LPS Connector
Translation
Para traducir esta pagina (newsletter), mire el boletin parte superior de su derecha y busque la accesibilidad , haga click donde dice "Traducion de boletin' .haga click de nuevo donde dice Español.
Para traduzir esta pagina/informacao(newsletter), olhe no canto superior direito da informacao(newsletter) na barra de Acessibilidade e clique na opcao “traduzir”.
ដើម្បីបកប្រែព្រឹត្តិប័ត្រព័ត៌មាន សូមមើលលើផ្នែកខាងស្តាំខាងលើនៃព្រឹត្តិប័ត្រ ព័ត៌មាននេះនូវមធ្យោបាយ ហើយសូមចុចលើជម្រើស" បកប្រែព្រឹត្តិប័ត្រព័ត៌មាន ។
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,
In recent months I’ve been using this newsletter to promote certain dispositions that we at LPS adopt and that contribute to a ‘Culture of Continuous Improvement’ in our schools and district. ‘Intentional collaboration’ was the theme in October and in November it was a ‘growth mindset’. Today, I want to reflect on the third such disposition: responsibility for ensuring that every student in our schools learns and grows.
We know that this is no easy task. Every student comes to us with unique talents, challenges, and circumstances. Some are ready to excel right away; others need extra time, care, and support to find their path to success. But no matter the starting point, our educators are committed to creating classrooms where every child feels valued, capable, and encouraged to achieve their potential.
What does this responsibility look like in practice? Here are some of the ways we demonstrate responsibility for student learning:
Tailored Instruction: Teachers continually analyze student progress and adapt lessons to meet individual needs, whether through re-teaching, small-group instruction, or offering additional support.
Belief in Growth: Our educators communicate high expectations and a belief that all students can succeed, reinforcing that intelligence and ability grow through effort and perseverance.
Supportive Environments: By celebrating small successes and showing unwavering encouragement, we help students recognize the power of their efforts and build confidence in their ability to learn.
This mindset of responsibility requires us to persevere, even when the challenges are significant. We are committed to working together as a team—educators, families, and the community—to provide the support and opportunities our students need to thrive.
Families, your role in this journey is essential. Encouraging your child at home, reinforcing the value of effort, and maintaining open communication with teachers all play a crucial part in their growth. Together, we can create an environment where every student feels they belong and can achieve success.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children’s education. It’s a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we are grateful for your partnership in this shared mission.
With appreciation and commitment,
Liam
Honoring Dr. King
On January 21, Lowell High School held a celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that featured a powerful keynote speech by former Lowell School Committee member Stacey Thompson and the official unveiling of the school's new MLK Jr. mural designed and painted by LHS art teacher Eric Allshouse and seniors Emma Burns and Nev Morin. Read about it here: https://lpsnotebook.wordpress.com/2025/01/27/honoring-dr-king/
Respect at the Reilly
At the Reilly Elementary School, teachers and staff model and instill the school's core values of being responsible, respectful, safe, and kind every single day in classrooms, in the cafeteria, and at recess.
Sometimes it is important to bring in a new friend to reinforce these attributes.
Enter Brian Chevalier.
Brian, who performs all over the Midwest and East Coast, brought his Respect Tour to the Reilly for two shows on January 8. Through conversation and song, he reminded the kids about the importance of respecting others and the environment, as well as how to do so, how to be a good friend, and more.
He left them with a very important lesson we should all remember – years and years from now when people think back they will not remember what you were good at, what grades you got, or what shoes you wore – they will remember how you made them feel.
Treat others as you would like to be treated. It’s that simple.
Help Wanted
On January 22, former Lowell School Committee member Gerry Nutter, now working as the Liaison for Youth Business Development for the MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board, visited several classes at the Stoklosa Middle School to give students a crash course in what they need to know to get a job. Check it out here: https://lpsnotebook.wordpress.com/2025/01/27/help-wanted/
Music to Our Ears
On January 10, the Greenhalge Elementary School’s Third and Fourth Grade Chorus, under the direction of music teacher Melissa Emerick put on a spectacular show for a gym packed full of family members and friends.
Ms. Emerick – who composed two of the songs the chorus performed – “Sing Me a Song,” and “Shine!” – explained the students have been working hard on perfecting this show since September. She challenged them by choosing difficult songs that include two and even three-part harmonies. They mastered it!
In addition to Ms. Emerick’s original compositions, the group also sang “Shake the Papaya Down,” a traditional song; “He Lives in You” from Lion King 2 by Mark Brymer; “Solla Sollew” from Seussical the Musical by Stephen Flaherty; and “A Cold in My Nose,” by Stephen L. Lawrence.
Congratulations Greenhalge Third and Fourth Grade Chorus and Ms. Emerick!
Early College, Timely Topics
The Lowell High School cafeteria was buzzing on Friday January 10 as more than 125 students taking Early College classes presented their research during the Behavioral Sciences and Environmental Science Research Symposium. Check it out here: https://lpsnotebook.wordpress.com/2025/01/27/early-college-timely-topics/
Trouble... Right Here in the Mill City
An incredible production of Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man" hit the stage at the Pyne Arts Magnet School on January 16 and 17.
Congratulations to all of the staff and students who worked so hard to put on such a professionally produced, entertaining and beautiful show!
The show was directed by Drama teacher Steven Rose, costumes designed by ELL teacher Amanda Mujica, Music teacher Tinson Lam was the Music Director, Math and Science teacher Erin Hebert was in charge of the lighting, Fine Arts teacher Jacqui Miller designed the sets, Instrumental teacher Kristian LaBrie ran the sound board, and the show was choreographed by Dance teacher Justyn Thoren.
(Saving) Life Skills
On the morning of January 17, Armen Jeknavorian from Emergency Medical Educators was at The Career Academy teaching CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) to a group of students, assisted by Community School Program Manager Jen Tarini.
The students learned how to check a scene for safety before jumping in to help, how to determine whether a person is responsive or not, how to delegate instructions to bystanders (call 911, get the AED, etc.), how to properly administer chest compressions, as well as how to incorporate rescue breaths along with chest compressions.
They also learned how to use an AED if one is available.
The students practiced hard and are now way more ready to jump into action in an emergency than they were when they woke up this morning. We may even have some future EMTs in the group. Great job!
STEAM Night at the Butler
Special thanks to Butler Middle School Community School Program Manager Neyder Fernandez for these photos.
On Thursday January 16, the Butler held a very well-attended STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) night. More than 125 students and 225 family members participated.
"The event was a remarkable demonstration of community engagement and collaboration, bringing together over a dozen school and community partners," said Fernandez.
Those in attendance enjoyed an excellent meal catered by Mama's Italian Restaurant of Dracut and Good Thymes of Lowell.
"Our STEAM Night not only showcased the innovative projects and learning experiences of our students but also underscored Butler's dedication to the full-service community model," said Fernandez.
Music Therapy
The Greenhalge Elementary School was rockin’ on January 17 – really rockin’ it got LOUD (and very fun) in there – thanks to Music Therapist Christina Grandoni.
She comes bouncing into the classroom with her guitar over one shoulder and her bag full of fun and interesting musical instruments over the other – like a modern day Mary Poppins, you never know what may be inside that bag!
Over the next six weeks, Grandoni will visit each of the Greenhalge’s four CSA classrooms (the classes for kids on the Autism spectrum) every Friday to help them focus on a wide variety of skills and goals that can be achieved through music including – emotional regulation, impulse control, communication, social skills, greetings and goodbyes, and transitions.
All of the kids love music - whether it is singing along, banging a drum, finding out what guitar strings feel like, or being challenged by following directions like playing their instruments faster, or slower, or stopping abruptly.
There were a lot of smiles, laughs, and faces of wonder on Friday – as there are sure to be in these classrooms each of the next five Fridays.
Greenhalge Community School Program Manager Monica Melo Ernest said Grandoni had visited some of the CSA classes last year and the teachers and students enjoyed it so much they asked her to come back this year for all the CSA classes.
“Our CSA classrooms sometimes get left behind in terms of enrichment and expanded learning so this is a great way to bridge the gap,” she said.
Culture and Pride on Parade at the Lincoln
The Lincoln Elementary School held a fantastic multicultural parade though their hallways on Friday January 24. Following the parade a student (pictured above with Principal Kathleen Huntley) donated an Afghani flag from her family to the school.
Butler Middle School Joins Celtics Playbook Initiative
Dancing Huskies
The Sullivan Middle School Dance Team, under the director of Carolyn McCarthy of Emergence (https://www.emergencemovement.com/youth), put on an excellent performance January 23 during halftime of the Sullivan/Daley boys' basketball game. The game was just as epic, with the Daley team squeaking out a 48-47 victory.
LHS Teacher Shines on Ice
Lowell High School Choral Director and LHS alumnus Evan Caverly sang “O Canada” and “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the January 22 Boston Fleet Hockey game at the Tsongas Center!
STEAM Night at the Pawtucketville Memorial
Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School held an excellent family STEAM Night January 23 with lots of fun activities including engineering marshmallow towers, making and testing paper airplanes, learning the art of origami, and building a parachute aimed at safely landing a little pipe cleaner-crafted person.
Classroom Quarterback - Asiya Shaikh
Classroom Quarterback, a partnership between Lowell Public Schools, Inside Lowell, and Wellpoint aims to showcase and honor one LPS teacher each month who goes above and beyond for their students. This month's honoree is Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary School second grade teacher Asiya Shaikh. Ms. Shaikh received a $250 gift card courtesy of Wellpoint that she can use for her classroom. Read about her here: https://insidelowell.com/classroom-quarterback-asiya-shaikh/
Preschool and Kindergarten Registration
Preschool and Kindergarten Registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens February 3. For all the info you need about registration visit: www.lowell.k12.ma.us/registration
Community Budget Survey
It is almost time to put together the budget for the next school year! In order to craft a budget document that reflects the priorities of the district, we need input from all stakeholders - that means you - families, teachers, staff, and community members! Please take a few minutes to complete this survey, which will remain open through Tuesday February 11: http://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/BudgetSurvey
UML Volleyball Clinic
This is a great opportunity to sharpen your volleyball skills from some truly great players. Join the UMass Lowell Women's Volleyball team on Saturday February 15 and/or Sunday February 16 for their Youth Volleyball Skills Clinic. To register: www.tinyurl.com/UMLvbclinic25
We're Hiring!
Lowell Public Schools is looking for TWO new family liaisons to join our McKinney-Vento team at Central Office - the team that assists and supports unhoused and housing insecure families. These are part-time positions (15-20 hours/week at $30/hr). Applicants who are fluent in Haitian Creole are preferred. Spead the word to your neighbors and friends! You can find these job postings (Family Liaison for McKinney-Vento Program) and other LPS opportunities here: https://lowellma.schoolspring.com/
Winter Fun
There are a lot of fun activities for our little friends under the age of 8 in February. To register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehZ9tmScyvz3lwOoJFqgZ4iiuScTitrH91obUZYKjjBB7pNg/viewform
Lowell Youth Lacrosse for Preschool and Kindergarten!
Registration is now open for Lowell Youth Lacrosse's Pre-K & K Learn to Play Lacrosse program.
Sign up today for a fun-filled introduction to the basics of lacrosse! This 8-week session, priced at just $25, will focus on teaching the fundamentals of the game through engaging, play-based activities. All necessary equipment will be provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST.
Sessions will begin the first Wednesday in April, once city fields are open, and will take place on the practice fields behind Cawley Stadium.
To register: https://www.lowellyouthlax.com/register For more information or any questions, please reach out to our Director of Player Development at lowellyouthlacrosse@yahoo.com.
FREE Tax Preparation!
It is almost that time of year again - tax time! Good news - if are an individual or family earning less than $67,000 annually, our friends at Community Teamwork, Inc. can help you prepare your taxes for free! www.commteam.com/vita
Play Ball!
Registration is now open for Lowell Youth Baseball and Softball's spring season! For more information and to register, visit: https://www.lybsl.org
Senior Sports Nights!
Lowell High is ready to celebrate the incredible achievements of the senior student-athletes! 🎉
Mark your calendars for these remaining Senior Night events:
🏀 Boys Basketball – Monday, February 3rd
📣 Cheerleading - Monday, February 3rd
🤼 Wrestling – Wednesday, February 5th
🏃♂️ Track & Field – Date TBD
Winter Reading Challenge!
Join the Pollard Memorial Library Winter Reading Challenge!
Challenge dates: January 27—March 8, 2024
Children in Grade 4 and Younger can join the online Winter Reading program. Read and complete fun challenges to earn online raffle tickets for prizes! Even pre-readers can participate because being read to counts.
Sign up at https://lowelllibrary.beanstack.org/reader365
Questions? Contact the Children’s Desk at 987-674-1527.
Bowl of Warm Goodness
Street corn chowder was a big hit this month in our cafeterias with 79 percent of the students who tried it reporting they "loved" it and 17 percent reporting they "liked" it. You can find all the LPS monthly menus here: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Page/4374