April is always a lively month in school—with longer days, more outdoor learning opportunities (if only the rain would go away!), and a sense of momentum as we move toward the final stretch of the year. We’re excited for all the learning, growth, and fun still to come! After April break, please be on the lookout for an email from me with dates of all the upcoming springtime events so that you can mark your calendars!
As of today, most of our 3rd-5th grade students have now completed the ELA portion of the MCAS, and we’re proud of the focus and effort they brought to the assessments. Make-up testing for students who were absent will continue to take place next week. If your child has missed a session and you anticipate that they may not be present Mon-Thurs of next week, please reach out to me as soon as possible. We will turn our attention to Math and STE MCAS following April break.
Kindergarten registration is underway. Children who turn 5 by September 1st are eligible to attend for the 2025/2026 school year. To enroll you must complete the residency process (required for all students with the exception of students enrolled in our preschool program). See the links below for more information and reach out to Maggie with any questions. safrinem@mersd.org
Residency process
https://www.mersd.org/domain/913
Enrollment paperwork
https://www.mersd.org/cms/lib/MA01807435/Centricity/Domain/692/Essex%20Elementary.pdf
Did you know that playing fun card games and board games can improve your child’s numeracy? Here are a few popular family games and how they can help your child build important mathematical skills:
Uno- number identification
Mancala- counting
Dominoes and any game with a dot dice- subitizing (seeing small groups of numbers without counting)
Guess Who?- reasoning, logic
Battleship and checkers- spatial awareness
Monopoly- arithmetic and working with money
Next time you have family game night, enjoy knowing that your child is having fun and also growing as a mathematician!
(Hana McGowan, Math Instructional Coach: mcgowanh@mersd.org)
Eastern Essex Regional Public Health Coalition
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.