Dear MMES Families,

I would like to take a quick moment to give a shout out to our amazing MMES staff! This week was not only Teacher Appreciation Week but also Nurse Appreciation Week. We are truly so fortunate to have such great educators caring for our students at MMES. When I think of this week each year, I believe that it is a week to celebrate all of the adults who support the children each day. We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented team at MMES - from teachers and nurses to therapists, secretaries, teaching assistants, bus drivers, etc. The list goes on and on!

There is no better way to say "thank you" to folks who make a difference than to simply say "thank you!" I want to thank all of the adults who take care of our students every day, and I encourage you to drop them a quick note of thanks as well. Even a one sentence email goes a long way!

Have a great weekend!

Best,

John

LAST CALL!

Please share your input about the MERSD arts!

This year MERSD is completing the Arts & Cultural Vitality (ACV) Index which is a structure to help us review our arts programming. Specifically, it is a field tested, self-evaluation rubric to examine our district arts & culture. ARTS includes visual and performing arts (visual arts, music, and theatre.) Our Arts Council is made up of staff, administrators and community members who are reviewing our arts programming by examining artifacts and data. We are seeking your input! Please complete this brief 10-question survey to share about your experiences with MERSD arts programming. Please share your feedback by May 10th.

Your input is appreciated: https://forms.gle/WEv1ZFn1BbmyCtnz6

2023-2024 Calendar

May

14 - Grade 4 to Gloucester Maritime

15 – MCAS Math G3-5 Session 1

16 – MCAS Math G3-5 Session 2

16 –Art Show and Spring Concert at HS 6pm

17 - Grade 3 to Dexter Pond

20 – MCAS STE-5 Session 1

22 – MCAS STE 5 Session 2

24 – Memorial Day Celebration

24 - Grade 1 to Conomo Point

24 - Grade 5 Move Up Day at Middle School

27 - Memorial Day, no School

28 - G5 to Maritime Gloucester

31 - HS Graduation

June

3 - Field Day

4 - Spring Concert G K-4, 9:30 am

5 - Early Release, Professional Development, 11:45 Dismissal

7 - Last Day Kindergarten

7 - Grade 5 Project Adventure

10 - Grade 5 to Boston

11 - Crossing the Bridge, Grade 5, 6:00 pm

12 - Grade 3 to Boston State House

13 - Last Day, No Additional Snow Days

19 - Juneteenth

Looking ahead to Back to School:

First Day of School - Wednesday, August 28, 2024

MMES Open House - Thursday, September 12, 2024 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Register for the Race:

https://www.athlinks.com/event/hit-the-street-for-little-feet-59073

Sign up to Volunteer:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094EA5A62DA6FB6-48566479-hitthe

5k Committee Volunteers Needed!

We are so excited to bring back Hit the Street for Little Feet 5k, and we are looking for volunteers to help plan out the festival portion of the event. Reach out to mmptopres@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out!

Save the Date!

Hit the Street 5k - May 17, 2024

Field Day - June 3, 2024

Schedule of Monthly PTO Meetings:

The following are dates for the 2023-2024 PTO Meetings:
• Wednesday, May 22
All meetings will begin at 9 am, and will be located in the Project room on the first floor of the school. All are welcome...we hope to see you there!

We are nearing the end of another school year. In the next week or two, I will be sending notes home to children who have medicines kept at school (inhalers, epi-pens, etc.). We are unable to keep medication over the summer. You can either pick it up or have it sent home in your child’s backpack.

5th Grade parents/caregivers, if your child has had their annual physical and you would like me to enter that information into the computer for transfer to middle school- please send to me

Physicals:

Current physical and immunization records are due for grades 1 and 4. Please do not make a new appointment. Send me the most current and then send me a copy of the new physical when it is completed.

Extra Clothing: ALL GRADE LEVELS

Occasionally a spilled drink, a fall in a puddle or even a ride down a wet slide occurs, if each child could have a change of clothing (head to toe) that would be great.

Just a few reminders:

1. If your child is going to be absent or arriving late, please call either 526-1909 or 526-1908 to let us know.

2. If your child has a temperature of 100. F or over, they need to be temperature free for 24 hours (without relying on Tylenol or Motrin) before re-entering the school.

3. If your child is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, we recommend that they are symptom free for 24 hours and can tolerate solid food before they return

4. If your child has a contagious illness such as conjunctivitis or strep throat, it is the school policy that they are on medicine for 24 hours before re-entering the building.

5. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ALL CLASSROOMS ARE PEANUT/NUT FREE

Thank you for your co-operation and continuing support.

Any questions or concerns please call or email

Joanne Seaman, R.N.

978-526-1909 Fax 978-526-5209

seamanj@mersd.org

MERSD elementary students now have access to the iReady "My Path" program at home. This aspect of iReady is an online tool that provides students with learning activities and practice geared towards their individual skills and needs. Below you will find information regarding accessing this tool at home for extra skill practice in reading and mathematics.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qhiOnoPCkyzwb8HLql0PdEgwNC_tiKcN/view

• Mobile Markets will then run from 2:30-3:30pm in October and November on the first Wednesday of each month.
• Mobile Market will run on an early release schedule of 11am-12:15pm on the first Wednesday of each month starting in December for the balance of the school year.