Dear MMES Families,

We are starting to get to the busiest time of the school year! We had a number of inspiring enrichment programs this week that were sponsored by the MMPTO and our fifth graders planted their annual Arbor Day tree with the Manchester Friends of Trees! Be sure to take a peek at the May calendar of events below...so much is happening!

I hope you all have a wonderful vacation week with your family...see everyone soon!

Have a great weekend!

Best,

John

Are you looking for an easy and fun game to play over April vacation with the whole family? One that encourages daily reading in creative ways, gives choice, and adds an element of fun? Try playing Book Bingo! All you need is to create a simple bingo board with different literacy tasks like: read under a blanket, read to a pet or stuffed animal, read a nonfiction book, draw your favorite character, act out a scene from a story. Here’s a sample one you could use or feel free to create your own. Each family member tries to get "bingo" by completing tasks during the week! (Beth LeDoux, Elementary Literacy Coach, ledouxb@mersd.org)

Beth LeDoux

Elementary Literacy Coach

Manchester Essex Regional School District

On Monday, Memorial's second and third graders were treated to a special performance from the Tanglewood Marionettes, a Massachusetts-based nationally touring marionette theater group. The Marionettes delighted the students with an exciting and engaging rendition of "Perseus and Medusa," taking the students back in time to the ancient world of Greek gods, goddesses, prophecies, heroes, and monsters. After the performance, the performers led a Q&A session to field students' many thoughtful questions about the "Perseus" story as well as the show's mechanics and behind-the-scenes details. They even revealed a few stage tricks to the students! Many thanks go to the Manchester Cultural Council for generously funding this program to support students’ appreciation for theater and the arts.

Today, students from Kindergarten through third grade enjoyed front-row seats to Wingmasters: Birds of Prey—a live educational presentation led by wildlife rehabilitator Jim Parks. During the program, students met four remarkable birds: a Peregrine Falcon, a Red-Tailed Hawk, an adorable Screech Owl, and a majestic Great Horned Owl. Each bird was introduced individually, with fascinating facts shared about their unique traits and rescue stories. The children were captivated by these amazing creatures—all of which are commonly found right here in the North Shore.

A new session of after school activities has started. Please help us to get your students where they need to be after school by updating pick up patrol for ALL changes to dismissal - Park & Rec programs, Green Team, Ambassadors. You can use the notes section to give additional details. Dismissal should be updated for each week that your student has an after school activity.

Thank you for your help.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Bambino Baskets in Beverly Farms need our help. They are a non-profit who collect gently used items for newborns up to size youth 16. Other gently used items can include shoes, small toys and books. Bambino Baskets also collect new items such as diapers (most needed sizes are 5,6,7), wipes, cream, bottles, pacifiers, etc. Over Spring Break please take a moment to find any outgrown clothes or items around your house. This fundraiser ends May 2nd. All items will be collected in the Memorial School hub. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Thank you for your generosity,

5th Grade Student Ambassadors

Happy Spring!

How have we already made it to April?

Please remember upon returning from spring break:

· If your child is going to be absent, tardy, or there is a change to dismissal plans- utilize PickUp Patrol for those changes.

· If your child has a temperature of 100.4F or over, they need to be fever free for 24 hours (without the aid of Tylenol or Motrin) before re-entering the school.

· If your child is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, they need to be symptom free for 24 hours and can tolerate solid food before re-entering the building.

· 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.

· ALL CLASSROOMS ARE PEANUT/NUT FREE

Change of clothes: Each student should have a complete change of clothes (head to toe) in case of spills, wetness from playing outside, or any accidents.

Physicals: Please send in the most current physicals for 1st and 4th grade students.

Stay healthy and have a wonderful, restful, spring vacation!

Thank you all for your cooperation, any questions or concerns please call or email,

Jaclyn Morrissey, R.N.

978-526-1909

morrisseyj@mersd.org

2024-2025 Calendar

April

18 - Early Release 11:45am

21 - Patriots Day

Vacation April 21-25

May

2 - Enrichment: Whalemobile Grade 1

5 - Enrichment: Rainforest Reptiles Grade 2

7 - Early Release, 11:45

8 - Enrichment: Engineering Action Grade K

12 -Enrichment: Rainforest Reptiles Grade K

13 - Enrichment: Engineering Action Grade 1

14 - MCAS Math Testing G3-5

15 - MCAS Math Testing G3-5

16 – Hit the Street for Little Feet

19 - MCAS STE Testing G5

20 - Town Election

21 - MCAS STE Testing G5

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

23 - Enrichment: Tales from Greek Mythology Grade 4-5

26 - Memorial Day, No School

27 & 28 – G5 to Essex Ship Building

27 - Rock Band Dress Rehearsal, MERHS 7:30 a

28 - Concert Band Dress Rehearsal, MERHS

29 - Chorus Dress Rehearsal, MERHS 7:30 a

29 - Elementary Art Show MERHS 5:00 - 6:00 pm

29 -Elementary Band/Chorus Concert MERHS 6:00 p

June

3, 5, & 6 - Enrichment: Potato Hill Poetry Grade 1-5

6 – G5 to Boston

10 - Field Day (rain date 6/12)

11 – G5 to Project Adventure

13 – G5 to Maritime Gloucester

16 - G5 Crossing the Bridge

18 - Last Day of School, Early Release 11:45

Menus with full nutritional information: https://mersd.nutrislice.com/menu/mersd-elementary-lunch/breakfast/2025-01-31

🏃‍♀️ Hit the Streets Little Feet 5k – Coming Soon! 🏃‍♂️

Back by popular demand, it’s time to lace up your running shoes and join us for the Hit the Streets Little Feet 5k! This exciting event is perfect for families, friends, and athletes of all ages.

Event Details:

· Kids Fun Dash: Starts at 5:00 PM

· 5k Race: Starts at 6:00 PM

· Location: Manchester Memorial Elementary School

· Date: Friday, May 16th

Sign-up begins TODAY!
Don't miss your chance to participate in this fun-filled event and support a great cause! Whether you're running, walking, or cheering on your favorite participant, there's something for everyone.

🔹 Kids Fun Dash: A free, exciting dash for the little ones!
🔹 5k Run/Walk: Join us for the main event with an inspiring course for all skill levels.

How to Register:
Sign up today and secure your spot!

5K and Kids Fun Dash Register HERE

Let’s make this year’s Hit the Streets Little Feet 5k the best one yet! We can’t wait to see you there! 🏅

It's back! After a successful event last year, we are once again inviting all town poets to enter our annual poetry contest! This poetry contest is open for ages eight to adult who is a member of Manchester-by-the-Sea-Public Library. Selected poets will read their winning poems at a special poetry reading and reception on April 24th from 5:30-7 pm. Winners will be pulled from the following age categories: 8-12, 13-17, 18-adult. For more information, please go to https://www.manchesterpl.org/kids-teens-adults/poetry-contest/ or talk to Audrey in the Children's Room.

Do you have a fourth or fifth grader who'll be looking to fill some time over vacation week? The Manchester Library invites you to stop by and pick up a copy of Jurassic Jeff, our Graphic Novel Club's pick of the month! Read the book during the week off, then come on back on Wednesday, April 30, to talk about it, do a fun activity, and eat some snacks!

https://manchesterpl.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/graphic-novel-club-11/

• Mobile Markets will then run from 2:30-3:30pm through January 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 in February, March, May, and June.