Memorial Buzz
News from Manchester Memorial Elementary School!
JANUARY 26, 2018
Principal's Note...
We are fortunate to have incredible support for education in MBTS, and one of our biggest supporters is The Spaulding Education Foundation. Every year, they give MERSD staff the opportunity to apply for grants for programs and materials that promote innovative teaching practices. Recently, they announced their grant recipient winners. Here is some information from their website about how they are supporting MERSD this year:
SPAULDING EDUCATION FUND ANNOUNCES 2017 FALL/WINTER GRANT AWARDS
$20,000 in Grants Awarded Across Manchester Essex School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 17, 2018) - - Spaulding Education Fund (SEF), a non-profit committed to advancing educational excellence in the Manchester-Essex regional schools for close to 30 years, is pleased to announce it has awarded $20,000 in grants for its 2017 Fall/Winter grant cycle. Successful grant recipients have created exciting initiatives and found innovative materials to offer unique opportunities that advance, enrich and enliven the classroom experience. Grants were awarded to applicants throughout the district and across all age levels. To follow is a summary of the Spaulding Education Fund Fall/Winter 2017 grants:
Composer in Residence: Under the direction of the award-winning composer Demetrius Spaneas, Essex Elementary School fifth-grade students will learn how to compose music with the goal for each student to complete an original composition by the end of the residency. In addition to an introduction of music writing software, students will learn to utilize and combine the basic concepts of melodic contour, simple harmonic progression and rhythmic continuity in their own compositions.
Engineering Component for Math Explorers and Problem Solvers Program: MEAPS is an innovative pilot program recently launched at Memorial Elementary School that encourage students, grades 2 to 5, who have an interest and passion in mathematics and technology/engineering to work on flexible, collaborative problem-solving projects. This grant will purchase supplemental materials, which will expand the scope of the projects to include more advanced engineering concepts. Last year, over 130 children participated in MEAPS.
Chromebooks for Middle School Robotics: Robotics will be incorporated into the Middle School Engineering curriculum with the addition of six Chromebooks to the classroom. With robotics and engineering design being taught over the course of 4-6 weeks, all middle school students will have the opportunity to design, build and program robots to solve real-world problems, evaluate their own work and generate solutions. In response to the grant’s approval MS Principal Joanne Maino said, “Thank you SEF. I can’t tell you how proud I am to be principal of this wonderful school – much of it in thanks to the incredible support we receive from our community of dedicated parents.”
Middle School Academy Digital Classroom Equipment: Middle School Academy is a new 6th grade class at MERMS with the goal to build academic, social, and digital literacy skills through project-based learning. Technology will be purchased to support this innovative class including iPad minis and cases, green screens and microphones. MSA teacher Vidula Plante shared, “Adding 21st century technology will support students’ imaginations and build their digital skills as they work together to troubleshoot problems and produce new content that follows and idea from its inception to its finished product.”
Biotechnology in all Classrooms: All levels of High School biology are currently incorporating biotechnology into the curriculum and to support the increased volume of biology students and the number of inquiry-based labs, the Science Department will purchase six electrophoresis chambers. This cutting-edge technology allows students to identify properties of DNA, explore GMO presence in foods, identity DNA from crime scenes and so much more. HS Science Department Chair Kristi Umilie explained that, “Thanks to the Spaulding Education Fund, we are able to provide our students opportunities for real-world science experiences and skill development.”
The Anatomy in Clay: The High School Science Department will purchase and implement this hands-on system to support the growing interest in Anatomy and Physiology courses. The program, which aligns with progressive trends in education, provides differentiated instruction to effectively reach a wide variety of learning styles. “I believe that providing engaging activities in any science class is the key to student learning. This system is a comprehensive, hands-on option for students to learn the difficult subject of Anatomy,” stated HS Science Teacher Maria Lonnett Burgess.
MERHS Robotics Team: SEF is pleased to continue to support the MERHS Robotics Team known as “Robots-by-the-Sea” which provides students unique hands-on experience through the applied STEM. Students work intensely to design and build robots for competitions throughout the region, which also fosters teamwork and a commitment to excellence among the students. This past spring the team won their division at the World Championship: Tesla Division Finals.
As the organization’s Annual Appeal comes to close, SEF would like to express its sincere thanks to the many members of the community who continue to generously support the district’s education fund. It is only with their support that we can fund this many projects and the kind of rich learning that our students experience. SEF is a group of parent volunteers who focus on the mission to assure excellence in the Manchester Essex Public Schools by funding programs and resources that open doors to innovative curriculum-based learning. To learn how you can get involved or about the organization upcoming Annual Winter Beach Bash Benefit on Friday, April 6, please go to spauldingeducationfund.org.
Have a great weekend!
Best,
John
Upcoming Dates...
JANUARY
31 - NOON DISMISSAL - Professional Development for Staff
FEBRUARY
19-23 - MIDWINTER RECESS
26 - Dr. Seuss Day
26 - March 2 -Read Across America Week
MARCH
5-9 - Early Spring Book Fair in School Library
7 - NOON DISMISSAL - Parent Conferences
8 - 6:00 - 7:30 PM - 2nd Annual Poetry Cafe Night
16 - REPORT CARDS SENT HOME
27 - K/1 CONCERT - 2PM
APRIL
4 & 5 - MCAS Test Gr. 4-ELA
10 & 11 - MCAS Test Gr. 3 -ELA
16 - 20 - PATRIOTS DAY/SPRING RECESS
26 & 27 - MCAS Test Gr. 5 -ELA
MAY
2 - NOON DISMISSAL - Professional Development for Staff
3- Time TBA: Art Show at Essex Shipbuilding Museum
8 & 15 -MCAS Test Gr. 3 - MATH
9 & 16 - MCAS Test Gr. 4 - MATH
10 & 17 - MCAS Test Gr. 5 - MATH
22 & 23 - MCAS Test Gr. 5 - Science & Technology
23 - CHORUS & BAND CONCERT - 7PM
30 - Grade 4 Concert - 2PM
28 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
JUNE
6 - NOON DISMISSAL - Professional Development for Staff
13 -LAST DAY OF SCHOOL ((if no snow days) / REPORT CARDS SENT HOME
Understanding Our Differences
Starting on January 25, the 4th grade classes will be working on an experiential unit on learning disabilities and differences as part of the Social Studies Curriculum. The program we use is called Understanding Our Differences. Last year, the 3rd grade classes learned about physical disabilities through the UOD curriculum. Understanding Our Differences (UOD) is a model, interactive disability awareness curriculum that teaches children to see the whole person and better understand the disability. Since 1978, the program has been successfully disseminated to more than 200 schools nationwide. Through the use of experiential activities, the learning disabilities curriculum focuses broadly on learning challenges students encounter during academic work and discusses the impact of individual strengths and weaknesses on learning. Over the next few weeks, 4th graders will also attend a presentation by three MERHS students who have participated in special education and learned how to compensate for their learning disabilities. Understanding Our Differences is a nonprofit organization and a national leader in disability awareness education. This program aligns perfectly with MMES' core value of ACCEPTING and appreciating one another’s differences.
Memorial School Building Committee Community Meeting #3
Home and School Connection
January's "Home and School Connection" - Check it out!
http://rfecustomer.com/Pubs/201712/890543_HS1217E.pdf?ID=8292
Dr. Robert Brooks - Parent Speaker Series
Where: MERMHSD Auditorium
SPRING 2018 MCAS DATES
Dear Families,
It is that time of year again, MCAS season! We are busily preparing your children to perform to the highest level possible through our daily instruction and assessment. Our curriculum is very closely aligned to the expectations of MCAS and your children have been working tirelessly to meet curriculum benchmarks along the way. We have very dedicated teachers and extremely talented students. To use a baseball reference, Memorial School is prepared to “knock one out of the park” when MCAS time arrives!
The best way you can prepare your child for this assessment period is to continue to support your child’s teachers’ efforts. By being an active participant in your child’s education, studies show that your child will achieve more! Please do not schedule appointments during the MCAS time period and ensure that your child gets a good night’s rest along with a nutritious breakfast each morning.
I also ask that you speak with your child to put things in proper perspective. This is an important assessment, and they should work hard on it to do their best. Remind them that they are well prepared and that they will perform very well if they put forth their very best effort. However, it is just one measure that we use as a school to monitor and report your child’s progress. All we ask for is their best effort.
Our MCAS testing schedule is published on our website, and it is listed below for your information. As always, we thank you for your continued support at home.
Spring 2018 MCAS Dates
Grade 3
ELA Reading Session I
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
ELA Reading Session II
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Mathematics Session I
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Mathematics Session II
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Grade 4
ELA Reading Session I
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
ELA Reading Session II
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Mathematics Session I
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Mathematics Session II
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Grade 5
ELA Reading Session I
Thursday, April 26, 2018
ELA Reading Session II
Friday, April 27, 2018
Mathematics Session I
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Mathematics Session II
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Science/Technology I
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Science/Technology II
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Help Wanted!
We are currently searching to bolster our substitute pool for the 17-18 school year. Many of our favorite substitutes have gotten full-time jobs recently (hooray for them), and we need to "restock our bullpen." Do you know someone locally who has experience working with children in a school setting? Please have them email Mrs. Dodge directly at dodgec@mersd.org and we can take them through the application and screening process. Thanks so much in advance!
Notices From our Friends...
VALENTINE'S DAY BREAKFAST
On February 11, The high school’s National Honor Society is going to be hosting a community Valentine’s Day breakfast from 10:30 - 12:30 in the dining hall at the high school (there will also be performances by students at the breakfast and crafts for younger children). This is open to the entire community.
Ice Safety Warning from the Fire Department
During the winter months, residents may be eager to skate, play hockey, fish, or enjoy other winter activities as the lakes, ponds, streams, and inlets freeze. However, frozen bodies of water are extremely dangerous. Several men, women, and children die every year across this great country when they fall through the ice. Public safety agencies such as the Manchester-By-The-Sea Fire Department often receive calls from the public asking if the ice is "safe". Even during the coldest winter weather, ice conditions can vary greatly on the same body of water making the safety of the ice very unpredictable.
Especially with mild day-time temperatures, ice freezes and thaws at different rates and the thickness of ice on ponds and lakes can vary depending on water currents, springs, and depth. The ice can be a foot thick in one area and just inches thick a few feet away and it is impossible to know the thickness just by visual observation. Objects protruding from the water such as tree stumps, rocks, vegetation, or pylons transfer the sun’s thermal energy to the water weakening the surrounding ice. Ice that forms on top of moving water such as ocean inlets, streams, and brooks is never safe. Ice formed from salt water is significantly weaker than ice formed in fresh water. Consequently, no ice is 100 percent safe. In fact, the only safe ice is found at a skating rink.
Please consider keeping your dog on a leash when walking them near bodies of water so that they don’t run onto the ice. Do not go onto the ice to help a person or pet that has fallen through. The very fact that a person or pet has fallen through the ice is a clear indicator that the ice is not safe. Instead, immediately call 911 or go for help. The Manchester-By-The-Sea Fire Department is equipped with cold water rescue suits, a special sled, and the training to conduct ice rescue operations.
If a person has fallen through the ice and it is safe to do so, try to reach the victim from shore. Extend a strong branch, oar, pole, or ladder to try to pull the victim to safety. If unable to reach the victim, throw them something to hold onto such as a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or life preserver. Do not become an additional victim trying to rescue a person who has fallen through the ice. If there is any doubt, wait for the Fire Department.
If you fall in, try not to panic. Turn toward the direction you came from and place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice. Move forward by kicking your feet. Once back onto unbroken ice, remain lying down and roll away from the hole. Crawl back toward land to keep your weight evenly distributed. If you can’t get out of the water and back onto the ice, continue to hold onto the ice shelf. If stranded in open cold water with no ice shelf to hang onto, use the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP) - bring your knees up toward your chest, cross your arms and hold them close to your body, and Keep your legs together while trying to keep your head out of the water. Do not try to swim unless a boat, floating object, ice shelf, or shore is close by. Swimming in cold water cools your body and reduces survival time.
Manchester-By-The-Sea Fire Chief George Kramlinger asks parent to take an active role in ice safety by talking with their children and teenagers about the hazards of ice. “Children and teenagers can be adventurous and fearless. They often times do not fully understand the deadly consequences of playing on the ice or taking a shortcut over what appears to be frozen water.” In the end, the best way to stay safe is to stay off the ice.
Crosby's Receipts
“Shop at Crosby’s Marketplace & Henry’s Fine Foods, save your receipts & send them to school with your student or place in the red bucket at the front office to help us earn free classroom equipment! Thank you!"
2017-2018 Calendar
MMES 17-18 School-wide Theme
Check out the video that inspired our theme for the year!
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