Lowell News
December 8, 2023
Happy December!
I love this time of year. It's as if the world becomes a little bit kinder, and everything around us is filled with joy and hope. The decorations, movies, weather, and food all contribute to this magical atmosphere. However, I must express my deep understanding of the fact that this particular time of year can prove to be quite demanding for parents and families, each facing their own distinct set of circumstances. Therefore, as some of us joyfully immerse ourselves in the celebrations and bid farewell to yet another year, I can't help bear in mind the challenges many of our families are facing, extending my genuine support and understanding whenever the opportunity arises.
This week we have experienced a number of events which have pulled at our hearts. Families and staff have loss family member and are grieving.These experiences are part of the human experience. During these difficult moments it's important to help children learn and use the emotional skills which demonstrate empathy. Our extraordinary guidance team, consisting of Mr. Connors and Ms. Jacovides, have been dedicating their time to conducting empathy lessons in our classrooms. In fact, in some of our classrooms, the students themselves are creating heartfelt cards and notes for their fellow students and loved ones. It has been an absolutely awe-inspiring process to witness. These young minds are truly insightful and compassionate.
If you should need any support please contact anyone on our SEL team, me or Mr. Kraus. Our contact information is at the bottom of this newsletter.
With appreciation,
Stacy
Winter Recess has Arrived
What you need to be ready for a fun winter!
When the snow starts falling, children are filled with excitement to venture outside. However, we understand that as parents, you may have concerns about the cold weather and its implications. To ensure that your children have a safe and enjoyable winter at school, we have some recommendations for items to send with them:
- A warm winter jacket
- A cozy hat
- Mittens or gloves to keep their hands toasty
- Sturdy boots for trudging through the snow
- Snow pants to keep them dry and warm
Our little ones absolutely adore playing in the snow, and we make sure to take advantage of every opportunity to go outside. By sending these items, you can ensure that your child has a comfortable recess experience. Additionally, we suggest that your child keeps an extra change of clothes in their cubby or backpack, just in case. Please remember to label all clothing with your child's name. This way, if any items end up in the lost and found, we can easily return them to you. Dressing in layers is also a great idea, as it helps your child stay comfortable in both indoor and outdoor temperature fluctuations.
We hope these suggestions help you prepare your child for a wonderful winter at school. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to assist you in any way we can.
Update from the DIB Council Concerning Culturefest
We are excited to announce Culturefest, an event that celebrates culture and identity. There will be four major components: table displays, food, performances, and a fashion show.
We kindly ask families to host a table showcasing artifacts and information that celebrate their culture and identity. This can include representing your country of origin, religion, or any other aspect of your identity that you would like to share.
We also invite you to bring a special dish that represents your family's culinary traditions to share with others at the event.
If you or someone you know is interested in performing or playing music, please let us know. The event will run for an hour and a half, and we would love to have your talent showcased for approximately 15 minutes.
In addition, we are introducing a new addition to the event - a fashion show. We encourage students and adults to participate and showcase the richness of their culture through fashion. We would also love to hear the significance of the attire and its history.
We look forward to celebrating and embracing the diversity within our community at Culturefest.
Our Climate and Culture Team is also supporting the event throughout the week. More to come shortly!
A Message from Brooke Burke, FTO President
Dear Families,
The FTO is holding their last FTO Meeting of 2023. All are invited to attend. Due to the busy time of the year the meeting will be held via Zoom.
December 12, 2023
6:30-7:15
You may enter the meeting using the link below.
A Message from Nurse Taverna
Dear Families,
During the year, I visit classrooms to address various health related issues. Today I would like to share some of my discussion with you about handwashing that was discussed with the class. The Lowell School is very fortunate to have sinks and soap in all the classrooms.
I stress the importants to wash your hands several times a day. Handwashing is one the most effective ways to prevent the spread of colds, flu and viruses.
Classrooms viewed the video below from Youtube to reinforce this very important message. Another excellent website for children and adults is Kidshealth.org
Thank you for your continued cooperation!
Katherine Taverna, R.N.
10 Steps to Washing Your Hands - Hygiene Habits for Kids
Colds, Flu and You!
Your child has also had a mini-lesson on Flu, colds, and hand wahing cough and sneeze etiquette, and universal precautions. The children viewed a video, Scikids, Colds, the Flue and you which can be viewed on youtube.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) states handwashing can help prevent illness and the spread of Flu.
Additionally, Ms. Donahue and Ms. Loguidice are doing a germ buster health lesson activity in students PE class. Knock out those Germs!
Spirit Week December 18th - 22nd
Monday, December 18th - Wear Mismatched Clothes
Tuesday, December 19th - Dress Like a Snow Person
Wednesday, December 20th - Red, White and Black Day for Watertown Pride
Thursday, December 21st - Pajama Day
Friday, Decemeber 22nd - Happy New Year! Dress like you are ringing in the New Year!
What's Happening in Our Equity Corner
5 Essentials Parent/Caregiver Survey
SEPAC News
Mira lo que está pasando en la clase de español.
Lowell Library News
December Dates
- Tuesday, December 12th Family & Teachers Organization 6:30-7:15
- Friday, December 15th Site School Council 3:00-4:00
- Friday, Decembr 15th Winter Concert 8:45-9:30
- Monday - Friday December 18th-22nd Spirit Week
- Friday, December 22, Early Release Day 12:00
Contact Us
J.R. Lowell Elementary School
123 Lowell Ave.
Watertown, Ma 02472
Phone: 1-617-926-7770
Principal- Stacy Phelan
stacy.phelan@watertown.k12.ma.us
Assistant Principal- Benjamin Kraus
benjamin.krausfriedmann@watertown.k12.ma
Administrative Assistant- Kara Flynn
kara.flynn@watertown.k12.ma.us
Receptionist- Jim Swift
james.swift@watertown.k12.ma.us
Nurse- Kathy Taverna
katherine.taverna@watertown.k12.ma.us
Guidance Melina Jacovides k-2
melina.jacovides@watertown.k12.ma.us
Guidance Brian Connors 3-5
brian.connors@watertown.k12.ma.us
Special Education Team Chair- Greg Roberts, ext. 37171
gregory.roberts@watertown.k12.ma.us
LEDP Site Coordinator- Adam Vachon
Lowell Elementary School Principal