Welcome back and happy new year! We are thrilled to kick off 2025 with the energy and excitement that a fresh start brings. The new year is a wonderful opportunity to focus on growth, both academically and personally, and we can't wait to see what our students achieve in the months ahead!
Speaking of achieving new things--- who is ready to join me in my first ever EES Polar Plunge this Sunday? (I can't tell if my teeth are chattering because of anticipating the chilly water or because I'm nervous!) Sign up for the Plunge here! You may also register on the day of the event!
We have started 2025 with a few staffing updates!
Dawn Samsel, our wonderful reading interventionist, has journeyed on to retirement after over 22 years working here at EES! A familiar face, Suzanne Lynch, is joining us as a long-term sub for the remainder of this school year. Congratulations to Dawn on her retirement!
After the birth of his baby boy this past fall, Greg Marche will be taking his paternity leave beginning next week and returning in mid-March. Lauren Bean, a licensed physical education teacher and crossfit coach, will be serving as his long-term substitute. Ms. Bean has shadowed Mr. Marche a few days already and is ready to hit the ground running (literally!) next week. Say hi to Ms. Bean at morning drop off!
Children's author, Josh Funk, is coming to visit Essex Elementary on January 23rd and 24th! He will be doing presentations at each grade level, and one of his books will be featured as our upcoming Community Read in March.
During his visit, he will be signing books. Please visit this link in order to purchase one (or more!) of his fabulous books! Deadline to order is January 13th.
https://bookshopofbeverlyfarms.com/cool-stuff/josh-funk-comes-to-essex-elementary
The number one question I received from students last spring was, "Are you still going to do flashlight tag??" I pinky-promised that we would do it, and now a date has been set!
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students are invited to Flashlight Tag on Thursday, January 30th from 6:30-7:30pm. Enjoy this opportunity to participate in a game of "tag" in our dark school building!
$5 cash entry. Proceeds support our Student Activities Fund!
Please bring your own flashlight!
Our 5th graders have anxiously been awaiting the big 5th grade play announcement! On Wednesday, Ms. Garofalo, our director extraordinaire, came to visit 5th grade and made the big reveal! 5th graders will be presenting Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, Jr. in April! Information and sign-up sheets were sent home with students. Please return by tomorrow (Friday 1/10). Auditions for speaking and singing roles will be held next Thursday 1/16 after school.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025: Early Release at 11:45am
Thursday, January 16, 2025: 5th Grade Musical Auditions
Monday, January 20, 2025: No School- MLK Day
Thursday and Friday, January 23-24, 2025: Author Visit- Josh Funk
Thursday, January 30, 2025: Grades 3-5 Flashlight Tag 6:30-7:30pm
Wednesday, February 5, 2025: Winter Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day (weather permitting!)
Wednesday, February 5, 2025: Early Release at 11:45am
Wednesday, February 5, 2025: Global Play Day-- wear your pj's and get ready to play!
Friends of Essex is seeking an enrichment coordinator to help coordinate enrichment opportunities for EES students! Please email friendsofees@gmail.com if you are interested!
Hey Batter Batter Swing! βΎοΈ
The MELL Board hasn't been napping in the dugout this offseason β we've been busy swinging for the fences to make the 2025 season the best one yet!
We share your passion for baseball, and we're committed to providing a top-notch experience for all our players, from the tee-ballers to the future pros. Our board isn't just a bunch of baseball enthusiasts β we're a team of professionals from various industries who bring a wealth of experience to the table.
Here's a rundown of the exciting news:
- New Website! π We've launched a brand new website at mebaseball.org. It's been completely redesigned for a smoother experience, with more content to keep you in the loop.
- **Get Social!**π± We're now on Instagram and YouTube! Follow us for updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes action.
- Registration Open! π’ That's right, registration for the 2025 season is officially OPEN! Don't miss out β sign up your little slugger by March 31st, 2025 here.
- Save the Date! ποΈ Mark your calendars for our 2nd Annual MELL Fundraiser on Thursday, February 27th, 2025, back at the Beauport Hotel. It'll be a night of fun, food, and fundraising for a great cause!
We're all about creating a positive and enriching baseball experience for our kids. By joining MELL, you're not just signing your child up for a league β you're joining a community that fosters teamwork, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love for the game.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your bat, head over to mebaseball.org to register, and let's make the 2025 season a grand slam!
See you on the field,
The MELL Board
Eastern Essex Regional Public Health Coalition
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.