Memorial Mustangs

Dear Families and Caregivers:

This week we celebrated Teacher Appreciation week. Thank you for making them feel extra special this week by showing your gratitude for the incredible work they do to support our children daily. Thank you to our fantastic PTO and the work they did all week long to make this week special for the teachers. They certainly felt the love!

Our 4th graders took their math portion of MCAS this past week and that is a wrap on state testing for them this year. Our 3rd grades will step up to the plate next week and participate in their portion of the Math MCAS. Your child’s teacher will be sharing those dates with you in their weekly communication.

Whether we are counting weeks or days, the school year is rapidly approaching the end. Thank you for trusting us to provide teaching and learning to your child this year. It has indeed been an honor and privilege. As educators, we are delighted at the progress our students have made and are assured that they leave their current grade as more knowledgeable and independent learners. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. We have felt your constant and consistent commitment behind the scenes.

Respectfully,

Troy

I want to give a shout out to our 3rd grade educator, Liz Kenney for spearheading the messaging about Food Allergy Awareness week and creating such an informative bulletin board.

Food allergies are a life-threatening illness that affects as many as 15 million Americans, and the prevalence is increasing among children. One in every 13 children has food allergies or approximately two per classroom. There is no cure for food allergy, and rapid-onset reactions can result in anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, whole-body allergic reaction. Symptoms develop quickly, often within seconds or minutes, and may include: hives, vomiting, respiratory distress, swelling of the throat, a precipitous drop in blood pressure, shock, and death. It is important that everyone, adults, and children react with respect and are inclusive of others with food allergies.

This year the FASTER ACT has made sesame the ninth U.S. major allergen. Joining the other top 8 allergens which are dairy, peanut, tree nut, soy, egg, fish, shellfish, and wheat. This act requires food makers to clearly label sesame on food packages.

Memorial School will be celebrating FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK May 15-19 by sharing books about food allergies in their weekly activities. In addition to emphasizing showing our friends with food allergies kindness and support, you should also talk to your child about the seriousness of food allergies, washing your hands after eating or touching food keeps our friends safe, and getting help right away if a friend is sick. On Thursday, May 18 please encourage your child to wear TEAL in support of those with food allergies to their classroom chat. Together we can continue to increase public awareness about food allergies.

1. 3rd Grade Math MCAS: Two Days next week: May 16th and May 18th. Be sure your children gets a good night sleep and eats a healthy breakfast.

2. With lots of events and field trips coming up, please make sure your CORI is complete.

3. The Natick Public Schools is excited to be offering Orchestra to 3rd and 4th grade students and band to 4th grade students for the 2023-2024 school year! Please find attached a flyer for our annual Instrumental Showcase which will take place on Tuesday, June 13 from 5 - 7pm. Students moving up to 5th grade may also attend. During this time students will have the opportunity to see, hear, and touch the instruments that will be offered for both orchestra and band. For even more information about our programs and how to register, please go to...

https://www.natickps.org/departments/arts/Instrumental_music_program

4. 4th Grade Biography Day is next Friday, May 19th. 4th grade teachers have communicated all details with their student's families. The event will take place outside this year. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's 4th grade teacher. This is their final research project before they move on to middle school. We are so proud of all of them.

5. Current Vibe (please enjoy): It's Getting Better- Mama Cass Elliot

The Memorial PTO is a parent and teacher run, non-profit organization committed to enhancing and enriching the education of our students and fostering a sense of community within our school. The PTO provides assistance to teachers within the classroom settings, raises funds for educational materials and experiences, advocates school and family social interaction, and provides an unbiased forum for sharing information on issues that impact our students. We believe in cultivating a positive learning environment to allow for students to achieve their highest potential. Please become an active participant in the PTO. Below is the link to their website:

https://www.memorialnatickpto.org/

or email them at:

pto@memorialnatickpto.org

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5