Dear MMES Families,

With the holiday season approaching I wanted to let all of our families know that we are here to support your family. While this is an exciting time for many children and adults, it can also be a stressful time. If there is anything at all that we can do to make the holiday season easier, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Xiarhos or myself. As always, all topics are held with the highest level of confidentiality.

A big "thank you" for the string quintet performance in the hub yesterday. It was so beautiful to hear our hub filled with beautiful music!

Have a great weekend.

Best,

John

This Monday, K-5 students welcomed award-winning author Hena (pronounced "Henna") Khan to MMES. Hena describes herself as a Pakistani-American Muslim, and all 28 of her books are inspired by her life experiences, her culture and her faith. She writes everything from picture books to early and middle grade chapter books and most recently, her first ever graphic novel titled WE ARE BIG TIME. Hena's parents immigrated from Pakistan to Maryland. She was born in America and as a child she spent hours at the library but noticed that she never saw characters in books that looked like or represented her family's culture or faith. As a result, her books are centered around her Pakistani customs, her Islamic faith, community, friendships and family. Students were given the opportunity to ask Hena questions during her presentations and eight lucky students from 4th & 5th grades were able to enjoy a lunchtime chat with Hena. This Author Visit was fully funded by The Hooper Fund. In addition to funding the presentations, The Hooper Fund provided all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders with a signed copy of WE ARE BIG TIME. Ms. Silag said, "We have learned so much about writing, inspiration and both Pakistani and Muslim traditions from Hena's books and presentations. In particular, we noticed how alike we all are despite our different cultures and faith." And Hena thoroughly enjoyed her visit to MMES! Thanks goes out to PTO Enrichment Chair Lisa Manganiello and The Book Shop of Beverly Farms for their support of Hena's visit.

• Please use PickUp Patrol to add changes for your student for the Thanksgiving holiday. Please note whether your student's after school activity is Parks & Recreation or Memorial-based.

Learning through Play: Preschool Parent Workshop

Play is not just something children do, it is one of the most important ways they learn basic skills including academics and social interactions. This critical part of every child's development should be supported by families and schools. In this workshop, join us to learn about the kinds of play and how to help your child make the best out of play.

Childcare is available for this workshop!

Date: Monday, December 16

Time: 3:15-4:15pm

Instructor: Alison Turpel

Location: Ms. Turpel's Preschool Classroom

RSVP: Shelley Mullarkey - mullarkeys@mersd.org or 978-525-6060 and let us know if you would like to access childcare during the workshop.

If you are interested but cannot attend in the afternoon, email Shelley Mullarkey or Allison Collins. Depending on interest level from parents, we may also schedule a repeat of this workshop at 7:00pm on Monday, December 16 via Zoom. Questions? Contact Allison Collins at collinsa@mersd.org.

2024-2025 Calendar

November

27 – Early Release, 11:45 am

28-29 – Thanksgiving Recess No School

December

5 - Early Release, K-8 Conferences, 11:45am

6 – K-8 Conferences, No School

9 – Dress Rehearsal – Rock Band 7:30-8:30am High School

11 - Dress Rehearsal – Concert Band 7:30-8:30am High School

11 - Early Release 11:45am

12 - Dress Rehearsal – Chorus 7:30-8:30am High School

12 - Elementary Winter Concert - Band and Chorus 6:00 High School Auditorium

17 – Memorial Holiday Concert 9:30 am

Winter Recess December 23-January 3: No School

MCAS Testing Windows - Please be mindful when planning family absences

ELA Testing Window - March 24 - April 18

Mathematics Testing Window - April 28 - May 23

STE Testing Window -April 28 - May 23

MERSD elementary students now have access to the iReady "My Path" program at home. This aspect of iReady is an online tool that provides students with learning activities and practice geared towards their individual skills and needs. Below you will find information regarding accessing this tool at home for extra skill practice in reading and mathematics.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qhiOnoPCkyzwb8HLql0PdEgwNC_tiKcN/view

Join us for two fun events hosted by Linda Brown, mom of 1st grade Stephen and 4th grade Lily: Wreath Making (Dec 5, 6pm) and Holiday Centerpiece Making (Dec 22, 5pm). Not only will you create something beautiful, but $5 from each ticket sold will support our school! Spaces are limited, so register now by clicking the links below:

• Wreath Making Event: CLICK HERE
• Holiday Centerpiece Making Event: CLICK HERE

We appreciate Linda's generosity and creativity in hosting these events - thank you, Linda!

• Mobile Markets will then run from 2:30-3:30pm through January on the first Wednesday of each month.
• Mobile Market will run on an early release schedule of 11am-12:15pm on the first Wednesday of each month in February, March, May, and June.