The Lion's Roar
McAvinnue's Community Newsletter: Week Of May 16th
MCAVINNUE'S PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Greetings McAvinnue Community!
I hope that everyone had a chance to enjoy the Summer-like weather we had this past week...as well as during the weekend! It certainly feels like Summer is right around the corner. The weather this week will be more seasonal...however, it's still important to tune in to the local news for the most up to date forecast. Things can change quickly and you need to ensure that your child is prepared to adjust with the weather forecast.
We have completed MCAS testing for our Grade 3 and Grade 4 students. At this time, we only have a handful of make-up testing sessions to complete. Our hope is to complete these during this up and coming week.
We also have some great student events coming up. There are some field trips on the horizon for some grade levels...and multiple exciting events like McAvinnue's "International Night", McAvinnue's "Paw"tastic Field Day, and Grade 4 "Move Up" Graduation. Stay tuned for more information in this weekly newsletter as well updated and notices from your child's teacher.
Finally, we have begun to celebrate all of hard work and efforts by our amazing faculty through a series of events occuring on Friday for the next 3 weeks...and a day in June! This past Friday...it was McAvinnue's "Purple & Teal" Cafe! This "Teacher Appreciation" event was our very own coffee bar including some delicious breakfast options. Check out the picture below! Stay tuned for our next offering for our faculty on Friday, May 20th...where we will serve up McAvinnue's "Lion's Den" Feast! Now...this should be tremendous!
Here are a few items that you need to be aware of. Please mark your calendars for the following events and activities at McAvinnue for the next few weeks:
- Monday, May 16th - Tuesday, May 17th: Dentist @ McAvinnue
- Tuesday, May 17th: Grade 2 Field Trip - Stone Zoo
- Wednesday, May 18th: Harvest Of The Month - Seafood/Fish
- Thursday, May 19th: Kindergarten Field Trip - Stone Zoo
- Friday, May 20th: McAvinnue's "Lion's Den Feast" - Teacher Appreciation Event
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.
McAvinnue's "International Night"
Thursday, May 26th @ 5:00 - 7:00 PM
McAvinnue's "International Night" Returns!
Mark your calendars…McAvinnue will be hosting “International Night” on Thursday, May 26th from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the school.
This event will be a “potluck” style food sharing opportunity. We would like everyone that attends this event to bring their favorite dish that best represents your family's heritage to share with others!
If you are interested in bringing an international food dish, you can reach out to your child’s teacher, the school directly, or return the flyer when it is sent home with your child! Check out the flyer below in multiple languages!
Looking forward to another amazing event at McAvinnue!
Here are important dates to remember during the month of May and June:
- Monday, May 16th - Tuesday, May 17th: Dentist @ McAvinnue
- Tuesday, May 17th: Grade 2 Field Trip - Stone Zoo
- Wednesday, May 18th: Harvest Of The Month - Seafood/Fish
- Thursday, May 19th: Kindergarten Field Trip - Stone Zoo
- Thursday, May 26th: McAvinnue's International Night @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Monday, May 30th: Memorial Day - No School
- Friday, June 3rd: McAvinnue's "Paw"tastic Field Day
- Monday, June 6th: Grade 4 Visits The Wang Middle School @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Friday, June 17th: Grade 4 "Move Up" Graduation Ceremony
- Monday, June 20th: Juneteenth Day - No School
- Tuesday, June 21st: Last Day Of School - Early Dismissal
Harvest Of The Month: Seafood
On Wednesday, May 18th, it is time for another round of "Harvest of the Month" entrée item at McAvinnue: Crispy Fish and Chips featuring Haddock from Red's Best in Boston, MA.
We are very excited to be featuring local seafood in celebration of Harvest of the Month this May. Please enjoy this Red's Best Seafood Feature.
Now this looks really good and are excited to hear what our students and faculty think of this amazing food experience!
Harvest Of The Month: May Recipe
Kindergarten Registration Is Now Open!
Kindergarten registration is now open for the 2022-2023 school year!
Register before June 7th to be eligible for the first lottery. Waiting until later in the summer decreases your chances of securing a seat in your top choice schools. Even if your child is already enrolled in a LPS preschool program, you must register for Kindergarten. An information session to answer all of your questions will be held on May 18 at 6 p.m. via Zoom.
To register for that session: https://lowell-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jtDholWzQBS7kY2RC3QSJg?fbclid=IwAR3wXY6GlR6GHwcYE8Q3NrqB6fmyNHyrz75DAIAHLEYeisdPpHGN0rCbSA0
To register your child for Kindergarten and/or to read more about the process, visit: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/kindergartenregistration
McAvinnue's Summer Program Registration is OPEN!
The program will occur on July 5th - July 29th at McAvinnue. The program will begin at 9:10 AM - 12:40 PM from Monday - Friday.
The program will serve students that are entering Grades 1 - 4 as well as those students that are exiting Grade 4 and set to begin Grade 5 during the 2022-2023 academic school year.
You can register using the link below or the QR scan code in the picture below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVqs01JXEkMtjY31jZdxUk8DI2S5Z8CPDQosXu2MFf5wRIcg/viewform
If you have any questions, please contact the Summer Program Coordinator, Mrs. Evans, at revans@lowell.k12.ma.us.
2022-2023 School Year Calendar
"At Home" COVID-19 Testing Distribution
It is recommended by the district that you test your child on the following days using both tests found in the kit:
- Sunday, May 29th
- Sunday, June 5th
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out directly.
Fill Out This Form To Opt Into The New Testing Program
Fill Out This Form If Your Child Tests Positive For COVID-19
Update To The LPSD Mask Protocol
Please see the message below from the Lowell Public School District regarding the DESE mask mandate being lifted and the recently decision by the Lowell School Committee.
This message is an update to our district-wide mask protocol, which will be lifted on Monday, March 7. This decision was made in accordance with guidance from the City of Lowell Department of Health.
Though we will be lifting our current mask mandate, we are still taking necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of our students.
Continued Requirements:
- Masks will be still be required in nurse's offices.
- Quarantining guidelines have not changed and should still be adhered to by students and staff who test positive for COVID-19.
Continued Recommendations:
- Wearing a mask starting on Monday March 7th is a choice but not required.
- DESE and DPH highly recommend that students and staff returning to school from quarantine should wear a mask but it is not required.
- At-home COVID-19 testing kits will be sent home with your child(ren) today, for those who have signed up. Each test kit contains two tests. If you have not signed up for your child(ren) but would like to, please click here.
- If your child should begin to develop flu symptoms, it is still recommended that they wear a mask.
In collaboration with the City Department of Health, we will continue to monitor COVID-19 transmission rates within the city and will keep our community informed of any health updates as needed.
McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements
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.
May Breakfast & Lunch Menu
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 is 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: "Half Sun Salute"
We will try another new pose this week called the Half Sun Salute". This new pose will allow us to focus on our full body through a stretching technique that will soothe and release tension while increasing our energy and focus . We will practice the "Half Sun Salute" technique daily during McAvinnue's Morning Announcements during this up and coming week.
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 308"!
"Good News In The Art Room"!
McAvinnue’s “Artist of the Week”! Helena from Room 109 worked independently to create a beautiful set of paintings! What an incredible example of Abstract Watercolor! We love this!
“More Good News From The Art Room!
Kindergarten students in Room 205 making GIANT Abstract art with watercolor resist! This was part of “Happy Fun Art Friday”! So awesome!
“Good News From STEAM Studio”!
Students in Grades 3 and 4 learned about optical illusions. In this week’s classes, they each designed a “thaumatrope” to give the illusion of two images as one.
Some students extended this activity on “Fun Friday” by learning about animation and creating an animated scroll. Really cool stuff!
“Good News In Room 303!”
"ST Math Good News" In Room 303!
"ST Math Good News" In Room 102!
"ST Math Good News" In Room 104!
"ST Math Good News" In Room 103!
"ST Math Good News" In Room 307!
Destin completed all of the Grade 4 ST Math puzzles and journey objectives! This accomplishment is even more amazing as he also spends time tutoring some of our Grade 3 students in need during their ST Math block.
Congrats on making it on McAvinnue's "ST Math Hall Of Fame"! Keep up all of your hard work!
McAvinnue's ST Math Weekly Shoutout!
This week's focus for our ST Math celebration focuses on the top number of puzzles completed for this school year. We have included the total number of puzzles completed for each classrooms...as well as the total number completed by the entire school!
We have met the goal that was set up by our friends at ST Math for the school year. They had set a goal of 60% progress when focusing on completing grade level "Journey Objectives". These objectives are aligned with the standards and concepts that need that the student needs to demonstrates an understanding and mastery of within each grade level. Currently, we are over the 60% progress goal and currently stand at 62%!
Our ST Math "Hall Of Fame" 100%ers bulletin board in the Main Office continues to grow! Check out all of the students who have made the Hall Of Fame when you are in the Main Office!
McAvinnue's Total Puzzles Completed This School
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
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.
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:
- We are no longer engaging in identifying "close contacts" within the school setting.
- Students 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.
Please let Nurse Robin or I know if you have any questions about the new protocols. You can access the an easy to read visual below and also download the PDF version using the attachment 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
Camp Invention @ The Wang Middle School
The Wang Middle School is offering an amazing opportunity called "Camp Invention". Check out the flyer below and use the link to access the online registration and other important details about the camp.
https://invent-web.ungerboeck.com/programsearch/moreinfo.aspx?event=38457
Still 40 seats left and the camp to FREE of charge for those current Grade 4 students that may be interested. The camp will occur from July 11th - July 15th.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Stahl, Wang Middle School Principal, directly at mstahl@lowell.k12.ma.us
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, June 14th 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
"The Very Greedy Bee"
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