Greetings!

As we come together to honor and commemorate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of the Martin Luther King Jr. during this weekend, we also joyously inaugurate Black History Month, a two weeks ahead of nationally recognized scheduled Black History Month. Our School's Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Council has thoughtfully and deliberately requested that we commence this momentous occasion by celebrating and directing our attention towards the remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions of Black individuals across the globe. It is, therefore, most befitting to commence this month-long celebration with the commemoration of MLK's birthday.

With Gratitude,

Stacy

This year's Black History Month theme is Art as a Platform for Social Justice.

Our literacy pilots continue in Grades 1 & 4! As of this week, first and fourth-grade classroom, special ed, and English as a Second Language teachers across the three elementary schools have begun teaching a unit from the second pilot curriculum: Wit & Wisdom. These are high quality instructional materials, curated by the Massachusetts Department of Education. The current units include:

• In grade 1, a thematic unit entitled “Creature Features”.

• In grade 4, a unit titled, “Extreme Settings.” These modules will take place during the Reading and Writing blocks on the student's schedule.

Participating teachers continue to engage in ongoing professional development with the curriculum company and our instructional coaches. This information will help us to make the very best decision about which program we will adopt and begin implementing across the elementary schools in the 2024-2025 school year.

It’s hard to believe that we’re already preparing for the second i-Ready® Diagnostic. The second Diagnostic is an important benchmark for understanding your student’s growth, which is why it’s so important they try their best. These results allow us to better support them in achieving their goals for the year.

The most important thing we can do is prepare students and motivate them to put forth their best effort.

Here are a few things you can do to help support your student:

· Make sure they get a good night’s rest before taking the Diagnostic!

· Talk to your student about why the second Diagnostic is important. You can say things like:

o The second Diagnostic helps you find out how much progress you’ve made since the beginning of the year.

o It allows your teacher and I to celebrate your accomplishments!

o Try your best, and do not rush—but don’t spend too much time on a question either.

o Remember, questions on the Diagnostic change based on your answers to earlier questions. You will see some questions you don’t know. That is okay! Just try your best.

· Let them know you’re excited to celebrate their progress.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your student’s learning.

Unfortunately, we no longer test for COVID at school or provide COVID testing kits. However, Free Covid tests are from government agency.

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests.

Your order is completely free- you won't even pay for shipping.

Go to COVID.gov

We do have masks for children and adults, unfortunately, I do not have any COVID tests.

Online registration for Watertown Community Education's 2024 February Vacation Program - Myths & Legends Week, being held at the Hosmer Elementary School, opens at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, January 16th! Spaces are limited, please register early. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Click the link to the 2024 February Vacation Week Program Smore Flyer for full details including cost, dates, daily sub-themes, and to access the online Google Form registration link https://www.smore.com/x8j1sf.

Please reach out to Debi Cornelius at debora.cornelius@watertown.k12.ma.us and Jeff Bodner at jeffrey.bodner@watertown.k12.ma.us with any questions regarding the 2024 February Vacation Program.

• Monday, January 15th - Unity Breakfast
  
• Monday, January 15th - MLK Day Observed
• Friday, January 19th - School Site Council 3:00 in the Learning Commons
• Thursday, January 23rd - Lowell's Culture Fest 6:00 to 7:30

This month's FTO meeting has been cancelled.

J.R. Lowell Elementary School

123 Lowell Ave.

Watertown, Ma 02472

Phone: 1-617-926-7770

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JRLowellElementary

Website: https://watertownjrlowell.ss19.sharpschool.com/

Principal- Stacy Phelan

stacy.phelan@watertown.k12.ma.us

Assistant Principal- Benjamin Kraus

benjamin.krausfriedmann@watertown.k12.ma

Administrative Assistant- Kara Flynn

kara.flynn@watertown.k12.ma.us

Receptionist- Jim Swift

james.swift@watertown.k12.ma.us

Nurse- Kathy Taverna

katherine.taverna@watertown.k12.ma.us

Guidance Melina Jacovides k-2

melina.jacovides@watertown.k12.ma.us

Guidance Brian Connors 3-5

brian.connors@watertown.k12.ma.us

Special Education Team Chair- Greg Roberts, ext. 37171

gregory.roberts@watertown.k12.ma.us

LEDP Site Coordinator- Adam Vachon

adam.vachon@watertown.k12.ma.us