Dear MMES Families,

I played double duty today as both Principal and School Nurse as the nurse substitute pool has been challenging to fill. Fortunately, the district just increased the nurse substitute rate to $250/day to be in line with local standards for nurse substitute pay. If anyone knows of a nurse who would be willing to be on our substitute list, please have them email me directly to set up an interview!

We also have two vacancies for lunch/recess monitor (M-F) and one opening for Fridays. The hours are 10:45-1:15 with the potential for more hours. If you know anyone who is available, interested, and loves kids, please send them my way as well!

My apologies for the plug, but we have found some of our best substitutes and monitors through the networks of our families!

Have a great weekend!

Best,

John

Did you know that elementary-age students are introduced to 2,000 - 3,000 new vocabulary words each year?! Research shows students need to engage with each word at least 30 times to build true comprehension. To support vocabulary growth, pick 1-2 words per week and play games as an authentic and fun way to continue the learning at home. Play Charades or Headbands, have friendly competitions to see who can accurately use the words the most in one day, even play Pictionary! For fun at-home ways to enjoy vocabulary acquisition, check out: https://www.merriam-webster.com/

(Beth LeDoux, Elementary Literacy Coach, ledouxb@mersd.org)

Please remember:

· If your child is going to be absent, tardy, or there is a change to dismissal plans- utilize PickUp Patrol for those changes. You no longer need to email or call Mrs. Schmidt, the teacher, or the school nurse to report those changes.

· If your child has a temperature of 100.4F or over, they need to be fever free for 24 hours (without the aid of Tylenol or Motrin) before re-entering the school.

· If your child is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, they need to be symptom free for 24 hours and can tolerate solid food before re-entering the building.

· ALL CLASSROOMS ARE PEANUT/NUT FREE

Please refer to the link below for guidelines on staying home with respiratory illnesses in Massachusetts.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/staying-home-to-prevent-the-spread-of-respiratory-viruses

Change of clothes: Each student should have a complete change of clothes in case of spills, wetness from snow or rain, and any accidents.
This winter has been particularly cold, and although we've spent much of the month indoors, we try to take students outside for fresh air whenever the temperature "feels" above 20°F. Please make sure your child comes to school prepared with a winter hat, gloves, boots, jacket, and snowpants.

Stay healthy and have a wonderful weekend!

Thank you all for your cooperation, any questions or concerns please call or email,

Jaclyn Morrissey, R.N.

978-526-1909

morrisseyj@mersd.org

2024-2025 Calendar

March

3-8 - Read Across America

4 – Dr. Suess Day

5 – Pajama Day

5 - MMPTO Fun-a-Thon

5 - Early Release, 11:45

6 – Dress as a Book Character Day

17 - Staff Professional Development, No School

28 - Report Cards Home

7 – Drop Everything and Read (End of Book Drive)

17 - Teacher PD Day, No School

20 - Grade K to Mass Audubon

21 - Grade 1 to NSMT 9:00 – 11:45 am

April

4 - K-8 Conferences, Early Release 11:45

3-5 - Grade 5 Musical Willy Wonka Jr.

9 - MCAS ELA Testing G3-5

10 - MCAS ELA Testing G3-5

21 - Patriots Day

Vacation April 21-25

May

7 - Early Release, 11:45

14 - MCAS Math Testing G3-5

15 - MCAS Math Testing G3-5

16 – Hit the Street for Little Feet

19 - MCAS STE Testing G5

20 - Town Election

21 - MCAS STE Testing G5

22 - Spring Concert K-4, 9:30 am

26 - Memorial Day, No School

27 & 28 – G5 to Essex Ship Building

June

6 – G5 to Boston

10 - Field Day (rain date 6/12)

11 – G5 to Project Adventure

13 – G5 to Maritime Gloucester

Menus with full nutritional information: https://mersd.nutrislice.com/menu/mersd-elementary-lunch/breakfast/2025-01-31

Mon 3/3

Italian Meatball Sub with French Fries

Alt1 Fun Lunch- Garden Cheddar salad with breadstick

Alt 2 Fun Lunch- Bagel, Yogurt & Cheese

Tue 3/4

Green Eggs & Ham (for Dr Seuss)

Alt1 Strawberry Parfait with Granola

Alt 2 Turkey & Cheese Wrap

Wed 3/5 Early Release No Lunch served

Thu 3/6

Waffles with Bacon & tater Tots

Alt1 Ham & Cheese wrap

Alt 2 Turkey & Cheese Wrap

Fri 3/7

Cheese Pizza

Alt1 Turkey & Cheese Wrap

Alt 2 Fun Lunch- Chicken Salad with Flatbread

MERSD elementary students now have access to the iReady "My Path" program at home. This aspect of iReady is an online tool that provides students with learning activities and practice geared towards their individual skills and needs. Below you will find information regarding accessing this tool at home for extra skill practice in reading and mathematics.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qhiOnoPCkyzwb8HLql0PdEgwNC_tiKcN/view

Manchester-Essex Softball Association, Inc.

15 Beach Street #503

Manchester, MA 01944

2025 MESA CRICKET

Manchester-Essex Softball Association (MESA) registration is currently open through March 15, 2025 for all participants Kindergarten through 8th Grade. All players who are enrolled in the MERSD or who live in Manchester or Essex are eligible. Please find the registration link on our website https://manchesteressexsoftball.org or on our Facebook page: Manchester Essex Softball Association - MESA.

link for little league registration:

https://www.mebaseball.org/

• Mobile Markets will then run from 2:30-3:30pm through January on the first Wednesday of each month.
• Mobile Market will run on an early release schedule of 11am-12:15pm on the first Wednesday of each month in February, March, May, and June.