MECC Weekly Newsletter
March 10, 2023
Hello MECC Friends and Families!
We had some fun this week! Library trips and The Bubble Man (as well as reading, writing, math, science and play!)
We have family-teacher conferences coming up March 20th-24th. Teachers will be reaching out to families to schedule these. We also want to offer options for these meetings (virtual, in person, telephone). We look forward to meeting with families to share how great our students are!
Also, as a reminder, next Friday, March 17th is an early release day. MECC dismissal is 12:45.
PTA Fundraiser!
Friends!
MECC Family Survey!
Internet Safety!
Summer Splash!
Kindergarten Pick-up!
Box Tops!
There is no cost to families. Just sign up and scan!
Check out the Box Tops for Education website for more info.
Positive School Culture!
As we get the new year started I would like to take a moment to remind you about our approach to establishing a positive school climate and the steps we take to ensure that our kids leave MECC with the skills necessary to be successful. It is important to recognize that the partnership between parents and school personnel is essential and the more we can work together, the better our chances are of meeting with success.
Over the past few years, thanks in no small part to the pandemic and the increased use of technology, we have seen a noticeable increase in distractibility and anxiety related issues amongst our students. This is not unique to Middleborough, as schools across the country are struggling to figure out how to best teach kids self-regulation and focus within the classroom setting. We work hard at MECC to ensure we have a positive, safe, kind and nurturing school climate and our first step to accomplishing that goal is through the establishment of positive behavioral expectations. This is done in each of our classrooms and all school settings every day in multiple ways such as Zones of Regulation, Bucket Fillers and Purposeful People.
We highlight positive character traits through our Character Word of the Month. This includes the important character traits of kindness, courage, cooperation, empathy, respect, honesty, responsibility, perseverance and gratitude. Each morning during announcements we identify and define the Character Word as well as give an example of this trait. Our staff talk with our students about these traits, look at stories and historical figures that represent these traits, and we talk about what these traits look like in our school environment.
Another program we will begin soon is called Calmer Choice. Through this program we teach kids how to slow down, how to calm their bodies, how to focus and pay attention, and how to become more self-aware and aware of those around them. Each morning during announcements staff and students are invited to take a mindful moment and a cleansing breath. We have found this to be a great way to start the day.
The skills taught through these programs help our kids meet our positive behavioral expectations and, more importantly, give our kids the skills needed to navigate their social lives and the school environment.
Our goal is to ensure the success of each and every student who walks through our doors and we believe that happens best when we work in partnership with families. We share all this information in the hopes that you will check out the resources we share, take time to ask your kids about the things they are learning and, most importantly, reach out whenever you have a question. If you would like to learn more about these programs please click the links below and be sure to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
https://characterstrong.com/purposefull-people/
https://calmerchoice.org/what-we-do
https://zonesofregulation.com/index.html
Art News!
Happy Youth Art Month! Every March, students and educators around the country celebrate art by taking part in community art displays, art competitions, and other special events. This year, the state of Massachusetts is taking part by presenting a digital art show of student work— and a few MECC students will have work featured! The digital show will be debuting March 17th.
This past week, students have been finishing their beautiful art quilts, inspired by the work of American artist Faith Ringgold. After creating cityscapes, flying self-portraits, and designing colorful “fabric” pieces, we have been assembling all the different parts of our quilts. Check out some of our work!
PE News!
Please see this information from Ms. Florio:
March's unit focuses on the development of foot-striking skills such as dribbling, passing, and kicking a ball. These fundamental movement skills provide a developmentally appropriate first step toward participating in sports that incorporate kicking and receiving (like soccer). To learn more, click: March P.E. Newsletter.
Parent Conferences are also approaching. Meeting with your child's Specialist is optional, but if you'd like to schedule a meeting with me, I will be available from 3:45- 6:45 on Wednesday, March 22nd (Conferences end at 7 pm). I am also available to do a phone conference that week (March 20th-March 24th). If you would like to schedule a time, email me at luflorio@middleboro.k12.ma.us and I will be in touch.
Thank you!
Students practiced kicking skills this week and had fun playing the "Catch the Leprechaun" game.
Computer Notes!
Students have been busy bumblebees in the computer room. We have been learning the basics of programming Beebot robots. This week students learned how to work the turn buttons on the Beebots and break down a long task into shorter steps. Not only did we practice coding skills, but we also used the Beebots to practice identifying 3D and 2D shapes and make short words. Next week, we will continue to practice these games. Also, I will introduce some magnetic boards that we will use to plan and sequence all of the steps of our programming. Students will also be working on some computer-based STEAM games with a focus on engineering from PBS kids. We will try a few Dr. Seuss games that allow students to build bridges, waterslides, and roller coasters. At the end of the month, we will try a flood simulation that allows us to be city planners and see if our towns can withstand a flood! The month of March will be so much fun in computer class! Here are some pictures of various classes participating in this week's coding team challenges.
Toys!
Illness and School Attendance!
Healthy Reminders for Illness and School Attendance, from Middleborough Public School Nursing:
As much of the area is experiencing an increase in seasonal illness, Middleborough Public Schools in partnership with our State and Local Public Health Departments would like to share the following healthy reminders: Please:
Practice frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or if a tissue is not available, cover sneezes with an elbow
Open a window, even a few inches to help circulate fresh air when this is an option.
Clean high touch surfaces in your home frequently .
Please keep your child home from school if he/she has:
A temperature of 100.1 F or higher during the previous 24 hours: Students are to be fever free without use of medication for 24 hours before returning to school
Vomiting or diarrhea. Students are to have no vomiting and no diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.
Signs or symptoms of flu/Influenza include body aches, chills, headache, fatigue
If your student is ill, please keep your student home from school and please avoid social gatherings. This will help with recovery and reduce the chances of spreading illness to others.
Please contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider if your child needs medical care.
Please notify your School Nurse if your child tests positive for Covid-19 or Influenza. This will help us assess and possibly detect illnesses in others sooner
Please notify your school with any changes in any of your emergency contact phone numbers and/or emails so that we may reach you promptly if your student is ill and needs to be dismissed from school to recover at home. We share your commitment to reducing any chances that children with contagious illness may be exposing others to illness at school.
Thank you.
Resources:
Link to Mass DPH Letter on Staying Healthy this season, from November 1, 2022:
Letter on Staying Healthy This Season from DPH and the Massachusetts Chapter of the AAP (Also Available in Spanish)
MPS District Website, Health services page includes a general list of when to keep your student home: https://www.middleboro.k12.ma.us/Page/5726
Inclement Weather!
MECC PTA- In Person!
The next PTA meeting will be Wednesday, April 5th at 5:00pm (please note the change in time). This will be in person at MECC and will also be virtual.
Here is the link to the Googlemeet: MECC PTA
To contact the PTA you can email meccpta@outlook.com
Also, Please check out the new MECC PTA Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/4309812895718964/?ref=share
Middleborough Library!
Middleborough Public Schools Family Resource Center
She also has a Facebook page with upcoming resources and events for all ages.
Principal- Memorial Early Childhood Center
219 North Main St. Middleborough MA 02346
508 946-2032