Lowell Parent Newsletter
May 9, 2021
Message from Mrs. Phelan
Teacher Appreciation Week was better than ever! Thank you!
To our students, families, friends, and staff,
Thank you for making last week's Teacher Appreciation Week and Nurse Appreciation Day the best they could be.
All of us at Lowell School want to extend our most profound appreciation for last week's showcase of fabulous food, treats, and gift card prizes. Your generosity was overwhelming; we need to detox after all that sugar, simply amazing. The video created by our students was so wonderful. It's touching and sweet to see them in their environment, sending warm wishes of appreciation.
We have about just over six weeks left of school with lots to accomplish. We are spending time planning for next year, ordering books and materials, working on classroom configurations, and figuring out what supplies we'll need, and lots more.
As we continue our equity work with our students, new resources become available all the time. This past week Dr. Galdston shared a wonderful video that helps frame many of the discussions we've had in our classroom this past year. In a way that is simple and straightforward. I've asked the teachers to share this video with their students during our Student Diversity Council time on Friday in grades 3-5 or during win block for grades k-2. I'm sharing the video here with you. When you see and hear what we're doing in our classrooms, you can better respond to the conversations that may come up at home about these critical topics.
We wish all the moms a very Happy Mother's Day!
With Gratitude,
Stacy
Last week at the Lowell
This Week at the Lowell
School Pictures Make-Up
Online ordering made easy a classroom code is not necessary. We also sent home a hard copy last week.
MCAS
Our school will administer the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) ELA and Math Test to all third, fourth and fifth-grade students. Grade five students also take an additional assessment in Science and Technology/Engineering. The actual tests are scheduled to take place:
This week students will take the ELA Test, on Tuesday, May 11th and Friday, May 14th for virtual students.
All test are taken on chrome books. Students are very comfortable and familiar with this type of testing environment. Their teachers will be with them every step of the way from class prep, practice test and on the day of testing. Each session lasts approximately one hour. However, they are given as much time as they need. We do not want them to be overly anxious, but we do wish each understands it is important to try their best and demonstrate their highest ability.
You can help at home by making sure your child:
Comes to school by 8:15am
Gets plenty of sleep each night
Eats a nourishing breakfast each morning
Knows you believe he/she will do his/her best on the test
Wear comfortable clothes on the day of the test
Students are allowed to bring and chew gum during the test
Your care and concern are greatly appreciated. Please call us with any questions or concerns. Here’s a link with more hints on helping your child prepare for MCAS.
Grade 5 to 6 Transition- Tuesday, May 11th 6:30pm
Ms. Martin will be holding an Information Night for Parents/Caregivers on Tuesday, May 11th at 6:30 pm on Zoom. Mr. Del Porto, Ms. Skypeck (the rising grade 6 guidance counselor), and I will be sharing information about Watertown Middle School and answering any questions you may have.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 06:30 PM
zoom
LET’S CHAT
This weeks topic is Transitions to Summer. We get together once a month with our SEL team (Guidance Counselor, Social Worker, and School Psychologist) to talk about issues that help families and parents support their students. These are a great way to get some helpful tips and connect with other parents and caregivers. Hope you can join us!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://watertown-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/93221078144
Meeting ID: 932 2107 8144
Find your local number: https://watertown-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/u/acDgeuampV
Thursday, May 13, 2021, 06:30 PM
zoom
Lowell School Site Council
Thursday, May 13, 2021, 07:00 PM
zoom
Parent Teacher Conferences
The ESL Team will be booking interpreters for conferences and calling families directly.
Conferences will be held on Zoom.
Thursday, 6/10 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Tuesday, 6/15 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Weds. 6/16 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Sign-up Genius will be open on June 1st.
NO SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN ONLY JUNE 4TH
No Dogs are Allowed on School Grounds
Upcoming Dates:
Grade 5 to 6 transition - Tuesday, May 11th at 6:30
Ms. Martin will be holding an Information Night for Parents/Caregivers on Tuesday, May 11th at 6:30 pm on Zoom. Mr. Del Porto, Ms. Skypeck (the rising grade 6 guidance counselor), and I will be sharing information about Watertown Middle School and answering any questions you may have.
Let’s Chat – Thursday, May 13 at 6:30 PM Brought to you by Lowell's SEL Team
ELA MCAS for In-Person Students Tuesday, May 11th
Lowell School Site Council Thursday, May 13th, 7:00 pm
ELA MCAS WVS for Remote Students Friday, May 14th
MATH MCAS for In-Person Tuesday, May 18th
Parent Diversity Council Meeting, Thursday, May 20th
MATH MCAS WVS for Remote Students Friday, May 21st
SCIENCE MCAS WVS for Remote StudentsMonday, May 24th
SCIENCE MCAS 5th In-Person Students Tuesday, May 25th
PTO Meeting: Tuesday, May 18th at 6:30 PM.
Kindergarten Screening: Friday, June 4th by appointment
NO SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTEN JUNE 4TH- INCOMING K SCREENING DAY
PTO Corner
PTO Update
Thank You for the generous donations of goodies, gift cards, and photos for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! We were very happy to be able to provide our staff, teachers, and school leaders with special events to show our great appreciation for their hard and important work during this especially challenging year.
LET’S CHAT about Transitions to Summer – This Thursday, May 13 at 6:30PM. We get together once a month with our SEL team (Guidance Counselor, Social Worker, and School Psychologist) to talk about issues that help families and parents support their students. These are a great way to get some helpful tips and connect with other parents and caregivers. Hope you can join us!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://watertown-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/93221078144
Meeting ID: 932 2107 8144
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Meeting ID: 932 2107 8144
Find your local number: https://watertown-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/u/acDgeuampV
JOIN THE PTO! We have many leadership and volunteer positions available next year including President (or Co-Presidents), Vice President, and other event coordination positions. The PTO is a fantastic way to be more involved in the school and build friendships with other parents and families. We are open to everyone! Please email lowellelementarypto@gmail.com to learn more.
DATE CHANGE: Next PTO Meeting: Tuesday, May 18th at 6:30PM. We are moving the May PTO Meeting to Tuesday, May 18th at 6:30PM. This will be our last PTO Meeting of the year.
WATERTOWN ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY EFFICIENCY COMMITTEE (WE3C): Would you like to be involved in local sustainability efforts? Watertown’s Environment and Energy Efficiency committee, WE3C, is looking to develop a network of parents and teachers. Contact Ellen Menounos, Lowell School parent, ellenmenounos@gmail.com. Find out more about the committee’s work on the Resilient Watertown website. http://resilient.watertown-ma.gov
SUPPORT WHS 2021 GRADS: Please consider buying a sign to support the class of 2021 as we raise funds for their senior send-off activities. This sign supports all Watertown Public Schools in what has been a very difficult year. All orders will be through Graphic Connections online store, and you’ll get an email from them when it’s ready to be picked up. Parents, grandparents, friends and relatives can all participate! Thanks for considering supporting the class of 2021 and Watertown Public Schools. Signs are $20 and include a metal yard stake, order here by May 12. https://graphicconnectionswatertown.itemorder.com/
Contact Us at
Email: Stacy.Phelan@watertown.k12.ma.us
Website: https://lowell.watertown.k12.ma.us/
Location: 175 Orchard Street
Phone: (617) 926-7770