As I've stated before, one of the reasons that fall is my favorite season is all of the fun activities that seem to take place at this time of year... whether that be apple picking, going to fairs, or indulging in a good cider donut! As it turns out, we have a lot of fun upcoming activities here at EES going on as well! Please make note in your calendars for the following!
- 10/15: School Picture Day-- Say cheese!
- 10/18 from 5:30-6:30: Hoe Down-- don your denim, plaid, cowboy boots and bandanas and do-si-do with us in the gym! Learn the dances by clicking here!
- 10/17 and 10/18: Book Fair hosted by Copper Dog. Please feel free to join your child during their classroom's book fair time, or pop by during the Hoe Down on Friday night-- It will be open from 5-7pm.
- 10/25: Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day-- students can join me at the Essex Public Safety Building (police/fire department) at 7:50am-- then we'll kick it into high gear and walk to school!
- 11/15 from 5:30-7:30: Messy Art Night-- Students can come get their hands dirty and learn art skills and techniques from local artists. Let's get creative!
MERSD Elementary Schools are undergoing the accreditation process through New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). On October 22nd, the visiting team from NEASC is looking to meet with a panel of guardians to gain their perspective on our strengths and areas of growth. I am still looking for 2 parent/guardian volunteers to participate in this panel.
This panel is on Tuesday, 10/22 from 2:00-2:30 in the Memorial Elementary Project Room. If you are available to participate, please email Kim Provost (provostk@mersd.org).
First Meeting
Getting to Know Each Other
Students participated in an engaging bingo-style game to get to know each other.
With Florida facing another devastating hurricane within a two week timespan, our Student Leadership Council has decided to extend our Coin Challenge for another week in order to continue to raise funds for relief and recovery efforts. That means another week to find that loose change and donate! The classroom that raises the most money earns an extra recess!
October is Bullying Prevention Month
Here at EES, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. Bullying prevention is a team effort, and parents & caregivers play a vital role in ensuring our school remains a welcoming place for every child. During the month of October, I’ll be sharing some tips and resources for how you can support our bullying prevention efforts at home.
Week 1: Promoting Kindness and Empathy
Encouraging kindness and empathy is a simple yet powerful way to help prevent bullying and create a positive school environment. At school, our RULER Classroom Charters guide students in deciding how they want to feel and how they can treat each other to support those feelings. You can easily continue this at home by having fun, open conversations with your child about how their actions affect others. Asking questions like, “How can you make someone feel included today?” can spark some really meaningful chats! Small acts of kindness can go a long way in building a supportive, respectful community where everyone feels welcome.
Reading together is another great way to explore these ideas. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson shows how even small gestures of kindness can leave a lasting impact. For younger students, Kindness is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego is a fantastic pick, teaching kids that simple acts of kindness can make someone’s day.
For older students, Wonder by R.J. Palacio is a story that includes themes of kindness, empathy, and celebrating differences. Many of our 5th graders are already reading it in class—why not ask them about it and see what they think? It’s a wonderful way to spark conversations about inclusion and how we can all help make the world a little kinder.
If you’re looking for more tips and activities, check out the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation for lots of fun ideas to inspire kindness at home.
I will be starting our mandated screenings at the end of October and will start with screening hearing and vision.
The mandated screenings include:
Vision: K thru Grade 5
Hearing: K thru Grade 3
If you wish to opt your child out of the vision or hearing screening, please let me know by Monday, October 21st.
Monday, October 14, 2024: No School- Indigenous People's Day
Tuesday, October 15, 2024: Picture Day
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 and Wednesday, October 16, 2024: After-school Clubs begin
Thursday, October 17, 2024 and Friday, October 18, 2024: Bookfair
Friday, October 18, 2024: Hoedown 5:30-6:30pm
Wednesday, October 23, 2024: Early Release at 11:45am
Friday, October 25, 2024: Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day
Friday, November 15, 2024: Messy Art Night
Spaulding Education Fund's biggest fundraising event of the year, The Night of Stars, is coming soon on November 2nd from 4-7pm. In preparation, we are looking for talented community members to audition! Auditions will be held on 10/16 from 4-7pm and 10/19 from 9am-12pm.
To sign up to audition or to buy tickets, please visit: https://www.spauldingeducationfund.org/events
The Cape Ann Kids Holiday Fund supports children in our community by providing gifts for local families. Please click here for information on how to donate and how to apply for support.
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.