The Lion's Roar
McAvinnue's Community Newsletter: Week Of January 24th
MCAVINNUE'S PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Hello McAvinnue Community!
I hope that everyone is doing well and staying as warm and cozy as possible. What a chilly ending to our short week! While the weather was on the cold side, we are starting to see an major improvement with our student attendance this week as the Holiday Break COVID-19 surge seems to be slowing down. We are still seeing positive COVID-19 cases at McAvinnue as a result of our weekly pooled testing, Test & Stay Program, and home testing...but, the overall numbers are definitely improving.
Speaking of the colder weather, please make sure that your child is dressed to match the predicted weather forecast each day. It is the season for heavy winter coats, hats, and gloves. We still try to have our students get some fresh air each day unless the weather is severe or limits that availability of our outdoor spaces.
Our students will be participating in numerous assessments over the next few weeks of school. It is important that you communicate the need to try their very best as this will allow us to see how we need to adjust our instruction. These mid year assessments are critical measures to see how well our students are doing including areas that we need to spend more time on if they are not displaying expected progress. If you have any questions about these assessments, please reach out to your child's teacher for more information.
With the increase of cases connected to the Omicron variant, we will continue to have multiple new COVID-19 positive cases at McAvinnue on a weekly basis. This will certainly be the pattern at all schools across the Commonwealth...especially at the elementary level where the vaccination opportunity is relatively new and the rate of vaccination is lower. As always, our top priority will continue to be health and safety of students at faculty. We continue to maintain diligence around mask wearing, social distancing when appropriate, following up on individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, and weekly pooled testing. If your child hasn't been participating in the weekly pooled testing, now is a great time to consider signing up using the link below. You can also consent on "Test & Stay" which allows your child to remain in school if they are deemed a "close contact" as long as they are not exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19.
https://www.cic-health.com/consent/ma?district=Lowell
Here are a few items that you need to be aware of. Please mark your calendars for the following events and activities at McAvinnue this week:
- Monday, January 24th: McAvinnue's Weekly COVID-19 Pooled Testing: Students & Faculty
- Monday, January 24th: iReady Math 2nd Diagnostic Assessment Window Opens
- Monday, January 31st: iReady ELA Diagnostic Window Opens
You will find additional details for the events and activities list above in this edition of McAvinnue's "Lion's Roar" Community Newsletter.
As usual, we are looking forward to another amazing week at the "best school that we all know"!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Main Office at McAvinnue or send Mr. Domina a message a mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us.
Join McAvinnue's Parent Teacher Group (PTG)!
We are looking to rebrand McAvinnue Parent Teacher Group (PTG) and we need your help to get thing off the ground this school year!
We want to use this energy to reform McAvinnue's Parent Teacher Group....also known as McAvinnue's PTG!
Come out on Wednesday, February 2nd at 6:00 PM to learn more about the PTG and to begin to plan for another awesome year for our students at McAvinnue. All parents and caregivers are welcome to attend!
This event will be "virtual" and conducted using the Zoom Meeting platform. Please see the meeting invitation below.
McAvinnue's Parent Teacher Group (PTG) Meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://lowell-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/83127607519?pwd=WlQ2Rk4zSkc3cFd1N0FVOW1qc3c2Zz09
Meeting ID: 831 2760 7519
Passcode: 953672
Wednesday, Feb 2, 2022, 06:00 PM
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Here are important dates to remember during the month of January and February:
- Monday, January 24th: McAvinnue's Weekly COVID-19 Pooled Testing: Students & Faculty
- Monday, January 24th: iReady Math 2nd Diagnostic Assessment Window Opens
- Monday, January 31st: iReady ELA Diagnostic Window Opens
- Tuesday, February 1st: Start Of "Black History Month"
- Wednesday, February 2nd: McAvinnue's PTG Meeting - Virtual @ 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, February 9th: Early Release Day - Student Dismissal @ 1:30 PM
- Monday, February 14th: Valentine's Day
- Friday, February 18th: iReady 2nd Diagnostic Assessment Window Closes
- Monday, February 21st - Friday, February 25th: Winter Break - No School
iReady 2nd Diagnostic Assessment Windows
The 2nd iReady Diagnostic window opens this week. The follow windows will be open district-wide:
- Math - Monday, January 24th
- ELA - Monday, January 31st
The district has strongly encouraged all schools to test during the assigned weeks. However, they have left the window open until Friday, February 18th to accommodate absences related to COVID-19. Your child's teacher will inform you on the days that they plan to assess your child.
Please reach out to your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns.
McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements Are Back!
A new edition of McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements will be presented to our students on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. We will continue to use Tuesday and Thursday each week to be used for "Open Circle"....our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program that focuses on community building, prosocial decision making, and appropriate responses to daily stressors both within the school and home settings.
This will continue to be a great way to bring our school together each day focusing on the same message to get the energy, commitment, and engage up before we launch into another great day at "the best school we all know".
You can check out each edition of McAvinnue's Morning Announcements on our YouTube channel using the link below.
January Breakfast & Lunch Menu
REMINDER: Masks Are Required When Riding School Bus
Bus drivers do not always have masks that they can give to kids, so please send your student to the bus stop with a mask. If they do not have one or refuse to wear one on the bus, their bus riding privileges can be suspended.
If you do not have masks at home for your student, please let us know and we can make sure they have some to wear on the bus.
Please keep in mind that if your child refused to consistently wear a mask on the bus, they are subject to have their bus riding privileges suspended or completely removed.
Emergency Contact Form: 2021-2022
Still need to fill out your emergency contact form for the 2021-2022 academic school year?
We have made it really easy for you to complete this important task. You can access the online form below. When you complete this form, it is immediately sent to McAvinnue and we will print it out for our records.
You don't need to come to the school to complete this form...you can do it right on your phone, tablet, or computer!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. De La Luz at adelaluz@lowell.k12.ma.us or contact the Main Office at McAvinnue for support!
McAvinnue Spirit Gear By Prep Sportswear
We have an online store if you wish to order any McAvinnue gear! It is open 24 hours per day and there is no due date for orders. Anytime you want to order...on any day!
The company is Prep Sportswear and has been reliable with solid product quality from reputable brands.
There continues to be a 25% off deal occuring now on all items! This is a major discount if you are interested in purchasing McAvinnue merchandise.
To access our current online store for McAvinnue spirit gear, please click the link below.
McAvinnue's Yoga Pose Of The Week: "Tree" Continued...
Due to the short week that just concluded, we will continue to practice the "Tree" pose for this up and coming week. This pose will allow us to work on improving our balance through deliberate concentration that will increase our ability to focus throughout our day! We will practice the "Tree" pose daily during our "Virtual" Morning Announcements during this up and coming week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
You can get an early head start and practice this technique before we launch into another exciting week!
McAvinnue's Week In Review
“Good News” In Room 208!
"Amazing News" In Room 301!
"Creative News" In Room 206!
"Fun News" In Room 310!
Grade 4 students had some fun practicing their multiplication facts using a cool and interactive platform called "Gimkit". They had a ton of fun and while improving their math skills!
ST Math Weekly Update: January 14th - 21st
ST Math "Winter Waddle" National Challenge
We are participating in the "Winter Waddle" ST Math National Challenge for the next few weeks. The goal is to complete an average of 50 puzzles per student for the week.
We did it! McAvinnue completed an average of 52 puzzles per student for this past week! Amazing accomplishment for our hard working kiddos!
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Logistics
Drop-Off Logistics
- Arrival begins at 9:10 AM each day. The late bell rings at 9:25 AM.
- Please pull up to the 4th Avenue side of the building when dropping off your child.
- As you approach the 4th Avenue sidewalk, a faculty member will greet and support getting your child safely out of the vehicle.
- This area is a drop off area ONLY. You will not be permitted to park in this location.
- Please be sure to drive all the way down to the end of the sidewalk so we can fit as many vehicles in this location as possible.
- Ensure your child is ready to go and do not get out of the car so we can keep traffic moving.
- Students accessing our CSA program will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
- Large bus students will enter using the back door located in the rear of the school building.
- Small bus and van transportation students will use the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
Morning Lining Up Locations
- Grade 1, 3, and 4 students will use the Main Door to enter the school building.
- Grade 2 will use the 4th Avenue doorway near the front of the school to enter the building.
- PreK & Kindergarten will use the Early Childhood door to enter the building. This door is located to the right of McAvinnue's Reading Garden and to the left of the Main Door.
Pick-Up Logistics
- Grade 1 will be dismissed out the Main Door.
- Grades 2, 3, and 4 will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the front of the school.
- Kindergarten students will be dismissed out the Early Childhood door. This door is located to the right of McAvinnue's Reading Garden and to the left of the Main Door.
- Students accessing our CSA program will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
- PreK students will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway. Please contact Ms. Annie for the specific dismissal time.
Updated COVID-19 Information & Updates
Here is a bulleted list of basic COVID 19 protocol information to help you make some decisions for this school year. Please remember the Lowell Public School District has no remote option for this school year.
- All student and staff members entering our building are required to wear masks indoors. We will provide mask breaks throughout the day. Strict mask protocols seem to minimize the spread of COVID. If a student is unable to wear a mask due to a documented disability please reach out to Mr. Domina at mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us. Please try to find a mask that fits your child properly. We have some at schools for emergencies, but families should provide the masks.
- Students are required to wear masks on buses.
- We will try to reach 3 feet in social distancing in each classroom, but this is unlikely. If a class size reaches above 21 students, we will be within 3 feet of each other. Social distancing is not required in schools at this point.
- We will be eating in the cafeteria for lunch each day for most of our students. Students will be within 3 feet of each other in this environment and only have their masks off while they are consuming food and beverage.
- We will sanitize hands throughout the day. Students entering or leaving a class or the building are required to use hand sanitizer.
- In-school pool testing will continue for this school year. It is not required, but families can sign their children up using this link. https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/pooltesting
- Please see the video to show how the testing works. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MSQ7h3tRyRCg-Sz4lT6iNbNsyMl7VTj7/view
Can I Go To School? Updated Lowell Health Department COVID-19 Guidance
The Lowell Health Department has updated the flow chart guidance for parents, a copy of which is shared with you below.
Please do not send any children to school if you are waiting for the result of a COVID test or if your child has/has had symptoms. Students will need a negative COVID test in order to return to school.
Free Weekly COVID-19 Screenings
You MUST complete the consent form to have your child participate in ANY of the free COVID-19 testing at McAvinnue. To consent for "Test & Stay" if your child is a close contact at school and is not showing any COVID-19 symptoms, you can sign up using the link below.
McAvinnue will now be testing students and faculty on WEDNESDAY each week!
To access the consent form, click the button below.
Updated COVID-19 Quarantine Guidelines for Families
For individuals who TEST POSITIVE for COVID-19:
The new CDC guidelines have reduced the quarantine to 5 days if you do not have symptoms. After the 5 day quarantine period an individual may return to school if they have been symptom free for 24 hours without medication. Please contact Nurse Lindsey to create a plan for return if you get a positive COVID-19 test.
For individuals who are identified as CLOSE CONTACTS to someone who tests positive for COVID-19:
- Students who have been identified as close contacts who are asymptomatic and fully vaccinated are exempt from testing and quarantine response protocols. Fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after receiving the 2nd dose of their vaccine. If your student is fully vaccinated, please send a copy of their vaccine card to Nurse Robin.
- Parents still have the option for their student to participate in the Test and Stay program allowing them to remain in school if they are a close contact. The duration of the Test and Stay program has been reduced from testing for 7 days from the date of exposure to testing for 5 days from the date of exposure.
- If a student does not participate in Test and Stay and is a close contact, they would self-isolate for 5 days from the last date of exposure to the individual who tested positive and could return to school on day 6 if they remain asymptomatic and have a negative COVID test.
Please let Nurse Robin or I know if you have any questions about the new protocols. You can access the full memo by downloading it below.
McAvinnue's Student Bus Information
Need to know your student's school bus information? All you have to do is click below, put in their LASID (Lunch Number or the number they use to log into their computer), and you will have access to it.
If you need your student's LASID, please contact the front office at (978) 937-2871 or email mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us.
If you have questions about your student's transportation, please don't hesitate to reach out using the methods above for support.
UPDATED: LPSD School Calendar 2021-2022 School Year
Please click the link below for the recently approved LPSD School Calendar for the 2021-2022 school year.
There has been a "NO SCHOOL" date added on Tuesday, September 21st due to the local Primary Election in Lowell.
Community Connections & Opportunities
CTI HEAD START EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS
For more information contact the people listed on the flyer below or call CTI at (978) 654-5100.
Community Resources & Daycare Options for Families
Looking for before or after school daycare options for your child? Here is a short list of options and information for your consideration.
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
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 there is a 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.
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
Boys and GIrls Club: (978) 458-4526; 657 Middlesex St in Lowell
School-age openings for after-school
Teens who are working with the Department of Children and Families can call BGC or DCF to see if they’re eligible
Greater Boston Food Bank
The Greater Boston Food Bank is back again in Lowell for this school year! Mark your calendars with the dates below in you are interested and in need of support.
The Food Bank is located at the STEM Academy (Rogers School) at 43 Highland Street.
The next opportunity is Tuesday, February 8th from 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM!
Please note the changes related to the COVID surge that is highlighted in "yellow".
You can also see the schedule for the Greater Boston Food Bank for this school year below!
Local Food Support
Click the link below for a list of local food pantries that are willing to help.
You can also reach out to Mrs. De La Luz, McAvinnue's Social Worker, for support navigating these and other options.
McAvinnue's Family Read-A-Loud
"Sneezy The Snowman"
McAvinnue's School Website
Please visit our website at: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/mcavinnue
Follow McAvinnue On Social Media
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/McAvinnueElementarySchool
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/McAvinnueLPS
Instagram:
http://instragram.com/mcavinnueelementarylps
YouTube:
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