MRE Update
December 8, 2022
Mark your Calendar!
Friday 12/9
Early Release Day
K-5 students will be dismissed at 12:15, PK dismisses at 11:15. Lunch will be served.
Friday 12/23 - Monday 1/2
School Closed for Winter Break
We ask for your help with the following...
Arrival Time in the morning
Arrival to school is between 8:25 - 8:35 for K-5. For all K-5 arrivals after 8:35, parents should park their car and walk student(s) to the front door. The student(s) will check-in at the office and then proceed to their classroom. Preschool arrival starts at approximately 8:35 and those parents and vans park along the MRE sidewalk. We ask for your help in keeping this area clear and safe for our preschool friends. We appreciate your assistance.
Early Dismissal?
Absent?
Please send an email to MREattendance@nrsd.net to notify the school of a student absence, as early in the day as possible. Both Nurse Lyndsey and the office receive the messages at this email address. You can also call the nurse directly at 978-365-5870 or the MRE Office at 978-368-8482. If we do not hear from you, we will be reaching out to you during the day to check-in.
Absentee Policy
The past two years have required staff and students to monitor their health constantly. In the past, many people would push through a cough, sneeze, or a slightly elevated temperature and come to school. With the pandemic and supporting not only one’s health but being considerate of the potential effects on others, many have been cautious and stayed home from school until they feel better. This is greatly appreciated and helps the whole community stay in school.
As we begin to learn and readjust to living with the many illnesses circulating in the community, their is a renewed focus on consistent attendance. When analyzing our attendance data across the past two years, we notice that we have more students out sick this year for a shorter period of time than last year. Last year, we had fewer students out, but for a longer periodsof time. Overall, our daily attendance rate has been relatively similar for the past two years.
One of the ways the State assesses schools is with the daily attendance rate and chronic absences. Chronic absenteeism is anyone who misses more than eighteen days of school over a year.
Starting this month, the schools will be notifying families whose children’s absences have ten days or more absent. In many cases, it is understood that these are due to medical and illness situations. Although the State does not differentiate medically excused absences as opposed to unexcused absences in its school accountability reporting, the district does take that into account. Family vacations or trips are not excused absences. Below are the State and district policies regarding absences and tardies.
The Nashoba Regional School District recognizes the vital role of attendance in student success. Excellence comes from participation, engagement, and commitment. Consecutive daily attendance is the best way to foster student success and overall excellence. The District is committed to helping students learn that taking part on a continual basis demonstrates a commitment to self and others. This commitment further expands the student’s ability to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered. It is acknowledged the extraordinary circumstances of the last two years have impacted students’ ability to be in school consistently.
According to Massachusetts General Law, a parent or guardian “may excuse cases of necessary absence for other causes not exceeding seven (7) full-day sessions or fourteen (14) half-day sessions in any period of six (6) months.” After this, the student’s absence is only excused if an excusal note is provided on official letterhead for the following reasons: bereavement, family or catastrophic event, observation of a legal holiday, illness, or legal event.
Thank you for your continued support in balancing the wellness of your child while trying to maximize your child’s time-on learning.
The cold weather is here!
Please view the attached document to review the cold weather gear guidelines for all students.
*Reminder* - label all clothing including jackets, boots, snow pants, etc. Our Lost & Found area is packed full of unlabeled items!
PTO Announcements and Information
The PTO is partnering with Minted on a special year-round fundraiser! When you use the code fundraiselancaster, you save 20% off of your purchase, and we receive a 15% donation from Minted.com. Consider using Minted for your holiday cards and other stationery needs!
Additional ways you can help...
- The PTO would love your help planning and executing our most exciting events of the year, including the Lip Sync Night, Spring Fling, and our auction! If you would like to learn more about these opportunities, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/pjhzBTAvP1h4xnw4A. Thank you!
- In order to support the incredible popularity of the Crazy 8s math club, Mr. Jacobs is looking for parent volunteers to assist the program starting in January. No special math skills are required! If you’d like to learn more about this opportunity, simply fill out this form: https://forms.gle/56oFypwiXze6gtst6. Thank you!
In our MRE / Nashoba Community
Thayer Memorial Library - Youth Services Calendar
Lost & Found
The MRE Lost & Found area has an unbelievable amount of jackets, sweatshirts, gear from Nature's Classroom, hats, gloves, water bottles, lunch boxes and more. Please encourage your child to come check the Lost & Found for their missing items. All unclaimed items will be donated over Winter Break and we will start fresh for the new year.
Frequently Used Links
Mary Rowlandson Elementary School
Email: jfrommer@nrsd.net
Website: rowlandson.nrsd.net
Location: 103 Hollywood Drive, Lancaster, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 368-8482