Dear Families,

I hope your excited for the long weekend and a little snow. Traditionally, January, regarded as a time for resetting and refocusing after the holiday season, your support and enthusiasm have truly transformed this month into a period of renewed purpose.

I understand that the chilly weather has posed certain challenges, especially with recess being affected when the "feels-like" temperature drops into the teens. Despite these conditions, I am incredibly impressed by the creativity and adaptability demonstrated by our teachers and students. Many classrooms have turned to board games as a means of enhancing social skills such as taking turns, healthy competition, and sportsmanship. These activities not only bring warmth into our school but also provide valuable learning experiences.

As we approach the long weekend, I encourage everyone to take advantage of the additional day for rest and rejuvenation. This pause offers not just a chance to relax, but also an opportunity to engage in acts of service, embodying the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Whether you choose to volunteer, learn more about his work, or simply spend time reflecting on his message of equality and justice, I hope the weekend holds meaning and inspiration for you all.

Thank you once again for your support and collaboration. Let's continue to work together to make the rest of the school year as rewarding and fulfilling as possible.

With Gratitude,

Stacy & Tara

Grade five students were given a writing assisgnment to complete from their Wit & Wisdom Module: Word Play. Here is a piece from one of our fifth grade students, Mason Lipscomb.

As Milo and Tock entered the school they wondered what was inside the school. Wind whiped around Milo and Tock's face as they neered the school. Doors creaked open as Milo and Tock entered the dark school. Dogs barked and yipped at them as if to warn them. Mice scurried past the barking dogs that were chasing them. Dirt caked in the school after long years forgoten. Gongsbeated just like Milo and Tock's heartbeats. As Milo and Tock neered a hallway in the school they heard a ghost humming a deathly song. Milo screamed and Tock barked ran for their life from the ghost. They destroyed the glass to get out of way of ghost running towards Milo and Tock.

As Milo and Tock rentered the ghostly halls of Abandon Elementary School Milo's and Tock's stomach rumbled. The last thing he could remember he ate was the lunch from school the day he got the tollbooth. "Gosh am I hungery," Milo said. "Do you want to get lunch here? Tock nodded. "I'm hungery too, I'll eat anything." "Is their a cafeteria?" "I think we passed it," Tock said. So Milo and Tock turned around to the cafeteria.

As they entered the lunch line in the cafeteria Milo saw a plump women standing behind the ice cream her nametag read "Ms. Deserts" Milo walked over to the lady and noticed ice cream around her lips. "Can I have some ice cream?" "Yes," the women named Ms. Deserts said. "What type of ice cram do you want?" "Mint if you have it," Milo said back to Ms. Deserts. Ms. Deserts got out a big shiny spoon and scooped it not onto Milo's plate but into her mouth. "Your quite welcome, little boy," said Ms. Deserts. "Uh okay," said Milo. Being quite confused by what Ms. Deserts had done. He gave Ms. Deserts a confused look and a frown. And with that he left the lunch line.

Theirs that look again, thought Ms. Deserts. The teachers must teach the kid to be mean, they are doing a great job at that. Why does everyone think I don't serve them. That thought was always in her mind. "If you don't serve one person the day after today you're fired!" That was yesterday. Ms. Deserts thought about do I like it here I could desert this place.

Please read the article below highlighting Maureen Murphy, a dedicated special education teacher at J.R. Lowell Elementary School, who is preparing to run the Boston Marathon as part of the Boston Children’s Hospital’s Miles for Miracles team. Maureen, who has a close connection to the hospital due to her sons' medical care, is raising funds for the hospital that has provided significant support and treatment for her family. Despite the challenges of balancing family life with marathon training, Maureen is enthusiastic about her first Boston Marathon. Her commitment to both her students and the causes she supports outside of work demonstrates her exceptional dedication and compassion. Her efforts not only inspire her colleagues, such as fellow marathoner Cheryl Wermer, but also highlight the community spirit and mutual support within the Watertown Public Schools. Maureen’s remarkable contribution inside and outside the classroom is celebrated and greatly appreciated.

Here are some photos of Lenny the Leopard in our classroom this week! Students loved showing Lenny around the classroom,how well they learn, and playing with him! Thank you for this experience!

First graders in Room 050 were so excited to welcome Lenny to our classroom this week! Although we were a bit worried for our rubber ducky friends on Monday, Lenny showed our core value of kindness by not eating a single ducky! For the rest of the week, Lenny enjoyed learning more about glued sounds in Fundations, where he was even able to participate as the drill leader during one of our lessons, and he worked hard while learning about adding single digit numbers with double digit numbers during math. Lenny was excited that he was able to join our classroom for some picturing writing, helping students to create their own watercolor paintings of different times of day like twilight and sunset. He especially loved our science block, where students learned about animal features, like Lenny’s spots! Finally, Lenny was so proud of our first grade Lowell Leopards, who shared their ideas for how they can carry out the values of Dr. King as we prepared to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day. We truly enjoyed our visit from Lenny, and hope that he enjoys the rest of his travels around the Lowell School!

This week, our second graders in Mr. MacLellan and Ms. Gerring’s class have embarked on an inspiring project that beautifully intertwines history, creativity, and community spirit. The students created a vibrant Friendship Quilt, now proudly displayed outside their classroom, as a testament to their hard work and collaboration.

The concept of the Friendship Quilt holds deep historical significance. These quilts were often given to pioneers as they journeyed west along the Oregon Trail. They were more than just practical items; they were cherished reminders of the friendships and communities left behind. Each patch and pattern on the quilt told a story of connection and memory.

This project is directly tied to the students’ current focus in their second Wit & Wisdom module titled "The American West." Through this module, the children have been immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of history that shaped the American frontier. By creating their Friendship Quilt, the students didn’t just read about history—they lived it. They learned about the significance of the quilts in the lives of pioneers, reflecting on how these gifts served not only as sources of warmth but also as symbols of unity and remembrance.

In creating their own quilt, each student contributed a square uniquely designed to represent their interpretation of friendship and community. This hands-on activity allowed them to draw connections between historical lessons and their personal experiences, making learning both engaging and meaningful.

It serves as a beautiful reminder of how lessons from the past continue to shape our identities and connections today.

Fourth-grade students recently had the exciting opportunity to explore the concept of a "House on Your Back" and learn about the essential tools and equipment needed for survival. This engaging demonstration helps students deeply understand the predicament faced by the main character in the book they are reading, "Hatchet." In the story, the protagonist is confronted with daunting survival challenges, taking readers on a harrowing journey filled with adventure and resilience.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Coehlo for his insightful demonstration and for showcasing the "House on His Back Pack," which brought the survival themes from the book to life for our students. We'd also like to thank, Mrs. Kirby for inviting him in to meet our students. His visit enriched our students' reading experience by providing a hands-on understanding of the survival skills depicted in the novel.

President Carter: Champion for Music in Schools

Friday, January 10

On December 29, 2024, the world said goodbye to former President Jimmy Carter, a visionary leader, humanitarian, and passionate advocate for education and the arts. Carter's legacy transcends his presidency, touching countless lives through his tireless work to uplift communities. Among his many contributions, his steadfast support for music education, especially school band and orchestra programs, reflects his deep belief in the transformative power of music to connect and inspire.

A Lifelong Advocate for the Arts

As a guitar enthusiast and lifelong lover of music, Jimmy Carter understood the profound impact of the arts. During his presidency from 1977 to 1981, he made federal support for the arts a priority, strengthening the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and emphasizing the importance of arts education in public schools. Carter believed music was more than an extracurricular activity; he saw it as a universal language, a builder of community, and a key to personal growth.

Carter's work was especially focused on preserving music programs in underfunded schools. Recognizing that band and orchestra programs provide not only creative outlets but also essential life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, he championed initiatives to ensure that every child, regardless of background, could access these opportunities.

A Visionary Legacy in Music Education

Jimmy Carter's efforts laid the groundwork for continued advocacy in arts education. His dedication to protecting and expanding music programs inspired educators and policymakers to uphold these vital resources, even during times of budget constraints.

Through his advocacy, Carter helped countless students find their passion and develop lifelong skills through participation in band and orchestra. These programs have the power to transform lives, building a foundation for creativity, collaboration, and confidence.

A Personal Connection to Music

Carter's passion for music was rooted in his upbringing in Plains, Georgia, where he witnessed firsthand how music brought people together. Later in life, he continued to champion this belief by attending school concerts and speaking directly to young musicians about the value of their craft. In one memorable visit to a high school orchestra, he encouraged students to embrace music as a tool for self-expression and unity, sharing stories of how music had shaped his own life.

Honoring a Legacy

Jimmy Carter's legacy as a champion for music education will resonate for generations. His commitment to ensuring that band and orchestra programs remained accessible to students from all walks of life reflects his belief that music is an essential part of a well-rounded education. His work is a powerful reminder of the impact that one individual's advocacy can have on creating a world filled with music.

Jimmy Carter's melody will forever echo in the classrooms, concert halls, and hearts of those touched by his passion. His life serves as a reminder that the arts are not just a part of education — they are its soul, fostering connection, creativity, and joy for generations to come.

[Provided by Lirona Discua, Music & Arts]

Dear Lowell Families,

Every year, each public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school is doing in different areas. A link to our school’s report card is available at Link.

The report card includes multiple measures of a school’s performance – more than just MCAS scores. It represents a new way of looking at school performance, by providing information on student achievement, teacher qualifications, student learning opportunities, and more.

Report cards are designed to be useful tools for everyone connected to our school. Families can use the information to have meaningful conversations with us about what the school is doing well and where there is room for improvement. Community and education leaders can use the information to better understand how to support students and our school.

The James Russell Lowell School proudly affirms its consistent excellence in performance and growth within the state's accountability system, maintaining its status as a top-performing institution. The school's accountability percentile, an impressive 86, signifies its exceptional overall performance in comparison to schools serving similar grades. Notably, 73% of Lowell’s multilingual population has achieved English Language Proficiency at Lowell meeting performance targets, showcasing a commitment to inclusive education and academic support. A further highlight includes the notable high growth of fourth and fifth-grade students exceeding typical growth in Math. The pivotal role of teachers in influencing student learning outcomes is emphasized, with success attributed to collaborative partnerships with families. Despite these achievements, the school remains vigilant about challenges, recognizing the need for ongoing efforts to ensure sustained excellence in education and address any emerging obstacles.

More detailed information pertaining to your child is located on the enclosed Parent/Guardian Report. We will present our 2024 MCAS Results at the November 6th School Committee Meeting. For additional information regarding MCAS assessment results please visit this link, or to view school and district profiles visit this link. If you have questions about your child’s performance, we encourage you to meet with your child’s teacher(s) to discuss the results. Your child's teacher can also talk to you more broadly about your child's academic growth and about his or her social and emotional development.

We encourage you to become involved in helping us improve our school. We see parents as critical partners in the success of our students and school, and we are grateful for your continued support.

Finally, if your child attends a school that receives federal Title I funds, you also have the right to request the following information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers:

· Whether your child’s teacher is licensed in the grade levels and subject areas they teach,

· Whether your child’s teacher is teaching under an emergency license or waiver,

· The college degree and major of your child’s teacher, and

· Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

If you have questions about our school’s report card, would like to become involved in school improvement activities, or would like to request information about the qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher, please contact stacy.phealn@watertown.k12.ma.us. To see our district’s report card or to search for other schools’ report cards, visit reportcards.doe.mass.edu.

Sincerely,

Stacy A. Phelan

Dear Families,

We warmly invite you to join us for a cup of coffee as you start your day. Our gathering will take place outdoors, near the K-2 door close to the kindergarten playground. While we understand that you have busy schedules, we would love for you to stop by, say a quick hello, and take advantage of this opportunity to connect with other Lowell caregivers.

In case the weather proves too cold or there is precipitation, we will move our coffee gathering indoors to ensure everyone's comfort. Our goal is to create a casual, relaxed setting where you can enjoy a moment of calm and warmth after dropping your child off at school.

We hope you can join us for this brief but enjoyable time together.

If you are potentially interested in playing in the Watertown Parents Softball League

Spring 2025 Season, please sign up on the link below. We are currently heading into

our fourth year and it has been lots of fun so far!

https://forms.gle/UBd215yHWxaFNtjp8

If you have any questions please email Jesse Fenichel at jfenichel@gmail.com

We are very excited to welcome students, parents/families to the Early Steps Early Childhood Center. While our Preschool and PreKindergarten (PreK) share the goal of preparing 3-5 year olds for kindergarten, more importantly, the experience helps shape students’ view of themselves as successful learners and playful partners, and to realize their individual value within our school community. The fine staff at Early Steps have created a thoughtful, student-centered environment. A few documents to help you learn about Early Steps and upcoming important dates include:

1. Here is the Early Steps Mid-Year Updates presentation from the January 6, 2025 School Committee Meeting. We will present and explain details at the January 14th Early Steps PreK & Preschool Virtual Information Night.

2. Please click this link to read our Early Steps most recent newsletter housing Preschool/PreK information for your planning purposes, including:

• Tuesday, January 14 - Early Steps PreK & Preschool Virtual Information Night:

• Pre Kindergarten (PreK) + Plus Extended Day Information 6:00 - 6:30 ~ Click this Link to Join Zoom Meeting; Student turns 4 by August 31, 2025

• *Preschool 6:30 - 7:00 ~ Click this Link to Join Zoom Meeting; Student turns 3 by August 31, 2025; *Some students are identified with needs during the school year as they turn 3.

• Wednesday, January 22 - Early Steps In-Person Visiting Day @1 Concord St. Watertown ~ 2:45 - 3:45 PM (for parents/guardians of prospective students entering Preschool or PreK in the fall of 2025)

3. Please enjoy the Early Steps Brochure providing more information.

After the January 14th Virtual Information Night on Zoom, if you have further questions, please contact my Admin Assistant, Tricia D’Amelio @ tricia.damelio@watertown.k12.ma.us for assistance.

Kind regards,

Dr. Theresa McGuinness

Principal

The Watertown Free Public Library is seeking community input to guide their 2026–28 Strategic Plan, and all community members are invited to participate in the Library's 2025 user survey! The Watertown Library would love to hear from you and your input is greatly valued! The survey is made available online in English, Portguguese, and Spanish. Paper surveys in English, Español, Português, Kreyol Ayisyen, Русский, 中文, and العربية are available at the Library’s first floor Circulation Desk. The Library appreciates your participation in helping guide its future!

Find the survey at watertownlib.org/survey.

NEW STUDENT 2025-2026 Kindergarten info night will take place on Wednesday, March 5th, from 6:30-7:30 pm. It will be an in person event. Caregivers should attend the information session at their respective neighborhood school. Lowell will host in the Learning Commons. All are welcome to attend. More information will follow.

Reserve Now for the 25th Annual Watertown Unity Breakfast!

Get your ticket at https://watertownunitybreakfast.eventbrite.com

World in Watertown is thrilled to invite you to the 25th annual Watertown Unity Breakfast on January 20, 2025 from 8:30-11am!

This year will be in-person at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 25 Bigelow Ave, Watertown.

A hot breakfast from Wicked Bagel will be served at 8:30 am followed by music, roundtable conversations, student essays, and the presentation of the Unity Award.

Every year, the community in Watertown, Massachusetts, comes together on Martin Luther King Day to honor his life and civil right legacy by recommitting to foundational principles of racial, social and economic justice.

All ages are welcome to attend the event! The suggested donation for adult attendees is $10-$25. Youth 18 and under and those experiencing financial difficulty are welcome to attend for free.

Childcare is available for children 2-10 years of age. Please register for childcare as an "add-on." Children are also welcome to attend the main program.

ASL interpretation and CART will be available, sponsored by the Watertown Disability Commission. To request additional accommodations, email worldinwatertowncity@gmail.com.

The Watertown Unity Breakfast is run by World in Watertown and sponsors this year include the Watertown Community Foundation, Watertown Savings Bank, and Point32Health Foundation. Special thanks to the Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church for the use of their community space and to Wicked Bagel for providing breakfast.

We are excited to be gathering together and celebrating our community. Get more information and watch videos of previous year’s at unitybreakfast.org.

J.R. Lowell Elementary School

123 Lowell Ave.

Watertown, Ma 02472

Phone: 1-617-926-7770

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JRLowellElementary

Website: https://watertownjrlowell.ss19.sharpschool.com/

Principal: Stacy Phelan

stacy.phelan@watertown.k12.ma.us

Assistant Principal: Tara Rufo

tara.rufo@watertown.k12.ma.us

Administrative Assistant: Kara Flynn

kara.flynn@watertown.k12.ma.us

Receptionist: Jim Swift

james.swift@watertown.k12.ma.us

Nurse: Kristen Thibodeau

kristen.thibodeau@watertown.k12.ma.us

Guidance Pre-K - 2: Melina Jacovides

melina.jacovides@watertown.k12.ma.us

Guidance 3-5: Brian Connors

brian.connors@watertown.k12.ma.us

School Psychologist: Kelley Starrett

kelley.cochrane@watertown.k12.ma.us

Special Education Team Chair: Greg Roberts

gregory.roberts@watertown.k12.ma.us

LEDP Site Coordinator: Adam Vachon

adam.vachon@watertown.k12.ma.us