LPS Connector
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ដើម្បីបកប្រែព្រឹត្តិប័ត្រព័ត៌មាន សូមមើលលើផ្នែកខាងស្តាំខាងលើនៃព្រឹត្តិប័ត្រ ព័ត៌មាននេះនូវមធ្យោបាយ ហើយសូមចុចលើជម្រើស" បកប្រែព្រឹត្តិប័ត្រព័ត៌មាន ។
Dear Lowell Public Schools Families, Faculty, Staff, and Community Partners,
In last month’s LPS Connector I discussed what it means to have high expectations for our students. This time I’d like to consider how high expectations are communicated.
Often in the past, educators operated from a belief that intelligence is fixed. We now know that intelligence is not fixed at all; it can be grown and developed. And it turns out that working from that belief - having high expectations for students - is essential to ensuring that all students can do rigorous academic work. In particular for students who are behind academically, we adults have to convince students they can get smarter and we won’t give up on them when learning is a struggle. So, how do you convey this message to a student?
One way to communicate high expectations is by explicitly teaching the components of successful learning. A list of such components would include: time, focus, resourcefulness, strategies, use of feedback, and commitment. In terms of time, for instance, students should be taught that we all learn at different paces and that they need to allow themselves the time necessary for learning tasks. I’ve always been a slow reader, for example, and I have to allot more time for academic reading than most people around me. Resourcefulness has to do with students being willing to reach out for help, and knowing how to do so. Commitment has to do with students setting their own goals. When students set goals they are more likely to put in the effort to complete tough learning tasks. Each of these components can be taught and then can be relied on to help students build learning confidence, and to get smarter.
Prompting students to have a focus on the future is another important way to communicate high expectations. When we encourage students to envision what they might become they are more likely to invest in their own learning. This is an area where parents can make a huge difference. Parents who talk with their children about going to college or about a career they could see themselves in, encourage them to attend to the learning that will get them there.
In our schools, teachers communicate high expectations in a variety of subtle and planned ways. Allowing a student a few moments to process a question before responding - what teachers call ‘wait time’ - expresses confidence in the student’s ability. Asking a student to explain their thinking when they give an answer is validating and expresses high expectations. Teachers also express high expectations through classroom procedures. By allowing test retakes, for example, they suggest to students that it’s getting to the learning that counts (more than getting it quickly). Similarly, teachers who ‘reteach’ concepts that students didn’t get the first time, communicate that they don’t give up on their students.
Continually reminding our youngsters of the value of education, and expressing our belief in their ability to be successful, are important messages we can all carry. Join with us to foster high expectations and you may make an important difference in their educational trajectory, and in their life.
Cheers,
Liam Skinner
Superintendent of Schools
Angkor Dance Troupe Welcomes Year of the Dragon at the Robinson
Thank you to the Angkor Dance Troupe for performing at the Robinson Middle School on April 5 to kick-off a month of Khmer New Year celebrations! Great job by Robinson Community Schools Program Manager Vannak Theng, who facilitated this performance.
LHS Khmer New Year Celebration
Lowell High School hosted an incredible Khmer New Year party after school on April 11. Food (so much food!), music, traditional Khmer games, performances, dancing, and more. Everyone had a great time. Congratulations to all of the staff, volunteers, and students who had a hand in planning this event.
Sursedey Chnam Thmey!
On the morning of April 12, the community gathered for the annual Cambodian flag raising at Lowell City Hall. The event is a partnership between the City of Lowell, MA - Government, CMAA - Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association, Lowell Community Charter Public School, and Lowell Public Schools. Superintendent of Schools Liam Skinner has been practicing his Khmer and wished everyone a Happy New Year - Sursedey Chnam Thmey!
Mr. Skinner reflected on the early 1980's when he immigrated to Lowell from rural Ireland - the same time when thousands of Cambodians were arriving, having spent years in refugee camps after fleeing war in their homeland. While Skinner had little money, he at least could speak the language. The Cambodians arrived with no money, most unable to speak English, and carrying with them the trauma of the horror they left behind. He spoke of how impressed he is of how the Cambodian immigrants built a community in Lowell and have risen to leadership roles in all facets of our society.
"You Taught Me"
UMass Lowell student athletes have been participating in a pen pal program with LPS students at the McAuliffe Elementary School, Pyne Arts Magnet School, and the Murkland Elementary School. On April 22, they had he chance to meet and spend some time together playing games, coloring, and just talking and being buddies. There are 110 UML student athletes that take the time out of their busy schedules to be great friends and role models for our students. Thank you, Riverhawks!
Above: Ben Guedes, a McAuliffe 2nd grader who is blind, was surprised to find out his pen pal, Ben Greco had his name written in Braille on his name tag. Little Ben asked Big Ben "how did you know how to do that?" to which Big Ben replied "You taught me."
Tsongas Scholarship Winners!
Congratulations to Lowell High School seniors Angelica Pareja and Vaal Thawnghmung who have been awarded UMass Lowell’s Tsongas Scholarship.
The scholarship, awarded to two graduating Lowell High School students each year provides full tuition, fees, room & board for FOUR YEARS OF COLLEGE!
Read more about Angelica and Vaal here: https://lpsnotebook.wordpress.com/2024/04/17/tsongas-scholarship-winners/
McAuliffe March Madness
Has S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School Principal Dave Anderson finally cracked? Nah, he's just a big fan of literacy and a lover of books! What?
Let us explain - every year the McAuliffe holds a March Madness for books. They start with 16 and the kids vote in head-to-head matchups whittling them down until there are two finalists. This year the finalists were "The Day the Crayons Quit" - Written by Drew Daywalt and Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers and "Big" by Vashti Harrison.
In order to choose the winner, Anderson and Assistant Principal Patti Corrente were each allocated a few eggs - blue for Anderson representing "The Day the Crayons Quit" and green for Corrente representing "Big." The catch? All but ONE of the eggs were hard-boiled. The two administrators took turns smashing eggs against their heads, dreading being the one to find the raw egg. After a few tries there it was - all over Anderson's face.
"The Day the Crayons Quit" is the 2024 McAuliffe March Madness winner! And Mr. Anderson is finishing up those hard- boiled eggs for breakfast.
A Night to Remember
On March 28, the Lowell High School JROTC held their annual Military Ball at Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut. It was a magical evening with a Great Gatsby/Roaring 20's theme. The cadets and their guests enjoyed a delicious Italian buffet dinner, followed by dancing, dancing, dancing and the awarding of some incredible raffle prizes including 55 inch televisions, an air fryer, a sandwich maker, a popcorn machine, a snow cone machine, perfume and cosmetics, GrubHub and UberEats gifts cards, Chipotle gift cards, Starbucks gift cards, Airpods, and more! Check out the slideshow below.
Moon Pies and Sun Chips
Students, teachers, and administrators throughout the district enjoyed learning about and experiencing the April 8 solar eclipse. Here is a look at what was going on at the Shaughnessy Elementary School. Prior to dismissal the kids got to go outside and check out the sky and once the buses pulled away - the staff cranked up the music and enjoyed some mocktails and theme-appropriate snacks - Moon Pies, Sun Chips, Starburst, Milky Way, and black and white cookies.
Future Astronomers
On the day of the solar eclipse, the PreK students at the Cardinal O'Connell Early Learning Center had a blast learning about the solar system, how to protect their eyes during the eclipse, and more!
Crushing MCAS
When you see the Bat Signal rise high above the S. Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, it can only mean one thing - MCAS is upon us!
The school held their annual MCAS Superhero Pep Rally on Friday April 5. It is an opportunity for the third and fourth graders to get psyched up for testing, shake out the nerves, and feel the support from their younger colleagues.
In addition to a display of superhero feats of strength and endurance, awards were also given out to two students who have shown great perseverance, as well as two students who earned Student Achievement Awards from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for their performance on last year's MCAS tests. Good luck to everyone embarking on MCAS testing this week. You've got this!
Celebrating World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day
In recognition of World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day, our friends at the Lowell Police Department (Official) and Chelmsford Police Department conducted their annual drive-through at the Dr. Janice Adie Day School. Following the drive-through, everyone's FAVORITE officer - Officer Ozzie - Chelmsford Police Community Resource Dog and his partner School Resource Officer Dan Sullivan, stuck around to hang with the kids. Thanks Officer Ozzie(and Officer Sullivan)!
LHS Youth Job Fair
The Youth Job Fair at Lowell High School on April 12 was a great success. Forty-six businesses and organizations looking to hire teens for summer jobs turned out, including:
Align Credit Union, Axis Telecom, Boston Career Institute, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Billerica, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association, Carpenters’ Union, Catania Oils, Continental Pool, Community Teamwork Inc., Dunkins, D’Youville, Enterprise Bank, FedEx, Five Guys, Girls Inc., Hannaford, Honey Dew, Incompass Human Services, Jeanne D’arc Credit Union, Kids in Tech, Lowell Five, Lowell General Hospital, Lowell National Historical Park, Lowell Recreation Department, Lowell Police Department, Lowell Youth Leadership Program, Mac N Choose, Market Basket, MassHire Lowell Young Adult Career Center, McDonalds, Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, New England School of HVAC, New England Sports Floors, Painters’ Union, Pride Star Trinity EMS, Project Learn, Sheet Metal Workers Local 17, Sterling Corporations Straumann Group, UHAUL, U.S. Army Reserves, Washington Savings Bank, and Greater Lowell YMCA.
LPS Science Fair
Special thanks to Coordinator of Special Programs Rebecca Duda for this post!
Wednesday, March 27 the annual Science Fair was held in the Lowell High School cafeteria. Middle schools from around the district and Lowell High School students participated this year. The students' projects covered a multitude of areas in the STEM field including velocity, DNA, solar energy, and robotics.
LHS winners were:
1st Place—Artificial Endocrine System—Dashiel Hanson, Nathan Julia, and Jake Zinc
2nd Place—Solar Power—Agartha Kusifrimpong, Shyleen Mtiziwa, and Sireiyutta Yam
3rd Place—Eco-friendly Paint—Thavy Vanthon
Middle School winners were:
1st Place--Pyne Arts School—The Perfect Middle School Locker—Samuel Afanador Forero and Naom Starcevic
2nd Place tie—Butler Middle School--How do you extract DNA from a Strawberry?--Lakotoa Weeden
Pyne Arts—The Door Lock Dilemma—Jordan Ferreira-Fahlberg
Thank you to the Adie School for joining the Science Fair this year!
Thank you to all of the STEM Club Advisors, judges, Transportation Director John Descoteaux, Food Service, Coordinator of Science/Social Studies Kaitlin Urban, District Support Specialists Laura Schofield and Mara Cooper, and Administrative Assistant Jeanne Maguire.
Middle School Volleyball - It's On!
The Middle School Volleyball season kicked off at the beginning of the month. Here is some action from the Robinson Vs. Wang matches on opening day.
Classroom Quarterback - Tom Heywosz
Classroom Quarterback, a partnership between Lowell Public Schools, Inside Lowell, and Wellpoint aims to showcase and honor one LPS teacher each month who goes above and beyond for their students. This month's honoree is Lowell High School teacher Tom Heywosz. Mr. Heywosz received a $250 gift card courtesy of Wellpoint that he can use for his classroom. Read about Mr. Heywosz here: https://insidelowell.com/classroom-quarterback-tom-heywosz/
Kindergarten Lottery Information Session
Lowell Public Schools will be holding a Zoom meeting on Thursday May 2 at 5:30 p.m. to explain the Kindergarten lottery process. Children who were registered by April 19 will be included in the first lottery, which will be held on May 10. To sign up for the May 2 info session: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZIwWyNfp5FWqeiAtmdFLP83lmcWjYtKTAIs9Hz6JVzI/edit?ts=66197c12
The 2024-2025 School Calendar!
Here it is! The approved school calendar for next year (2024-2025). First day of school for grades 1-12 is Tuesday August 27. An exciting highlight is that Good Friday falls on the Friday before April vacation!
Tasting History
Mark your calendars! LHS teacher Jessica Lander and her immigrant and refugee students talk about their Tasting History cookbook at lala books on Monday April 29 at 6 p.m. The event includes a book signing AND samples of some of the delicious dishes from the book. For more information about the Tasting History project, visit: https://www.jessicalander.com/tasting-history
Spring Fundraiser
Now that you've done all your spring cleaning - decluttering, vacuuming, washing the windows it is time to buy yourself something nice. Stop by the Daley Middle School (150 Fleming St.) on Saturday April 27. There will be more than 50 crafters and vendors offering a variety of unique items, as well as food, face painting, and raffles.
Pickleball Brawl!
Attention all current LHS students and staff AND all LHS ALUMNI! The Class of 2024 Officers are hosting a Pickleball Brawl at the Raymond E. Riddick Athletic Center on Sunday April 28. Don't miss out on this great fun opportunity - sign up your team today! Register at:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffKbk6pOLhy2UuhZON3zkbqPqXxUS8nldd1qtM-OKeXXYRAg/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3ffDHdCyux0ucCLSF4ondVeo2QrKBeIM_5kmHPutxFfWbGt9RP51aJjnw
Music is in the Air
The Lowell Philharmonic Orchestra is holding their spring concert - focused on the work of American Women Composers of the 20th and 21st centuries on Saturday May 18 at Fusion Church at 125 Mt. Hope Street in Pawtucketville. Did you know Pyne Arts Magnet School music teacher Tinson Lam plays violin in the orchestra?
Tickets are available at https://www.lowellphilharmonic.org/. Use the code "Under17" to get two kids' tickets free!
Supporting Aaron's Presents
Mark your calendars now for a great event coming up in September! Brooke Simpson, a finalist on NBC’s “The Voice” and “America’s Got Talent” will be putting on a show at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium on September 13 to benefit Aaron's Presents - one of Lowell Public Schools' Community Partners.
Aaron's Presents is a local non-profit that provides mentoring, logistics and financial support to help kids execute community service projects that help people, animals, or the environment.
They have worked with several of our schools to introduce students to community service and show them that they can make a real impact in the lives of their friends, neighbors, and strangers who need their help. Here are a couple of the projects conceived and executed by Stoklosa Middle School students with the help of Aaron's Presents: https://wordpress.com/post/lpsnotebook.wordpress.com/1020
https://wordpress.com/post/lpsnotebook.wordpress.com/1175
Leah Okimoto launched the organization more than 10 years ago to honor the memory of her son, Aaron, who was born prematurely and died 8 ½ days after birth. In its first year in 2014, twenty-six kids worked on 12 community service projects. In 2022, 510 kids completed 388 projects that made their communities better.
More information, including how to buy tickets (early bird discount through June 13) and how individuals and businesses can sponsor the event can be found at: https://aaronspresents.flipcause.com/.../cause.../MjA1Nzcw
Check out one of Brooke’s performances on The Voice here: https://youtu.be/uR_54nq4Nyo?si=mih0qXiy_3IYI-5J
YMCA Summer Camp!
Summer Camp options from the YMCA! More info here: https://greaterlowellymca.org/index.php/camp-massapoag/
FREE Health Clinic
Mark your calendar - FREE, No Insurance Required health clinic at 40 Old Ferry Road on Saturday April 27. Get opportunity for some preventative care or to get something checked out that has been bothering you. Register at https://bit.ly/3QYEEAo
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is right round the corner. In May we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month to put a little extra attention on the importance of caring not only for your physical but also your mental health.
If you or someone you know wants to be connected to a mental health care provider, contact Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential mental health care coordination service provided by Lowell Public Schools:
Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
Visit www.caresolace.com/lowellma and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help, use the resources around you, and never give up hope.
Mahoney Family Fund Presents Anti-Child Abuse Forum
The Mahoney Family Fund, a local non-profit committed to working within communities to help families provide safe and healthy environments in which kids can learn, grow, and thrive, is hosting a FREE breakfast discussion at the Long Meadow Golf Club on Friday June 7.
The discussion, featuring State Rep. Tram Nguyen, Stacie LeBlanc of the UP Institute, and Lowell Police Officer Miguel Quinones, will focus on combating child and domestic abuse by recognizing the signs and symptoms of violence. To register, visit https://www.mahoneyfamilyfund.com/events
Umutsima na Isupu Y'inka, Anyone?
The recipes from the Tasting History cookbook created by LHS teacher Jessica Lander's immigrant and refugee students come to life in the cafeteria from time to time. Recently, students had the opportunity to try Gentille Gikundiro's family recipe for umutsima na isupu y'inka, a Rwandan spiced beef stew served with cornmeal fufu.
Lunch - My Favorite Subject
All students in Lowell Public Schools receive FREE breakfast and lunch. You can check out all menus here: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Page/4374