12/6 - Semester 1 Ends Grade 1-3

12/16 - Report Cards go home Grade 1-3

12/23/2024 - 1/1/2025 - NO SCHOOL

Registration for our Winter Clipper Courses will be sent out on December 16th.

Last month, Kindergarten classrooms received a visit from Zero the Hero to celebrate 50 days of school at the Bresnahan! Students joined him in counting activities and they were encouraged to remember the school rules of Be Safe, Kind and Responsible - especially with Zero level voices in the hallway!

In a wonderful intersection of several of our teaching and learning initiatives, Mrs. Budden’s class combined STEM, phonics and Playful Learning strategies. Students set up a bowling lane out of plastic cups with Fundations letter magnet tiles balanced on top. Then they navigated the robot into the “pins.” Any cups that were knocked over, became letters that had to be used to make a word. Then students chose a suffix to add to the word. Sometimes the words were very silly!

This week in STEM students are getting prepared for the world wide event "The Hour of Code" that is starting next week for Computer Science Education Week (December 9-15). "The Hour of Code is a worldwide movement that aims to introduce millions of students to computer science through one-hour coding activities. Through Hour of Code, we aim to demystify coding and show that anyone can learn the basics, inspiring future interest in computer science. That's why our school is excited to join the largest learning event in history! With over 100 million students worldwide participating, the Hour of Code is a powerful way to prepare our students with essential 21st-century skills. During this week, your children will learn things like basic coding concepts, problem-solving skills, and collaboration and teamwork, which will help them in many dynamic and professional fields in the future.”

This week after an introduction of the event the students are practicing coding skills with the BeeBots the Newburyport Education Foundation funded for us. Next week all students will be using the Chromebooks and logging into the Hour of Code event using their many coding activities. This is a great way to give coding a try and join the millions of students around the globe in this event. Each student will receive a certificate for joining this event as well. It will be a fun week of coding! Be on the lookout on our “ftbresnahan” Instagram page for photos.

Please be aware that if your child has missed 5 or more days of school you will be receiving a letter regarding the attendance policy. The MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has made attendance one of its statewide priorities and requires us to be in communication with families about this. As a school it is our responsibility to know that children are safe and accounted for during the school day. Please know that we understand there are times where children are sick and/or extenuating circumstances occur; we are here to support you as you support your child to be as present as possible.

Our Bresnahan school family is looking forward to welcoming visitors and volunteers into the building.

This is a friendly reminder ALL visitors and volunteers must provide a current, driver's license before gaining access into the building. There will be no exceptions to this district expectation as the safety and security of our school family is our #1 priority. Thank you in advance for doing your part to keep us safe.

CORI Process

• All volunteers must have an up-to-date CORI on file with the Newburyport Elementary Schools.
• Bring the completed CORI form along with your driver's license to the Administrative Assistant at our school office.
• Please note CORI's are only valid for three years; after that you must reapply.

Fingerprinting

In keeping with Newburyport's continued focus on safety, volunteers/parents are required to be fingerprinted in two instances:

1. If you are going on a day or overnight field trip and will have direct and unmonitored contact with children;
2. If you are a lunchroom volunteer and will be bringing children out to the playground. Parents who volunteer in the classroom DO NOT need to be fingerprinted, if there will always be another adult present.

Massachusetts has contracted with MorphoTrust for fingerprinting. To book an appointment, visit the Massachusetts IdentoGO Website.

Please be aware there is a $35 fee for fingerprinting. Fingerprinting does not expire.

Forms and Information

• CORI Form
• Fingerprinting Info

Important Dates:

Nov 29- Dec 31: Holiday Raffle Calendar Sale

Dec 13th 5pm: Downtown Holiday Sing-Along

Dec 17: Teacher Appreciation Cookie Swap

Dec 17th-18th: Spirit Wear Pick-up

PTO Holiday Raffle Calendar on Sale through Dec 31st

The PTO Holiday Raffle Calendar Sale runs from Nov 29 - Dec 31st. This calendar makes a great stocking stuffer and a perfect gift for a teacher, mail person, or any local friend! Tickets cost $10 each and each calendar is filled with prizes from local businesses. All proceeds go directly to the PTO.

Each day from January 2 to January 31, 2025, we will draw one lucky winner for that day's prize. Winners will be contacted by email and announced on the PTO's Facebook page. If you purchase 3 or more tickets, you will be included in a special Grand Prize drawing for a day of exploring and eating in Boston’s North End. Thank you for supporting the PTO and good luck!

https://givebutter.com/ptocalendar

Downtown Holiday Sing-Along

Friday, Dec 13, 5:00 PM, around the holiday tree at Inn St. in downtown Newburyport.

Join Mr. RM to sing holiday songs around the tree at Inn Street. The event lasts about 15-20 minutes and includes songs your kids have learned at school during music class with Mr. RM.

Cookie Swap!

Teacher Appreciation Event: Bres Holiday Cookie Swap Dec. 17th

Sign-up to bring baked goods here.

Ongoing Fundraiser: PTO EcoBins

Did you know that the EcoBins (large yellow donation bins) at the Bresnahan and Nock generate funds for the PTO? There are two bins at the Bres, three at Molin/Nock. The bins take all textiles including stained/torn items, pillows, stuffed animals, shoes, so please drop off your unwanted items.

Do You Want to Get Involved?

We are currently seeking to fill PTO Board positions:

• Vice President

• Molin Teacher Representative

• Communications Co-Chair (Social Media)

Email us at newburyportpto@gmail.com to join the PTO Board or ask questions.

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