The Lion's Roar
McAvinnue's Weekly Newsletter: Week Of January 18th
MCAVINNUE'S PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Hello McAvinnue Community!
Another successful week is in the books at McAvinnue! We have launched into 2021 in an amazing way with our students highly engaged and completing outstanding work over the past 2 weeks. Our student attendance continues to be strong for this week with an average of 94%. Please keep up the hard work ensuring your child attends school daily and is on-time for learning.
As everyone is aware, school will not be in session on Monday, January 18th due to the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. While this is a well-deserved day off for everyone, we must also remember the significance he had on each of us and the critical message of equity for all that we are continuing to improve on daily with our local and national communities. Our students have completed activities that focused on his vision and the need to try others equally with kindness and understanding during this week of school.
Here is a statement that highlights the vision and commitment Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. displayed in his life:
"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrates the life and legacy of a man who sowed the seeds of hope and healing in America. We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example -- the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit.
We honor his life and contributions of being America’s greatest champion of racial justice and equality, a leader who not only dreamed of a color-blind society, but who also lead a movement that achieved historic reforms to help make it a reality.
This day also commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's great dream of a vibrant, multiracial nation united in justice, peace and reconciliation; a nation that has a place at the table for children of every race and room at the inn for every needy child. We are called on this holiday, not merely to honor, but to celebrate the values of equality, tolerance and interracial sister and brotherhood he so compellingly expressed in his great dream for America.
Every year, we use this holiday as a national "teach-in" on the values of nonviolence, including unconditional love, tolerance, forgiveness and reconciliation, which are so desperately-needed to unify America. It is a day of intensive education and training in Martin’s philosophy and methods of nonviolent social change and conflict-reconciliation. The Holiday provides a unique opportunity to teach young people to fight evil, not people, to get in the habit of asking themselves, "what is the most loving way I can resolve this conflict?"
On this day, people recognizes yet one more time about the power of unconditional love even for one's adversaries as a way to fight injustice and defuse violent disputes. It is a time to show them the power of forgiveness in the healing process at the interpersonal as well as international levels.
We all need to continue to make a personal commitment to serve humanity with the vibrant spirit of unconditional love that was his greatest strength, and which empowered all of the great victories of his leadership. And with our hearts open to this spirit of unconditional love, we can indeed achieve Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s dream."
If you have any questions or need anything that we can support you with, please reach out to the Main Office at McAvinnue or send Mr. Domina a message at mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us
Here are important to remember over the next few months of school:
- Monday, January 18th: Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Day - No School
- Monday, February 1st: CSA Tentative Return To In-Person Learning
- Wednesday, February 10th: Early Release Day - Student Dismissal at 1:30 PM
- Monday, February 15th - Friday, February 19th: Winter Break; No School For All Students
Flu Vaccine Requirement: NEW UPDATE
We are passing along this important update we received from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health via the Lowell Health Department:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is removing the requirement for flu vaccination for attendance in childcare/preschool, primary, secondary and postsecondary education.
Preliminary data show that this has been a mild flu season to date, presumably as people have received their seasonal flu vaccine and have been adhering to mask-wearing and social distancing due to COVID-19. Given the intensive Commonwealth-wide efforts regarding COVID-19 vaccination, DPH wants to alleviate the burden to obtain flu vaccination and focus on continuing the COVID-19 vaccination efforts. DPH continues to strongly recommend that everyone age six months and older receive their seasonal flu vaccine each year.
We thank all of our families who have already received a flu vaccine, attended one of our flu vaccine clinics, and submitted proof of vaccination to your school nurse.
While the flu vaccination is no longer required for students to attend school, DPH still strongly recommends getting a seasonal flu shot each year.
Please use the link below to access the required school immunizations. If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Robin at rmcneil@lowell.k12.ma.us or contact the Main Office at McAvinnue.
Project Learn & UMass Lowell Tutors Available
UMass Lowell tutors are available, virtually and at no charge, during UMass Lowell's second semester, starting January 25th, 2021. Tutors are available in math, science, English, history, and more, and have flexible schedules. All UMass Lowell students are required to complete a CORI check prior working with students.
For those interested in signing up, please contact info@projectlearninc.org to view the master schedule.
Questions? Please contact info@projectlearninc.org or Jordan Elliott (jelliott@projectlearninc.org).
Change Of Address Form
Happy Retirement Mr. Ronnie!
McAvinnue's Week In Review!
Good News In Room 208!
Good News In Room 302!
Good News In Room 209i
Good News in Room 304!
Good News In Room 309!
MLK Jr. In Room 209i
MLK Jr. In Room 207
MLK Jr. In Room 304
MLK Jr. In Room 103
McAvinnue's Zoom Meeting Norms & Expectations
Here are the basic Zoom norms that we have worked out and would like to propose moving forward.
- Make sure your name in zoom is your real name.
- Raise your hand to speak and wait for the teacher to call on you so everyone can hear you.
- Please be on mute when the directions are being given. Teachers may need to mute the whole class if there are too many noises.
- Please turn on your camera for attendance.
- Be online for class or activities
- Use respectful words in chat at all times (Even if the student to student chat feature is off).
These are basic norms that we will attempt to adhere with for all classes. Please review these norms with your child.
McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements
Missed McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements? You can watch the videos on the McAvinnue's Learner's Google Site and on McAvinnue's YouTube page. Links can be found below for each.
These announcements bring the in-person and remote students together in the usual way we launch each day of school with some important information...while having some fun!
Google Learner's Site:
https://sites.google.com/view/mcavinnueelementaryschool/home?authuser=0
YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAUzGwuFaKMy13iFbHpSiMw?view_as=subscriber
Online Emergency Contact 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.
If you have changed any numbers or have new primary care providers that you would like to add, please complete the form below or reach out to us with this new information. It's important to do this as we start to return to students to in-person learning for the second half for this school year.
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: "Power Breath"
We will practice another new pose this week called "Power Breath". This new pose will allow us to increase our energy, boost our confidence while feeling empowered. We will practice "Power Breath" daily during our "Virtual" Morning Announcements during this up and coming week. You can get an early head start and practice this pose before we launch into another exciting week!
WE'VE GOT TECH TIPS & SUPPORT FOR YOU!
McAvinnue's Virtual & In-Person Learning And Information Spot For Students
Click The Button Below To Access The Site
Lowell Public School District Tech Support
The LPSD IT Team will continue have a "Technology Tent" set-up at the following locations during the times listed below this up and coming week. No appointment is necessary and you can pick which location works best for you.
- Tuesday, January 19th from 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM at the Pawtucketville Elementary School (425 West Meadow Rd.)
- Wednesday, January 20th from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at the Stoklosa Middle School (560 Broadway St.)
- Thursday, January 21st from 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM at the Reilly Elementary School (115 Douglas Rd.)
- Friday, January 22nd from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the Robinson Middle School (110 June St.)
Please note that these locations will change weekly.
You can also contact the Help Desk at (978) 674-2024 for assistance.
We Still Have WIFI Hotspots...Do You Need One For Better Online Access?
All you need to do is contact us and we will make sure that we secure a WIFI hotspot for your family. At this time, we can only provide one WIFI hotspot per family. We have heard very positive results for families that have more than one child needing to use this device when it is used as directed.
If you need a WIFI hotspot, please contact your child's teacher or the Main Office at McAvinnue and we will do our best to get this critical device in your hands as soon as possible.
HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES
New COVID-19 Guidelines & Data
Here is the most recent health data for Lowell released this week. COVID-19 cases continue to occur in Lowell, with 1,431 new cases reported in the City over the past 14 days. Lowell has a COVID-19 average daily incident rate of 88.0 (increase) and a percent positivity rate of 10.42 (increase) as of Tuesday, January 15th. This still places our community in the "red" high risk category.
As you know, new measures went into effect on Friday, November 6th to help slow the spread. Know the rules and follow them closely to help keep our community safe.
- Stay At Home Advisory: 10:00 PM - 5:00 AM
- Face Coverings Required In All Public Places
- Restaurants Close @ 9:30 PM
- Indoor Gatherings Limited To 10 People
- Outdoor Gatherings Limited To 25 People
Need A COVID-19 Test?
Do you need a COVID-19 test? The drive-up site behind Showcase Cinemas has reopened. Register for an appointment using the link below.
Lowell City Hall - CLOSED
You can pay bills and request records online at: https://www.invoicecloud.com/portal/(S(jos25t3zvkicuuwhbe0pkqy1))/2/Site.aspx?G=055baa3f-ac74-481f-a9c5-db32d3f1d5ae
FAMILY INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Updated P-EBT Benefits
The state of Massachusetts has announced that the P-EBT benefit for October and November will be paid today, December 30th.
The benefit will be made by electronic deposit to your existing P-EBT or EBT card. The details are below.
- Eligible students will receive P-EBT in a lump sum for October and November - the amount will include $117.20/month (for fully remote students).
- If families previously received P-EBT on an EBT card funds will be put on that EBT card again - even if a family is no longer using the SNAP benefit at this time.
- If a new EBT card is required please visit DTAConnect.com or call 877-382-2363.
- If families received P-EBT on a P-EBT card in the past, funds will be put on their child's P-EBT card again. If a new P-EBT card is required visit DTAConnect.com/PEBT.
For any additional questions regarding P-EBT benefits please refer to MAp-EBT.org. You can also reach out to the Main Office at McAvinnue and we will connect you with Mrs. De La Luz for support.
The Reading & Writing Project
"Teachers College Reading and Writing Project" at Columbia University recognize that in these unprecedented times you are working hard to support your child’s literacy learning at home as best you can. They want to help. To that end, they have created free offerings for families. The goal is that these will bring more joy into home literacy learning. This group will be adding to these regularly; check this page for updates and additions!
Family Videos
In these family videos—each less than ten minutes— They draw on a combination of research, classroom experience, and educator knowledge to help parents and caregivers support young people, pre-k to grade 9, with their reading and writing. Some of these videos show you games that to play at home while others help you support phonics, avid reading, creative writing, study skills, research, vocabulary, or abstract thinking. They will add to this collection periodically. They have tried to make these accessible and joyful, and to support you in ways that will make a difference for your youngsters.
The Greater Boston Food Bank
The Greater Boston Food Bank will be at the STEM Academy (43 Highland Street) will take place from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
The next food pantry is Tuesday, January 26th. Other dates for this school year are listed on the flyer.
This food pantry is a drive-up distribution of assorted foods for all Lowell Public School students and their families. All food bank clients are required to wear a mask to ensure the safety of our volunteers as well as other clients and community members. Please bring reusable grocery bags, baskets, or a cart to carry your food.
Please see the flyer below for more details.
Parent & Caregiver Support Groups
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and Wayside Youth & Family Support Network are hosting Parent & Caregiver Support Groups.
Join them for weekly virtual support groups and individual support for parents and caregivers who are raising children and young adults with mental illness.
Parent Support Groups:
Tuesdays - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursdays - 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Drop-In Support:
Wednesdays - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Spanish Support Group:
2nd and 4th Monday - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Portuguese Support Group:
2nd and 4th Monday from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
For more information or the Zoom meeting link, please the contact individuals below:
mailto:malik_marrero@waysideyouth.org / 978-349-4171
mailto:roberta_agostinho@waysideyouth.org / 978-349-4177
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
NFI Family Resource Center Resource Guide
NFI is holding an ongoing virtual "Remote Learning Support Group." It will happen every other Monday from 3:30-4:30. First topic is "Creating a Learning Space in your Home". We will let the group lead about what our biweekly topics will be. Below is the link and dates.
January 25th @ 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Here is the link for the meetings:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/656101301
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 656-101-301
- Emergency Funds & Financial Resources
- COVID-19 School Information
- Parenting Resources
- Mental Health
- Supplemental Food Support
- Community Teamwork Inc.
- Technology Resources
Click below to access the guide
Follow McAvinnue On Social Media
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/McAvinnueElementarySchool
Twitter: https://twitter.com/McAvinnueLPS
Instagram: http://instragram.com/mcavinnueelementarylps
"The Story Of Martin Luther King Jr. By Kid President." - Weekly Shared Presentation
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