Principal's Pen - MSES
Monday. April 10, 2023
April is Autism Awareness Month
How can we celebrate the diversity of students on the Autism Spectrum? Talk about it! Teachers can celebrate autism awareness by helping students understand that some students are different learners and different communicators. They are no less, and not very different from each other. A student with autism can still understand, and they want friendships as much as anyone else! How can students include those with autism? Understanding that some behaviors are outside of the control of the person with autism, and may be the way in which they communicate their wants, needs and even frustrations. Have students reflect on how it might feel to be unable to communicate what they want or need, and think of ways they could help someone in that situation. Which ways could be helpful to them, and which ways could be harmful to them? Engage with students with autism! They may not play exactly the way others do, but they too want to be included. Draw a picture with (or for) them, buddy up with them, show them something that you like or simply talk to them. They may not respond to you like another friend would, but they are listening, and appreciating your kindness and friendship. Melissa Wass, M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis, BCBA
FRIDAY, APRIL 14th is COLOR DAY!
Students are invited to wear their grade level "COLOR" which is the assigned color for their Grafton High School graduation year! It's just around the corner! Grade level colors are:
Second Grade - Purple
Third Grade - Red
Fourth Grade - Blue
Fifth Grade - Yellow
Sixth Grade - Green
Introducing FRECKLE!
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Recently, the Grafton Public Schools began implementing a computer based program titled Freckle. With Freckle, your child has been able to practice Math and ELA standards online that are directly aligned to their ability level. This differentiated tool offers a unique approach to ensuring students are provided meaningful practice at their level. However, please know that this is just one tool that our teachers are using to support student progress.
How Does It Work?
Freckle works hand and hand with our STAR assessment system. Based on your child’s result from the STAR assessment, Freckle assigns skills that are identified as areas of growth for our students. Teachers also have the option of assigning specific skills for practice. When students log into their Freckle account, they will see the assigned tasks.
How to Sign On?
As with our other technology apps, you child can access Freckle through their Clever page from both home and school.
Can Students Work on Freckle at Home?
Students are encouraged to utilize Freckle at home, however, it is important that this practice is done independently. If they are having difficulty with a concept, and the video tutorials on the site do not help, your child may either stop or go on to another section. It is essential that the information our teachers gather from Freckle is a true picture of your child’s Math and ELA independent skills.
As always, if you should have any questions about Freckle or your child’s progress, please do not hesitate to contact their teacher. Thank you for your continued support of your child’s education.
SG-PTO April Meeting - Monday, April 10th @ 7 pm MSES Library/Computer Lab
CLICK HERE to access agenda & meeting link
FAMILY SUMMER LEARNING NIGHT - MAY 19th 6 - 7:30PM
We invite the students and families of North Street and Millbury Street Elementary Schools currently in grades 2 - 6 to attend a Family Summer Learning Night featuring math and literacy activities!!!
Let's keep the learning going all summer long!! Join us and gather hands-on materials and ideas to support learning at home during the summer. The Grafton Public Library will join us and we will preview the Summer Learning Passport!
The theme of the night is camping so feel free to wear your best camping outfit!
Where: Grafton High School - The Commons
When: May 17, 2023
Time: Drop in anytime between 6-7:30pm
Who: NSS & MSS Families/Students Grades 2-6
Please RSVP by Friday May 12th using this link https://forms.gle/A3zKezBCTu3BpAVGA so that we can ensure that we have enough supplies and refreshments.
Final Call! - Fall 2023 Placement Parent Input for Students Entering Grades 3, 4, 5, & 6
The staff at Millbury Street Elementary School works very hard to create appropriate and positive learning environments for our students. The teachers and I would like to begin the process of building classroom communities for the fall. In developing classrooms, we group students heterogeneously to balance varied student abilities. We also cluster small groups of students in different classes to best meet their needs. In addition, other variables are considered. These factors may include but are
not limited to: teaching/learning style, gender ratio, students’ strengths and areas in need of growth, social-emotional concerns, developmental level, and teacher and parental input. Responsibility for the final placement decision rests with the administration following a careful review of all
aforementioned factors. We certainly respect and value parents’ desires to optimally match classrooms with their children. We know that successful connections create comfort and support for families and for MSES. Click to access the STUDENT PLACEMENT - PARENT INPUT FORM if you wish to
complete this optional form that provides parents the opportunity to comment on their child’s academic strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and to offer any other information which you feel will be helpful. Please, no specific teacher requests. I could not possibly fulfill this in an equitable
manner due to the large size of our student body. If you would like to provide input into your child’s placement for the 2023 - 2024 school year, please complete the shared form by Friday, April 14, 2023. Please note we are proactive in asking for your input. It will be very difficult to consider
input forms received after this date.
2023 Summer Season of Learning!
We are thrilled to announce the 2023 Summer Season of Learning!
This enrichment program offers learning opportunities that extend beyond the scope of our grade-level curricula.
Topics include science, math, technology, literacy, and more.
There is something for everyone!
Classes will be taught by Grafton Public Schools professionals.
We welcome students entering Kindergarten through grade 12 to participate.
Browse the program guide! (CLICK HERE)
Registration will be online this year!! (CLICK HERE)
Questions? Please email: enrichment@grafton.k12.ma.us
Grafton Town Takeover At the Woosox!!!
The Grafton Town Takeover will be held on Sunday April 30th, 2023, at 1:05 PM. Members of Grafton will be heavily featured in our pre-game ceremonies to celebrate the town and its accomplishments. The Woosox would love to welcome Millbury Street Elementary School to Polar Park to participate in the Grafton Town Takeover as we aim to pack the stands with Grafton residents and hope the town wins the season long competition!
MORNING STUDENT DROP-OFF by 8:20 AM
Please drop your child off in the morning no later than 8:20 AM. Students and staff need to be in their instructional space by 8:25 AM when school begins. Thank you for your help getting the school day started on time.
Student Absences and Early Dismissals
Please call (508) 839 – 0757 before 8:30am if your child will be absent from school. Press 1 to leave a message on the absence line. You must press # at the end of your message to save it to the voicemail box. You can also email AnneMarie Balogh directly to report your child’s absence at baloghdegalanthaa@grafton.k12.ma.us
Please understand that an automated email from PowerSchool is triggered at 9:30am for any student whose absence has not been reported by the parent whether via phone or written note to the classroom teacher. On occasion, written notes are accidentally left in backpacks or desks and do not get relayed to the office before the emails are sent out.
Important Dates - Looking Ahead
MCAS Spring Testing Schedule - testing continues through May 16th
Monday, April 10th - SG-PTO Meeting 7pm at the MSES Library/Computer Lab w/ Guest Speaker: GPS Literacy Coordinator Lisa Rice
Tuesday, April 11th - Gr 3 MCAS ELA Session I
Wednesday, April 12th - Gr 3 MCAS ELA Session II
Friday, April 14th - Grade Level COLOR DAY!
Spring Break Week - April 17th - 21st
Tuesday, April 25 - Gr 6 MCAS Math Session I
Wednesday, April 26th - Gr 6 MCAS Math Session II
Thursday, April 27th - Gr 5 MCAS Math Session I
Friday, April 28th - Gr 5 MCAS Math Session II
The school office is open from 7:45 am - 3:45 pm. You can reach us by phone at (508) 839 - 0757.
The MSES office staff is also accessible by email:
Lisa Wise, Admin Assistant wisel@grafton.k12.ma.us
AnneMarie Balogh, Admin Assistant baloghdegalanthaa@grafton.k12.ma.us
Paul Schwab, Asst. Principal schwabp@grafton.k12.ma.us
Joanne Stocklin, Principal stocklinj@grafton.k12.ma.us
Warm regards,
Joanne Stocklin
About Us
Email: stocklinj@grafton.k12.ma.us
Website: graftonps.org/mses
Location: 105 Millbury Street, Grafton, MA 01519
Phone: (508) 893 - 0757
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MSES26GPS/