Lowell October Newsletter
We are proud of our pride of Lowell lions!
From Ms. Franzone...
Dear Lowell Families,
We have had a tremendous start to our school year! In the midst of Covid mitigation procedures, students are learning and playing, engaging and expressing. We could not be more proud of the brilliant minds we have in front of us on a daily basis. As classroom communities have gotten to know one another, we are reminded that, “we must start their stories and identities with their excellence.” (Gholdy Muhammad). Despite the traumas and challenges of the past year and a half, our students come to us full of curiosity, intelligence, and inherent gifts.
Thank you for your attention to the health and safety requirements this year, including but not limited to keeping your student home if you answer yes to any of the daily screening questions. We understand that such strict parameters on symptoms can be frustrating, but we want to continue to keep our community healthy.
Thank you for your many offers to help and support our staff. The school district in need of "permit/alternative license substitutes" which only requires a bachelor's degree. If you are interested in substitute teaching, please call or email me and I can get you some information.
Thank you, always, for entrusting your students to our care. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Warmly,
Ellen
Picture Day is October 7th!
Picture Day is Thursday, October 7, 2021.
Order forms went home in backpacks, or you can go to mylifetouch.com with the Picture Day ID or Portrait ID EVTV33TRW.
Chromebook News
MMSD is requiring students to bring their chromebooks to and from school each day. They should carry the chromebook in a backpack. (We can provide a backpack if your student needs one.) The chromebook should be charged at home each night and come to school fully charged.
Fines for Lost or Damaged Chromebooks will start on October 18, 2021.
For more information, please read this communication.
Please apply for Free and Reduced Lunch
We are encouraging families to apply for Free/Reduced Lunch program this year. You can apply by clicking here. Many families do not realize that when they qualify for FRL, they also get additional benefits, discounts and waived/reduced fees for athletics, MSCR, field trips, materials, as well as P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer) which provides food benefits to families.
Furthermore, the percentage of students at each school that qualify for FRL determines that school’s eligibility for a variety of state and federal funds and portions of staff positions.
This school year, all MMSD students will receive free meals under the USDA's Summer Seamless Option program. All students 18 years old and younger are eligible for meals at no charge. But we ask that you please apply for FRL due to the many other resources for families and schools that are impacted by FRL.
In order for Lowell to receive the resources that our school community relies on, it is crucial to have accurate and up to date information regarding how many children qualify for the FRL program.
Please remember: School starts at 7:30am
Students have the opportunity to have breakfast with their class first thing in the morning.
All MMSD students will receive free breakfast and lunch under the Summer Seamless Option program (SSO).
News from the Lowell Garden
As Fall approaches, what is happening in the garden? There is still produce to be picked and enjoyed! Raspberries and brussel sprouts, kale, tomatoes, and tomatillos are still in abundance and waiting to be harvested. Although our garden has not been as busy as in past Falls, with Covid restrictions in place and schedules stretched, this doesn’t mean we can’t get out there and enjoy our harvest. Teachers are invited to bring their class down to enjoy the tasty snacks that are waiting to be picked, and families can feel free to stop by after hours to take something delicious home for dinner. You might just discover something new!
Lowell Community Organization
Lowell Community Organization (LCO) is a volunteer group dedicated to enhancing the experience of all students, families and staff at Lowell.
Check out the LCO Fall Newsletter!
MSCR is hiring for Afterschool Jobs
Upcoming Important Dates
October 7: Lowell Picture Day
October 22: No School - Staff Only Day
October 29: End of 1st Quarter
November 1: Beginning of 2nd Quarter, Early Release at 10:55am
November 4: Elementary Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 5: No School for Elementary - Parent Teacher Conferences
Helpful Links
Madison East Area Resources: Food, Housing, Mental Health, Utilities, Internet