The Lion's Roar
McAvinnue's Community Newsletter: Week Of December 6th
MCAVINNUE'S PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Hello McAvinnue Community!
I hope that everyone is having a great weekend! December is here and everyone will soon become even busier than we already are with the holiday season right at our doorstep. This month will be a one that moves quickly for all of us with many important events for you to be aware of.
I wanted to remind everyone that Dr. Boyd, LPSD Superintendent of Schools, will be visiting McAvinnue on Tuesday, December 14th at 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM for an event called "Breakfast With Boyd". This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas about the Lowell Public Schools and advocate for what you feel the priorities should be for our school and district moving forward. There is no formal agenda. All guests will be required to wear a mask unless eating and we will observe extra social distancing in the cafeteria for the event. We hope that you make the time to stop by and join in on this important opportunity to make your voice heard!
As everyone is aware, we have had a few new COVID-19 positive cases at McAvinnue this past week. 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
As we have launched into the month of December, there are a few items that you need to be aware of. Please mark your calendars for the following events and activities at McAvinnue:
- Monday, December 6th - Friday, December 17th: McAvinnue's ST Math Challenge
- Wednesday, December 8th: Early Release Day - Student Dismissal @ 1:30 PM
- Wednesday, December 8th: Harvest Of The Month: Carrots - Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Carrot Hummus @ All Lunches
- Friday, December 10th: McAvinnue's Spirit Day - Holiday Sweater/Shirt Day
- Monday, December 13th: Report Card Distribution (PreK - Grade 4)
- Tuesday, December 14th: Breakfast With Boyd @ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
- Thursday, December 16th: McAvinnue's PTG Meeting - Virtual @ 6:00 PM
- Sunday, December 19th: McAvinnue's Vaccination Clinic @ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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.
Here are important dates to remember during the month of December:
- Monday, December 6th - Friday, December 17th: McAvinnue's ST Math Challenge
- Wednesday, December 8th: Early Release Day - Student Dismissal @ 1:30 PM
- Wednesday, December 8th: Harvest Of The Month: Carrots - Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Carrot Hummus @ All Lunches
- Friday, December 10th: McAvinnue's Spirit Day - Holiday Sweater/Shirt Day
- Monday, December 13th: Report Card Distribution (PreK - Grade 4)
- Tuesday, December 14th: Breakfast With Boyd @ 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
- Thursday, December 16th: McAvinnue's PTG Meeting - Virtual @ 6:00 PM
- Friday, December 17th: McAvinnue's Spirit Day - Sparkles & Glitter Day
- Sunday, December 19th: McAvinnue's Vaccination Clinic @ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Thursday, December 23rd: McAvinnue's "Spirit Day" - Holiday Pajama Day
- Friday, December 24th: No School - Holiday Break Begins
- Monday, December 27th - Friday, December 31st: No School - Holiday Break
- Monday, January 3rd: McAvinnue Reopens @ 9:10 AM
Early Release Day - Wednesday, December 8th
Please make the necessary arrangements to be available for your child on this day. As always, we truly appreciate your support with this that allows for our dismissal process to move along as smooth as possible.
Harvest Of The Month - Carrots: Wednesday, December 8th
Please mark your calendar! On Wednesday, December 8th, the LPSD entire food service team will be featuring a special Harvest of the Month entree at McAvinnue: Chicken Shawarma Wraps with Carrot Hummus
Harvest of the Month provides wonderful opportunities for school food and nutrition staff, educators, school administrators, family members, and students to collaborate, and to celebrate our commitment to serving locally grown foods. We will highlight December's Harvest of the Month item -- Carrot -- procured from Joe Czajkowski's Farm in Hadley, MA.
McAvinnue's "Holiday Sweater & Shirt" Day
All you need to do is wear your ugliest, funniest, or most festive holiday sweater or shirt to McAvinnue! Anything goes...and you can even get creative and make something special with a holiday focus.
Let's keep the fun times rolling and end the week in full holiday style!
McAvinnue's ST Math December Challenge
Our students will work on increasing their average minutes that they are working on ST Math each day. It is important to note that the more time students are logged onto ST Math...they will have increased opportunity to complete puzzle challenges that are part of their grade level journey objectives!
2 classrooms will have a chance to win the ST Math December Challenge. We have broken down our school into 2 groups.
- Group 1 - PreK, Kindergarten, Grade 1: One Classroom Winner
- Group 2 - Grades 2, 3, and 4: One Classroom Winner
The winning classrooms will have a chance to pick from the following super fun and exciting activities:
- Pizza Lunch
- Hot Cocoa & Storytime with Mr. Domina & Mrs. Bellerose
- Build a JiJi Sugar Cookie Activity
We will provide updates every few days so that we can see who is in the lead for each group.
This will be a really fun and engaging challenge...and we know our student are super excited to get started!
"Breakfast With Boyd": Tuesday, December 14th
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: McAvinnue Cafeteria
Light breakfast treats and refreshments will be served in the cafeteria.
No RSVP is needed for this event.
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 Thursday, December 16th 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/82732160441?pwd=NVJPZXZMZ09idkF5Rzl5MmRFRFJwUT09
Meeting ID: 827 3216 0441
Passcode: 569787
Thursday, Dec 16, 2021, 06:00 PM
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McAvinnue's Mobile Vaccination Clinic: Sunday, December 19th @ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
The following vaccination options will be available at McAvinnue on this day:
- 1st & 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
- Booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine
- Children 5+ dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (with parental consent)
- Flu vaccination
If you are receiving your 1st dose of the COVID-19 on Sunday, December 19th, you will need to come back to McAvinnue on Sunday, January 9th to receive your 2nd dose.
To make things as easy and as fast as possible for everyone, you can pre-register for McAvinnue's Mobile Vaccination Clinic using the link below.
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.
December 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 Is Still Available!
We have an online store if you wish to order any McAvinnue gear for your child or yourself!. It is open 24 hours per day and there is no due date for orders. Anytime you want to order...on any day!
There is a 25% off deal occuring now on all items! This is a major discount if you are interested in purchasing McAvinnue merchandise.
The company is Prep Sportswear and has been reliable with solid product quality from reputable brands.
We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Champions Choice for another option for you to purchase McAvinnue School Gear! The store is being finalized and information will be shared with everyone in about a week. This is going to be perfect for the holiday season!
To access the online store for McAvinnue spirit gear, please click the link below.
McAvinnue's Yoga Pose Of The Week: "Triangle"
We will continue to try the new pose that we launched last week called the "Triangle"! This new pose will allow us to focus on opening up body through stretching that highlights improved balance and increased strength. We will practice the "Triangle" 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
Grade 4 Creating "Mini-Stories"!
Grade 3 Working On "Text Features"!
McAvinnue's ST Math Weekly Updates
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
- 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.
COVID-19 Local Vaccination Clinics
The LPSD is offering multiple COVID-19 vaccination opportunities, including COVID-19 booster shots, throughout November and December. You can find the schedule in the flyer below. Also, there is some important information you need to be aware of prior to attending one of these free and easy opportunities.
Check out the list below for multiple opportunities in the month of December and January.
Please see the information below for all of the information you will need.
All students 5 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine at these clinics if you are looking for the opportunity to vaccinate your children.
Family members, friends, and community members are also invited and encouraged to get vaccinated at these clinics. You can get your first dose, second dose, or booster dose.
The vaccine is free and you will not be required to show an ID or health insurance in order to receive it. Appointments are not required.
Anyone under the age of 18 must have the consent form filled out by a legally authorized representative (usually a parent or guardian), and the minor must bring the form with them at the vaccination appointment.
Copies of the consent form in multiple languages may be found at https://www.mass.gov/.../covid-19-vaccination-consent....
If the parent or guardian is not accompanying the minor, they must also download and complete a pre-vaccination screening form which is available at https://www.cdc.gov/.../pre-vaccination-screening-form.pdf.
The form is also available in several languages at https://www.cdc.gov/.../info-by-product/pfizer/index.html... (approximately halfway down the page you will see the "Pre-Vaccination Screen Form" section).
Also, booster shots are available during the clinic to any individual who qualifies. To check for eligibility, please visit the MDPH COVID-19 Booster Eligibility Checker. More information on booster eligibility can be found at:https://www.mass.gov/.../covid-19-booster-frequently...
Additionally, the following conditions must be met to receive a booster dose:
- Individuals must have received their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer at least 6 months prior to receiving their booster dose. OR received their initial dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 months prior to receiving their booster dose.
- Individuals must bring their CDC vaccine card (white card) or have a photo of the vaccination card in order to receive their booster dose.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics For Children: Aged 5 - 11
Here are the dates of each of the clinic options:
- Friday, January 7th @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Saturday, January 8th @ 9 AM - 2:00 PM
If you have any questions, please call (978) 937-9700 or visit their at https://www.lchealth.org/
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
Cookies, Cocoa, And Crafts Early Childhood Event
Please note that each event will take place at a different location.
You can register for this event using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdESmrO-SVn1tYS9fYG8EgHcGcemgoGeMaYZjI1oqrx59a-Vg/viewform
Want To Be A McAvinnue Substitute Teacher?
Lowell Public School District is seeking substitute teachers immediately! Attend a one hour workshop to learn more.
Our next available substitute workshop(s) will be held:
Tuesday, December 7th @ 10 AM - 11 AM
Tuesday, December 14th @ 10 AM - 11 AM
Tuesday, December 21st @ 10 AM - 11 AM
You are only required to attend one date.
The workshops are held at 155 Merrimack St., Lowell, 4th floor. The substitute workshop is mandatory for all new substitute teachers. If you are interested in attending, please contact Lisa Murphy at lmurphy@lowell.k12.ma.us to register. Space is limited and you must register in order to attend.
APPLICATION PROCESS: (You must be at least 20 years of age)
Applications will only be provided at the workshop, once completed please email Lisa Murphy at lmurphy@lowell.k12.ma.us to schedule a time to bring your paperwork in to be reviewed. You must bring ALL required documentation:
Proof of fingerprinting receipt, two forms of govt issued i.d., official transcripts if you have a degree, a voided check for direct deposit, cori form.
Retired teachers need to bring proof of retirement (current paystub from MTRS).
Applications will be reviewed for processing.
CTI HEAD START EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS
For more information contact the people listed on the flyer below or call CTI at (978) 654-5100.
THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS SUPPORT FROM THE SALVATION ARMY
See the attached flyer for all of the eligibility and documentation requirements in order to qualify for support.
For more information contact Dianne James at 978-458-3396 or through email at Dianne.James@use.salvationarmy.org
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, December 14th from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM!
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
"Snow Dude"
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