Dear MMES Families,

Memorial School truly is a second family for all of us...adults and children alike! One of the best examples of this are our fifth grade/kindergarten buddies. Recently, the Grade 5 students taught their kindergarten buddies how to play the games in the hub. It was so great to see the older ones pass along things like following the rules, good sportsmanship, and playing the games properly and respectfully to their younger "siblings!" (see pics below!)

Another shout out goes to Mrs. Tomaiolo and the Grade 5 Student Ambassadors. They organized the recent food drive to benefit the Open Door Food Pantry. As a school community, we collected and donated 876 items! It is so great to have this wonderful partnership between MMES and the Open Door!

I want to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the time with your family!

Best,

John

Last Thursday The Apple String Quartet visited Essex Elementary and Memorial School fourth grade students. The ensemble demonstrated the history of the string quartet beginning with the music of Beethoven and Franz Joeseph Haydn. Haydn is credited for the creation of this particular group of instruments along with the symphonic form as we know it today.

The ensemble did a fabulous job of playing music from the classic repertoire to contemporary works. Perhaps the most interesting piece was the composition by an 8th grade student inspired by Native American Folk Songs. The event culminated with Sage MacDougall making her stage debut with the quartet! Many thanks to Rockport Chamber Music for making this possible. We are so fortunate to have world-class musicians in our area.

Mr. Carpenter

Thank you to all our Memorial families for sharing your wonderful children with us and for the many ways that you support our staff and students everyday!

Wishing everyone a happy & healthy Thanksgiving week!

Please remember:

· If your child is going to be absent, tardy, or there is a change to dismissal plans- utilize PickUp Patrol for those changes. You no longer need to email or call Mrs. Schmidt, the teacher, or the school nurse to report those changes.

· If your child has a temperature of 100.4F or over, they need to be fever free for 24 hours (without the aid of Tylenol or Motrin) before re-entering the school.

· If your child is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, we recommend that they are symptom free for 24 hours and can tolerate solid food before re-entering the building.

· ALL CLASSROOMS ARE PEANUT/NUT FREE

Tis’ The Season of Giving…

Hand Foot & Mouth: We have had a couple cases of HFM in our PK classrooms. Signs and symptoms to look for are tiny bumps on hands, feet, face, and/or sometimes trunk. Can develop sores in the mouth and can be accompanied with fever. Increased fluids (popsicles, Pedialyte, diluted juice) especially if sores in the mouth & fever to prevent risk of dehydration. Help prevent the spread by washing hands frequently, keeping hands out mouth and nose, and wiping surfaces frequently.

Respiratory Viruses: We have been hit with an increase of pneumonia this season. Help prevent the spread by washing hands frequently, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, staying home if feeling too unwell to participate in school, and again if your child has a fever of 100.4 or greater.

Thank you all for your cooperation, any questions or concerns please call or email,

Jaclyn Morrissey, R.N.

978-526-1909

morrisseyj@mersd.org

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.

See www.mersd.org for additional dates ...

2024-2025 Calendar

November

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.

MERSD:
https://www.facebook.com/ManchesterEssexRegional/?fref=ts

MMPTO:
https://www.facebook.com/ManchesterMemorialPTO/?fref=ts