Hello McAvinnue Community!
Happy Sunday...and I hope that everyone is doing well and enjoying the long Easter weekend if this is something that you celebrate! What a short but very busy week we just completed. Things are picking up pace as we head into the final 50 days of school. We have a full week ahead of us that includes many grade level and school-wide events that will be outlined in this newsletter.
As everyone is aware, MCAS will occur starting on the week of April 3rd for our Grade 3 and Grade 4 students. We have developed a thoughtful testing schedule for both grade levels for 2 weeks in April (ELA) and 2 additional weeks in May (Math). Our students have spent time in March preparing for these important tests by completing test prep units as well as taking some practice testing sessions. You can find additional information regarding MCAS testing in the section below.
Our school budget for the 2024-2025 academic school year is currently being worked on. Our funding as slightly decreased when compared to the previous 2 school years. However, we are confident that we will be able to create a budgetary plan that supports the needs that we have at McAvinnue. Stay tuned for a more details to come over the next few weeks.
Finally, the weather seems to be turning warmer each day over the past few weeks even with the rainy conditions. However, the warmer temperatures haven't really taken effect until the afternoon. The mornings still remain chilly requiring a jacket or sweatshirt. Please make sure your child arrives to school with layers so that they can make adjustments throughout the day as the temperature changes.
As always, we are looking forward to another productive, engaging, and fun week at the "best school that we all know"!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach directly.
Here are a few items that you need to be aware of. Please mark your calendars for the following events and activities at McAvinnue for this upcoming week:
- Monday. April 1st - McAvinnue Reopens @ 9:10 AM
- Monday, April 1st - McAvinnue's "Lion's Pride" Core Value All School Celebration: March Edition @ 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM (Included Is The MCAS "Pump Up" Pep Rally)
- Tuesday, April 2nd - Grade 3 MCAS "Pump Up" Breakfast" @ 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
- Tuesday, April 2nd - Grade 3 MCAS "Pump Up" Parade @ 2:30 PM
- Wednesday, April 3rd - Grade 3 ELA MCAS: Session 1
- Thursday, April 4th - Grade 3 ELA MCAS: Session 2
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Main Office at McAvinnue or send Mr. Domina a message a mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us.
We have scheduled McAvinnue's MCAS dates for this school year. Please see the dates below for both Grade 3 and Grade 4.
ELA
- Grade 3 ELA - April 3rd (Session 1); April 4th (Session 2)
- Grade 3 ELA Make Up Sessions - April 5th & 8th
- Grade 4 ELA - April 10th (Session 1); April 11th (Session 2)
- Grade 4 ELA Make Up Sessions - April 12th & 22nd
Math
- Grade 3 Math - May 1st (Session 1); May 2nd (Session 2)
- Grade 3 Math Make Up Sessions - May 3rd & 6th
- Grade 4 Math - May 8th (Session 1); May 9th (Session 2)
- Grade 4 Math Make Up Sessions - May 10th & 13th
It's important that ALL of our students attend on the days that their grade level is testing. Being rested, on time, and fully prepared is essential for students to "show what they know" and do their very best!
If you have any questions, please reach out directly to your child's teacher for additional information.
Here are some simple but effective testing taking tips in preparation for the up and coming MCAS testing for our Grade 3 and 4 students.
Mark your calendar for testing dates
Testing dates can be found above.
Don’t stress your kids out
A parent’s nervousness could really add to any stress that your child might already be feeling. If s/he isn’t worried, you could make him worried.
Get good sleep before a test
Getting good sleep every night is a good strategy. Before a test it is even more important. They will be able to focus and concentrate better when they are well rested.
Eat a good breakfast before a test
Avoiding sugary or heavy foods is important. Having whole grains, fruits, yogurt, and/or eggs will give kids the fuel they will need during the test.
Choose clothes that will be comfortable and not distraction
Kids don’t need to be adjusting their clothing during the test. Clothes with itchy textures that will cause kids to want to scratch will break their concentration. Clothes with Velcro closures, zippers or buttons that kids will want to open and close can be a distraction too.
Try to make the time before testing stress free
Having everything ready to go to in your kid’s backpack before the rush out the door will cut down on everyone’s frustration. Snacks/lunches can be made the night before. Clothes can be laid out early too.
Make sure you child has taken all their medications
You will want to make sure that the medications that help them with medical issues are doing their job. Not having them could lead to health issues coming up during the test.
Be on time for school
Being on time will give your children a chance to become familiar with the testing location and help them stay calm.
Give your child a positive message to start the day
Take the time to let them know you believe in them.
Remind your child to do their best
Sometimes this simple reminder helps kids really try on tests.
Practice taking deep breathes to relax
If your children tend to get stressed out about test, show them how to take deep relaxing breaths. It can really calm kids down.
Remind your child to listen and read all directions carefully
Different tests can have very different directions. It is so important to listen and read over directions.
Remind them to use their time wisely
If they get to something they don’t know, they can make an educated guess and move on. Students can get bogged down at the beginning of a test. They get very frustrated when others finish much earlier. They get worried about finishing the test. This one of those testing taking strategies you don’t want to skip. Kids need to know that everyone works at their own pace and that it’s okay for them to finish whenever they are ready. MCAS tests are untimed, so students can have as long as they need.
Looking for some fun activities to get your child moving this April Vacation? Well...look no further!
Back by popular demand...McAvinnue is super excited to again offer an April Vacation Program that runs from Tuesday, April 16th through Friday, April 19th!
This amazing opportunity is FREE of charge!
Program hours are 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM at the McAvinnue Elementary School. There is no transportation available.
Students will engage in a variety of hands-on activities that involve creativity, problem-solving, self-expression, and team work!
You can register using the link or QR code on the flyer. (For QR, open camera mode on phone and point at QR. It will send you to registration).
You can also register using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAUnpc7INUqQKWXbjdkPWNomWFLP4wQK0pYtDNB5Ke50nJDw/viewform
This opportunity is open for students K-4. Please contact Mrs. Gervais at mgervais@lowell.k12.ma.us with any questions or concerns. #McAvinnuePride
Good news in Art Room!
Good news in Art Room! Students from Room 108 created amazing symmetrical designs with yarn and paint this week! Really cool!
McAvinnue’s “Musician of the Week”
McAvinnue’s “Musician of the Week” is Mikaela in Room 308! Mikaela is great at reading rhythms and using them to learn new songs. She’s also been practicing two chords on ukulele and has been playing along to different songs. Fantastic work!
“Dragons in a Bag” Transporters!
Grade 2 students in Room 101 read “Dragons in a Bag”. The story includes a “transporter that can immediately bring the characters to various locations. The students developed a plan and wrote where they would go in their own “transporter”. They even had a chance to share materials and build their transporter. So amazing!
STEAM Studio March Madness!
Students in Grade 3 worked during STEAM Studio to engineer a catapult that would launch a ping pong ball into a basketball hoop. They used recycled materials to build the catapult and a basketball hoop system. Also, the students chose team names and the names were placed into a bracket. Then, they competed against each other in a "March Madness" competition to see which team could sink the most baskets. Congratulations to the winning teams in each classroom!
McAvinnue's "Morning Announcements"
McAvinnue's "Morning Announcements" are back for the 2023-2024 academic school year!
Like we had successfully done last school year, a new edition of McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements will be presented to our students on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. We will continue to use Tuesday and Thursday each week to be used for "Open Circle"....our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program that focuses on community building, prosocial decision making, and appropriate responses to daily stressors both within the school and home settings.
This will continue to be a great way to bring our school together each day focusing on the same message to get the energy, commitment, and engage up before we launch into another great day at "the best school we all know".
McAvinnue's Morning Announcements will occur on Monday and Friday each week. On occasion, there will be a Wednesday edition.
You can check out current and past editions of McAvinnue's Morning Announcements on our YouTube channel using the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7hxiBuRjqjqfASl_RLMleQ
You can check out the latest edition of McAvinnue's Morning Announcements below!
McAvinnue's Yoga Pose Of The Week: "Warrior III"
We will practice a brand new pose called the "Warrior III" for this up and coming week! This new pose will allow us to work on our balance and endurance through movements that build strength, improve our focus, and enhance body control. We will practice the "Warrior III" pose daily during our "Virtual" Morning Announcements during this up and coming week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
You can get an early head start and practice this technique before we launch into another exciting week!
Allergies? Asthma? Medications? - Please Let Nurse Danielle Know!
If your students have any medical concerns or diagnosis, please make sure Nurse Danielle is aware. Also, if they have any medical conditions, for example allergies or asthma, that require medications such as Epipens or inhalers here at school, please remember she needs updated paperwork and medication yearly.
Please reach out as soon as possible to get her the necessary paperwork and to arrange drop off of new medications. Nurse Danielle's email address is dralls@lowell.k12.ma.us and she can also be reached by calling (978) 937-2871 ex. 47858. Our fax number is (978) 937-2880.
Drop-Off Logistics
- Arrival begins at 9:10 AM each day. The late bell rings at 9:25 AM.
- Please pull up to the 4th Avenue side of the building when dropping off your child.
- As you approach the 4th Avenue sidewalk, a faculty member will greet and support getting your child safely out of the vehicle.
- This area is a drop off area ONLY. You will not be permitted to park in this location.
- Please be sure to drive all the way down to the end of the sidewalk so we can fit as many vehicles in this location as possible.
- Ensure your child is ready to go and do not get out of the car so we can keep traffic moving.
- Students accessing our CSA program will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
- Large bus students will enter using the back door located in the rear of the school building.
- Small bus and van transportation students will use the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
Morning Lining Up Locations
- Grade 1, 3, and 4 students will use the Main Door to enter the school building.
- Grade 2 will use the 4th Avenue doorway near the front of the school to enter the building.
- PreK & Kindergarten will use the Early Childhood door to enter the building. This door is located to the right of McAvinnue's Reading Garden and to the left of the Main Door.
Pick-Up Logistics
- Grade 1 will be dismissed out the Main Door.
- Grades 2, 3, and 4 will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the front of the school.
- Kindergarten students will be dismissed out the Early Childhood door. This door is located to the right of McAvinnue's Reading Garden and to the left of the Main Door.
- Students accessing our CSA program will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
- PreK students will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway. Please contact Ms. Annie for the specific dismissal time.
School Bus Transportation Information
School bus transportation is provided to students in grades K-4, who live greater than .75 mile from their residence or alternate address to their assigned school. Middle school students (grades 5-8) must live greater than 1.5 miles from their residence or alternate address to their assigned school.
Kindergarten through 4th grade students will receive a printed bus pass via postal mail. These passes were mailed out on August 23rd. You can also look up your student's bus pass information by using their Student ID for the username and date of birth for the password at the link below. This is the same information that students use to log in to their Chromebooks for school.
Please note that Kindergarten and 1st grader students must have an older sibling (4th grade or older) or parent present at the bus stop in the afternoon in order to depart from the school bus. If a parent or older sibling is not present, the student will be brought to the Moody School, located at 158 Rogers Street. A driver’s license or valid identification must be presented to the staff in order to dismiss the student.
You can use the LPSD "Bus Lookup Tool" using the link below. You will need to use you child's LASID or lunch number along with their birthdate to access this helpful system.
There also is a helpful video that you can watch that will walk you through the process.
Student Handbook 2023-2024
The LPS Student Handbook is a great tool to use to fully understand the expectations of the role of our students as well as the partnership needed for our families to ensure that the school year is a great success.
You can access the district elementary student handbook by clicking the button below. You will find various policies and procedures focusing on attendance, grading, discipline, bus expectations, and more.
Please reach out directly if you have any questions.
McAvinnue's School Attendance Information
As you are aware, attending school is first step each in the learning process for our students. It is critical that our students arrive to school on time each day so that they can access all of the engaging and meaning lessons that have been planned by our teachers and related service providers.
The McAvinnue Attendnace Team will monitor student attendance on a weekly basis and will reach our directly to families when they notice frequent absences, a pattern of absences, or an increased number of consecutive absences within a short period of time.
Please refer to McAvinnue's Student Attendance Booket below that will provide additional information. This booket will be sent home with students in multiple languages. It is important that you review this information for your own awareness and to be fully prepared to support your child with the first step of the learning process...attending school on time.
Breakfast and Lunch Will Be Free for All LPS Students
As we reopen for the new school year, Lowell Public Schools Food and Nutrition are "Powering Potential" for students and faculty with innovations in our menus and enhancements to our overall dining operations. When your child dines with us, rest assured that we will be serving delicious, nutritious meals prepared with the utmost attention to safety. We encourage every student to fuel up with breakfast and lunch meals each day so they can be energized and prepared to succeed throughout the day, in and out of the classroom.
Please keep up to date on our program, nutrition education, monthly menus and back to school letters on the LPS Food and Nutrition website.
Any concerns please feel free to email foodservice@lowell.k12.ma.us
Emergency Contact Form: 2023-2024
Get a jump start now and complete your emergency contact form for the 2023-2024 academic school year?
We have made it really easy for you to complete this important task. You can access the online form below. When you complete this form, it is immediately sent to McAvinnue and we will print it out for our records.
You don't need to come to the school to complete this form...you can do it right on your phone, tablet, or computer!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. De La Luz at adelaluz@lowell.k12.ma.us or contact the Main Office at McAvinnue for support!
McAvinnue Spirit Gear By Prep Sportswear
We have an online store if you wish to order any McAvinnue gear! It is open 24 hours per day and there is no due date for orders. Anytime you want to order...on any day!
The company is Prep Sportswear and has been reliable with solid product quality from reputable brands.
There is a 30% off deal occuring now on all items! This is a major discount if you are interested in purchasing McAvinnue merchandise.
Like during previous school years, we are also exploring additional local options to purchase McAvinnue gear. Stay tuned for more information in the month of September.
To access our current online store for McAvinnue spirit gear, please click the link below.
General Information
How can I update my contact information (phone number/email/address)?
- Go online to the Family Resource Webpage (https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/UpdateContactInfo) and fill out the “contact us” form. Families who don’t have access to the internet can fill out the form in person at the Family Resource Center. If an address change is related to economic factors or housing instability (family moves in with relatives, eviction, hotel/motel, fire or unsheltered, please contact the McKinney Vento Office located at the Family Resource Center in person (151 Merrimack Street), by phone (978-674-4321) or go to the webpage at https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/HomelessAssistance.
How do I update my emergency contacts?
- If you were in the school last year we will send a verification sheet out. if you are new we will send home an emergency form to fill out on the first day of school.
How do I register my child for the new school year?
- All school registrations are completed online using a computer or laptop. You can access the online application by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolRegistration. If you only have a mobile device and don’t have access to a computer or laptop, you can register in person at the Family Resource Center (151 Merrimack Street). Please call the Family Resource Center if you have any questions (978-674-4321).
What should I do if I need to register my child(ren) and I don’t speak English?
- The Lowell Public Schools is committed to providing translation and interpretation services for families who require assistance in a language other than English. The online registration application and website is translated in Spanish and Portuguese and can be accessed by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolRegistration. For all other languages, please call Vannak Khin at (978) 328-6782 to arrange services. In-person language interpretation support for registration can be accessed by visiting the Lowell Public Schools at 151 Merrimack Street. Families can also call the Family Resource Center at (978) 674-4321 to make an appointment with a Bilingual Family Liaison.
How old does my child need to be to enroll in preschool or kindergarten?
- A child must turn 4 years old on or before September 1, 2023, in order to apply for preschool and 5 by September 1 to apply for kindergarten. A family can apply for preschool by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/PreschoolRegistration to fill out an online application or https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/KindergartenRegistration for kindergarten. For registration questions, please call (978) 674-4321.
How do I apply for a transfer for my child to change schools in the new year?
- Per the 2023-2024 School Assignment Policy, all students have the option to request one school transfer per year.
- Families can apply online at https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolTransfer or can come to the Family Resource Center in-person to complete the application. Transfers are assigned on a space availability basis.
Mill City Grows Indoor Mobile Market
Thursday, November 16th will mark the kickoff of Mill City Grows Indoor Winter Mobile Market season! Come shop with us at the City of Lowell Senior Center from 9:00 AM -11:30 AM, and stock up on fresh produce for your holiday week!
Check out the flyer below for more information.
Cub Scout Pack 7 Information
Cub Scout Pack 7 is looking for new cubs to join their pack! Tons of fun and learning experiences for all kids in Kindergarten through Grade 5. For more information, visit www.pack7lowell.com
Pack 7 meets at St. Rita's Church directly across from McAvinnue!
Local Food Support
Click the link below for a list of local food pantries that are willing to help.
You can also reach out to Mrs. De La Luz, McAvinnue's Social Worker, for support navigating these and other options.
McAvinnue's School Website
Please visit our website at: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/mcavinnue
Follow McAvinnue On Social Media
Click the buttons below to access our social media sites!
Our Vision
#McAvinnuePride #BeTheDifference #NextLevel
Email: mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Domain/21
Location: 131 Mammoth Road, Lowell, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 937-2871
