Dear Families,

Wednesday, April 3rd is ParaEducator appreciation day. Please join me in thanking our paraeducators who play a vital role in supporting our Center students.

In the bustling halls where laughter reigns,

And tiny footsteps echo, joy sustains,

There walks a hero, unsung, unseen,

A beacon of light where young dreams convene.

To our paraeducators, we extend our grace,

For in their care, our children find their place.

With patience boundless and hearts so kind,

They nurture young minds, leaving no one behind.

In classrooms filled with stories untold,

They're the silent champions, steadfast and bold.

Guiding with wisdom, shaping with care,

Their dedication shines, beyond compare.

From tying shoelaces to wiping away tears,

They're the steady hands throughout the years.

They listen, they teach, they mend and mold,

In every task, their warmth unfolds.

They're mentors, friends, and pillars strong,

In the world of education, where they belong.

So here's our gratitude, woven in rhyme,

For every moment spent, for every precious time.

To the paraeducators, with hearts pure and true,

We thank you deeply, for all that you do.

For your hard work and dedication so clear, '

You're cherished, appreciated, forever held dear. (Chat GPT)

The first week in April is also Assistant Principal week. We are so fortunate to have Ms. Omobono as co-pilot at Center. Her compassion for students is evident in everything she does, as is her passion for eduction. Please share some words of thanks when you see her this week.

Light it up Blue - 1st tuesday in April

In addition to teaching academics we support our students to recognize, appreciate and celebrate our similarities and differences. Tuesday, students and staff are encouraged to wear blue for LIght it up Blue, Autism Acceptance Day. 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with Autism. Students with autism may have difficulties with social interactions, verbal or non-verbal communication or exhibit repetitive behaviors. To quote Dr. Shore, "If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism." Every individual diagnosed with autism is unique. If you are looking for a way to explain autism to your child(ren) please check out the video below..

Have a good week.

Warm Regards,

Dianna and Donna

Tips for Sailing Through the MCAS Testing

• Get a good night’s sleep, so you feel well rested on the days of testing (better yet, for two nights before). Stay away from colas and desserts like “Death by Chocolate” to avoid caffeine which will make it hard to fall asleep.

• Plan ahead for a calm morning on the days of testing (and honestly, this helps all year long!). The night before: lay out clothes, pack lunches and snacks (don’t forget water), pack your backpack with food, homework/books/instruments/sport gear so you are not running around trying to find your belongings at the last minute.

• Feed your brain in the morning! For optimal performance, your brain would like some protein to get it up and running. Some breakfast ideas: any kind of eggs, Canadian bacon, turkey sausages, yogurt smoothies, ham and melted cheese on an English muffin, cottage cheese and fresh berries or (even if you’re picky) a tall glass of chocolate or vanilla soy milk.

• Leave for school a few minutes earlier than usual so you are not rushing or worrying about being late. If you can and the weather is cooperative, walk to school. Your brain will love the fresh air, and will stay alert longer after you’ve arrived at school.

• During the testing, focus on staying calm, relaxed and positive! No negative self-talk! Keep an optimistic and cheerful attitude. Say things to yourself like: “I know this – I’ve practiced this and I know how to do it – I am a good student – I can do my best – I’m learning more each day – My mind is clear and alert – I can do this.” If you begin to feel tense, use a slow, deep breathing exercise to calm yourself.

• Do not spend too much time on any one question. Skip the harder ones and go back to them later as your confidence builds. Many students do well by starting with the easiest questions first and then working their way on to the more difficult ones as their confidence level increases.

• Go back and proofread. After finishing the test, go back and look over your answers. Does the answer make sense? Have you answered all the parts of the questions? Are the answers in the right place?

• Use as much time as you need to finish the test. Do not allow those who finish early bother you. They often are not the ones who do best.

• When you are finished reward yourself for a job well done!

Relaxation Exercises

• The Big Sponge: Imagine that you are a sponge. To squeeze out all the stress and tension, tighten all your muscles (without hurting yourself) and silently count to five. Then relax all your muscles for a count of five. Repeat this 4-5 times. As you tense and relax your muscles you will ring out more stress.

• Lemon Squeezing: Imagine that you are making lemonade by squeezing out fresh lemons. You can use a couple of stress balls or imaginary lemons and tightly squeeze both fists. Squeeze to a count of three or so and then stretch and relax your hands for five seconds. As you squeeze your fists tightly again, imagine that the lemon juice is dripping out and taking all your tension with it. Repeat several times.

• The Big Balloon: Imagine that your stomach is a balloon. Breathe in slowly through your nose and watch your stomach (balloon) expand. Hold that breath for the count of three, then breath out slowly through your mouth. Do this several times and watch your tension blow away.

• One Minute Vacation: Give yourself a minute or two to daydream a bit. Imagine a quiet place you like to be that is relaxing and enjoyable. Some examples might be playing at the beach, walking in the woods, relaxing in a hammock. Pretend you are there and imagine what it looks like, smells like, feels like and sounds like. Enjoy a few moments there before returning to the classroom.

• Sit Tight: Sit at your desk and put your feet flat on the floor. With your hands, grab underneath your chair on the sides. Push down with your feet and pull up on your chair at the same time for a slow count of five seconds. Then relax for 5-10 seconds. Repeat three or four times.

• Yoga Breathing: stand with your feet slightly apart. Let your arms hang loosely at your sides. As you inhale, raise your arms slowly out to the sides, palms up and over your head. Exhaling, clasp you fingers and turn your palms up toward the ceiling. Now inhale slowly again, stretching up and tilting your head slightly back. As you exhale, drop you head down to your chest and let your arm slowly return to your sides. Repeat several times.

• Power Breathing: Take a deep breath in through your nose. Hold it for 3 seconds and imagine pushing that breath into the extremities of your body, such as to your hand, feet and head. Slowly breathe out through your mouth. Repeat a few times, smoothing out the inhalation and the exhalation so there is seamless inflow and outflow of air. As you breathe in feel calm energy entering your body and as you breath out feel the tension flowing out of your body.

References:

Nolting, Paul D. (1997). Winning at Math. Academic Success Press, Inc.Arem, Cynthia. Conquering math Anxiety: A Self-Help Workbook. Brooks Cole Publishing Company.Frank, Kim. (2008). The Hnadbook for Helping Kids with Anxiety and Stress. Youth Light Inc.

The third annual Center School Community Sing-Along will take place on Tuesday, April 23rd, at 6:00 PM in the Center School Gym. This is a fun opportunity for the community to gather and make music together. This event is open to all students and community members.

Please complete this short Google Form to help me gauge interest and plan appropriately. https://forms.gle/2HbcouKKaEtH6dED8

Mr. McGillicuddy

Chelmsford Friends of Music (CFOM) is holding elections for Board positions this spring and is in need of parents/caregivers to run for positions in order to sustain the organization and continue to offer support for our Chelmsford music students.

What is CFoM?

The purpose of CFOM is to ensure the best possible Music Education Program in the Chelmsford Public Schools and to provide financial support to students and programs, as well as advocacy.

CFOM Meets quarterly at the Chelmsford Public Library and raises funds throughout the year to support, among other initiatives:

• Grade 4-12 MMEA All-State and MMEA-ND Festival Registration

• District-Wide Music Enrichment Opportunities such as Grade 5-12 Stringfest and Jazz Night Events

• Scholarships for Music Camps and College

Who can serve on the CFoM Board?

Any person over the age of 18 who supports the goals of Chelmsford Friends of Music and all parents and guardians of students in the school music program are considered to be members of CFOM and may serve on the Board.

What board positions need to be filled this spring for one-year terms?

President: Presides at meetings and is an ex-officio member of committees.

Vice President: Shares the duties of the President and, in the absence of the President, presides over meetings of the Association.

Secretary: Keeps an accurate record of the proceedings of the Association.

Treasurer: Receives and is custodian of all monies paid into CFOM, pays all authorized bills, and reports the financial status of the Association at each meeting.

Publicity Coordinator: Coordinates publicity for meetings, other activities and events sponsored by the Association.

April

• Monday, April 1: Be Kind Spirit Wear day

• April 1-5: Assistant Principal Appreciation Week

• Tuesday, April 2: World Autism Day

• Tuesday, April 2: Half day/Professional day

• Wednesday, April 3: Assistant Principal Appreciation Day

• Wednesday, April 3: Paraeducator Appreciation Day

• Thursday, April 4: co-president’s meeting 9:15-10:15

• Monday, April 8: Grade 4 ELA MCAS

• Tuesday, April 9: Grade 4 ELA MCAS

• Tuesday, April 9: Center school presentation at school committee

• Wednesday, April 10: 4th Grade Ziti Supper

• Wednesday, April 10: Grade 3 ELA MCAS

• Thursday, April 11: Grade 3 ELA MCAS

• Friday, April 12: Gr. 3 and 4 ELA MCAS makeup day

• Friday, April 12: Chelmsford Spirit Day

• April 15 - 19: April Recess

• Monday, April 22: Earth Day

• Tuesday, April 23: Family Sing-A-Long 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm

May

• Wednesday, May 1: National Principal Appreciation day

• Thursday, May 2: co-president’s meeting; 9:15-10:15

• Friday, May 3: Twin Day - Student Council spirit day

• Saturday, May 4: Recycle Day; 8:00-12:00

• Monday, May 6: National Nurse Appreciation Day

• Monday, May 6: Be Kind Spirit Wear day

• Tuesday, May 7: 6:00 PM- Roller Kingdom

• Wednesday, May 8: Kindergarten Orientation 6:30 in Cafeteria

• Thursday, May 9: Center Students singing at Benchmark Senior Center, 4:30

• Monday, May 13: Grade 3 Math MCAS

• Tuesday, May 14: Grade 3 Math MCAS

• Wednesday, May 15: Grade 4 Math MCAS

• Thursday, May 16: Grade 4 Math MCAS

• Friday, May 17: Gr 3 and 4 Math MCAS Makeup

• Friday, May 17: Chelmsford Spirit Day

• Monday, May 20: Kindergarten screening 9:00-12:00

• Wednesday, May 22: Kindergarten Screening 9:00-12:00

• Wednesday, May 22: PTO meeting; 7:00-8:00 PM

• Thursday, May 23: Kindergarten Screening

• Thursday, May 23rd: 4th Grade State House performance 10:30

• Friday, May 24: Kindergarten Screening

• Monday, May 27: No School - Memorial Day

• Wednesday, May 29- June 4 - Book fair

• Wednesday, May 29: Kindergarten Screening 9:00-12:00

• Friday, May 31: PJ day - Student Council spirit day

June

• Monday, June 3: Be Kind Spirit Wear day

• Tuesday, June 4: End of marking period - All grades

• Tuesday, June 4: Unified Game Day, 11:30 -1:30

• Tuesday, June 4: Art & Culture Night, Wednesday, June 5: Team Leader 8:00 - 8:45 in Conference room

• Wednesday, June 5: ******Extra PTO if needed; 7:00-8:00 PM

• Thursday, June 6: field day

• Friday, June 7: rain date for field day

• Monday, June 10: Wingmasters- 3rd Grade- 9:30-10:30 in the cafeteria

• Monday, June 10: 4th grade Finale, Gym/cafeteria 12:00-3:00

• Monday, June 10: co-president’s meeting; 9:15-10:15

• Friday, June 14: Teacher Deadline for Posting Grades - All

• Friday, June 14: Chelmsford Spirit Day

• Wednesday, June 19: Grades available online for Parents - All

• Wednesday, June 19: No School - Juneteenth

“Instrument Test Drive” for All Current 4th Grade Students

Saturday, April 27

Chelmsford High School

Dear Families of Grade 4 Students,

We are looking forward to welcoming our incoming fifth graders to the middle school art and music programs! We know that you may have questions about arts options in grade 5. Please read the information below about our program and an upcoming opportunity for your child to try instruments as they consider their arts class for next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the arts options in grade 5?

• In grade 5, students select either performance music (Band, Chorus, or Orchestra) for a full year, or art for half of the year and general music for half of the year. (Art and general music classes in grade 5 are similar to those offered in elementary school.)

• Are these classes held during the school day?

• All arts classes are scheduled during the school day and meet four times a week.

• What if my child wants to take performance music (band, chorus, or orchestra) and also participate in visual art?

• Students who take performance music who would also like to explore the grade-level art curriculum are encouraged to join the Art Club, which is an after-school club facilitated by a Parker art teacher. All students take art classes in grade 7-8, regardless of whether they participate in music ensembles.

• When do we make decisions about grade 5 arts block?

• You will receive an invitation to select your child’s arts class later this spring.

To support you and your child in preparing to select an arts block class for next year, we are pleased to offer an opportunity for grade 4 students to “Test Drive” many of the instruments offered in the 5th grade beginning instrument programs in their ensembles and meet the grade 5 band and orchestra teachers. This event is for ALL current grade 4 students in the Chelmsford Public Schools.

This event will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 a.m.– 11:15 a.m. at Chelmsford High School, 200 Richardson Road. Please use the main high school entrance (NOT the Carl J. Rondina Performing Arts Center entrance). We hope this program will help to ease the transition for students entering the 5th grade by helping them decide if they may want to participate in band or orchestra, and which family of instruments may be most appealing to them. At the Test Drive event, students will be given a brief overview of each instrument, and then will be given a chance to play instruments offered in their ensembles. We will also provide information about options for instrument rentals at the event.

In order to help keep the day moving smoothly, students from our four elementary schools are scheduled at the following suggested times:

Byam: 9:00

Harrington 9:30

South Row: 10:00

Center: 10:30

Please feel free to contact me or any of the teachers at any time through the contact information listed below. We are all looking forward to welcoming this class to Parker Middle School!

See you on April 27!

Sincerely,

Dr. Christy Whittlesey

PK-12 Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator

Email: whittleseyc@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Teacher Contact Information

Band: Eric Linsner linsnere@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Chorus: Martha Robertson robertsonm@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Orchestra: Lisa Tiano tianol@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

General Music: Dan Schmunk schmunkd@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Visual Art: Dawnmari Annunziata annunziatad@chelmsford.k12.ma.us

Other events hosted by the Fine and Performing Arts Department this year to support the grade 4-5 transition:

• Grade 4-12 Choralfest (February)

• Grade 5 ensemble performances for all grade 4 students (February)

• The K-12 Youth Art Month Exhibit is on display through the month of March at the Chelmsford Public Library to view art at each level

• A video will soon be available on each elementary school’s website further detailing choices for grade 5 Fine and Performing Arts

• Instrument Test Drive is scheduled on April 27

• Parker Spring Concerts at the Carl J. Rondina Performing Arts Center (free/open to all)

• Tuesday, May 7: Parker Band 7 p.m.

• Tuesday, May 14: Orchestra 7 p.m.

• Wednesday, May 15: Chorus 6 p.m.

Ordering Breakfast and Lunch on Half days

Our nutrition website has information and the link for families re: online ELEMENTARY BREAKFAST and ALL STUDENTS HALF DAY LUNCH ordering. This information is on the main page of our website. Please contact Holley Ready if you have difficulty: readyh@chelmsford.k12.ma.us.

https://cpsnutrition.com/

This year, students across the Commonwealth will be taking The Next- Generation MCAS for our annual standardized state testing. All students in Chelmsford will be taking the computer-based assessment using Chromebooks. Please mark your calendars for the important dates below. We strongly encourage all students to be present and on time these days. If your child is sick, we will have make-up sessions so that they are able to take the assessments when they are able to show their personal best work.

Chelmsford is fortunate to have access to iReady to support student learning. Students have access to this learning tool at home. Please reach out to your teacher if you have difficulty logging on. There is much research to support enhanced student achievement with use of this valuable tool. Please press here for more information.

ELA MCAS TESTING:

Grade 4:

Monday, April 8th, All fourth grade classes – Session 1

Tuesday, April 9th, All fourth grade classes – Session 2

Grade 3:

Wednesday, April 10th, All third grade classes – Session 1

Thursday April 11th, All third grade classes – Session 2

Math MCAS TESTING:

Grade 3:

Tuesday, May 13th, All third grade classes – Session 1

Wednesday, May 14th, All third grade classes – Session 2

Grade 4:

Wednesday, May 15th, All fourth grade classes – Session 1

Thursday, May 16th, All fourth grade classes – Session 2