Friday, December 18, 2015

Update 12.18...

Good morning,

I hope that this holiday season is filled with memorable moments with family and friends!  Your children continue to bring great joy to us, and we are so grateful to have the opportunity to work with them each day!


New Elementary Report Cards

Today parents of children in grades 1-5 will be receiving their child’s report card for the fall term. As a reminder, this year we are piloting new report cards in these grade levels. These report cards have been revised so that they are more closely aligned to state standards, as well as giving parents more information about their child’s progress. A report card revision committee was developed with representative teachers from each of the grade levels during the 2014-15 school year. The committee sought input from parents, teachers, administrators and the school committee. In addition, they looked at recently updated models from other communities. After many rounds of revisions, new report cards have been created for this year. For more information about these report cards, please click on the link to see an informational video: https://goo.gl/yTII2c

This school year will serve as a pilot year, to help determine what changes are needed in order to have a finalized report card in place for the 2016-2017 school year. Please take the time to complete the following survey to help inform the report card committee: http://goo.gl/forms/5O7GEAfQg1
Also look for an additional survey, which will be conducted later this year. The report card revision committee looks forward to your feedback!

Lost and Found

We have MANY treasures in our lobby that are unclaimed.  Please be sure to look to see if any belong to your children.  All items left in the bin will be donated after the holidays.  

Dismissal

Many students are being picked up well after the second bell.  For the safety of your children please be sure to be prompt at dismissal time.  We appreciate your support.





Teamwork!

Making the Most of Our Time Together!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving

11/23/15

I am grateful to be part of this dynamic community, and I want to thank you for your many contributions!  I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 13, 2015

Week in Review 11.13...

November 13, 2015

The votes have been counted, and I am thrilled to announce that we are now the Muraco Wizards with school colors of red and black.  Students in the fifth grade were invited to design a logo, and all entries were due today.  We will be unveiling the winner next week!  Our Muraco Spirit attire is going to be stunning!

MESPA:  I want to extend a big THANK YOU to the many MESPA volunteers who make our students' experiences at Muraco richer and more memorable.  Tonight the students have the opportunity to attend the Fall Festival, which is sure to be a fun filled night!  Ann Connelly and Andria Bagley have been working tirelessly to make this event one the students won't soon forget!  I also want to thank the room parents for their work in organizing classroom celebrations.  I am always awed, and a bit jealous, of the creativity that is demonstrated!

Student Council:  We had our first meeting on Thursday.  Representatives from grades 3-5 came bursting with pride in our school!  They have many ideas to make our great school greater.  They decided that our first spirit day would celebrate the "Super Powers" in each of us.  On Friday, December 4th, all members of the community are encouraged to wear attire that demonstrates their talent, or they may wear something that features their favorite Superhero.

School Advisory Council:  I am delighted to announce that Lori Stalteri (Library Media Specialist), Melissa Testa (K Teacher), Victoria Kiaer (Parent), Nian Sun (Parent), Manish Bansal (Parent), and Caren Connelly (community rep.) have volunteered to serve on this committee.  We had our first meeting last week, and we began to discuss how to enrich our students experiences in science and math.  You will be receiving more information in January.

Tech Night:  will be held this Thursday, November 19th, from 6-7:30 at the McCall Middle School.  This is a wonderful opportunity to see how students in the district across the grade levels are using technology to enhance their learning experiences.  Muraco will be well represented.  Students in Mrs. Fagner's and Ms. Stalteri's classes will be showcasing their work with blogs and Explain Everything.  



Teamwork at its Best!

Second Grade Students Sharing Their Thinking!

Friday, October 30, 2015

A Week in Review 10.30...

October 30, 2105

The full moon and the excitement of Halloween had our students running on all cylinders!  We channeled their energy, and they had another productive week of learning!


Our third grade students went back in time when they visited Plimouth Plantation.  This hands on experience made history come alive for our historians.  Pumpkins were a popular tool used in many science, math, and writing lessons.  Our young mathematicians estimated the weight and number of seeds in a variety of pumpkins, our scientist made observations and recorded their findings in their journals, and the Halloween season was an inspiration for our writers!  

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped to make our students' Halloween celebrations memorable!

Does the pumpkin sink or float?
Halloween Parade!
Trip Back in Time!
Exploring the Fells!

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Sunday, October 18, 2015

A Look Ahead Week of 10.18...

We are gearing up for another busy week at Muraco!  

Teachers, and in many cases students, have been preparing for these goal setting conferences by reflecting on individual learning profiles and looking at student work.  Your child's teacher is looking forward to collaborating with you to create meaningful goals that will take your child to his/her next level of excellence.

Be sure to check out the Book Fair, which won't be hard to miss given our new location in the front lobby.  I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to Jess Klau for chairing this event.  She has been working closely with Lori Stalteri and several volunteers to ensure that this year's fair is a success!  All profits from the Book Fair go directly to our library.

Books may be purchased during Parent Conference Days: 
  • October 21 and 22 from 8:15 to 9:00 AM, and 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM 
  • Friday, October 23 from 8:15 to 9:00 AM and 12:00 to 2:30 PM.


New Elementary Report Cards
This year, we are excited to announce that all of the district’s elementary schools will be piloting new report cards in grades 1-5. These report cards have been revised so that they are more closely aligned to state standards as well as giving parents more information about their child’s progress. A report card revision committee was developed with representative teachers from each of the grade levels during the 2014-15 school year. The committee sought input from parents, teachers, administrators and the school committee. In addition, they looked at recently updated models from other communities. After many rounds of revisions, new report cards have been created for the upcoming year. This school year will serve as a pilot year, as additional surveys will be conducted during the implementation of the pilot to help determine what changes are needed in order to have a finalized report card in place for the 2016-2017 school year. We look forward to your feedback! For more information about these report cards, please click on the link to see an informational video: https://goo.gl/yTII2c


The Multicultural Fair was great fun!  Many, many thanks to Oksana Carnes and her team of volunteers for their efforts in making this evening one to remember! 

Serving Up Delicious Food at the Mulitcultural Fair!

Fun Evening with Friends!

Friday, October 16, 2015

A Week in Review 10.19...

Our students continue to work hard, and as a result, they are shining!

Mulitcultural Fair:  Oksana Carnes and a group of volunteers have been working overtime to make Saturday night's celebration of cultures one to remember.  You won't want to miss seeing many of our students perform dances and sampling food from all around the world!  The Fair will be held in our gym on Saturday evening from 5pm-7pm.  We look forward to seeing you there!

DATA:  Please be sure to call or email Lori Mckinney at: lmckinney@winchesterps.org if your contact information has changed, phone and email addresses.  It is essential that we have accurate information in the event of an emergency.

Have a wonderful weekend!




Fourth Grade Gardeners!

Second Grade Bloggers!

Third Grade Active Readers!






















































































































Friday, October 9, 2015

A Week in Review 10.9.15

It was another week filled with meaningful and purposeful learning!  I have shared some of the highlights.  Enjoy!


On Wednesday staff participated in a wide array of workshops, too many to name.  Some of our staff collaborated with their colleagues to look at their math and writing practices and to plan instruction to best meet the needs of their students.  We have many staff members who are currently taken a course on co teaching, which is being led by the Assistant Superintendent, Jen Elineema, and the Director of Special Education, Pam Giourad.  Participants in this course worked on gaining a deeper understanding of best practices in the co teaching model by sharing ideas and experiences in their classrooms.  Time spent discussing teaching and learning has a direct impact in our students, and we cherish this time together!

Staff Update: Andrea Phelan, grade 3 teacher, will be assuming the role of the Interim Assistant Principal of the Lynch School. Andrea's experience in the classroom and in leadership roles will serve her well as she embarks on this new challenge. Andrea will be missed in our community, but it is comforting to know that students in Winchester will continue to benefit!

I am delighted to announce that Lauren Cooper will be joining the third grade team. Lauren has taught in grades kindergarten, first, and third in Lowell. Presently, she is completing her Master's degree in reading and works at Lynch as an ISS. I know that you will join me in welcoming her to our community.

Enjoy the long weekend!



Interactive Read Aloud in Kindergarten!


Breakfast Club!
Healthy Start to the Day!


Monday, September 21, 2015

Curriculum Night Schedule

Curriculum Night
Thursday, October 1

You are invited!  

5:30: Melissa Testa's Class
5:45: General Presentation in the gym (K and Grade 1)
6:00: Kindergarten and Grade 1
6:30:  General Presentation in the gym (Grades 2-5)
7:00:  Grades 4 and 5
7:30: Grades 2 and 3

The purpose of Curriculum Night is for parents to meet the teachers, to learn about routines and expectations, and to gain a better understanding of the units of study at your child's grade level. In addition to your classroom visit, I would like to invite you to the gym for a general meeting. I'll highlight some of the curriculum and report card changes that have been made to better align with the standards. 

CHANGE: In the past we have combined the Book Fair with this evening. We have moved the Book Fair to the week of conferences with the hope of making both events less stressful!

We look forward to meeting with you.

Friday, September 11, 2015

First Week

Our first week of school was a great success!  Classroom communities are well on their way to being established.  Classroom Charters are being created, and I have to say it was quite impressive to hear your children articulate how they want to feel when they are in the classroom. Our students are well on their way to becoming confident, independent thinkers and learners. We feel very fortunate to have the privilege to work with your children!

Many thanks for ensuring that your children arrived to school on time!  I encourage you to continue with this good practice as it has a positive impact on your child and their classmates.

I wish all of our families who will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah a Happy New Year!

Friendly Reminders
  • There is no school on Monday in observance of Rosh Hashanah.  
  • When there is a red flag at the front of the school, all students will line up inside the building.
  • Please be sure to pack a healthy snack each day for your child.  They work hard, and they are always eager to indulge in a mid morning snack.




Second Grade Students Practicing their Phonics Chants!

Fourth Grade Students are Determining how they Learn Best

Kindergarten Students Sharing a Good Book!


Mrs. McDonough's Class Creating Their Charter

Monday, September 7, 2015

Welcome Back!

September 7, 2015


It was nice to see so many of you at the picnic last week!  I always enjoy seeing the big smiles on the faces of my young friends when they connect with their classmates they haven’t seen in a while, and hearing about their summer adventures!


Now, it is time to officially welcome all of you to the 2015/2016 school year.  The staff has been working hard behind the scenes to create a warm, welcoming environment for our students, and we are eager to kick off the start of the new year!


Below you’ll find important information that will help to make our transition back to school a smooth one.


I look forward to working with you to make this year the best one ever!


Google Calendar:  Stay updated by viewing the Muraco Open House calendar.  It can be found on our website and this blog.


Upcoming Events:
Welcome Back Coffee: Beginning at 8:30 in the Gym
Tuesday, September 8th
Wednesday, September 9th


  • Tuesday, September 8th, and Wednesday, September 9th, students will be dismissed at 11:30.
  • Thursday, September 10th, and Friday, September 11th are full days.
  • Rosh Hashanah: Monday, September 14th, Day Off
  • Photo Day:  Wednesday, September 16th
  • Yom Kippur:  Wednesday, September 23rd, Day Off


On Tuesday your child will bring home the following forms in their backpack:


  • Two-sided Student Information Sheet: Please read carefully and make corrections.  Complete the health form on the back of the sheet.  Return no later than Friday, September 18th. It is critical that this information remain accurate.  Please keep us updated of any changes made during the school y
  • Use of Student Information and Images for Educational Purposes: It is important that this form be completed and returned to school.  This information will be kept in your child's records.  Please return the form to your child's classroom teacher no later than Friday, September 18th.
  • KINDERGARTEN and NEW FAMILIES ONLY:  Point of Sales (POS) information sheet: Your child’s pin number is on this sheet.  Please help your child remember their number.
  • GRADE 1 – 5 FAMILIES:  If your child forgot their pin number, please contact Mrs. McKinney in the office.
  • Photo Order Form: Pictures will be taken on Wednesday, September 16th
  • Free and Reduced Guidelines
  • If you plan on chaperoning field trips, please be sure to come to the office to complete a CORI.


Staff Update:
Since my last update, we hired two more staff members.  I am pleased to announce that Melissa Morris and Marcy Solomon will be supporting students in grades 2 and 3 in their roles as teaching assistants. Emily Martin has joined the kindergarten team as an ADK aide. She'll be lending a hand in Mrs. Testa's room. I know that you will join me in welcoming them to our community.


ADK Families:
Please be sure that you have sent your tuition payment to Nancy Clark at Central Office.  If you have any questions, please contact her at (781) 721-7001.


Arrival/Dismissal:
To ensure the safety of your children and a timely arrival, please adhere to the following procedures:
  • Supervision begins at 8:10.  It is critical that students do not arrive to school before there is supervision.
  • To help maximize time on learning please be sure that your child arrives to school on time.


  • First Bell:  8:25 – Students will begin to enter the building
  • Second Bell: 8:30 – Classes begin


  • The side parking lot is for staff only.
  • ALL students will line up by class on the hard top in the back of the school.
  • A red flag placed at the front of the school will be the signal for students to line up indoors.
    • When the RED FLAG is out front students in kindergarten, first grade, and Mrs. Fagner and Mrs. Webber’s classes will line up in the front lobby.
    • Students in Mrs. Smith and Ms. Goldman’s classes, and all students in grades 3-5 will line up in the gym.
  • Students who arrive AFTER the first bell, at 8:25, should enter through the front lobby.
  • Students who arrive by bus will line up in the back of the school.
  • To ensure the students’ safety parents will not be allowed inside during arrival and dismissal times.
  • After arrivals and dismissals, all doors are locked.
  • For your child’s safety and peace of mind, please make arrangements before arriving to school and for him/her to be picked up promptly at dismissal.


Parking and Car Safety:
  • Use only the front parking lot for pick up and drop off.  Moving traffic into and out of the side staff parking lot is extremely dangerous during these times due to the number of students walking.
  • Do not park in restricted areas.
  • Do not park around the rotary in the front of the school as it impedes all traffic flow.
  • Parents who are dropping off or picking up students will form a single line at the front of the school.
  • Drivers MUST remain in their vehicles.  
  • To make this procedure most efficient and manageable, students should enter  and exit from the passenger side between the STOP sign and ALL along the sidewalk.
  • Teach your child/children to wait for you on the sidewalk. No child is allowed to cross the parking lot to reach a car.
  • Turn off your car engine if you arrive early at dismissal time and are waiting in line.  This will reduce the presence of harmful fumes.
  • Between the hours of 8:00 AM-9:00 AM and 2:00 PM-3:00 PM all drivers must turn RIGHT from Bates Rd. onto Washington St. after leaving the parking lot to alleviate traffic jams.  


Student Handbook:
Please be sure to check out the student handbook on the website.


Friendly reminders:


Snacks:
Each day students have an opportunity to have a morning snack, and our young friends work up quite the appetite! We encourage you to pack a healthy snack, which can easily and neatly be consumed. Thank you for your support!


Food in Classrooms:
During the school day, all elementary schools will require that parties and celebrations be food free. Food will not be used as a reward or incentive for any student. Children are not allowed to share snacks or food with each other, either in school, on the bus, or at school sponsored events such as Field Trips.


Lunch:
Children may bring lunch from home or may purchase lunch through the school lunch program.  Elementary school lunch cost is $3.00, milk $0.60, water $0.85, and a la-carte $1.25.


You can deposit money into your child’s lunch account with a check, made payable to Winchester School Lunch, or cash, delivered to the school on the first three mornings of school from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. During the school year deposits can be made at school on Monday mornings from 8:00-9:00 am.   You can also pay anytime online at www.payforit.net.  NOTE: There is currently a 5.75% transaction fee for depositing money into accounts online.



Slushies Make it ALL Good!

Catching up with Friends!

Just chilling!