Essex Elementary Extra

Welcome back! We hope you had a restful and refreshing February break. With the days getting longer and the weather warming up (fingers crossed!), it’s a great time for students to enjoy fresh air and outdoor play. As we dive into the weeks ahead, we’re excited to continue learning, growing, and working together as a school community. There’s a lot to look forward to over the upcoming months, so be sure to check upcoming events and reminders in each newsletter. As always, thank you for your partnership and support!

Speaking of upcoming events, next week we will kick off our Community Read book, which is Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast by Josh Funk, who recently visited EES. Each family will receive a signed book for you to read at home with your child(ren)! This is an aspect of celebrating Reading Across America Week! A big thanks to Ms. Silag and Ms. Donovan for creating a fun week of events in school!

Calming Corners in classrooms provide students with a designated space to self-regulate, refocus, and manage their emotions, promoting a more supportive learning environment. To enhance these spaces, we’ve created an Amazon Wishlist with items like fidget tools, soft seating, and sensory supports. If you're able, please consider donating—your contribution will help ensure that all students have access to a comforting space when they need it most! Thank you for supporting our school community!

*This wishlist has been modified to include shipping directly to EES!*

Please click here for the Amazon Wishlist

*please note that the shipping address has been updated so you can ship directly to the school!

Did you know that elementary-age students are introduced to 2,000 - 3,000 new vocabulary words each year?! Research shows students need to engage with each word at least 30 times to build true comprehension. To support vocabulary growth, pick 1-2 words per week and play games as an authentic and fun way to continue the learning at home. Play Charades or Headbands, have friendly competitions to see who can accurately use the words the most in one day, even play Pictionary! For fun at-home ways to enjoy vocabulary acquisition, check out: https://www.merriam-webster.com/

(Beth LeDoux, Elementary Literacy Coach, ledouxb@mersd.org)

Please note the dates below for MCAS testing for Grades 3-5 students.

Grades 3 and 4:

ELA 4/3 and 4/8

Math 5/12 and 5/13

Grade 5:

ELA 4/9 and 4/10

Math 5/6 and 5/8

STE 5/19 and 5/20

Join us on Zoom at 6:00PM on March 3rd. Session #2 will focus on where parents can find parental controls, how they can be best utilized, and talk frankly about their limitations. We will also do a deep dive into strategies for parents when their kids use the most popular platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

This series is facilitated by Kerry Gallagher, J.D. To get access to the Zoom Link, please RSVP HERE.

Monday, March 3, 2025: Kickoff of Read Across America Week and Community Read

Wednesday, March 5, 2025: Early Release at 11:45

Monday, March 17, 2025: No School- Teacher Professional Development

*stay tuned for the rescheduling of our Winter Walk to School Day!

*will be updated once March's full menu is released.

Donate via Paypal here!

Check out our store to buy some EES merchandise by clicking here!

• Open Door will run its mobile market at Essex Elementary on the third Wednesday of each month from 2:45-3:30
• This resource is available to anyone in the community!

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.

MERSD is on Facebook!

Friends of Essex Elementary School is on Facebook!