Dear Muraco Families,
Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year! The start of a school year signals new beginnings, and are filled with many hopes and wishes! I look forward to hearing about your children's summer adventures, and of course, seeing their back to school wardrobes that they wear so proudly. I also look forward to working with you to fulfill children’s hopes.
While Steve and Dave were working hard on cleaning and maintaining the interior of the building, a crew was busy laying a new black top for our play area behind the school. The students are going to be thrilled to play ball on a level surface!
This summer the staff has enjoyed some well deserved rest and relaxation, but they have also participated in many professional development opportunities. Many participated in courses and workshops on differentiation of instruction, co-teaching, English Language Learners, and technology just to name a few.
Research shows that collaboration between general and special educators benefits the quality of instruction and supports for all students. They are eager to plan, teach lessons, share instructional strategies, and monitor the progress of all students.
This year we will expand the highly effective co-teaching model. Teachers in Grades 2-5 will be working together to best meet the needs of our students.
Grade 2: Mrs. Christina Fagner and Mrs. Alison Delory
Grade 3: Mrs. Christina Ulacco, Mrs. Lauren Cooper and Mrs. Lynn Mazzocchi
Grade 4: Mrs. Chrissy Capodanno, Ms. Jennifer Lassins and Ms. Denise Clements
Grade 5: Mrs. Jennifer Dumas, Ms. Caitlin Fay and Ms. Paige Sheldon
We are a collaborative learning community, and as a group of educators we understand the power of a team! We look forward to strengthen our partnership with you. It is your support that makes your child’s hopes and dreams possible. Here is to the best year ever!
Staffing Update:
Carren Webber, second grade teacher, made the decision to retire, effectively immediately. Carren was a member of the Muraco community for the past 17 years, and she will be missed. We wish her much happiness and good health as she begins her next chapter.
I am thrilled to announce that Vicki Gerry will be the new grade 2 teacher. She has been busy this past week! She participated in the new teacher orientation, met and collaborated with members of her Muraco team, and worked countless hours to set up a warm, welcoming learning environment for her students. I know that you will join me in giving her a warm, Muraco welcome.
State Primary: will be held this Thursday, our first day of lunch. Lunch will be served in the front hallway, and students will be eating in the classrooms. I share because this change can cause anxiety for some, especially the kindergarten and first grade students. For parents with younger students I would encourage you to pack a lunch for your child on the first day, but understand this is a suggestion.
MESPA:
Sarah Brown is this year’s MESPA President, and she and several other parent volunteers have been working hard to coordinate activities and programs that broaden our students’ thinking and strengthen our home/school connection. Our students benefit tremendously from the efforts of this dedicated group of parents, and it our hope that more parents will consider lending a hand. If you would like to learn how you can volunteer or you have a question regarding a MESPA event, please feel free to contact Sara at: sara.brown123@hotmail.com
Important Notices:
On Tuesday your child will bring home the following forms in their backpack:
Please return the Student Information Sheet and Health form no later than Friday, September 16th. It is critical that this information remain accurate. Please keep us updated of any changes made during the school year.
Student Information Sheet: Please read carefully and make corrections.
Health Update Form
Point of Sales (POS) Information Sheet: Discusses the NEW POS system, NUTRIKIDS. Your child’s pin number is on this sheet. Please help your child remember their number.
Free and Reduced Guidelines can be found on the District website
If you plan on chaperoning field trips, please be sure to come to the office to complete a CORI.
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) 721-0080.
Arrival/Dismissal:
To ensure the safety of your children and a timely arrival, please adhere to the following procedures:
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, and second grades will line up in the front lobby.
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 be escorted to the back of the school by a staff member.
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:
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. Vehicles should be put in park before allowing children to exit 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.
Some 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 four 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. You can register free at: www.MySchoolBucks.com. The notice that will go home on Tuesday gives much more information regarding this feature.
Save the Dates:
Welcome Back Coffee: Beginning at 8:30 in the Gym
Learn about some changes: Recess/Lunch, Student Data System, Website...
Wednesday, September 6th
Thursday, September 7th
Curriculum Night:
The purpose of Curriculum Night is for parents to meet the teacher and learn about routines and expectations. In addition to your classroom visit, I would like to invite you to the gym where I will speak about some of the highlights and changes for this year. We look forward to meeting with you. More details will follow as we get closer to these dates.
