March Newsletter

February has been an exciting month filled with amazing, themed activities for the kids! One of the highlights was Sweet Candy Club, where the kids got to use candy to create their own games, combining creativity with a tasty twist. In the Love in the Air Art Collision Club, students worked together each week to add to their collaborative poster boards, building a beautiful and evolving piece of artwork.

The Math League Club provided a fun way for kids to dive into math through engaging activities, while the Everything STEM Club introduced them to a variety of hands-on, science-based projects. Students also had the chance to join the Robotics Club, where they worked together to explore the world of robotics and learn the basics of building and programming robots. On top of that, we even had the chance to watch anime, analyze characters, and begin creating our character arc projects!

February has been packed with so many fun and educational choices, and we can’t wait to see what exciting activities March will bring!

This month we are excited to announce our Kid and Staff nominees: Angelo and Dean!

Angelo consistently completes his work on time, is always willing to help others, and maintains a positive attitude. Angelo embraces new challenges with enthusiasm, showing a lot of interest in learning and trying new things. His dedication and helpfulness make him a standout student!

Dean has put effort into his February plans, constantly finding unique ways to engage the kids. His creativity keeps the students excited and eager for each new activity, making every choice feel like an adventure. His dedication to keeping the kids involved and motivated truly stands out!

Both Angelo and Dean have truly stood out this month, and we’re proud to celebrate their contributions.

New month, new fun activities!

Every day of the week, we create lesson plans according to our daily themes:

Movement/Mindfulness Monday: Activities to get the body moving, whether it's yoga and connecting with their minds, playing kickball, or a game of capture the flag.

STEAM Tuesday & Thursday: Science, math, technology, arts and crafts, oh my! These activities focus on creativity and building.

Service Learning Wednesday: Activities focused on giving back to our community, whether it's making a card for the elderly or picking up trash in our neighborhood!

Fun Friday: Activities based on all things fun! The activities range from cooking and baking to playing at the park.

Even though February is the shortest month, we still had the most jam packed month possible. From fun choices and Valentine's Day parties to field trips throughout the greater Boston area. We had a choice that suited everyone like the usual 'No Bake Club' and arts & crafts. But we got some new ones like Chess club, where our younger students go to learn the rules and how to play chess. While in their lesson choice session they had to use all they learned to try and beat a computer program that plays chess. We also got to do the Puzzle club and continue with Ocean Life club where we build a sea floor out of clay.

February Vacation might have been cold but it did not stop us from fun and adventure. We were able to go to the Boston Children's Winter Festival and we had a blast at the Common. From riding a miniature train to sneaking in some secret ice skating on the snow, we were able to make a cold time a good time. At the end of the week we were able to go to Townline Bowling to practice our strikes and spares. We definitely have future bowlers in our presence. Though February went by fast, we are very excited to see what March and the rest of the year has in store for us as the weather gets warmer.

Big Congratulations to this months Staff and Kid Super Stars: Londyn and Aniana

Aniana has really stepped up in the upcoming months rising for a Junior Staff member to a Senior Staff member and she really has got the hang of it. It's only right to give her the recognition she deserves. Whether it is coming up with fun and engaging plans or helping with homework, Aniana is always giving students her best self.

Londyn started the month on a good leaf and it only got better for her. She has been working hard with her reading and writing. She has now become a helper during homework time and reads to the younger students in the program. Londyn has also been a really good friend and very willing to try new choices.

We are super proud of this months Super Stars and can't wait to see them grow stronger and better everyday!!!

New month, new fun activities!

Every day of the week, we create lesson plans according to our daily themes:

Movement/Mindfulness Monday: Activities to get the body moving, whether it's yoga and connecting with their minds, playing kickball, or a game of capture the flag.

STEAM Tuesday & Thursday: Science, math, technology, arts and crafts, oh my! These activities focus on creativity and building.

Service Learning Wednesday: Activities focused on giving back to our community, whether it's making a card for the elderly or picking up trash in our neighborhood!

Fun Friday: Activities based on all things fun! The activities range from cooking and baking to playing at the park.

Although February was a short month due to break, our Night Groups still packed in tons of fun and excitement! We kicked back with some movie and TV show marathons while enjoying delicious snacks, creating a cozy and fun atmosphere. The kids had a blast playing different, challenging Roblox games, along with team games that kept everyone engaged and working together. As the weather started to warm up, we took advantage of the opportunity to head outside for some fresh air and play games like "Fishy Fishy" and other outdoor activities. February's Night Groups were a hit, and we can't wait to see what March brings!

Mandarins are a simple, nutritious snack that’s always in season around this time of year. They’re a good source of vitamin C and fiber, making them a solid choice for keeping kids energized throughout the day. Easy to peel and naturally sweet, they’re one of the fruits the kids reach for every chance they get. Mess-free, and something they actually enjoy eating!

Happy Birthday to our Kids!

M 3/3

Naylani 3/29

Happy Birthday to our Staff!

Veronica 3/26

Chris 3/9

Holidays

Saint Patrick's Day 3/17

Ramadan 2/28-3/29

The MLC & MELC will be open as early as 1:00 pm:

• Somerville Public Schools: Every Wednesday
• Prospect Hill Academy: Every Wednesday
• Medford Public Schools: March 19th
• Stoneham Public Schools: March 5th, 6th, 14th and 28th

Thank you for understanding that the MLC & MELC will be closed. We appreciate your consideration during our planned closing on the following days:

Friday March 21 - MLC Staff PD - School is still open but we will not be open to children

Monday March 31 - School is open but the MLC/MELC is CLOSED

MLC & MELC will be open for enrolled youth from 7:30am-5:30pm for the following days:

N/A

Our Parent Meeting will be on Monday, March 10th

• Meetings are on the second Monday of the month unless stated otherwise.
• Parents are responsible for arriving at 5:30 pm, eating family dinner together in the community room, and signing them back in for childcare during the meeting.
• Parent Meetings time is 6:00-7:30pm.

FEF Committee meeting will be on Monday, March 24th , from 5:30- 6:30 pm at the Mystic Learning Center.

• This month, we will be planning the Basket Bonanza Fundraiser for April and the 15th Annual Spring for Children fundraiser coming up in May!

• Luck of the Irish (Disney Plus)
• The Lorax (Netflix)
• Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs (Netflix)

On Thursday, February 20th, 2025, Brady Tower residents enjoyed a fun-filled day of crafts, lunch, and games with the MLC children. Everyone came together in the Brady Tower Community Room to get creative and share a delicious lunch, making it a wonderful time for all. Later that evening, the excitement continued with a Night Snow-tubing Experience at McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester, Snow-tubers hit the slopes for a thrilling ride under the stars. It was a memorable day full of laughter, adventure, and community spirit!

MLC is hosting a community craft night on Friday, March 14th, 2025, from 6 PM to 8 PM. Location: Mystic Learning Center (530 Mystic Ave. Room 103, Somerville, MA 02143). We will be making mosaic coasters and trays. Enjoy food and drinks while crafting!

Check out our link tree for all of our happenings and sign up for Community Craft Night: https://linktr.ee/MysticLearningCenter

As of January, MLC and MELC have openings for school-age children (youth ages 5 in kindergarten through 13). Give us a call (617-623-0110) or send an email (info@mysticlearningcenter.org) if you have any questions or are interested in enrolling your child(ren).

We're licensed by Massachusetts to provide child care for youth between the ages of 2.9 -13 years old. Youth with special needs can attend up to age 16. Click the link below for more info.

** At the moment we aren't accepting children under 5 due to not having a Lead Preschool teacher.

The Human Service Division of the City of Somerville Department of Health and Human Services is now available to take online referrals for services through a new online contact form. Referrals may be completed by individuals directly seeking services, parents or guardians, service providers, or community partners.

The services provided are available at no cost to Somerville residents of all ages and include:

• Supportive counseling for individuals and families
• Briefcase management
• Service coordination for individuals and families
• Information and Referral to services
• Including mental health services, utility and benefits assistance, workforce development, housing support, youth services, financial literacy, legal assistance, survivor services, literacy, and language development, public health services, substance misuse services for youth.

• School consultation, support, and advocacy