Staffing Update

April 26, 2016

Because of a decrease in enrollment, we will be going from 21 to 20 classroom sections.  This means that we will have:

• 3 sections: Kindergarten
• 3 sections:  First Grade
• 3 sections:  Second Grade
• 3 sections:  Third Grade
• 4 sections:  Fourth Grade
• 4 sections:  Fifth Grade

At the end of this year, several staff members will begin new chapters in their lives, so there will be many changes in our community.  

Pam Saba, assistant principal/PE teacher/Wellness Director, will be retiring at the end of this year.  Pam has worn many hats during her tenure in the Winchester Public Schools, and in each role she has left a lasting impression.  We will miss her warm smile and her commitment to do whatever it takes to meet students’ needs.

Ellen Souris, grade 3 teacher, will be retiring after 36 years of teaching.  Throughout the years Ellen worked hard to connect with her students, and as a result, they were eager to show their best self in all parts of their day.  Ellen was so very proud to be part of our community and her compassion will be greatly missed.

Mindy Davin, social worker, has resigned.  Mindy has played an integral role in developing the Partnership Program, which is in its third year.  Her passion for what she does and her ability to connect with her students and their families will be greatly missed.

Andrea Phelan, grade 3 teacher, was named Assistant Principal to Lynch School.  Andrea has been an interim Assistant Principal at Lynch since October; how lucky for Lynch!  Her dedication and commitment to her students and their families and her craft were notable.  We will miss her positive energy and strong work ethic!

Christina Ulacco:  will be leaving the kindergarten team to join the third grade team.  Christina is excited to take on this new challenge, and the third grade team is eager to work with her.

Leah Ferullo, grade 5 teacher, will be taking a one year leave of absence to complete her Doctorate program.  

Dina Smith, grade 2 teacher, is expecting her first child in July.  She has decided to take a year’s leave of absence to spend time with her baby.  

Liz Orfanos, special education teacher, is also expecting her first child in June, and she has made the decision to take a one year leave of absence.   

I know that you join me in wishing these members of our community all the best!

If you would like to be on one of the hiring committees, please contact me.

Best,

Laurie

April is Autism Awareness Month and Saturday, April 2nd was World Autism Awareness Day. Groups and buildings around the world Lit It Up Blue by wearing blue or putting up blue lights to raise awareness.  Winchester is hosting the 4th annual "Light It Up Blue" event on Thursday, April 7.  There will be a lighting ceremony at Winchester Town Common at 7:00 p.m. that evening.  We invite all of our students to wear blue to school on Thursday, April 7.

Placement Information:

In the next couple of months we will be starting the process of placing students for next year. Please know that a tremendous amount of time and thought goes into student placement.  The Muraco staff works tirelessly to meet the needs of all students.

      

Our goal is that each child's placement is thoughtfully considered.  To best meet the needs of each child, we will be doing placement in the following manner: we will consider teachers' suggestions, past school experiences, academic and social/emotional achievement, and input from support staff, as well as input from you, should you choose to offer it.

      What would you like us to know about your child (his/her learning style, social/emotional characteristics, or any additional considerations) that you feel should be factored into the placement process? Specific teacher requests will not be honored.  If you would like to express your thoughts about your child's style of learning, please send a letter or an email to me by Friday, April 15.  

    Thank you for being committed to your child's education! We look forward to a great finish this year and to a wonderful 2016-2017 school year.

Best,

Laurie Kirby

Friendly Reminders

To assist us with our planning for next year please:

• Complete and return Kindergarten registration packets as soon as possible.   
• Contact Lori McKinney if you will be moving at the end of this school year.

Update 3.21

March 21, 2106

WFEE’s Bids for Kids auction ends tonight, Monday the 21st, at midnight. Muraco’s teachers are offering some great experiences including a chance to learn some tap dancing, a spring garden party and private art lessons. Lots more at the site www.biddingforgood.com/wfeebidsforkids - I hope you have the chance to participate.

MCAS:  Our students in grades three, four, and five will soon participate in the annual standardized testing program, Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).  This particular year (2016) is considered a transitional year for these assessments.  The State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has determined that for 2017 and beyond, students will participate in a newly revised assessment system called MCAS 2.0.  At this time, there is limited information regarding the MCAS 2.0 testing assessment.  Once these details are revealed, they will be shared.

With 2016 being a transitional testing year, students in grades three, four, and five will continue to participate in MCAS testing in both March/April and May.  However, the State Department has added some practice test items to the standard MCAS assessment in order to prepare students for the newly revised assessments beginning in 2017 and beyond.    

The revisions made to the assessment consist of a limited number of practice items in both the math and English Language Arts (ELA) assessment.  Please note that for the ELA assessment, a small portion of the newly introduced practice items will be presented in a 60 minute timed session.

In the fall, the scores from the MCAS portion will be scored and reported to both home and school in the usual manner.  The scores from the newly introduced practice test items will be reported as a standalone reporting category separate from the MCAS scores and reporting.  The practice test items will not be factored into students’ MCAS performance.

The continued objective of this assessment is for students to have an opportunity to demonstrate their day-to-day learning.  Each is well-prepared and ready to show off his/her many, many skills!

Mrs. Andella performed a solo at Community Meeting!

Students in third grade shared original St. Patrick's Day poems.

A young scientist shares his expertise on tornadoes!

Don't Miss Out...

WFEE Bids for Kids

A trip to Dave and Busters, a private art lesson or maybe an afternoon of sports with me and Mrs. Saba. Sound like fun? These are a few of the teacher led experiences included in the WFEE Bids for Kids online auction that opens today. There are lots more experiences available, even a chance for a parent/child cooking class. Everything is listed at www.biddingforgood.com/wfeebidsforkids . Everyone who bids today will automatically be entered into a raffle to win a Chromebook that converts to a tablet.

K-2 Concert

I am excited to inform you that the annual concert for kindergarten, first, and second grade students will be taking place on April 6th, at the Lincoln Elementary School from 6pm-6:40pm. Students should arrive no later than 5:45pm. Information about appropriate concert attire to follow. Your young musicians are excited to showcase their hard work! 

Thanks,

Dan Htoo-Levine

Friendly Reminders

• To make our drop off and pick procedures most efficient and manageable, students should enter  and exit from the passenger side between the STOP sign and ALL along the sidewalk. 
• 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.  

Spring is coming!  Thank you, Jannene!

Technology Series

February 22, 2016

I am delighted to announce this unique science/technology opportunity for our students in grades 3-5. Nian Sun, scientist and parent of a fifth grade student, has graciously offered to organize a series of science workshops that will spark the curiosity of our young scientists.

Where: Muraco Gym
When: 2 Mondays each month, March - June. Below please find the schedule and topics.
Time: 2:35pm - 4:30pm

• March 7: Magic of Magnestism
• March 21: Motors
• April 4: Brain Controlled Race Cars
• April 25: QR Code
• May 9: Color Changing Chemical Reaction
• May 23: Quadcopter
• June 6: PC Building
• June 20: Battery

*********************************************************************************

• Students in grades 3-5 are eligible to participate.
• Maximum of 20 students
• Participation is FREE!

 PLEASE see details below on how to register:

• Participants will be chosen based on a lottery, with siblings grouped together.
• If you have any questions about program participation, please contact Nian Sun at: nian.sun@gmail.com or me.
• Please note: Nurse is not on duty during these workshops.  If a child may need an Epipen or inhaler, either child must be able to administer himself, or guardian must be present during the workshops.
• To participate in the lottery, please complete the form at this link, Click Here BY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29TH.   
• Parents will be notified whether their child has been enrolled or wait listed by March 2nd.  

Muraco Happenings 2.12...

Our Hats off to Literacy Day was a great success!  As always, your children's creations exceeded my expectations.  Thank you for your support!

I hope that the February break is filled with good times!

Second and Fourth Grade Students Share their Valentine Poems!

KICK START THE DAY with BOKS!

Registration is now open for the Spring 2016 BOKS session!

BOKS is a before school exercise program that aims to give kids a body and brain boost to set them up for a day of learning. The program is sponsored by Reebok and run by parent volunteers.  

Each class offers students time for free play, group exercise or races, and a choice of sporting games or other physical activities. Classes will meet on Thursday mornings from 7:30am – 8:10am in the Muraco School Gym (or outdoors, weather permitting), beginning on March 3rd and running through April 28th.  **All students in grades K-5 are eligible to participate.

Participation is FREE, but donations are appreciated and support purchasing equipment and other supplies.

Come join in the fun during this session!  PLEASE see details below on how to register:

§         Participants will be chosen based on a lottery, with siblings grouped together.

§         We welcome new volunteers!  Volunteers’ children are guaranteed a spot in the program.  NO prior coaching experience or training is required. Parents/guardians must volunteer at least 4 times per session. Really. YOU can do this!

§         If you have any questions about program participation or becoming a volunteer, please contact Shelley Ayervais at sayervais@yahoo.com.

§         More information is available at bokskids.org, or check out this local NPR story on BOKS.

§         Please note: Nurse is not on duty during BOKS.  If a child may need an Epipen or inhaler, either child must be able to administer himself, or guardian must be present during class.

To participate in the lottery, please visit the BOKS page on the MESPA website by CLICKING HERE and register by February 24^th.   

Parents will be notified whether their child has been enrolled or waitlisted by February 29^th.  Registration link will be emailed to parents at that time. 

Upcoming Events

January 29, 2016

Grades 3-5 Winter Concert

Our concert is this Monday, February 1st, in the Lincoln auditorium! The performance will begin at 6pm, and students should arrive at 5:45. Performers should be wearing their concert attire. Please remind your students that sweats and t-shirts with logos on them should not be worn to the concert. Your young musicians are eager to showcase their hard work. We are looking forward to a fun night!

Hats Off to Literacy Day 

The Student Council is encouraging ALL members of our community to celebrate Literacy by designing a hat that reflects a favorite: book, character, author, genre, scene...  Trophies will be given for the most creative, crazy, and elegant hats. Below please find a link to a trailer that the Student Council made to advertise our special day.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_vBVq1KKsd3VlNSd0NUR2pfMjA/view?usp=sharing

Friendly Reminders

• School begins at 8:30.  Please promote good habits by having your students arrive to school on time.  
• If you are in the car pick up line at the end of day, please remain in the driver's seat and adhere to the idling law, which mandates that 

Thank you for your contributions to MESPA.  As a result of your donations our students have had many enriching experiences that brought the curriculum to life!  

Students Enjoyed a Concert by Ball in the House!

Third Grade Students Learning about Sound!

First Grade Students Loved Learning More about Weather!