Memorial Mustangs

Dear Families and Caregivers,

As we are halfway through the month of October, we find ourselves not only experiencing the beauty of autumn but also engaging in a period of growth and transformation within our classrooms. This time of year brings an opportunity for reflection and rejuvenation, both in our teaching practices and in our students’ learning journeys.

We are excited to announce the introduction of the WINN block (What I Need Now) into our schedules this year in grades 1-4. This dedicated time is designed to meet the diverse needs of all students, ensuring that everyone receives the support and enrichment necessary for their individual growth. During the WINN block, educators will provide interventions and activities to provide targeted assistance, as well as opportunities for deeper exploration and challenge for those who seek it.

This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment that recognizes each student’s unique strengths and areas for improvement. Whether your child requires additional help in a specific subject or is ready to tackle more advanced material, the WINN block is designed to enhance their educational experience.

As we bundle up for the chillier days ahead, we also encourage families to ensure that children are dressed appropriately. Please remember to label your child's clothing and accessories, as our lost and found tends to grow significantly during these months. Writing names inside jackets, hats, and other items can greatly assist us in returning misplaced belongings to their rightful owners.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making this a productive and enriching school year.

Warm regards,

Troy

We had a truly magical day as we aligned our Kindergarten Familiar Tales Unit with a special visit from our friends at Pumpernickel Puppets! Our young scholars were absolutely thrilled to experience an incredible puppet show that brought classic stories to life!

They met the charming Lion and The Mouse, the delightful Gertrude the Marionette, and the adventurous Three Billy Goats Gruff! 🦁🐭🌟 Each puppet brought their tale to life in a way that left our kiddos captivated and full of laughter.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage with storytelling in such a creative and interactive way. We can’t wait to see how these experiences inspire their imaginations and learning in the days to come! 💖🎭

Now that everyone has gotten used to our routines at Memorial School, here a few reminders about drop off and pick up. This does not apply to families who walk or use the bus or vans. If you are parking your car to walk you child to the front the door, please don't park in the front lot and walk across the bus drop off and car drop off areas. We ask that you park along the side of the building as this is much safer.

1. Please do not get out of your car. Staff will open the doors for your students and help them get safely out of the car and into school (or out of school and into your car). This keeps the traffic flowing safely and smoothly.

2. Do not let your students get out on the left side of your car - we have a staff member who will open the car door if needed, but all students should exit on the right-hand side, on the sidewalk, and then proceed into school.

3. Please pull all the way up before dropping your student off or picking them up--regardless of which door they enter/exit--by pulling all the way up, we are able to keep the line moving and get everyone in to and out of school on time and safely.

4. Please do not pull around other cars unless there is a Memorial School Staff member directing you to do so and monitoring traffic flow. This is for the safety of all of our students, staff and families.

5. PICK UP ONLY: Please be sure you have your sign visible for staff to call for your student.

• EARLY RELEASE on October 23 @ 12:40 pm (Wednesday). All students will be dismissed at 12:40pm. Please update PickUp Patrol for that day if there are any changes to your child's dismissal plan.

• NO SCHOOL on November 1 for Diwali

• NO SCHOOL on November 5 for Election Day

• NO SCHOOL on November 11 for Veterans Day

• EARLY RELEASE Days on November 13th and 20th for P/T Conferences. Teachers will reach out for you to schedule your day and time.

• NO SCHOOL on November 28 - 29 for Thanksgiving Holiday

Screening Notification for Parents

All health screenings conducted in schools are required by Massachusetts Law. Screenings at Memorial will begin in October and will be ongoing throughout the school year.

Vision Screening: Vision screening is conducted for all grades K – 4. The nurse will send a referral to parents if a follow up appointment is needed with their physician.

Hearing Screening: Hearing screening is conducted for all grades K - 3. The nurse will send a referral to parents if a follow up appointment is needed with their physician.

Growth Development Screening: Height and weight screenings are conducted for students in grades 1 and 4.

Parents and legal guardians have the opportunity to request, in writing, that their child not participate in the screenings. The request must be written each year and be specific to which screening you do not wish your child to participate. Please send this letter via email or hard copy to the nurse:

Michelle LeBlanc mleblanc@natickps.org 508-647-6592.

The Memorial PTO is a parent and teacher run, non-profit organization committed to enhancing and enriching the education of our students and fostering a sense of community within our school. The PTO provides assistance to teachers within the classroom settings, raises funds for educational materials and experiences, advocates school and family social interaction, and provides an unbiased forum for sharing information on issues that impact our students. We believe in cultivating a positive learning environment to allow for students to achieve their highest potential. Please become an active participant in the PTO. Below is the link to their website:

https://www.memorialnatickpto.org/

or email them at:

pto@memorialnatickpto.org

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5