that are positive here in Lowell) is 3.29%. While this number is down from last week’s 3.57%, it is still up from the 2.71% reported two weeks ago.
In response to this report, as messaged last week, the Lowell Public Schools will shift to a full remote learning model beginning at the start of school on Monday, October 19, 2020.
Students currently attending school in-person will continue to attend in-person for the remainder of this week and each school will be reaching out to students and families to support the transition to remote learning. We are continuing to review possible options for students in smaller, substantially separate special education programs to continue to attend in-person. We will communicate those potential exceptions to students and families in those programs as soon as possible.
Please know this decision was not made lightly. We understand how disappointing and disruptive this decision can be for our families. However, in consultation with the Lowell Board of Health, and following the guidance provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, this decision was determined to be necessary as a preventative health measure based on the community-wide spread of COVID-19 in Lowell.
In every decision that we make, the health and safety of our students, staff and families will be our top priority. Moving forward, we will continue to consult with local health professionals to analyze at least three weeks of data before making a determination about resuming in-person learning. We will continue to keep you updated and provide advanced notice before any potential change to our learning model.
Thank you, once again, for your continued partnership and flexibility as we work to keep our students, families, and staff safe during these difficult and uncertain times."
Link to the state’s Weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report:
Important Dates To Remember
Here are important to remember over the next month of school:
- Monday, October 19th: All students will begin remote learning (exception will be sub-separate students in the CSA program)
- October 19th - October 23rd: ELA iReady Diagnostic
- October 26th - November 2nd: Math iReady Diagnostic
- Wednesday, October 28th: Student Progress Reports (PreK - Grade 4)
- Tuesday, November 3rd: Election Day - No School
- Wednesday, November 11th: Veteran's Day - No School
- Wednesday, November 25th: Early Dismissal
- November 26th & November 27th: Thanksgiving Break - No School
Trick-Or-Treating Update
Trick-or-treating is considered a high-risk activity by the CDC and the Lowell Board Of Health. Lowell is currently classified as “red” under the state’s COVID-19 risk designation system and has experienced a significant increase in new cases of COVID-19 among residents over recent weeks.
Due to these recent changes, Lowell will not permit door to door trick-or-treating throughout the city. The goal is to continue to limit large events that may contribute to the spread of COVID-19.
iReady Diagnostic Assessment For Students
- October 19th - October 23rd - ELA iReady Diagnostic Assessment
- October 26th - November 2nd - Math iReady Diagnostic Assessment
Your child's teacher will be sharing information about how you can help ensure that we get the information we need about your child to better target instruction to meet their individual needs.
Please take 5 minutes to watch the video below as an introduction to the assessment and tips about how you can help support your child.
New Online Emergency 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.
Lowell Public Schools Student Handbook
Rock The Vote!
Been Seen...Be Heard...Be The Difference!
Remote Learning Daily Meal Service UPDATED
- 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: October 19th - 23rd
We've Got Tech Support For You!
McAvinnue's Virtual & In-Person Learning And Information Spot For Students
Want To Check It Out? Click The Button Below!
Lowell Public School District Tech Support
The LPSD IT Team will have a "Technology Tent" set-up at the following locations during the times listed below this up and coming week:
- Monday, October 19th from 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM at the Reilly Elementary School (115 Douglas Rd.)
- Tuesday, October 20th from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at the Murkland Elementary School (350 Adams St.)
- Wednesday, October 21th from 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM at the Pawtucketville Elementary School (425 West Meadow Rd.)
- Thursday, October 22nd from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at the Butler Middle School (1140 Gorham St.)
Please note that these locations will change weekly.
You can also contact the Help Desk at (978) 674-2024 for assistance.
Chromebook Audio Solutions
Our Grade 3 and 4 students have been experiencing some serious trouble with the audio on their new Chromebooks. As everyone is well aware, it has been very frustrating for our students and teachers who are trying to have classroom conversations that become impossible due to audio issues being experienced. Google has come up with two possible solutions. Please try both of them on your computer. The steps are outlined below and the video shows how to do it.
Solution #1:
- Click the time in the lower right hand corner of the screen.
- Click the icon that looks like a gear to access the Settings menu.
- Click the button that says "About Chrome OS" in the bottom left
- Click the button that says "Check for Updates" and then click "Install"
Solution #2:
- Click the time in the lower right hand corner of the screen.
- Click the arrow pointing to the right that is on the right hand side of the menu next to the speaker icon.
- Adjust the microphone volume so that it is at 50%.
Health & Safety Guidelines
Flu Vaccine Required For All Students In Massachusetts
Please see below for information about upcoming flu clinics for LCHC patients. As the information becomes available, we will share out as much information from local health providers to make things as easy as possible for you to get a flu vaccine this year.
If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Robin at McAvinnue.
Family Information & Resources
Fall Programs: Lowell YMCA
Check out these opportunities offered by the Lowell YMCA. All approved and appropriate COVID-19 safe measures will be taken. Registration for programs begins at the end of October. They still have spaces open for child care and remote learning. For more information, please contact the Lowell YMCA at (978) 454-7825.
ATTENTION: Holiday Assistance Provided Through The Salvation Army
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
Easy Halloween Crafts For Kids!
McAvinnue's Week In Review
Grade 1 Virtual Dance Party
Check out the amazing light show Mrs. Gervais up on...how cool is that?
Grade 3 Gets Synchronized!
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