Hello McAvinnue Community...and Happy Mother's Day!
First, I wanted to wish all of the mother's in the McAvinnue community a very happy and special Mother's Day! Today is your day....take it easy and put you feet up and enjoy this day that is all about you!
Here is a brief but interesting history of Mother's Day and how it all came about...
Mother’s Day is a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. In the United States, Mother’s Day 2021 will occur on Sunday, May 9th. The origins of Mother’s Day as celebrated in the United States date back to the 19th century. In the years before the Civil War, Ann Reeves Jarvis of West helped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children.
These clubs later became a unifying force in a region of the country still divided over the Civil War. In 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.
Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.”
Once a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church”—the main church in the vicinity of their home—for a special service.
Over time the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s.
Have a great Sunday...and I hope that this upcoming week will be a smooth and successful one for everyone!
Here are a few items that you need to be aware of. Please mark your calendars for the following events and activities at McAvinnue for this upcoming week:
- Monday, May 13th - McAvinnue Reopens @ 9:10 AM
- Monday, May 13th - McAvinnue's "Lion's Pride" Core Value All School Celebration @ 9:30 AM
- Wednesday, May 15th - Lowell School Committee Meeting @ 6:30 PM (City Hall)
- Friday, May 17th - McAvinnue's "Walk-A-Thon" Fundraiser Event (During Allied Arts Classes)
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Main Office at McAvinnue or send Mr. Domina a message a mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us.
Mark your calendars…McAvinnue will be hosting “International Night” on Thursday, May 23rd from 5:30PM - 7:00 PM at the school.
This event will be a “potluck” style food sharing opportunity. We would like everyone that attends this event to bring their favorite dish that best represents your family's heritage to share with others!
If you are interested in bringing an international food dish, you can reach out to your child’s teacher or the school directly! Check out the flyer below in multiple languages!
We will also be offering access to the Scholastic Book Fair in the library during this event. You will have a chance to make some purchases for books and other cool items! The profits from the Scholastic Book Fair will go toward purchasing books for our students.
Looking forward to another amazing event at McAvinnue!
As you know, we are hosting our "International Night" on Thursday, May 23rd at 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM! This event is a celebration of diversity and cultural exchange, and we would love for you to be a part of it!
As part of this event, we are inviting parents to showcase the rich tapestry of cultures represented in our community by performing a musical or dance piece from their heritage. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, share our traditions, and celebrate our school!
Whether you have a traditional dance passed down through generations or a beloved song that reflects your cultural roots, we encourage you to share it with us on this special evening.
Your participation will not only enrich our event but also provide a valuable learning experience for our students as they witness the vibrant array of cultures that make up our school community.
If you are interested in participating, please reach out to our school directly or email Mrs. De La Luz at adelaluz@lowell.k12.ma.us.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at McAvinnue's "International Night"!
“Nurse Appreciation Day”!
We celebrated Nurse Danielle on Monday as part of “Nurse Appreciation Day”! During her first year at McAvinnue, Nurse Danielle has done an amazing job supporting our students and families every day! Her dedication and hard work keeps McAvinnue healthy and safe!
Faculty Cold Brew Coffee Bar!
We started McAvinnue’s “Teacher Apprecation Day” with a Cold Brew Coffee Bar for our faculty! This amazing start to the school day was provided by “Syd’s Sips”…who is a small business that is owned and managed by our very own Grade 4 teacher, Mrs. O’Neil!
McAvinnue’s “Artist of the Week”!
McAvinnue’s “Artist of the Week” is Janiahlynn in Room 205! Janiah mixed yellow with blue paint to make grass and flower stems. She mixed red with yellow to make orange flowers, and blue with red to make violet flowers! Look at that careful brushwork she used to paint a garden full of secondary colors! Incredible painting skills!
"STEAM Studio Grassheads Have Grown"!
The STEAM Studio "Grassheads" are complete and most have gone home this week! The students learned a lot about the scientific process, germination, and controls and variables in scientific experiments! We LOVE this project and learning opportunity!
We are once again bringing back the Scholastic Book Fair to McAvinnue during the week of Monday, May 20th - Friday, May 24th.
As usual, your child will have an opportunity to visit the Book Fair before there scheduled day to make a purchase. Your child's teacher will reach out to you with the date that week that the class will head to make purchases. Stay tuned for this outreach from your child's teacher.
We will offer extended time during McAvinnue's "International Night" on Thursday, May 23rd to visit the Scholastic Book Fair with your child! This opportunity will occur from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM.
Below is the link for our school homepage. Here you will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse at the digital flyer, and, should you choose to, also set up their e-wallet which makes purchasing books very easy for your child!
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/josephamcavinnueelemsch2
Please keep in mind that the money that is raised will be used to purchase books for our students at McAvinnue!
McAvinnue will once again be offering a comprehensive Summer Program for our students that is FREE of charge. Students will experience hands-on learning opportunities as well as some additional work that focuses on academics. Transportation will be provided for this program!
The program will occur on July 8th - August 2nd at McAvinnue. The program will begin at 9:10 AM - 12:40 PM from Monday - Friday.
The program will serve students that are entering Grades 1 - 4 as well as those students that are exiting Grade 4 and set to begin Grade 5 during the 2024-2025 academic school year.
You can register using the link below or the QR scan code in the picture below.
If you have any questions, please contact the Summer Program Coordinator, Mrs. Evans, at revans@lowell.k12.ma.us.
McAvinnue's "Morning Announcements"
McAvinnue's "Morning Announcements" are back for the 2023-2024 academic school year!
Like we had successfully done last school year, a new edition of McAvinnue's "Virtual" Morning Announcements will be presented to our students on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. We will continue to use Tuesday and Thursday each week to be used for "Open Circle"....our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program that focuses on community building, prosocial decision making, and appropriate responses to daily stressors both within the school and home settings.
This will continue to be a great way to bring our school together each day focusing on the same message to get the energy, commitment, and engage up before we launch into another great day at "the best school we all know".
McAvinnue's Morning Announcements will occur on Monday and Friday each week. There will be a Wednesday edition for the reminder of the school year!
You can check out current and past editions of McAvinnue's Morning Announcements on our YouTube channel using the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7hxiBuRjqjqfASl_RLMleQ
You can check out the latest edition of McAvinnue's Morning Announcements below!
McAvinnue's Yoga Pose Of The Week: "Eagle"
We will try another new pose this week called the "Eagle". This new pose will allow us to work on maintaining a clam and clear focus using a technique that maximize balance integration and unique upper body positioning. We will practice the "Eagle" pose daily during our Morning Announcements during this up and coming week.
You can get an early head start and practice this technique before we launch into another exciting week!
Allergies? Asthma? Medications? - Please Let Nurse Danielle Know!
If your students have any medical concerns or diagnosis, please make sure Nurse Danielle is aware. Also, if they have any medical conditions, for example allergies or asthma, that require medications such as Epipens or inhalers here at school, please remember she needs updated paperwork and medication yearly.
Please reach out as soon as possible to get her the necessary paperwork and to arrange drop off of new medications. Nurse Danielle's email address is dralls@lowell.k12.ma.us and she can also be reached by calling (978) 937-2871 ex. 47858. Our fax number is (978) 937-2880.
Drop-Off Logistics
- Arrival begins at 9:10 AM each day. The late bell rings at 9:25 AM.
- Please pull up to the 4th Avenue side of the building when dropping off your child.
- As you approach the 4th Avenue sidewalk, a faculty member will greet and support getting your child safely out of the vehicle.
- This area is a drop off area ONLY. You will not be permitted to park in this location.
- Please be sure to drive all the way down to the end of the sidewalk so we can fit as many vehicles in this location as possible.
- Ensure your child is ready to go and do not get out of the car so we can keep traffic moving.
- Students accessing our CSA program will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
- Large bus students will enter using the back door located in the rear of the school building.
- Small bus and van transportation students will use the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
Morning Lining Up Locations
- Grade 1, 3, and 4 students will use the Main Door to enter the school building.
- Grade 2 will use the 4th Avenue doorway near the front of the school to enter the building.
- PreK & Kindergarten will use the Early Childhood door to enter the building. This door is located to the right of McAvinnue's Reading Garden and to the left of the Main Door.
Pick-Up Logistics
- Grade 1 will be dismissed out the Main Door.
- Grades 2, 3, and 4 will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the front of the school.
- Kindergarten students will be dismissed out the Early Childhood door. This door is located to the right of McAvinnue's Reading Garden and to the left of the Main Door.
- Students accessing our CSA program will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway.
- PreK students will be dismissed out the 4th Avenue door near the rear of the school building by the exit driveway. Please contact Ms. Annie for the specific dismissal time.
School Bus Transportation Information
School bus transportation is provided to students in grades K-4, who live greater than .75 mile from their residence or alternate address to their assigned school. Middle school students (grades 5-8) must live greater than 1.5 miles from their residence or alternate address to their assigned school.
Kindergarten through 4th grade students will receive a printed bus pass via postal mail. These passes were mailed out on August 23rd. You can also look up your student's bus pass information by using their Student ID for the username and date of birth for the password at the link below. This is the same information that students use to log in to their Chromebooks for school.
Please note that Kindergarten and 1st grader students must have an older sibling (4th grade or older) or parent present at the bus stop in the afternoon in order to depart from the school bus. If a parent or older sibling is not present, the student will be brought to the Moody School, located at 158 Rogers Street. A driver’s license or valid identification must be presented to the staff in order to dismiss the student.
You can use the LPSD "Bus Lookup Tool" using the link below. You will need to use you child's LASID or lunch number along with their birthdate to access this helpful system.
There also is a helpful video that you can watch that will walk you through the process.
LPS "Connector" Newsletter: April Edition
Here is the April edition of the LPS "Connector" Newsletter!
Click the link below to check out all of the action that occured across the district during the month of April!
Student Handbook 2023-2024
The LPS Student Handbook is a great tool to use to fully understand the expectations of the role of our students as well as the partnership needed for our families to ensure that the school year is a great success.
You can access the district elementary student handbook by clicking the button below. You will find various policies and procedures focusing on attendance, grading, discipline, bus expectations, and more.
Please reach out directly if you have any questions.
McAvinnue's School Attendance Information
As you are aware, attending school is first step each in the learning process for our students. It is critical that our students arrive to school on time each day so that they can access all of the engaging and meaning lessons that have been planned by our teachers and related service providers.
The McAvinnue Attendnace Team will monitor student attendance on a weekly basis and will reach our directly to families when they notice frequent absences, a pattern of absences, or an increased number of consecutive absences within a short period of time.
Please refer to McAvinnue's Student Attendance Booket below that will provide additional information. This booket will be sent home with students in multiple languages. It is important that you review this information for your own awareness and to be fully prepared to support your child with the first step of the learning process...attending school on time.
Breakfast and Lunch Will Be Free for All LPS Students
As we reopen for the new school year, Lowell Public Schools Food and Nutrition are "Powering Potential" for students and faculty with innovations in our menus and enhancements to our overall dining operations. When your child dines with us, rest assured that we will be serving delicious, nutritious meals prepared with the utmost attention to safety. We encourage every student to fuel up with breakfast and lunch meals each day so they can be energized and prepared to succeed throughout the day, in and out of the classroom.
Please keep up to date on our program, nutrition education, monthly menus and back to school letters on the LPS Food and Nutrition website.
Any concerns please feel free to email foodservice@lowell.k12.ma.us
Emergency Contact Form: 2023-2024
Get a jump start now and complete your emergency contact form for the 2023-2024 academic school year?
We have made it really easy for you to complete this important task. You can access the online form below. When you complete this form, it is immediately sent to McAvinnue and we will print it out for our records.
You don't need to come to the school to complete this form...you can do it right on your phone, tablet, or computer!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. De La Luz at adelaluz@lowell.k12.ma.us or contact the Main Office at McAvinnue for support!
McAvinnue Spirit Gear By Prep Sportswear
We have an online store if you wish to order any McAvinnue gear! It is open 24 hours per day and there is no due date for orders. Anytime you want to order...on any day!
The company is Prep Sportswear and has been reliable with solid product quality from reputable brands.
There is a 30% off deal occuring now on all items! This is a major discount if you are interested in purchasing McAvinnue merchandise.
Like during previous school years, we are also exploring additional local options to purchase McAvinnue gear. Stay tuned for more information in the month of September.
To access our current online store for McAvinnue spirit gear, please click the link below.
General Information
How can I update my contact information (phone number/email/address)?
- Go online to the Family Resource Webpage (https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/UpdateContactInfo) and fill out the “contact us” form. Families who don’t have access to the internet can fill out the form in person at the Family Resource Center. If an address change is related to economic factors or housing instability (family moves in with relatives, eviction, hotel/motel, fire or unsheltered, please contact the McKinney Vento Office located at the Family Resource Center in person (151 Merrimack Street), by phone (978-674-4321) or go to the webpage at https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/HomelessAssistance.
How do I update my emergency contacts?
- If you were in the school last year we will send a verification sheet out. if you are new we will send home an emergency form to fill out on the first day of school.
How do I register my child for the new school year?
- All school registrations are completed online using a computer or laptop. You can access the online application by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolRegistration. If you only have a mobile device and don’t have access to a computer or laptop, you can register in person at the Family Resource Center (151 Merrimack Street). Please call the Family Resource Center if you have any questions (978-674-4321).
What should I do if I need to register my child(ren) and I don’t speak English?
- The Lowell Public Schools is committed to providing translation and interpretation services for families who require assistance in a language other than English. The online registration application and website is translated in Spanish and Portuguese and can be accessed by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolRegistration. For all other languages, please call Vannak Khin at (978) 328-6782 to arrange services. In-person language interpretation support for registration can be accessed by visiting the Lowell Public Schools at 151 Merrimack Street. Families can also call the Family Resource Center at (978) 674-4321 to make an appointment with a Bilingual Family Liaison.
How old does my child need to be to enroll in preschool or kindergarten?
- A child must turn 4 years old on or before September 1, 2023, in order to apply for preschool and 5 by September 1 to apply for kindergarten. A family can apply for preschool by going to https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/PreschoolRegistration to fill out an online application or https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/KindergartenRegistration for kindergarten. For registration questions, please call (978) 674-4321.
How do I apply for a transfer for my child to change schools in the new year?
- Per the 2023-2024 School Assignment Policy, all students have the option to request one school transfer per year.
- Families can apply online at https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/SchoolTransfer or can come to the Family Resource Center in-person to complete the application. Transfers are assigned on a space availability basis.
"Camp Invention" @ The Bartlett Community Partnership School in Lowell
"Camp Invention" @ The Bartlett Community Partnership School
Looking for some Summer camp programming for your current Grade 3 and 4 child?
The Bartlett Community Partnership School is offering an amazing opportunity called "Camp Invention". Check out the flyer below and use the link to access the online registration and other important details about the camp.
https://invent-web.ungerboeck.com/programsearch/moreinfo.aspx?event=43544
This camp to FREE of charge for those current Grade 3 and 4 students that may be interested. The camp will occur from August 5th - 9th at the Bartlett Community Partnership School in Lowell. Break and lunch will be served each day of the program!
This camp will occur on August 5th - August 9th from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Duffey, Bartlett Community Partnership School Assistant Principal, directly at bduffey@lowell.k12.ma.us.
Child Mental Health Information Session: OCD & Anxiety
Does your child have anxiety or OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)? You are not alone.
There is a lot of information out there, not all of it is true, and it can be confusing to try to wade through it all.
On Wednesday May 15th at 12 PM. join a FREE webinar hosted by McLean Hospital School Consultation Service as part of their Leaders in Youth Mental Health Series.
The speakers are Meredith Elkins, Ph.D., Co-Director of McLean Anxiety Mastery Program (MAMP) & Maria Fraire, Ph.D., Director of the Child and Adolescent OCD Institute (OCDI-Jr). Their presentation titled, “Understanding Pediatric Anxiety Disorders and OCD” will provide information on childhood anxiety and OCD, dispel common myths and discuss treatment recommendations.
All information for this webinar and past ones (all available On Demand), can be found here: https://healthcare.mgb.org/.../Live/McLean/McLean_SCS.html
Cub Scout Pack 7 Information
Cub Scout Pack 7 is looking for new cubs to join their pack! Tons of fun and learning experiences for all kids in Kindergarten through Grade 5. For more information, visit www.pack7lowell.com
Pack 7 meets at St. Rita's Church directly across from McAvinnue!
Local Food Support
Click the link below for a list of local food pantries that are willing to help.
You can also reach out to Mrs. De La Luz, McAvinnue's Social Worker, for support navigating these and other options.
McAvinnue's School Website
Please visit our website at: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/mcavinnue
Follow McAvinnue On Social Media
Click the buttons below to access our social media sites!
Our Vision
#McAvinnuePride #BeTheDifference #NextLevel
Email: mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/Domain/21
Location: 131 Mammoth Road, Lowell, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 937-2871
