A snapshot of the many activities at EES.

Building a strong, inclusive culture requires understanding and accepting the unique qualities of every individual. In grades 3-5, students learn more about how one might function with a disability through the Understanding Difference program. In keeping with this message, our February Community Meeting, led by Mr. Marche, explored the various tools used in our society to ensure all people can actively participate in life's events.

In our Community Meeting, we spoke about accessibility and inclusivity. First graders read aloud pages from a book, Let's Go Play, which introduces some of the many tools that are used to help people navigate daily life such as glasses, augmentative and alternative communication devices and wheelchairs. Each class spent some time in the Gym with Mr. Marche exploring adaptive skiing. Discussions included both obvious and more subtle adaptations that are used to allow all individuals a chance to ski. Adaptive ski equipment, such as a sit ski with outriggers and an adaptive snowboard, were on hand to reinforce the message that there is a place for everyone in our many activities!

Stay informed about the learning objectives, topics and skills your child will explore this trimester by viewing the Family Curriculum Guides, located on the district's website.

One of our foundational community-builders is our Kindergarten-Gr 5 partners. Through these partnerships, our older learners join our youngest learners in exploring science, literacy and math through fun and engaging activities. Many students, upon leaving EES, recall the name of their partner years later in this impactful collaboration!

MMES and EES third graders recently learned about artist Vincent van Gogh and his unique style of painting using thick dabs of paint. His painting titled Starry Night, is one of the most recognized paintings in the world and was the inspiration for the third graders' recent color mixing lesson with watercolors. Students loved the idea to reproduce a famous painting and add their personal touches. They even used dabs of color like van Gogh would have done.

Ten of the third graders' art work was selected to be displayed in the Central Office lobby for the month of February. Those students chosen received a congratulatory email from the Superintendent's office.

OK...here's a crazy idea. Let's pull together some programs after school. No charge. Who will lead them, you ask? Well... kind, invested parents and community members who want to share some learning and laughs with kids.

As our first round of parent, staff & community-led afterschool programs come to a close, please join me in giving a Shout Out to Kristen Williams (Sewing Club for grades 1 & 2), Allison Ward (STEM Club for grades 4 & 5) and Tess and Gil and their host of helpers from the Council on Aging (Old Fashioned Boarders). Pitching in to help were Nurse Correnti, Mrs. Samsel, Mr. Carpenter, and Ms. Kelley. These individuals made many students happy as they explored, created and learned something new. What a success!

Eat out at our Friends of EES-sponsored Restaurant Night at Vita Bella on Tuesday, February 27 and we'll take the kids! While you enjoy a great dinner (with proceeds going to our Friends of EES programs), your children can snuggle up with staff for an evening of pajamas, sleeping blankets and great books! Come prepared to read their own or join in on a read aloud, we'll have plenty to keep them busy while you dine in peace! Drop off (pjs and sleeping bags optional!) begins at 6pm and all children be picked up by 7:30pm. Let us support you while you support our school!

EES is participating in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation process for elementary schools. Our school staff is working alongside Manchester Memorial Elementary School staff in a joint accreditation process. This shared process has led to increased collaboration and alignment between the two schools so that students have a similar K-5 experience regardless of which elementary school they attend.

In preparation for the upcoming self-reflection that the Essex and Memorial schools will be completing as part of the accreditation process, all grade 5 students, families, and staff members will have the opportunity to complete surveys designed to provide our school with important feedback on our work. We hope to learn more about what is working well for our students and identify areas for growth and improvement.

Every grade 5 student will have an opportunity to complete the "Student Survey" during the school day. Parents/guardians also have an opportunity to share their experiences via the "Family Survey." We ask that every family complete one survey. You do not need to complete multiple surveys if you have more than one student in the school. The survey is mobile-ready and can be completed on a computer, tablet, or phone.

Families can access the EES Family survey at the link below. The survey should take less than 10 minutes, but must be completed in one setting. We need at least 25% of our families to complete the survey to have meaningful data. Please help us reach this (and more!) threshold. The link will be open until Friday, February 16, 2024. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us!

https://surveys.neasc.org/s3/CPS-2026-Family-Survey?id=38

Monday, Feb 26: Afterschool Activities: Gr 4 tutoring; Bradford Ski Program; Gr 5 play rehearsal

Tuesday, Feb 27 : FOEES-fundraising event: Dinner out at La Vita Bella; Student drop off from 6-7:30pm.

Wednesday, Feb 28: 2:45-3:30pm Gr 4 tutoring; Principal Candidate visit

Thursday, Feb 29: Gr 4 tutoring

Friday, March 1: Mass Audubon visits Gr 5

Monday, March 4: Principal Candidate visit;

Afterschool Activities: Gr 4 tutoring; Gr 5 play rehearsal-full cast

Tuesday, March 5: High School Band and Soundwaves visits EES

6pm School Committee meeting

Wednesday, March 6: 11:45 Early Release; trimester ends

Thursday, March 7: Gr 4 tutoring; Gr 5 play rehearsal-full cast

7:30pm Friends of EES meeting

Friday, March 8: Social-Emotional Learning Day!

Gr 3 to Cape Ann Museum; Mass Audubon visits Gr 5

Be sure to check out our Family Calendar for the most up-to-date events: https://www.mersd.org/Page/16#calendar3050/20230907/month !