The Weekly Update #4

Dear Morse Street Families,

It has certainly been a busy first few weeks at school. Students are settling well into routines and expectations and are in the flow of their regular learning schedule. It was lovely to see so many of you at Open House. We hope this serves as a way for you to connect with your child’s teacher and hear an overview of what to expect from the year ahead. In the coming weeks, you will be able to meet with your child’s teacher for a conference so that you can learn more about your specific child’s progress and next steps.

Over the last couple of years we have set a school goal to reduce our rate of student chronic absenteeism. With your partnership we have been able to reduce our rate of chronic absenteeism from 13.72% in 2022-2023 to 3.98% in 2025-2026. Children are chronically absent if they have missed 10% or more of the school year. This includes both excused and unexcused absences. Attendance is important so that children feel connected to their peers and community as well as establish good habits early. Missing school can start to impact academic and social emotional development. If attendance becomes a challenge for your child and we see that they are approaching the 10% threshold we will reach out to make you aware and see how we can partner with you.

Please reach out if you need any support in any way, if you are unsure whether it’s ok to send your child to school following an illness our nurses are always available for a check in. The following tips from https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/handouts-for-families-2/ might help as you build routines at home.

Warmly,

Julie Nickerson, Principal

• Too many absences in preschool and elementary school can cause children to struggle socially and academically.
• Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
• Missing 10% of school (2 days each month) can make it harder to learn to read and do basic math. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school — and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool and through elementary school so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day, is important.

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
• Keep your child healthy and make sure your child has the required shots.
• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up.
• Monitor your child’s absences.
• Try to schedule nonurgent medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• If you are concerned that your child may have a contagious illness, call your school nurse or health-care provider for advice. Ask the teacher for ideas to support missed learning time. Chronic absence is missing 2+ days every month over the course of a school year

10/8-K- Field Trip to Hansel's Orchard

10/9- Professional Learning Day- No School

10/12-Indigenous People Day- No School

10/16-Grade 1 to Bradbury Mountain

10/16-Walk Pumpkins to LL Bean

10/19-10/23- Parent/Teacher Conferences

10/25- Maine Mariners Event for PTC

10/28- Picture Retake Day

10/29- Family Literacy Night- 6pm

11/16-11/20- Food Drive

11/25- Professional Compensation Day- No School

11/26-11/27-Thanksgiving Break-No School

Student Directory
We have extended the deadline to join our student directory. This resource is helpful for connecting with classmates and supporting new families. Sign up for the MSS and MLS directory here!!

Conference Support for Staff
During parent teacher conference week, teachers put in extra long days supporting our students and communicating with families. Let's work together to give them something special that week! Please consider sending in something to support the amazing school teachers.
Morse Street School Sign Up Genius
Mast Landing School Sign Up Genius