Essex Elementary Extra

Next week is February break, and we hope all our students and families enjoy a well-deserved rest! This is a great time to recharge, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy some winter fun. School will be closed from February 17th - 21st, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for learning on February 24th. Have a wonderful break!

The EES Student Leadership Council's Green Team collected 58.4 pounds of crayons for an organization called The Crayon Initiative. The Crayon Initiative collects donated crayons from restaurants, schools, and homes across the country, then melts them down and remanufactures them, reducing waste. The recycled crayons are then distributed to art programs at children's hospitals across the U.S., brightening the lives of young patients during their stay.

Thanks to everyone who donated their unwanted crayons, and a special thanks to Ms. Yutkins who helped us waaaayyyy exceed our goal of collecting 25 pounds!

Our kindergarteners celebrated 100 days of their learning! They engaged in many "100"-based activities during the day, including stacking 100 cups, decorating numbers, doing 100 exercises, and so on! Meanwhile, our 5th graders celebrated 1,000 days of their learning, which is the total of their Kindergarten - 4th grade years plus the 100 days of this year!

Our 5th graders participated in a fabulous enrichment activity with Salem Sound Coastwatch! In this "Keeping Water Clean" session, students investigated where their water comes from, where it goes, and what they can do to keep their water clean and plentiful! Thank you to Salem Sound and our parent volunteers for helping to make this event possible!

Cathy Kelly from the Cape Ann Museum visited the 2nd grade art classes to teach the students about Virginia Lee Burton as an artist, author, and founder of Folly Cove Designers. The Folly Cove designers used their own hand-carved printing blocks as their medium to print intricate patterns and pictures onto fabric that would be sold as clothes, placemats, curtains, etc. This spring, a special art exhibit at the Cape Ann Museum will take place celebrating the 2nd graders artwork. Families are encouraged to attend this by invitation only event and enjoy the artwork from students. More information about the spring event to follow.

A few more snapshots as our winter clubs finished their last sessions. Be on the lookout for sign-ups for our final session of club offerings this year! Please consider volunteering to run or supervise a club for our last session! Details below!

Calming Corners in classrooms provide students with a designated space to self-regulate, refocus, and manage their emotions, promoting a more supportive learning environment. To enhance these spaces, we’ve created an Amazon Wishlist with items like fidget tools, soft seating, and sensory supports. If you're able, please consider donating—your contribution will help ensure that all students have access to a comforting space when they need it most! Thank you for supporting our school community!

Please click here for the Amazon Wishlist

*please note that the shipping address has been updated so you can ship directly to the school!

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 note the dates below for MCAS testing for Grades 3-5 students.

Grades 3 and 4:

ELA 4/3 and 4/8

Math 5/12 and 5/13

Grade 5:

ELA 4/9 and 4/10

Math 5/6 and 5/8

STE 5/19 and 5/20

Week of February 17-21, 2025: No School- February Break

Monday, February 24, 2025: Open Door Food Truck at EES during afternoon pick-up

Monday, March 3, 2025: Kickoff of Read Across America Week and Community Read

Wednesday, March 5, 2025: Early Release at 11:45

Monday, March 17, 2025: No School- Teacher Professional Development

*stay tuned for the rescheduling of our Winter Walk to School Day!

Donate via Paypal here!

Check out our store to buy some EES merchandise by clicking here!

• Open Door will run its mobile market at Essex Elementary on the third Wednesday of each month from 2:45-3:30
• This resource is available to anyone in the community!

The Eastern Essex Regional Public Health Coalition (EERPH) was formed by an agreement between Hamilton, Wenham, Essex, and Rockport, and exists to improve the ability of local health departments to meet state legislated requirements for public health services. EERPHC staff, consisting of a regional social worker and Regional Public Health Nurse, assess and help provide needed public health nursing, mental health education and support, and social services in the community. Residents are welcome to reach out directly to EERPHC for support.

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