The Lion's Roar

Hello McAvinnue Community!

I hope that everyone is doing well and enjoying the weekend! Football season has arrived at the high school, college, and pro levels. This is always one of the most favorite times of the year for the Domina Family! As many may know, we are major Miami Dolphins fans and spend just about every Sunday cheering on the team. We are hopeful that the Dolphins have a good season and even has a chance to make the playoffs if everything goes as planned. Also, we Mississippi State University football fans as my son is now a sophomore at the college. There is nothing like attending a football game down south...amazing energy and excitement from the fans! We were lucky enough to head down to watch game last season...and hope to do the same again this Fall!

It was a short but busy and amazing week at McAvinnue! It was so great to welcome our PreK and Kindergarten friends this week. There was a tremendous amount of excitement and energy in the building on Wednesday...and they were already settled in and working by the end of the school week! Check out some pictures below to recap the first few weeks at McAvinnue!

Mr. Shanahan and I have had the chance to see multiple engaging lessons and activities with our students that focus on writing, speaking, moving, and collaborating with one another. I'm eager to see what this up and coming week brings! Stay tuned and be on the lookout for various posts on Class Dojo and our social media outlets for samples of what our students are working on during the school day!

Things have definitely settled down and our buses are arriving and leaving our school more consistently when compared to the first week of school. When buses are running late or are delayed, we will continue to communicate via Class Dojo. While we can't predict when a bus will arrive to McAvinnue or how long the route home with take, we will pass along any relevant information that is shared with us by the district or North Reading Transportation (NRT) who services as the transportation provider for the Lowell Public School District.

FInally...due to the local Primary Elections in Lowell, all schools will be closed for students on Tuesday, September 9th.

The decision to close all schools on this day centers around student safety for the schools that are used as predict voting polls. With the building open to the general public on this day, school security is somewhat compromised due to the high volume of residents coming to vote throughout the day.

Remember to go out and vote. It's important to make your voice hear and casting your vote is one way to do this.

We are looking forward to another short but amazing week at "the best school we all know"!

Here are a few items that you need to be aware of. Please mark your calendars for the following events and activities at McAvinnue for the next few weeks:

• Monday, September 8th - McAvinnue Reopens @ 9:10 AM
• Tuesday, September 9th - No School - Local Primary Election Day
• Wednesday, September 10th - Thursday, September 11th - iReady Math Diagnostic Assessment (Grades 1 - 4)
• Tuesday, September 16th - Wednesday, September 17th - iReady Reading Diagnostic Assessment (Grades 1 - 4)

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Main Office at McAvinnue or send Mr. Domina a message a mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us.

Due to the local Primary Elections in Lowell, all schools will be closed for students on Tuesday, September 9th.

The decision to close all schools on this day centers around student safety for the schools that are used as predict voting polls. With the building open to the general public on this day, school security is somewhat compromised due to the high volume of residents coming to vote throughout the day.

Remember to go out and vote. It's important to make your voice hear and casting your vote is one way to do this.

Marks your calendars for McAvinnue's "Back To School Bash"!

This annual and traditional event will occur at McAvinnue on Thursday, September 18th from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM for some fun and excitement. Families will have a chance to meet their child's teacher, play some super cool games, get a free backpack,school supplies books, meet members of the Lowell Police and Fire Departments, eat some amazing treats, magic from a mysterious magician, and more!

This event will occur outside on school grounds as long as the weather is decent!

This event is FREE of charge...so, all you need to do is come to the school and have a blast!

If your students have any medical concerns or diagnosis, please make sure Nurse Danielle is aware. Also, if they have any medical conditions, for example allergies or asthma, that require medications such as Epipens or inhalers here at school, please remember she needs updated paperwork and medication yearly.

Please reach out as soon as possible to get her the necessary paperwork and to arrange drop off of new medications. Nurse Danielle's email address is dralls@lowell.k12.ma.us and she can also be reached by calling (978) 937-2871 ex. 47858. Our fax number is (978) 937-2880.

Please see the chart below that will help you decide whether you should send your child to school.

If you have any questions or are not sure whether you should send your child to school, please reach out to the school and ask to speak with Nurse Danielle.

Drop-Off Logistics

• Arrival begins at 9:10 AM each day. The late bell rings at 9:25 AM.
• Please pull up to the 4th Avenue side of the building when dropping off your child.
• As you approach the 4th Avenue sidewalk, a faculty member will greet and support getting your child safely out of the vehicle.
• This area is a drop off area ONLY. You will not be permitted to park in this location.
• Please be sure to drive all the way down to the end of the sidewalk so we can fit as many vehicles in this location as possible.
• Ensure your child is ready to go and do not get out of the car so we can keep traffic moving.
• Students accessing our CSA program will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
• Large bus students will enter using the back door located in the rear of the school building.
  
• Small bus and van transportation students will use the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.

Morning Lining Up Locations

• Grade 1, 3, and 4 students will use the Main Door to enter the school building.
• Grade 2 will use the 4th Avenue doorway near the front of the school to enter the building.
• PreK & Kindergarten will use the Early Childhood door to enter the building. This door is located to the right of McAvinnue's Reading Garden and to the left of the Main Door.

Pick-Up Logistics

• Grade 1 will be dismissed out the Main Door.
• Grades 2, 3, and 4 will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the front of the school.
• Kindergarten students will be dismissed out the Early Childhood door. This door is located to the right of McAvinnue's Reading Garden and to the left of the Main Door.
• Students accessing our CSA program will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
• PreK students will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway. Please contact Ms. Annie for the specific dismissal time.

School bus transportation is provided to students in grades K-4, who live greater than .75 mile from their residence or alternate address to their assigned school. Middle school students (grades 5-8) must live greater than 1.5 miles from their residence or alternate address to their assigned school.

Kindergarten through 4th grade students will receive a printed bus pass via postal mail. These passes were mailed out on August 23rd. You can also look up your student's bus pass information by using their Student ID for the username and date of birth for the password at the link below. This is the same information that students use to log in to their Chromebooks for school.

Please note that Kindergarten and 1st grader students must have an older sibling (4th grade or older) or parent present at the bus stop in the afternoon in order to depart from the school bus. If a parent or older sibling is not present, the student will be brought to the Moody School, located at 158 Rogers Street. A driver’s license or valid identification must be presented to the staff in order to dismiss the student.

You can use the LPSD "Bus Lookup Tool" using the link below. You will need to use you child's LASID or lunch number along with their birthdate to access this helpful system.

There also is a helpful video that you can watch that will walk you through the process.

The Lowell Public Schools Transportation Department has added a live spreadsheet to its webpage that indicates in the AM or PM if a school bus (grades K-8) is running late and by how long.

Check it out today: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Page/5990

Here is information regarding when each grade level and homeroom has weekly Physical Education Class with Ms. Rindo for the 2025-2026 academic school year

Please ensure that your child wears sneakers on their assigned day in the gymnasium so that can fully participate.

Here are important dates to remember for the first few months of the school year:

• Monday, September 8th - McAvinnue Reopens @ 9:10 AM
• Tuesday, September 9th - No School - Local Primary Election Day
• Wednesday, September 10th - Thursday, September 11th - iReady Math Diagnostic Assessment (Grades 1 - 4)
• Tuesday, September 16th - Wednesday, September 17th - iReady Reading Diagnostic Assessment (Grades 1 - 4)
• Thursday, September 18th - McAvinnue's "Back To School Bash" @ 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
• Tuesday, September 30th - Grade 3 Field Trip: Concord Museum (Rooms 301 & 304)
• Wednesday, October 1st - Grade 3 Field Trip: Concord Museum (Rooms 302 & 303)
• Thursday, October 2nd - Kindergarten Field Trip: Parlee Farms
• Friday, October 3rd - McAvinnue's "Lions Pride" All School Core Value Celebration: September Edition @ 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
• Tuesday, October 7th - Bully Prevention & Awareness Day - McAvinnue's "Black Out Bullying" Day
• Thursday, October 9th - Grade 4 Field Trip - STEM Challenge @ The Patriot Hall Of Fame
• Monday, October 13th - No School: Indigenous Peoples' Day
• Friday, October 17th - Progress Report Distribution: PreK - Grade 4
• Monday, October 20th - McAvinnue's Picture Day - Student & Faculty Individual Photos
• Thursday, October 23rd - McAvinnue's Family Movie Night @ 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
• Thursday, October 30th - McAvinnue's "Spooky Trunk Or Treat" Family Celebration @ 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Welcome Back, Puzzlers!

We’ve started the 2025–2026 school year with spectacular success in ST Math! Our students are already making waves with JiJi... by catching the surf of learning.

Puzzle Goal Progress: 4%

Puzzles Solved So Far: Over 35,000!

That’s a tidal wave of thinking, perseverance, and progress! Every puzzle solved adds to our momentum, and together we’re building the skills to ride even bigger waves of success.

Let’s keep the surf strong, the celebrations steady, and the problem-solving powerful.

Hang Ten, Puzzlers! JiJi and the journey continue!

McAvinnue's "Morning Announcements" are back once again for the 2024-2025 academic school year! We are excited to bring these back starting on Monday, September 9th!

Like we had successfully done during previous school years, a new edition of McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements will be presented to our students on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. We will continue to use Tuesday and Thursday each week to be used for "Open Circle"....our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program that focuses on community building, prosocial decision making, and appropriate responses to daily stressors both within the school and home settings.

This will continue to be a great way to bring our school together each day focusing on the same message to get the energy, commitment, and engage up before we launch into another great day at "the best school we all know".

McAvinnue's Morning Announcements will occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week starting on Monday, September 15th!

You can check out current and past editions of McAvinnue's Morning Announcements on our YouTube channel using the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7hxiBuRjqjqfASl_RLMleQ

You can check out the latest edition of McAvinnue's Morning Announcements below for last school year!

Need help with supplementing with food on a weekly basis? No worries...we have you covered!

With our partnership with the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, we can provide weekly pre-packaged bags of nutritious food that students can take home on Friday.

All you need to do to enroll in this program is to contact Mrs. De La Luz at adelaluz @ lowell.k12.ma.us or send a Class Dojo message to her or Mrs. Teague-Powers. Just include your child's name in the message and we will take care of the rest.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the school directly for support!

The LPS Student Handbook is a great tool to use to fully understand the expectations of the role of our students as well as the partnership needed for our families to ensure that the school year is a great success.

You can access the district elementary student handbook by clicking the button below. You will find various policies and procedures focusing on attendance, grading, discipline, bus expectations, and more.

Please reach out directly if you have any questions.

As you are aware, attending school is first step each in the learning process for our students. It is critical that our students arrive to school on time each day so that they can access all of the engaging and meaning lessons that have been planned by our teachers and related service providers.

The McAvinnue Attendnace Team will monitor student attendance on a weekly basis and will reach our directly to families when they notice frequent absences, a pattern of absences, or an increased number of consecutive absences within a short period of time.

Please refer to McAvinnue's Student Attendance Booket below that will provide additional information. This booket will be sent home with students in multiple languages. It is important that you review this information for your own awareness and to be fully prepared to support your child with the first step of the learning process...attending school on time.

The handbook is provided in four languages below.

All student breakfast and lunch menu items will be free of charge on all school days including Early Release Days!

Lowell Public Schools Food and Nutrition are "Powering Potential" for students and faculty with innovations in our menus and enhancements to our overall dining operations. When your child dines with us, rest assured that we will be serving delicious, nutritious meals prepared with the utmost attention to safety. We encourage every student to fuel up with breakfast and lunch meals each day so they can be energized and prepared to succeed throughout the day, in and out of the classroom.

Please keep up to date on our program, nutrition education, monthly menus and back to school letters on the LPS Food and Nutrition website.

Any concerns please feel free to email foodservice@lowell.k12.ma.us

Are you interested in learning more about the fantastic Math Curriculum that we are using for our Kindergarten - Grade 4 students? Look no further...we have everything that you need for Eureka Math Squared!

Here are some links that you can use to explore the philosophy of the curriculum, sample materials and lessons, tips for how you can support your child at home with their Math skill development, and activities that you can use with your child consistently each week during the school year.

English: https://greatminds.org/math/eurekamathsquared/family-engagement

Spanish: https://greatminds.org/es/eurekamathsquared/recursos-para-la-familia

We have an online store if you wish to order any McAvinnue gear! It is open 24 hours per day and there is no due date for orders. Anytime you want to order...on any day!

The company is Prep Sportswear and has been reliable with solid product quality from reputable brands.

There is a 25% off deal occuring now on all items! This is a major discount if you are interested in purchasing McAvinnue merchandise.

Like during previous school years, we are also exploring additional local options to purchase McAvinnue gear. Stay tuned for more information in the month of September.

To access our current online store for McAvinnue spirit gear, please click the link below.

How can I update my contact information (phone number/email/address)?

• Go online to the Family Resource Webpage (https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/UpdateContactInfo) and fill out the “contact us” form. Families who don’t have access to the internet can fill out the form in person at the Family Resource Center. If an address change is related to economic factors or housing instability (family moves in with relatives, eviction, hotel/motel, fire or unsheltered, please contact the McKinney Vento Office located at the Family Resource Center in person (151 Merrimack Street), by phone (978-674-4321) or go to the webpage at https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/HomelessAssistance.

How do I update my emergency contacts?

• If you were in the school last year we will send a verification sheet out. if you are new we will send home an emergency form to fill out on the first day of school.

How do I register my child for the new school year?

• All school registrations are completed online using a computer or laptop. You can access the online application by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolRegistration. If you only have a mobile device and don’t have access to a computer or laptop, you can register in person at the Family Resource Center (151 Merrimack Street). Please call the Family Resource Center if you have any questions (978-674-4321).

What should I do if I need to register my child(ren) and I don’t speak English?

• The Lowell Public Schools is committed to providing translation and interpretation services for families who require assistance in a language other than English. The online registration application and website is translated in Spanish and Portuguese and can be accessed by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolRegistration. For all other languages, please call Vannak Khin at (978) 328-6782 to arrange services. In-person language interpretation support for registration can be accessed by visiting the Lowell Public Schools at 151 Merrimack Street. Families can also call the Family Resource Center at (978) 674-4321 to make an appointment with a Bilingual Family Liaison.

How old does my child need to be to enroll in preschool or kindergarten?

• A child must turn 4 years old on or before September 1, 2023, in order to apply for preschool and 5 by September 1 to apply for kindergarten. A family can apply for preschool by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/PreschoolRegistration to fill out an online application or https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/KindergartenRegistration for kindergarten. For registration questions, please call (978) 674-4321.

How do I apply for a transfer for my child to change schools in the new year?

• Per the 2023-2024 School Assignment Policy, all students have the option to request one school transfer per year.
• Families can apply online at https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolTransfer or can come to the Family Resource Center in-person to complete the application. Transfers are assigned on a space availability basis.

No experience needed - all are welcome! This is a volunteer-run clinic meant to teach players about field hockey and hopefully instill a love for the game. Players will learning the rules of the field hockey and fundamental skills, including types of passes, dribbling, shooting and defending. Our long-term goal is to join the Baystate Youth Field Hockey league in Fall 2026 with teams for Grades 1 - 8.

Registration includes the 6 clinic dates, a T-shirt, youth night at an LHS Field Hockey game, and a fun celebration clinic on November 2nd.

Event Details:

• Dates: Sundays from September 28th - November 2nd
• Time: Grades K-3 @ 10:30 AM-11:30 AM and Grades 4-8 @ 12:00 PM -1:30 PM\
• Location: Carvalho Turf Field at Cawley Memorial Stadium
• Registration Fee: $50 ; Day-of registration is also welcome
• Equipment: We have sticks and shin guards available for players to borrow, but please bring them if you have your own. Each player must bring a mouthguard, goggles and sneakers. More information about these items will be provided closer to the start of the clinic.

To register, click the link below...

https://tinyurl.com/88zemf33

Calling all girls in Grades K-8! Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious about the sport, Lowell Girls Lacrosse has a clinic for you!

Introduction to Lacrosse Clinic:

Perfect for girls (Grades Kindergarten - looking to get exposure to LAX fundamentals like stick handling, ground balls, and passing and catching. This clinic is led by experienced coaches dedicated to providing personalized instruction and reinforcing having fun. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to become part of the lacrosse community and make new friends!

Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM

Location: Carvalho Field at Cawley Memorial Stadium

Equipment: Stick, goggles, mouth guard and water bottle. For those without equipment, LGL will provide sticks/goggles (please note when signing up via the Google Form so we can plan accordingly)

Registration Fee: No Fee

Sign-Up Here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfIlaPaRXPSMc.../viewform

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

LGL Skills Clinic:

Perfect for LGL girls (Grades 1- looking to continue to refine their lacrosse skills and stay fresh in the off-season. Special guests (info to follow) will coach the girls through offensive/defensive skills, stick handling, and more!

Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM

Location: Carvalho Field at Cawley Memorial Stadium

Equipment: Stick, goggles, mouth guard and water bottle

Registration Fee: No Fee

Sign-Up Here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfIlaPaRXPSMc.../viewform

There is a lot going on a the YMCA this fall! Registration is now open for their fall programs. Check out the flyers below for more details.

To register, click the link below:

https://greaterlowellymca.org/index.php/sports-and-recreation/

Check out the flyer below for information about the YMCA Youth Basketball Leagues. The leagues will run from September 22nd - November 25th.

There are leagues for 10-12 and 13-15 year old children for a variety of skill and ability levels.

Click the link below to register:

https://greaterlowellymca.org/index.php/sports-and-recreation/

There is a wonderful series of workshops for families with children ages 3-5 coming up this school year. Check out the flyer below for the details and needed information!

To register for one or all sessions, use the link below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFfnxLu40g_1iarQ1fkTi-wUQqXCGcFccgBoAEv5LSdM9OjQ/viewform

Cub Scout Pack 7 is looking for new cubs to join their pack! Tons of fun and learning experiences for all kids in Kindergarten through Grade 5. For more information, visit www.pack7lowell.com

Pack 7 meets at St. Rita's Church directly across from McAvinnue!

Mill City Grows will be hosting their annual "Harvest Day" at their big urban farm in Pawtucketville at 1001 Pawtucket Blvd. on Saturday September 13th at 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. For more information, click the link below:

https://www.millcitygrows.org/harvestday/

Check out the flyer below for more information and details.

Looking for before or after school daycare options for your child? Here is a short list of options and information for your consideration.

Here is a list of daycare options in Lowell:

• Community Team Work (CTI): (978) 454-5100

• Families who are already enrolled in a CTI program...

• Call or text school-age coordinators to request a slot

• Billy 978-995-0028, wma@commteam.org

• Karen 978-729-7216, kshannon@commteam.org

• Families who are not enrolled in a CTI program

• If you’ve filled out a CTI application in the past...

• Contact Karen (978) 729-7216, kshannon@commteam.org to see if where you are on the waitlist (if there is a waitlist)

• If you’ve never filled out a CTI application...

• Fill out an application at 17 Kirk St., 126 Phoenix Ave

• Or call the main CTI number (978) 454-5100 to request an email version of the application.

• YMCA: (978) 454-7825; 1 YMCA Dr in Lowell

• Karen Espinola is the school-age director

• Fill out a application online or at the YMCA to request a slot

• Debbie Doben is the preschool director if your child is preschool age

• Family Childcare: Call programs to see if they have openings near you

• Bethel Family Childcare (978) 458-6577

• Clarendon Family Childcare (978) 454-3026

• Child Development and Learning (CDE) (978) 275-2843

• ACRE Family Childcare (978) 937-5899

• CTI: See above contact information

• Girls Inc: (978) 458-6529, 220; Worthen St. in Lowell

• Accept girls ages 5-14 years old

• Accept Child Care Circuit vouchers, DCF vouchers, and private pay (income-based, sliding scale)

• Call Pam Lerocque (Director of Finance & Administration) to check on openings

• Boys and GIrls Club: (978) 458-4526; 657 Middlesex St in Lowell

• School-age openings for after-school

• Teens who are working with the Department of Children and Families can call BGC or DCF to see if they’re eligible

Throughout the year, the FLI runs a variety of programs including: survival English classes, family college visits, mental health and financial literacy workshops, and more. For more information about the FLI visit: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Page/5263.

Click the link below for a list of local food pantries that are willing to help.

You can also reach out to Mrs. De La Luz, McAvinnue's Social Worker, for support navigating these and other options at adelaluz@lowell.k12.ma.us.

Please keep in mind that certain vaccinations are required for students to participate in learning at all Lowell Public Schools.

If you have any questions regarding vaccination requirements, please contact Nurse Danielle at the school. She will be glad to help you out and provide you with the information that you require or request.

Please visit our website at: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/mcavinnue

Click the buttons below to access our social media sites!

#McAvinnuePride #BeTheDifference #NextLevel

Email: mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Domain/21
Location: 131 Mammoth Road, Lowell, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 937-2871
Facebook: facebook.com/McAvinnueElementarySchool/
Twitter: @McAvinnueLPS