Massachusetts defines chronically absent as missing at least 10 percent of days enrolled (for instance, 18 days absent if enrolled for a typical school year of 180 days), regardless of the reason for the absence" (https://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/attendance/).

Since we've just celebrated our 100th day of school, this means that students with 10 absences so far are considered chronically absent. Numerous studies have examined the negative impact of absences on students achieving reading skills by third grade, understanding foundational math concepts and building strong social networks. Not only do absences impact the students who are missing from class, but they have a negative impact on students remaining as well.

"The federal Every Student Succeeds Act requires districts and states to collect chronic absence data and report it publicly. The majority of states have adopted chronic absence as a measure for school accountability." (https://www.attendanceworks.org/chronic-absence/the-problem/) Massachusetts is one of those states. New accountability measures intended for next year will increase the weight assigned to absenteeism when considering the overall school's accountability.

Given the anticipated increased value placed on absenteeism, we strongly encourage careful consideration when keeping your child out of school. It's tricky...we certainly want to ensure your child is fever-free and feeling well enough to be at school, however, taking those "extra" days may put them in jeopardy of chronic absenteeism. Need some help? We're your partner! If there is any way we can help your child get to school, please let us know!

During the February 14th half day, ADL Peer Leaders led their second multi-grade workshops. With a focus on continuing to get to know one another, students were led through two learning experiences.

The Human Knot activity helped students continue to get to know each other while cooperatively problem solving. Identity Sculptures helped students share aspects of their identity that are important to them and what they can do to create a sense of community where all identities are respected and valued.

We will be hosting the final Math Meet of the season on Thursday, April 4. Both new and returning students are welcome. Interested students should take a practice packet from their math teacher when they become available the week of March 11.

Students in our multi-grade small group class have embarked on a project to save the guinea pigs! Part of their research included a visit to the Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, MA.

Prior to their visit, students previewed the experience by reading several articles and comparing/contrasting PETA vs. PETSMART's instructions on guinea pig care. Next, students will create a persuasive writing piece that calls on local officials to support the ban on selling pigs at stores.

The sanctuary was very accommodating and will display the work our students produce! For more information on The Guinea Pig Sanctuary, click the link below.

https://www.guineapigsanctuary.org/

Prior to break, School Adjustment Counselor Erin Brahms teamed up with Health and Wellness teacher Janda Ricci-Munn to deliver the “Signs of Suicide (SOS)” Curriculum in 7th grade health classes. Students learned how to “ACT” (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) if they are concerned about themselves or a friend.

The following important resources were shared with students

This link connects you to a website made by a former 8th grade student as part of their civics project. https://sites.google.com/meapps.org/youthcrisiscoping/home

Text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Call 1-800-273-8255 for 24/7 free, confidential support for people in distress or crisis

Grade 6 students learned about the creative work of artist Jean-Michel Basquait, an influential African-American artist who rose to success during the 1980s. Inspired by his style, students created their own piece of work to include primitive mark making, bold colors, crowns, and figures.

In their study of the first civilizations of ancient Egypt, students created mummies!

Mummification:

After learning the steps of mummification, students reenacted the procedure with oranges. They carefully split the orange partially open and painstakingly removed the insides. Then they filled the "body" of the orange with natron (a mixture of salt and baking soda), and added spices and oils. Students carefully wrapped their oranges, lining the layers with special amulets to assure its safe passage to the afterlife. Once completely wrapped, students placed their mummy in a sealed sarcophagus. In about six weeks, we will unwrap a few to note the changes and record observations about the orange's skin.

Canopic Jars:

Canopic jars were used to hold organs which were removed from the body during the mummification process. The liver, stomach, lungs, and intestines were separated from the body and placed in the jars which were filled with oils and spices. We recreated such jars using gold cups and decorated them with the heads of the four sons of Horus, the god of the sky.

Cartouches:

The cartouche was written on tombs and coffins to mark which pharaoh was buried inside to help their souls find their way back to the body and move on to the afterlife. Using a hieroglyphic key, students carved their own names or initials into fast drying clay - they gained a new appreciation for the art of hieroglyphs!

Through this work, students have learned how to explain religious and funerary practices in Ancient Egypt and discuss the role religion played in this civilization.

Students practiced research, speaking, listening and presentation skills by learning about John Trent’s four animal personality types: lion, otter, beaver, and golden retriever. They creatively shared each personality type’s strengths and challenges, and tips on how to work with a personality type that may be different from their own, which is essential for building emotional intelligence skills.

Grade 7 students are immersed in a printmaking unit. They are carving linoleum to create their own printing stamp, learning about the process and uses of printmaking, and tool safety.

As they continue to learn about earth systems, students engaged in a hands-on lesson that simulated the movement of tectonic plates using graham crackers and frosting. They observed how earthquakes occur by sliding the “plates” in opposite directions and how mountains are formed by two plates colliding.

In January and February, world language classes read the children’s picture book Where Is Spot? (¿Dónde Está Spot and Où Est Spot) by Eric Hill. The goal of this reading was to practice describing where things are in relation to other things. After reading, students wrote their own books using an online dictionary and formula sentences. Students had extremely creative (funny, witty, silly…) ideas, which were turned into illustrated children’s books.

We are looking forward to sharing our stories and illustrations with each other in a read aloud format over the next couple of weeks.

Student mathematicians recently concluded the “Rule of 4” unit. This unit explored the connections between data tables, algebraic expressions, graphs, and word problems. Students learned about linear and proportional relationships and how they can be defined in all four categories.

Our new unit in Geometry is already underway. Students will study volume, area, surface area, along with parallel lines and transversals. Ask your mathematician for real-world examples where volume, area, and surface area might be used.

Grade 8 is sewing! Students are learning about different hand stitching techniques, needle safety, and how to thread and knot a needle. They are creating their own 3D mini emojis on felt and fabric stuffed with batting.

After learning about systems of linear equations, students completed a project on food trucks. They designed 3D food truck models and made unique menus. Next, they filmed commercials and invested in each other's businesses. In order to find their break-even points, they calculated cost, revenue, and profit equations. Each group showcased their projects to their class and voted on awards. Some students even brought in a sample menu item to share!

For the February 2nd celebration of La Candelaria in Spanish-speaking countries and La Chandeleur in French-speaking countries, students learned about these holidays through authentic videos and cultural readings in French and Spanish. Students celebrated with the traditional foods for each region. The French classes ate crêpes, and the Spanish classes feasted on tamales.

Before the break, students wrapped up the first half of the year with an essay project that showcased all of the skills they’ve been honing, including literary analysis, annotation and note taking, and time management. Next, students will continue to sharpen their critical thinking skills by diving into poetry.

Come see special guest artist George Darrah. Mr. Darrah is a MERHS Alum (2007) and is in high demand as a performer, composer, and educator. He is currently the drum set player for the Boston Pops.

TAKE THE PEEPS-Y CHALLENGE! The Manchester Library invites you to create a diorama using Peeps as the main characters of your favorite book or movie. Bags of Peeps are available at the library (while supplies last), or supply your own. Dioramas and entry forms need to be submitted between March 8th and March 15th. The public is then invited to view the entries through March 22nd and cast their vote for the Peeple’s Choice Award. A panel of library volunteers will judge and award additional prizes. Join us on March 23rd at 11 a.m. for a Peeps Party where we will announce all winners.

National Potato Chip Day: The Essex Library invites teens in grades 6-12 to join us at the library as we celebrate National Potato Chip Day on Thursday, March 14th at 3:30pm! Enjoy trivia, themed activities, door prizes and of course sample chips and dips! Think you know your chips? Try our blind taste test competition!

Register at: https://essexpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/national-potato-chip-day-celebration/

Email: mainoj@mersd.org
Website: www.mersd.org
Location: 36 Lincoln Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, USA
Phone: 978-526-2022
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManchesterEssexRegional/