Essex Elementary Extra

This has been a big week of building community and celebrating our successes! We had our first school-wide community meeting on Tuesday, where we reviewed expectations for being in a large group, awarded the Happy as a Clam "Clam Cup" to the classroom with the most running participation, and raffled off a new bicycle to a very lucky student who completed their summer reading! We are also hosting Open House tonight, where students can showcase some of their work and show you all Essex Elementary has to offer! What a week!

Ms. Silag recognized EES "Summer Reading Rock Stars" at our first schoolwide meeting, announcing over 100 students in grades K-5 who read throughout the summer. Students who participated in summer reading programs at the Essex Burnham Library or through the school's summer reading program will receive prizes during Library class next week. One lucky raffle winner, fifth grader Nora Ward-Howe, won a brand new bike. The EES Summer Reading Program is a collaboration between EES, Brookline Bank and the Essex Burnham Public Library. It is designed to keep students reading during the lazy, hazy days of summer. Heidi Dean, Manager of Brookline Bank’s Essex location, and “Miss April” Warner, the librarian from Essex Burnham Library joined in the festivities. Congrats to all the Summer Reading Rock Stars!

We will be hosting after school club opportunities for students beginning in mid-October. Do you have a particular interest, hobby or skill that you'd like to share with our students? We are seeking a few community volunteers that are available and willing to host an afterschool club (3-4pm) one day per week for a 6-week session.

Knitting? Crafting? STEM activities? Woodworking? Gardening? The opportunities are endless! Please reach out to Maggie Safrine (safrinem@mersd.org) with questions and to volunteer to share your skills with us!

*Student sign-ups for clubs will be coming in the next two weeks.

Sharing some GREAT NEWS, this current school year we are pleased to announce that all students will continue to receive FREE breakfast and Lunches, however due to DESE regulations, for those families who would like a milk, extra snack and/or second lunches would need to have money in your LunchTime account.

It’s that time of year (for head lice)!

Here are some things you can do to prevent the spread of head lice. Often, children attend sleepovers, are close to other children, and share headwear (helmets, hats, etc.) which can lead to the spreading of lice.

What to do:

1. Check your child’s head for eggs (also called nits). If you are unsure what you are looking for, google can provide images that will help.

2. If you suspect your child has lice and are not sure, ask your health care provider for assistance. They can also give recommendations on how to treat.

3. Let me know if your child has lice.

4. Your child can return to school the day after treatment.

5. Combing is essential.

6. Put long hair in ponytails or braids.

Fall is here! If any of these look familiar to you, have your child grab it off the Lost and Found or send Maggie an email so that we can return these cozy sweatshirts to their owners!

Thursday, September 19, 2024: Open House 6-7pm

Friday, September 20, 2024: Grade 3 Field Trip to Cape Ann Museum

Friday, September 27, 2024: Grade 3 Field Trip Gloucester Maritime

Thursday, October 3, 2024: Grade 4 Field Trip Mass Audubon

Tuesday, October 15, 2024: Picture Day

Your student will be creating a very special art masterpiece that you may purchase on unique gifts and keepsakes to enjoy for a lifetime! Every order will preserve the special memories of your child's creative growth in a fun and inspiring way!

Orders will be due by November 13, 2024. Please reach out to Mrs. Yutkins (yutkinsc@mersd.org) for additional details.

Spaulding Education Fund's biggest fundraising event of the year, The Night of Stars, is coming soon on November 2nd from 4-7pm. In preparation, we are looking for talented community members to audition! Auditions will be held on 10/16 from 4-7pm and 10/19 from 9am-12pm.

To sign up to audition or to buy tickets, please visit: https://www.spauldingeducationfund.org/events

Is Fall 2024 really almost here? That means scarecrow time!

Over the years, the Friends of the ECOA have sold over 200 scarecrows. We are eagerly waiting for all of them to be dressed up and shown off townwide. Put up your scarecrow before Monday, October 14 to be included in the tours and contests we are planning. For our friends who don’t yet have a scarecrow kit, please visit the Essex Senior Center or email essexscarecrowfestival@gmail.com. You can make an appointment for us to meet you or drop by 17 Pickering at our scheduled scarecrow sales times, listed below.

Tuesday, 9/24, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 9/25, 1-3 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.

Thursday, 9/26, 9-11 a.m.

Saturday, 9/28, 9-11 a.m.

Monday, 9/30, 12:30-2 p.m.

Any Wednesday at Games with Gil 1-3 p.m.

Manchester Essex Travel Basketball registration for students in Grades 5-8 for the 2024-2025 season is now open. Please visit www.MEtravelbasketball.com for more information.

• Open Door will run its mobile market at Essex Elementary on the third Wednesday of each month from 2:45-3:30
• They will also be at our Open House on 9/19.
• This resource is available to anyone in the community!

The Eastern Essex Regional Public Health Coalition (EERPH) was formed by an agreement between Hamilton, Wenham, Essex, and Rockport, and exists to improve the ability of local health departments to meet state legislated requirements for public health services. EERPHC staff, consisting of a regional social worker and Regional Public Health Nurse, assess and help provide needed public health nursing, mental health education and support, and social services in the community. Residents are welcome to reach out directly to EERPHC for support.

MERSD is on Facebook!

Friends of Essex Elementary School is on Facebook!