MHS/WES Newsletter

Wishing you joyful holidays from everyone at MHS and WES! We hope you can take a moment to pause, recharge, and savor these precious holiday moments with your little ones. Children grow up so quickly - may you create wonderful memories together during this special time. Enjoy the season!

December 23 - January 1: No School ~ December break

January 9: MHS/WES School Improvement Council Meeting at 4:15 PM, WES Office

January 9: MHS/WES PTO Meeting at 6:30 PM

January 20: No School ~ Martin Luther King Day

January 21: No School ~ Professional Development

Please remember when you are calling your child out absent, to call the school that they attend.

MHS~ Pre-K , K and 1: 978-874-0163

WES~2, 3, 4, and 5 grade: 978-874-2043

The MHS Nurse for grades PRE-K through 1 is looking for donations of the following items:

winter jackets, girls or boys, size 4/5 or 7/8

Thank you in advance

If your child forgets to bring their water bottle or Chromebook, you DO NOT have to bring it to the school. They can use the bubbler and borrow a Chromebook. This helps not to interrupt the classroom teaching that is taking place. Thank you for your time.

Fourth graders have been studying about how a literal heart works by reading The Circulatory Story. The book utilizes figurative language and text features to help students understand the complex circulatory system. We studied a figurative great heart by reading Love That Dog. Students are working on completing their final painted essays about what makes a figurative and literal great heart.

In our math studies, we are wrapping up our multi-digit multiplication and early division unit where students learned to multiply by 10, 100, and 1,000, multiply 2-digit numbers, represent multiplication with arrays and ratio tables, divide with and without remainders, and solve multiplication and division story problems. In January, we will begin our next unit.

We are wrapping up Unit 3 of Math this week. Students have been working on place value and decimals. When we return from vacation, we will move onto Unit 4, which focuses on multiplication and division strategies, including introducing the standard algorithm for multiplication.

In ELA, we are into Module 2, focusing on Wordplay. Students got a kick out of the Abbott and Costello skit ‘Who’s on First.’ Students already completed their first writing piece of Module 2. We just began our novel The Phantom Tollbooth. While we read the novel, students will be paying close to our unit goal: visualize what others say. Students are gearing up to write their own narratives that will include wordplay.

Nature’s Classroom will be here before we know it! Payment began in November. We are trying to get a general idea of how many students will be joining us– if your child is not attending, please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher to let them know your student won’t be attending. Chaperones will be notified in January, be on the lookout for an email if you signed up to chaperone.

We hope all families have a safe and relaxing winter break. We can’t wait to see you in January!

Dear Parents and Families,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to update you on my current situation and share some exciting news about my return to the classroom.

As some of you may know, I’ve been out on medical leave recovering from hip surgery. It’s been a slow and steady journey, but I am thrilled to let you know that I will be returning to school on January 2nd! I’m so excited to get back to teaching, and I truly miss all of my students and the daily interactions we share.

In my absence, we’ve been fortunate to have an incredible substitute teacher, Mr. Wood, who has been filling in for me. Mr. Wood has brought great energy and enthusiasm to the classroom, and I have received nothing but positive feedback from the students. He has been a wonderful addition to our class, and I’m confident that he has continued to provide a supportive and engaging environment for the students.

Before my leave, I made sure to leave detailed substitute plans that are aligned with the curriculum and our current units of study. I worked hard to ensure that every lesson and unit is structured to keep students engaged and on track with the standards we are learning. These plans were designed with the students' success in mind, ensuring that they continue making progress and are well-prepared for when I return. I’m confident that the students have been actively participating and meeting their learning goals under Mr. Wood’s guidance.

I want to thank you all for your continued support and patience as I recover. I’ve missed working with the students every day, and I look forward to picking up where we left off and continuing to grow together in January!

Here are what each grade level in learning:

K & 1st Grade

In both Kindergarten and 1st grade, students are currently rotating through a series of engaging Osmo learning stations that allow them to explore key concepts in a hands-on, interactive way. These stations include a variety of activities designed to strengthen skills in computer coding, literacy, math, problem-solving, and critical thinking. At each station, students use Osmo's innovative technology, which combines physical and digital play, to complete tasks that reinforce the skills they are working on in the classroom. From spelling and reading games to math puzzles and pattern recognition exercises, the Osmo stations provide an exciting and dynamic learning experience that keeps students actively involved and motivated.

The rotation format ensures that every student has the opportunity to engage with each of the Osmo stations over the course of several weeks. This approach not only allows students to work at their own pace but also fosters collaboration and social learning as they work in small groups. Teachers are able to guide and support students at each station, helping them develop confidence in their abilities while also giving them the chance to explore concepts independently. The variety of activities available at each station makes learning both fun and meaningful, helping students build a strong foundation in key academic areas while developing a love for learning.

2nd Grade

The 2nd grade students just wrapped up their story sequencing unit, where they used Wixie to creatively recreate an event they experienced with a friend or family member. In this project, students practiced using the various tools within the Wixie software, such as adding images, text, and backgrounds to illustrate their stories. They were able to sequence the events of their chosen experience, helping to develop their understanding of story structure. As part of this project, students also focused on writing proper sentences, paying special attention to the rules of capitalization and punctuation. By the end of the unit, they not only gained a deeper understanding of how to tell a coherent and engaging story but also improved their typing and writing skills as they carefully crafted their narratives. The combination of creative expression and technical learning made this unit a fun and educational experience for everyone!

Next, the students will dive into an exciting unit on computer coding. In this unit, they will explore the basics of coding, including understanding different types of coding languages, using sequencing in their code, and learning how to debug programs to solve problems. They'll begin to grasp how a sequence of instructions can lead to specific outcomes and how important it is to fix errors when things don’t go as planned. Through hands-on activities and interactive challenges, students will start to see how coding is not only a way to create games and apps but also a valuable problem-solving tool. This unit will build on their logical thinking skills and introduce them to the world of programming in a fun and accessible way.

3rd Grade

Our 3rd grade students are diving into the exciting world of computer coding as part of their current unit. In this hands-on learning experience, students are using logic and patterns to create interactive stories and games with code. They’re learning how to design simple programs by arranging blocks of code in the correct order, which helps them develop essential problem-solving skills. Through coding, students are discovering how logical sequencing can lead to desired outcomes, and they are gaining confidence in their ability to "think like a programmer." This unit not only fosters creativity but also builds a solid foundation for future learning in technology and digital literacy.

Once we complete this coding unit, our next focus will be on developing typing skills. Typing is a vital skill in today’s digital world, and it plays a critical role in a student's ability to communicate and complete assignments efficiently. As students continue to use computers for learning, being able to type quickly and accurately will save time and allow them to focus more on the content of their work. Typing also supports the development of fine motor skills and can improve overall academic performance. We're excited to see the growth in both their coding and typing abilities, and we look forward to how these skills will continue to enhance their learning experiences in the future.

4th Grade

Our 4th graders are currently exploring the fascinating world of rocks through a hands-on unit that combines science and digital literacy. During this unit, students are learning to identify and describe the three main types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. They are also delving into the physical properties of rocks, such as color, streak, texture, luster, and hardness, and using these properties to identify and compare different rock samples. Through interactive activities and rock investigations, students are gaining a deeper understanding of how rocks are formed and how their unique characteristics can tell us more about Earth’s history.

In addition to rock research, this unit also focuses on developing digital literacy skills. Students are learning how to find credible information online and evaluate the reliability of sources. They are practicing the important skill of sourcing their information to ensure they are using trustworthy content in their work. To showcase their research, students will use Google Drawing to create a one-page infographic that highlights the key findings from their rock studies. This project allows students to combine their research skills with creativity, while also learning how to effectively communicate information visually. It's an exciting opportunity for students to enhance their digital skills while deepening their understanding of the natural world.

We’re excited to see how the students apply both their scientific knowledge and digital tools as they complete their rock research projects.

5th Grade

Our 5th graders are diving into the world of Scratch programming and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in an exciting new unit! This hands-on learning experience is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of coding, AI, and how technology can interact with the world around us. Through a series of engaging lessons and experiments, students are beginning to understand how computers and machines "think" and respond to human input.

In the first part of the unit, students are exploring the question “What is AI?” and learning about the basics of face sensing technology, which allows computers to detect and respond to human faces. Through this exploration, they are gaining insights into how AI is used in everyday applications, from smart devices to facial recognition systems. In addition to this, students are getting hands-on experience with Scratch, a popular programming platform that helps them create their own interactive stories, games, and animations. In Experiment 1: Follow My Nose!, students will use Scratch to design a simple program that responds to movement, introducing them to the concept of interactive coding. This lab activity is not only fun but also teaches important coding concepts like sequencing, logic, and user input.

This unit is an exciting way for students to explore the intersection of technology and creativity while developing foundational skills in both coding and AI. We’re looking forward to seeing how the students experiment with Scratch and build their understanding of AI in the weeks ahead!

Thank you for supporting your child’s learning as they explore the future of technology!

See you in January,

Natalie Breen

Did you know that MHS/WES is on Instagram? Check it out!! principalkt24

All items will be donated during the holiday break.

All students have a bus number assigned to them as well as stops. Please click on the button at the end of this newsletter to see your child's bus number and stop. HOWEVER, if your child is going to be a parent pick up, walker, walker to MHS, or going to extended day, it is VERY IMPORTANT to send in a note with your child's first and last name to the school. One note is sufficient for the year with their schedule, but if it changes at all, we need to know. The safety of your child is our priority. Thank you

Emergency Early Dismissal Policy

In the event of an unforeseen emergency that necessitates the dismissal of students prior to the end of the school day, parent notification will be provided through the automated phone and email system. Typical emergency situations that may precipitate an early dismissal include, but are not necessarily limited to, severe weather conditions, fire and absence of heat or water.

Since it is impractical for school officials to personally contact every parent in the event of an early dismissal, parents and particularly the parents of elementary age children, are encouraged to develop a clear and well-defined plan with their children in case of an early dismissal. Since children will be dismissed to their home, it is imperative that children know how to gain entry into their home and how and whom to call once they are there.

ABSENCES: Please call WES (978-874-2043) or MHS (978-874-0163) when your child will be absent or late for school. Please state your name, your child’s name, teacher, and the reason for absence. If you must speak to someone, please call after 7:45 AM. This system is to ensure the safety of your child. If we do not hear from you, we will contact you at home or work, and if we can’t reach someone we may send a school resource officer to the house to do a well child check. Absent notes are required when children return to school.

AM Arrivals: Bus drivers do not let children off the bus until 8:20 a.m. There is NO Supervision before 8:20 a.m. Walkers/students being dropped off should not arrive before 8:20 a.m. School starts at 8:30 a.m.

PM Dismissals: The school day ends at 2:55 p.m. The office needs to know your dismissal plan. If your child is a car-rider, you will be given a sign to display on your car dashboard to be used each day. Car riders will be dismissed to the cafeteria and called outside in the order cars line up. Please remain in your car. Signs will be posted. If you would like your older sibling to walk from WES to MHS pick-ups for dismissal in the afternoon, please send a note to the office and your child’s teacher.

If your child needs to be dismissed early, please send a note to his/her teacher stating the time and reason for dismissal. Early dismissals will be handled through the main office.

NOTES: Please use student’s (and parent’s) last names in all notes to the teacher/office. Please also date all notes so that we can be sure we are dealing with current messages. Notes are required for any change in dismissal. You may also email a note to mhsoffice@awrsd.org (MHS) or wesoffice@awrsd.org(WES).

MEDICATIONS: ALL Medications must be brought to the nurse by an adult at the beginning of the day. Medication is NOT TO BE TAKEN by any child on his/her own. The school nurse under the following circumstances will administer medication:

• A signed and dated note from a doctor and a parent is sent with the child’s name, dosage, reason for medication and time to be given.

• The prescription bottle is sent with only the amount which will be needed for the administration at school. (Pharmacies will dispense in two bottles if you ask.)

School Announcements:

Please make sure all phone numbers and email addresses are updated throughout the school year to ensure you receive all messages sent from the school or district.

RESTRICTIONS: Please provide the office with any LEGAL DOCUMENT which indicates any legal restrictions on the release of your child as per district policy. These restrictions CANNOT be honored unless we have a copy of the legal documents in your child’s file. Please remember that it is MOST IMPORTANT that your child knows who he/she is allowed to leave school with and restrictions of the same.

TARDINESS: It is important that your child be at school on time. Tardy students need to stop at the office for a tardy slip when they arrive later than 8:30 a.m. If excessive tardiness continues, it will be necessary for the parent and child to meet with the Principal so that we may remedy the situation.

ARRIVAL

8:20 - 8:30 AM

DISMISSAL

2:55 PM

HALF DAYS - DISMISSAL

12:00 PM

AM Session 8:45-11:10 AM

PM Session 12:00-2:30 PM

Full Day Session 8:45-2:30 PM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Friday)

Please reach out with any questions you may have. We are happy to help!

• MHS - Kathi McCarthy 978-874-0163 ext. 0
• WES - Liz Maillet 978-874-2043 ext 0

General Ashburnham-Westminster Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) membership is open to all AWRSD parents/guardians of children with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans and other interested parties. We need volunteers to help plan workshops, staff tables at local school and community events, become future leaders, assist other parents, and plan new activities and projects. Learn more about us and our work on our website https://sites.google.com/view/ashburnham-westminster-sepac. You can also follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ashwestsepac.

Bus passes will be issued for students riding their ASSIGNED bus but getting off at a different stop. A note or phone call from the parent/guardian is required to your child’s school office. The office will then issue the bus pass. Bus passes to ride a DIFFERENT bus will ONLY be issued in the event of an emergency. The school office must be notified by a parent/guardian that there is a circumstance beyond their control/emergency causing a student to ride a different bus. Bus passes are not issued for going to a friend’s house, dances, etc.

If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your child’s bussing, please reach out to bussing@awrsd.org.