Memorial Mustangs

Dear Memorial Families and Caregivers:

John Steinbeck once said, “What good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness”. As we enter the winter of 2022-23, I want to share my heartfelt gratitude for all you do in partnership with our school as we collaborate to support our students.

I believe neighborhood public schools are the cornerstone of our communities, and I often reflect on the important responsibility we accept as educators and as a community in support of our young scholars. Collectively we create a joyful environment that fosters the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral growth of our children so they will become global-minded, compassionate leaders of a diverse, challenging, and constantly changing world.

I am so proud when I see our students developing their leadership skills as they learn to evaluate and to make meaning of complex information, to find creative solutions to challenging problems, and to understand others’ perspectives through collaborative work. Our students are already developing the tools of leadership, and I believe our future is in capable hands.

We provide our students with learning opportunities that include exercises building social-emotional-cultural awareness and experiences with complex mathematics and hands exploration. We know this academic and social-emotional rigor is foundational to success in both education and in the workplace.

Memorial’s children grow in competence across subject areas from year to year, and along the way the hope is that they build confidence, develop opinions, and self-esteem. Ultimately, our students find that their contributions are critically important, not just to themselves personally, but to their classmates as well.

We believe that a well-rounded education will carry our students into adulthood with the capability to shape better lives for themselves and a better world for all. This belief drives our work to ensure each child is learning today so that whatever they choose to do with their life, they will be capable of leading a better, more compassionate world tomorrow.

It is a privilege to serve your family.

Respectfully,

Troy Holding

This past week our Kindergarten scholars had the pleasure of hosting parents and caregivers during an exciting Gingerbread S.T.E.A.M. activity. Our scholars learned about patterns, shapes and textures during this holiday enrichment activity. This was a great way to connect our school families while supporting our young learners.

1. On Wednesday, December 21st, all students will be taking home two test kits to have during the holiday break. One is for use during the holidays and one to be executed the night before they return to school on Jan 2.

2. The Natick High School girl’s hockey program coaches along with varsity players will be providing on ice instruction for any girls in 1st grade up to middle school who may be interested in learning how to play ice-hockey.

Date and Time: 12/29 @ 8:30am to 9:50am

Location: William Chase Arena/Natick

If you have any questions or concerns contact bihloff@gmail.com or call (774) 270-0710

3. As we head into the holiday season, I want to share with you a wellness programs from Spark Kindness, a wonderful community resource that “makes sure no one feels alone, bullied, unsupported, or unconnected—every day and especially in the most challenging times”. Attached is the link to all their upcoming events of interest: Spark Kindness

4. Winter Break from 12/24- 1/2. Friday, December 23rd is a full day of school for all. Staff and students return from break on Tuesday, January, 3, 2023.

5. Please enjoy my weekend vibe: Lonely People (America)

The Memorial PTO is a parent and teacher run, non-profit organization committed to enhancing and enriching the education of our students and fostering a sense of community within our school. The PTO provides assistance to teachers within the classroom settings, raises funds for educational materials and experiences, advocates school and family social interaction, and provides an unbiased forum for sharing information on issues that impact our students. We believe in cultivating a positive learning environment to allow for students to achieve their highest potential. Please become an active participant in the PTO. Below is the link to their website:

https://www.memorialnatickpto.org/

or email them at:

pto@memorialnatickpto.org

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5