The Lion's Roar

Hello McAvinnue Community!

I hope that you are doing well..and that the weekend has been a restful one for you and your family! We had a mixed bag of weather this past short week with more traditional temperatures on some days...and mild temperatures on other days. Again...please have your child dress in layers when coming to school each day moving forward. It is much easier to take off or add a layer depending on the changing weather conditions. We will still be taking students outside for recess for as long as we can...and they need to be dressed appropriately to fully participate in the most comfortable manner possible.

We had another successful week at McAvinnue...even though we were only in school for 4 days! We observed many great learning moments for our students, a few Kindergarten classrooms had a blast at the Acton Discovery Museum, and their was so much fun learning occurring in our Allied Arts classes.

We will start to compete in McAvinnue's ST Math "Turkey Trot Challenge" on Monday. This is another fun-filled all school challenge on the ST Math platform. Classrooms have been placed in teams and will work together over the next few weeks to increase their percent of total puzzles that have been completed to date. We will provide updates each week...stay tuned for details!

With a few super busy months ahead of us, we will continue to plan engaging and meanfuling learning experiences for our students. We have more grade level field trips coming up...as well as some really cool and exciting in school hands-on learning opportunities! Stay tuned for more information and pictures posted on our outreach platforms.

Moving on...we only have 12 1/2 school days until the Thanksgiving Break. It is important that we maximize these days by arriving to school on time and ready to learn. Also, we should try to keep early dismissal as an emergency option only. We have a limited number of school days remaining in 2025 due to the Thanksgiving holiday and the up and coming Holiday Break near the end of December. If we all work together, we can ensure that we take full advantage of the time we have at McAvinnue to ensure that your child is receiving the full and comprehensive learning experience that we offer!

Additionally, we have Parent / Teacher Conferences right around the corner on Thursday, December 4th. Please mark your calendars and your child's teacher will reach out to you with additional information including sign-up options next week. Stay tuned...and be ready to sign up for a time that works best for you.

We are looking forward to another amazing week at "the best school we all know"!

Here are a few items that you need to be aware of. Please mark your calendars for the following events and activities at McAvinnue for this upcoming week:

• Monday, November 10th- McAvinnue Opens @ 9:10 AM
• Tuesday, November 11th - No School: Veterans Day
• Wednesday, November 12th - Kindergarten Field Trip: Acton Discovery Museum (Rooms 205 & 206)
• Friday, November 14th - McAvinnue's "Lion's Pride" Core Value All School Celebration: October Edition @ 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Main Office at McAvinnue or send Mr. Domina a message a mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us.

Due to the observance of Veterans Day, all Lowell Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th. McAvinnue will open its door on Wednesday, November 12th at 9:10 AM for that week.

If you are interested in some information and activities that you can use with your child, please click the button below to access many free and engaging options. Also, we have included a video that you can watch with your child.

McAvinnue’s “Artist of the Week” is Noemy in Room 201! She created a free-standing monster! That means that it stands without any help! She used art and engineering skills! Very creative!

McAvinnue’s “Musician of the Week” is Merveilles in Room 206! Merveilles has been the “five music voices” and can identify loud and quiet sounds, and high and low sounds. He can also play egg shakers to different songs. Good job!

Grade 3 students had a blast learning about bones in their hands and wrist during the week of Halloween! Such a cool, hands-on activity!

Grade 4 students are working on programming DASH robots this past week! They will be using these robots for a fun Thanksgiving STEAM Challenge at the end of the month. Stay tuned!

If your students have any medical concerns or diagnosis, please make sure Nurse Danielle is aware. Also, if they have any medical conditions, for example allergies or asthma, that require medications such as Epipens or inhalers here at school, please remember she needs updated paperwork and medication yearly.

Please reach out as soon as possible to get her the necessary paperwork and to arrange drop off of new medications. Nurse Danielle's email address is dralls@lowell.k12.ma.us and she can also be reached by calling (978) 937-2871 ex. 47858. Our fax number is (978) 937-2880.

Please see the chart below that will help you decide whether you should send your child to school.

If you have any questions or are not sure whether you should send your child to school, please reach out to the school and ask to speak with Nurse Danielle.

Drop-Off Logistics

• Arrival begins at 9:10 AM each day. The late bell rings at 9:25 AM.
• Please pull up to the 4th Avenue side of the building when dropping off your child.
• As you approach the 4th Avenue sidewalk, a faculty member will greet and support getting your child safely out of the vehicle.
• This area is a drop off area ONLY. You will not be permitted to park in this location.
• Please be sure to drive all the way down to the end of the sidewalk so we can fit as many vehicles in this location as possible.
• Ensure your child is ready to go and do not get out of the car so we can keep traffic moving.
• Students accessing our CSA program will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
• Large bus students will enter using the back door located in the rear of the school building.
  
• Small bus and van transportation students will use the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.

Morning Lining Up Locations

• Grade 1, 3, and 4 students will use the Main Door to enter the school building.
• Grade 2 will use the 4th Avenue doorway near the front of the school to enter the building.
• PreK & Kindergarten will use the Early Childhood door to enter the building. This door is located to the right of McAvinnue's Reading Garden and to the left of the Main Door.

Pick-Up Logistics

• Grade 1 will be dismissed out the Main Door.
• Grades 2, 3, and 4 will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the front of the school.
• Kindergarten students will be dismissed out the Early Childhood door. This door is located to the right of McAvinnue's Reading Garden and to the left of the Main Door.
• Students accessing our CSA program will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
• PreK students will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway. Please contact Ms. Annie for the specific dismissal time.

School bus transportation is provided to students in grades K-4, who live greater than .75 mile from their residence or alternate address to their assigned school. Middle school students (grades 5-8) must live greater than 1.5 miles from their residence or alternate address to their assigned school.

Kindergarten through 4th grade students will receive a printed bus pass via postal mail. These passes were mailed out on August 23rd. You can also look up your student's bus pass information by using their Student ID for the username and date of birth for the password at the link below. This is the same information that students use to log in to their Chromebooks for school.

Please note that Kindergarten and 1st grader students must have an older sibling (4th grade or older) or parent present at the bus stop in the afternoon in order to depart from the school bus. If a parent or older sibling is not present, the student will be brought to the Moody School, located at 158 Rogers Street. A driver’s license or valid identification must be presented to the staff in order to dismiss the student.

You can use the LPSD "Bus Lookup Tool" using the link below. You will need to use you child's LASID or lunch number along with their birthdate to access this helpful system.

There also is a helpful video that you can watch that will walk you through the process.

The Lowell Public Schools Transportation Department has added a live spreadsheet to its webpage that indicates in the AM or PM if a school bus (grades K-8) is running late and by how long.

Check it out today: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Page/5990

Here is information regarding when each grade level and homeroom has weekly Physical Education Class with Ms. Rindo for the 2025-2026 academic school year

Please ensure that your child wears sneakers on their assigned day in the gymnasium so that can fully participate.

We will try a new yoga pose for this up and coming week! This pose will allow us to increase our focus and concentration through a series of movements that highlight balance! We will practice the "Tree" pose daily during our "Virtual" Morning Announcements during this up and coming week.

You can get an early head start and practice this technique before we launch into another exciting week!

Here are important dates to remember for the month of November:

• Monday, Movember 10th - McAvinnue Reopens @ 9:10 AM
• Tuesday, November 11th - No School: Veterans Day
• Wednesday, November 12th - Kindergarten Field Trip: Acton Discovery Museum (Rooms 205 & 206)
• Friday, November 14th - McAvinnue's "Lion's Pride" Core Value All School Celebration: October Edition @ 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
• Tuesday, November 18th - Grade 2 Field Trip: Eco Tarium (Worcester)
• Wednesday, November 19th - Dentist @ McAvinnue
• Wednesday, November 26th - Early Dismissal: All Students @ 11:50 AM
• Thursday. November 27th - No School - Thanksgiving
• Friday, November 28th - No School - Thanksgiving Break

Hello McAvinnue Mathematicians!

As we transition from catching waves to counting blessings, we’re diving into the month of gratitude, and we have so much to celebrate!

Puzzle Power: McAvinnue students have solved over 247,000 puzzles so far this year. That shows incredible teamwork and perseverance!

School Progress: Our school has reached 26% Puzzle Goal Progress! Let’s keep the momentum going!

Golden JiJi:

Congratulations to Laeticia Leveille for earning this week’s Golden JiJi Award for incredible velocity in puzzle solving!

Turkey Trot Time: Get ready! Our annual McAvinnue Turkey Trot Challenge is just beginning! Let’s keep JiJi's friends moving along that road. Our Math minds will be growing as we puzzle our way through November.

This season, we’re thankful for every curious question, every “aha!” moment, and every bit of Math joy our students bring to the puzzle journey.

Keep puzzling and keep showing that McAvinnue Math momentum!

McAvinnue's "Morning Announcements" are back once again for the 2024-2025 academic school year! We are excited to bring these back starting on Monday, September 15th!

Like we had successfully done during previous school years, a new edition of McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements will be presented to our students on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. We will continue to use Tuesday and Thursday each week to be used for "Open Circle"....our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program that focuses on community building, prosocial decision making, and appropriate responses to daily stressors both within the school and home settings.

This will continue to be a great way to bring our school together each day focusing on the same message to get the energy, commitment, and engage up before we launch into another great day at "the best school we all know".

McAvinnue's Morning Announcements will occur on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week! Be on the lookout for them on Class Dojo and on our social media accounts!

You can check out current and past editions of McAvinnue's Morning Announcements on our YouTube channel using the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7hxiBuRjqjqfASl_RLMleQ

Check out the resource below if you may need some support during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

You can also reach out directly to the school and ask for Mrs. De La Luz or send her an email at adelaluz@lowell.k12.ma.us

Need help with supplementing with food on a weekly basis? No worries...we have you covered!

With our partnership with the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, we can provide weekly pre-packaged bags of nutritious food that students can take home on Friday.

All you need to do to enroll in this program is to contact Mrs. De La Luz at adelaluz @ lowell.k12.ma.us or send a Class Dojo message to her or Mrs. Teague-Powers. Just include your child's name in the message and we will take care of the rest.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the school directly for support!

The LPS Student Handbook is a great tool to use to fully understand the expectations of the role of our students as well as the partnership needed for our families to ensure that the school year is a great success.

You can access the district elementary student handbook by clicking the button below. You will find various policies and procedures focusing on attendance, grading, discipline, bus expectations, and more.

Please reach out directly if you have any questions.

As you are aware, attending school is first step each in the learning process for our students. It is critical that our students arrive to school on time each day so that they can access all of the engaging and meaning lessons that have been planned by our teachers and related service providers.

The McAvinnue Attendnace Team will monitor student attendance on a weekly basis and will reach our directly to families when they notice frequent absences, a pattern of absences, or an increased number of consecutive absences within a short period of time.

Please refer to McAvinnue's Student Attendance Booket below that will provide additional information. This booket will be sent home with students in multiple languages. It is important that you review this information for your own awareness and to be fully prepared to support your child with the first step of the learning process...attending school on time.

The handbook is provided in four languages below.

All student breakfast and lunch menu items will be free of charge on all school days including Early Release Days!

Lowell Public Schools Food and Nutrition are "Powering Potential" for students and faculty with innovations in our menus and enhancements to our overall dining operations. When your child dines with us, rest assured that we will be serving delicious, nutritious meals prepared with the utmost attention to safety. We encourage every student to fuel up with breakfast and lunch meals each day so they can be energized and prepared to succeed throughout the day, in and out of the classroom.

Please keep up to date on our program, nutrition education, monthly menus and back to school letters on the LPS Food and Nutrition website.

Any concerns please feel free to email foodservice@lowell.k12.ma.us

Are you interested in learning more about the fantastic Math Curriculum that we are using for our Kindergarten - Grade 4 students? Look no further...we have everything that you need for Eureka Math Squared!

Here are some links that you can use to explore the philosophy of the curriculum, sample materials and lessons, tips for how you can support your child at home with their Math skill development, and activities that you can use with your child consistently each week during the school year.

English: https://greatminds.org/math/eurekamathsquared/family-engagement

Spanish: https://greatminds.org/es/eurekamathsquared/recursos-para-la-familia

We have an online store if you wish to order any McAvinnue gear! It is open 24 hours per day and there is no due date for orders. Anytime you want to order...on any day!

The company is Prep Sportswear and has been reliable with solid product quality from reputable brands.

There is a 25% off deal occuring now on all items! This is a major discount if you are interested in purchasing McAvinnue merchandise.

Like during previous school years, we are also exploring additional local options to purchase McAvinnue gear. Stay tuned for more information in the month of September.

To access our current online store for McAvinnue spirit gear, please click the link below.

How can I update my contact information (phone number/email/address)?

• Go online to the Family Resource Webpage (https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/UpdateContactInfo) and fill out the “contact us” form. Families who don’t have access to the internet can fill out the form in person at the Family Resource Center. If an address change is related to economic factors or housing instability (family moves in with relatives, eviction, hotel/motel, fire or unsheltered, please contact the McKinney Vento Office located at the Family Resource Center in person (151 Merrimack Street), by phone (978-674-4321) or go to the webpage at https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/HomelessAssistance.

How do I update my emergency contacts?

• If you were in the school last year we will send a verification sheet out. if you are new we will send home an emergency form to fill out on the first day of school.

How do I register my child for the new school year?

• All school registrations are completed online using a computer or laptop. You can access the online application by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolRegistration. If you only have a mobile device and don’t have access to a computer or laptop, you can register in person at the Family Resource Center (151 Merrimack Street). Please call the Family Resource Center if you have any questions (978-674-4321).

What should I do if I need to register my child(ren) and I don’t speak English?

• The Lowell Public Schools is committed to providing translation and interpretation services for families who require assistance in a language other than English. The online registration application and website is translated in Spanish and Portuguese and can be accessed by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolRegistration. For all other languages, please call Vannak Khin at (978) 328-6782 to arrange services. In-person language interpretation support for registration can be accessed by visiting the Lowell Public Schools at 151 Merrimack Street. Families can also call the Family Resource Center at (978) 674-4321 to make an appointment with a Bilingual Family Liaison.

How old does my child need to be to enroll in preschool or kindergarten?

• A child must turn 4 years old on or before September 1, 2023, in order to apply for preschool and 5 by September 1 to apply for kindergarten. A family can apply for preschool by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/PreschoolRegistration to fill out an online application or https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/KindergartenRegistration for kindergarten. For registration questions, please call (978) 674-4321.

How do I apply for a transfer for my child to change schools in the new year?

• Per the 2023-2024 School Assignment Policy, all students have the option to request one school transfer per year.
• Families can apply online at https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolTransfer or can come to the Family Resource Center in-person to complete the application. Transfers are assigned on a space availability basis.

No experience needed - all are welcome! This is a volunteer-run clinic meant to teach players about field hockey and hopefully instill a love for the game. Players will learning the rules of the field hockey and fundamental skills, including types of passes, dribbling, shooting and defending. Our long-term goal is to join the Baystate Youth Field Hockey league in Fall 2026 with teams for Grades 1 - 8.

Registration includes the 6 clinic dates, a T-shirt, youth night at an LHS Field Hockey game, and a fun celebration clinic on November 2nd.

Event Details:

• Dates: Sundays from September 28th - November 2nd
• Time: Grades K-3 @ 10:30 AM-11:30 AM and Grades 4-8 @ 12:00 PM -1:30 PM\
• Location: Carvalho Turf Field at Cawley Memorial Stadium
• Registration Fee: $50 ; Day-of registration is also welcome
• Equipment: We have sticks and shin guards available for players to borrow, but please bring them if you have your own. Each player must bring a mouthguard, goggles and sneakers. More information about these items will be provided closer to the start of the clinic.

To register, click the link below...

https://tinyurl.com/88zemf33

Calling all girls in Grades K-8! Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious about the sport, Lowell Girls Lacrosse has a clinic for you!

Introduction to Lacrosse Clinic:

Perfect for girls (Grades Kindergarten - looking to get exposure to LAX fundamentals like stick handling, ground balls, and passing and catching. This clinic is led by experienced coaches dedicated to providing personalized instruction and reinforcing having fun. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to become part of the lacrosse community and make new friends!

Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM

Location: Carvalho Field at Cawley Memorial Stadium

Equipment: Stick, goggles, mouth guard and water bottle. For those without equipment, LGL will provide sticks/goggles (please note when signing up via the Google Form so we can plan accordingly)

Registration Fee: No Fee

Sign-Up Here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfIlaPaRXPSMc.../viewform

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LGL Skills Clinic:

Perfect for LGL girls (Grades 1- looking to continue to refine their lacrosse skills and stay fresh in the off-season. Special guests (info to follow) will coach the girls through offensive/defensive skills, stick handling, and more!

Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025

Time: 10 AM - 12 PM

Location: Carvalho Field at Cawley Memorial Stadium

Equipment: Stick, goggles, mouth guard and water bottle

Registration Fee: No Fee

Sign-Up Here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfIlaPaRXPSMc.../viewform

There is a lot going on a the YMCA this fall! Registration is now open for their fall programs. Check out the flyers below for more details.

To register, click the link below:

https://greaterlowellymca.org/index.php/sports-and-recreation/

Check out the flyer below for information about the YMCA Youth Basketball Leagues. The leagues will run from September 22nd - November 25th.

There are leagues for 10-12 and 13-15 year old children for a variety of skill and ability levels.

Click the link below to register:

https://greaterlowellymca.org/index.php/sports-and-recreation/

There is a wonderful series of workshops for families with children ages 3-5 coming up this school year. Check out the flyer below for the details and needed information!

To register for one or all sessions, use the link below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFfnxLu40g_1iarQ1fkTi-wUQqXCGcFccgBoAEv5LSdM9OjQ/viewform

Cub Scout Pack 7 is looking for new cubs to join their pack! Tons of fun and learning experiences for all kids in Kindergarten through Grade 5. For more information, visit www.pack7lowell.com

Pack 7 meets at St. Rita's Church directly across from McAvinnue!

Looking for before or after school daycare options for your child? Here is a short list of options and information for your consideration.

Here is a list of daycare options in Lowell:

• Community Team Work (CTI): (978) 454-5100

• Families who are already enrolled in a CTI program...

• Call or text school-age coordinators to request a slot

• Billy 978-995-0028, wma@commteam.org

• Karen 978-729-7216, kshannon@commteam.org

• Families who are not enrolled in a CTI program

• If you’ve filled out a CTI application in the past...

• Contact Karen (978) 729-7216, kshannon@commteam.org to see if where you are on the waitlist (if there is a waitlist)

• If you’ve never filled out a CTI application...

• Fill out an application at 17 Kirk St., 126 Phoenix Ave

• Or call the main CTI number (978) 454-5100 to request an email version of the application.

• YMCA: (978) 454-7825; 1 YMCA Dr in Lowell

• Karen Espinola is the school-age director

• Fill out a application online or at the YMCA to request a slot

• Debbie Doben is the preschool director if your child is preschool age

• Family Childcare: Call programs to see if they have openings near you

• Bethel Family Childcare (978) 458-6577

• Clarendon Family Childcare (978) 454-3026

• Child Development and Learning (CDE) (978) 275-2843

• ACRE Family Childcare (978) 937-5899

• CTI: See above contact information

• Girls Inc: (978) 458-6529, 220; Worthen St. in Lowell

• Accept girls ages 5-14 years old

• Accept Child Care Circuit vouchers, DCF vouchers, and private pay (income-based, sliding scale)

• Call Pam Lerocque (Director of Finance & Administration) to check on openings

• Boys and GIrls Club: (978) 458-4526; 657 Middlesex St in Lowell

• School-age openings for after-school

• Teens who are working with the Department of Children and Families can call BGC or DCF to see if they’re eligible

The Family Leadership Institute provides families with the knowledge and skills to partner with schools and communities to ensure their children achieve their full potential.

Throughout the year, the FLI runs a variety of programs including: survival English classes, family college visits, mental health and financial literacy workshops, and more. For more information about the FLI visit: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Page/5263.

Do you need support with food options for your family. No need to worry...there are many local groups that can offer support for you during your time of need.

Click the link below for a list of local food pantries that are willing to help.

You can also reach out to Mrs. De La Luz, McAvinnue's Social Worker, for support navigating these and other options at adelaluz@lowell.k12.ma.us.

Click the link below to see a comprensive list of local vaccination options for your child.

Please keep in mind that certain vaccinations are required for students to participate in learning at all Lowell Public Schools.

If you have any questions regarding vaccination requirements, please contact Nurse Danielle at the school. She will be glad to help you out and provide you with the information that you require or request.

Check out our school website where you can find a wealth of information including school news, calendars, and other events.

Please visit our website at: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/mcavinnue

You can follow McAvinnue on social media at the following sites! We update things daily and this is a great way to stay in touch with all of the amazing things that are happening inside and out of "the best school we all know"!

Click the buttons below to access our social media sites!

McAvinnue Elementary School is a place...where there are high expectations, where students are academically engaged, where instruction is guided by a systematic approach to examine data, where there is a multi-tiered system of support, and where a responsive environment that fosters social emotional connections between faculty and students prevails.

#McAvinnuePride #BeTheDifference #NextLevel

Email: mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Domain/21
Location: 131 Mammoth Road, Lowell, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 937-2871
Facebook: facebook.com/McAvinnueElementarySchool/
Twitter: @McAvinnueLPS