Lowell Family Newsletter
November 7, 2021
WELCOME! TO TRANSLATE THIS NEWSLETTER, CLICK ON IT THEN USE THE LINK TO THE RIGHT.
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If you are on a computer, open this in a new page. Then to translate this newsletter, click on the link to the right. If you are on a phone, touch the person in the black circle to get the translate button.
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Se você estiver em um computador, abra uma nova página. Em seguida, para traduzir esta newsletter, clique no link à direita. Se você estiver em um telefone, toque na pessoa no círculo preto para obter o botão de tradução.
(Portuguese)
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Si está en una computadora, abra esto en una nueva página. Luego, para traducir este boletín, haga clic en el enlace a la derecha. Si está en un teléfono, toque a la persona en el círculo negro para obtener el botón de traducción.
(Spanish)
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إذا كنت تستخدم جهاز كمبيوتر ، فافتح هذا في صفحة جديدة. بعد ذلك ، لترجمة هذه النشرة الإخبارية ، انقر فوق الارتباط الموجود على اليمين.
إذا كنت تستخدم الهاتف ، فالمس الشخص الموجود في الدائرة السوداء للحصول على زر الترجمة. (Arabic)
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Եթե համակարգիչ եք, բացեք սա նոր էջում: Ապա, այս տեղեկագիրը թարգմանելու համար կտտացրեք աջ հղմանը: Եթե հեռախոսով եք, դիպչեք սև շրջանի անձին ՝ թարգմանության կոճակը ստանալու համար: (Armenian)
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Bilgisayar kullanıyorsanız, bunu yeni bir sayfada açın. Ardından, bu bülteni çevirmek için sağdaki bağlantıya tıklayın. Telefonda iseniz, çevir düğmesini almak için siyah daire içindeki kişiye dokunun. (Turkish)
Table of Contents
November Early Release and No School Dates
Happy Diwali
Message from Mrs. Phelan
Annual Student Verification Form
Rubicon Curriculum- Atlas
Project Literacy
Library Newsletter
Picture Retake Day
Dr. Galdston's Communication
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Lowell Garden Relocation
We're Hiring
Scenes from Lowell
COVID-19 Updates from Dr. Galdston
Upcoming Events and. important Dates
NOVEMBER - EARLY RELEASE and NO SCHOOL REMINDER
A reminder about upcoming Early Release Days and No School:
- Tuesday, November 9th Early Release @ 12:15 (Parent-Teacher Conferences)
- Thursday, November 11th No School (Veteran's Day Observed)
- Wednesday, November 24th Early Release @ 12:00 (Thanksgiving Observance begins)
- Thursday, November 25th No School (Thanksgiving Observed)
- Friday, November 26th No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Here is Meera and the beautiful rangoli she made for Diwali!
Rangoli are usually made during Diwali. The rangoli represents the happiness, positivity and liveliness of a household, and is intended to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good luck.
Happy Diwali! Hindus across the world are celebrating Diwali! Here is Om stopping by my office to wish me a Happy Diwali!
Lowell School from Ms. Walsh's classroom before students arrive.
Message from Principal Phelan
Greetings Lowell School,
Monday evening we will host evening conferences from 5-7 pm. Tuesday is an Early Release Day and Thursday we have no school in observance of Veteran's Day. Happy Veterans Day to veterans across our country.
Monday we will be pool testing.
Have a great week!
Stacy
Annual Student Information Verification Forms (online)
This year's Fall Guardian/Emergency Contact Info Verification forms are now accessible through our online registration/enrollment system. This annual process is required to verify and update your student's demographic, health, family, and contact data.
One parent/guardian in each household should have received an email from our registrar, Terri Stafford, with the subject of "Annual Fall Student Verification 21-22". That email contains more detailed information as well as a link to your student's specific form. Please complete the forms by Monday, November 15th.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s a snapcode?
A snapcode is like a key to your student’s current information. Using the link in this email, you are automatically directed to your student’s data on Watertown’s Registration/Enrollment site.
What if I have more than one student in the district?
Each snapcode is unique to one student. You will receive a separate email/snapcode for each student, all of which need to be completed by November 15th.
Do I need to create an account?
The Registration system and PowerSchool Parent/Student Portal are two different systems. While you are welcome to use the same username for both, having one does not automatically give you access to the other.
This is Watertown’s third year using the Registration/Enrollment system. If you created an account last year, that account is still valid. If you have never created an account, you will need to create one.
If you have forgotten your password, there is a reset link on the sign-in page. You only need one “Family” account to update all of the forms related to your students, not one account per student.
Do I need to complete my form or all of my forms at the same time?
No. Your account allows you to securely save your work and come back at a later time if necessary.
Do I have to answer all the questions?
Questions marked with a red asterisk (*) are required.
What if I don't understand a question?
If you require further assistance, you can contact the Registrar at (617) 972-4216 or email terri.stafford@watertown.k12.ma.us to ask general questions about the form or process.
What if I make a mistake?
If you would like to make a change, select the field or choose “< Prev” to return to a previous page.
I’ve completed the form, now what?
When you have finished entering your information, select “Submit.” This will send all of the information you’ve entered to the school. If you cannot select this button, you will need to ensure that you have answered all the required questions.
What if I don't have access to a computer?
Enrollment is mobile-friendly and is accessible from any smartphone. If you do not have access to a computer or a smart phone, please contact the Registrar at 617-972-4216.
What if I require translation assistance?
If you require further assistance, contact the Registrar at 617-972-4216.
Help! I’m having technical difficulties.
For technical support, visit our PowerSchool Community help center or select “Help” from any form page.
RUBICON ATLAS CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ATLAS, HENCEFORTH)
It’s October and as promised, our WPS Atlas Curriculum Management System is open to our parents, guardians, and students on our public site. Our Principals have shared our K-8 curriculum brochures (K| G1 | G2 | G3 | G4 | G5 | G6 | G7 | G8) and our grades 9 - 12 WHS Program of Studies, which house a general overview K - 8, and specific course descriptions at the high school level. If you desire more detailed information around your child’s curriculum, you may find it on our Atlas Curriculum Management System’s Public Site link. Directions for use are on the homepage.
The curriculum maps in Atlas identify the following sections for public view on most courses. (The course development is ongoing.)
Course Descriptions
Unit Description
Standards & Benchmarks
Enduring Understandings
Essential Questions
At the elementary level, Curriculum Maps and Course Descriptions are available for all core elementary subjects: Math, Science, Literacy - Reading & Writing, Social Studies. Some elementary units that take place later in the year are under construction and will be updated in Altas prior to implementation. Elementary English as a Second Language units are under construction.
At the secondary level (WMS, WHS), ~90 percent of the courses display curriculum information. Secondary ESL units for English Language Development (ELD) classes are still under construction.
Parent/Family Orientation
Try following the simplified instructions on the Atlas homepage link. In addition, our Digital Learning & Libraries Department will schedule Parent/Family Orientation Sessions both during the school day and again in the evening in October. These sessions will be recorded and then shared on our curriculum webpage for viewing anytime. The October date and Zoom links will be shared via upcoming Principal Newsletters.
SEPAC Presentation
Project Literacy
"Project Literacy offers free services to adults learning to read, write, or speak English. Many are immigrants who are studying English and learning about American culture and some are native or nearly fluent English speakers who are improving their language skills. Students can improve their job skills, support their children’s education, attend computer class, and prepare for U.S citizenship."
- Walk and Talk
- Fridays, October 1st-December 10th 10:00-11:30AM
- Meet other English language learners from Project Literacy and the Waltham Public Library’s ELL program as we walk along the Charles River for 40-60 minutes. We will alternate starting points between the two programs. Students and tutors welcomed. All levels; no registration.
- Waltham dates: October 1, 15, 29; November 12 (no program Nov 26); December 3. Meet at the Moody Street Bridge on the north side.
- Watertown dates: October 8, 22; November 5, 19; December 10. Main St. entrance of the library.
- Drop-in Conversation
- Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30PM
- Watertown Library, 2nd Floor
- Chat with other English language learners in Project Literacy. All levels welcomed; no registration required.
Ms. McCollum's Library Newsletter
PICTURE RETAKES
Picture retakes will take place on Thursday, November 18th. Please use this link to order online!
Parent Teacher Conferences
November conference schedule.
Early-Release Days with a 12:15
Tuesday, 11/9 from 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Evening Conferences
Monday, 11/8 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Please visit Lowell's Website to sign up for a conference time.
Breakfast Menu November 1-5
Lunch Menu November K-5
LOWELL SCHOOL GARDEN - HELP WANTED!
Below is a message from Judy Fallows, School Garden Coordinator:
We've got to get things moved out of the current garden area before the snow flies! I've put together a signup Genius to gather some help.
JOBS AVAILABLE IN WPS
Are you or do you know someone who may be looking for an opportunity to work in a school system? We have positions open for a school nurse, substitute teachers, instructional assistants, family liaisons, tutors, school nutrition workers, and more! All open positions can be found on our Human Resources webpage.
The Watertown Police Department is also actively seeking crossing guards for our schools. Please see the posting for these positions here.
Scenes from Around Lowell
Ms. Zywocinski's students enjoying Fall.
Writer's Workshop Celebration in Mrs. Burton & Ms. Miller's room.
Math Workshop in Ms. Hudon's Room
Lenny the Lowell Leopard spent the week in Ms. Antonelli's room.
Up-Coming Events
Tuesday, November 9, 2021, 4:00pm to 4:45pm
Free Virtual Special Event
After-School Animal Encounters: Teeming Tidepools
Advance Registration Required.
Tidepools exist where the land meets the ocean and the amazingly resilient creatures that live there manage the challenges of both environments. From swimming and climbing to burrowing, animals in tidepools have adapted many behaviors to live in an ever-changing world. Join human museum staffers Javier and Ryan as they lead you in a 45-minute program with live ocean invertebrates. This event will be fun for the whole family so bring your questions and sense of wonder!
To join the program, you will need to download the free Zoom app in advance. If you already have Zoom, you do not need to download it again. For details on how to improve your Zoom experience, visit the How to Attend an HMSC Program webpage.
Mark Your Calendar
Sunday, November 7th Day Light Savings- Set Your Clocks Back One Hour
Monday, November 8th ILT 2:45-3:45 pm
Monday, November 8th Elementary Conferences 5:00-7:00 pm
Tuesday, November 9th Responsive Classroom Team 2:45-3:45 pm
Tuesday, November 9th FTO Meeting 6:30-7:30 pm
Wednesday, November 10th Department Meetings 2:45-3:45 pm
Thursday, November 11th No School Veteran's Day Observed
Monday, November 15th ILT Meeting 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, November 17th Building Based PD 2:45-4:05
Thursday, November 18th Diversity Inclusion and Belonging 7:00-8:00 pm
Monday, November 22nd ILT Meeting 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, November 24th Early Release 12:00 pm
Thursday, November 25th No School Thanksgiving Day
Friday, November 26th No School Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 29th ILT Meeting 2:45-3:45 pm
Monday, November 29th AntiBias Coalition Meeting 5:30-7:30
James Russell Lowell Elementary School
Main Office ext. 33001
Email: stacy.phelan@watertown.k12.ma.us
Website: https://lowell.watertown.k12.ma.us/
Location: 175 Orchard Street, Watertown, MA, USA
Phone: (617) 926-7770
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JRLowellElementary