Week in Review 4.17

April 17, 2015

It was another busy week at Muraco.  During Authorfest our students had the opportunity to learn how writers go from an idea to a published piece; Students in k-2 showcased their musical talents, much to the delight of their families; the first grade students went to a puppet show in Brookline; and the fifth grade students met with Mr. Goncalves, the McCall principal, to begin their transition to middle school. These are just a few of the MANY activities that our students participated in this week.

Safety Drill:

Today we had a lock down drill, and our students did exceptionally well.  It will be our practice to have a few lock down drills during the year, much like our routine for fire drills.  This will help our students feel more comfortable with the protocols.

Your child may come home and share their experience with you, so I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of our protocols.

• As you may remember, last spring there was a district wide parent presentation introducing  best practices of lock downs.  This researched based program is named ALICE. 
• The staff has been trained in the ALICE procedures/protocols. 
• Students know that we are practicing our plan in the UNLIKELY event an incident of this magnitude occurs.
• Prior to today's drill, students discussed how to respond to all types of incidents. We emphasize the importance of remaining silent.  This will ensure that they hear the directions given by the adult(s) in charge.
• In the near future each classroom will be visiting established rally points.  Should there ever be a time when students are required to leave school grounds, the students will know to go to these locations. In the event of this scenario the town's Public Safety Officers will know to check these locations.

I wish you all a wonderful vacation! 

Best,

Laurie

Second Grade Shows their Talent!

The Kindergarten students have rRhythm!

Ms. Lassins' Fourth Grade Students Explain the Meta-Moment to their K Buddies!

Ralph Masiello Captivates his First Grade Audience with his Tales!

You are Invited...

Kindergarten Registration: 

The deadline for kindergarten students entering this September was Friday, March 20, 2015.   If you have not registered, please do so at your earliest convenience. Completed registration materials should be dropped off or mailed to Muraco.

Based on the town census, registration packets were mailed to all families with children eligible for kindergarten in 2015.  To be eligible for kindergarten children must be five on or by September 1, 2015.  There are no exceptions to this policy.

If you have not received a packet or if you have any questions regarding the registration process, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Family Literacy Morning:  On Thursday, June 11, beginning at 8:45, we are inviting you to come visit your child's classroom to get a glimpse of what happens during the literacy block.  The reading specialists and the library media specialist will also be leading workshops.  More details will come as we get closer to the date.

Grades 3-5 concert will be an outdoor affair.  It will take place behind the school on Monday, June 15, beginning at 9:00.  More details will be coming as we get closer to the performance.

Instrumental Lessons:  To accommodate MCAS testing the times for next week's lessons, April 1, have been adjusted.  All brass, percussion and woodwind students will meet at 7:45,  Band will meet after school at the regular time.

Grade 5 Moving on Ceremony:  will be held on Wednesday, June 24, at 6:00.

All Muraco events can be found on the Muraco Open House calendar.  The link can be found on this blog and our website.

The Results are in....

Today's belated Pi Day celebration will be one that we will always remember!  The Student Council wowed the audience with their persuasive arguments on the value of Pi/Pie. All members of the community voted, and Pi won with 227 votes.  It was a close race with PIE receiving 173 votes.

Mr. McMahon was the winner of the pie eating contest. He beat his competition by eating a POUND of apple Pie in 90 seconds.  Ayan Ghosh, a fourth grade student, calculated that if Mr. McMahon ate at the same rate for 24 hours he would gain 960 pounds!   

Enjoy some scenes and a video from this morning's meeting.

Kate and Grace sang an original Irish rap!

Moments before the Big Debate!

Student Council Members making their Case.

Preparing for Pie Eating Contest!

Sneak Peek at the Week...

Pi/Pie Day At Muraco
Friday, March 20th

Did you know that: 

• March 14th, is Pi Day and this year was extra special with a once-in-a-century twist. Yesterday's date, 3-14-15, was the same as the first five digits of pi: 3.141592653.

• The ancient Egyptians are believed to have eaten pies filled with figs or dates 3,000 years ago. 

In honor of Pi Day the Student Council will be debating the value of pi and pie at our community meeting on Friday. Once both sides have shared their arguments the audience will have an opportunity to cast their vote.  It should be quite the debate! 

The Student Council is encouraging all members of the community to come sporting a symbol which represents their favorite pi/pie.  

Creative Writing Challenge

by Matthew Quealy (Grade 5 Student)

The Muraco Messenger is holding a writing competition for students in all grades. The winner will have their writing piece published in the next edition of the Muraco Messenger!  All entries must be received by Friday, March 20. The winner will be announced Monday, March 23. The grand prize is a gift card generously donated by BookEnds, Winchester's favorite bookstore. Feel free to write with a friend.

The writing prompt is: You wake up in the year 3000. What is life like? How does the world look?   

Drop your work off at the library or email it to Ms. Stalteri at lstalteri@winchesterps.org.  

Have fun and good luck!!!

Kate sharing her expertise Tech Night!

Week in Review 2.28

Finally, a five day week, and it was a great one!  

I want to thank you all for your patience and flexibility during this incredibly challenging winter.  Our new car pick up routine at dismissal is improving by the day.  All students are safely loaded into the cars in about 13 minutes!  Your cooperation makes all the difference.

Enjoy the weekend!

Hats off to Literacy:  In honor of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday and to celebrate our love of reading, the Student Council is encouraging all members of our community to decorate a hat that reflects a favorite book, scene, character, or author.  This special Spirit Day will be next Friday, March 6th.  It will be a great literary feast!

Follow Ms. Gualtieri on Twitter at:  https://twitter.com/muracoart  You will marvel at what your children are creating!

Fun on the Snow Days:  See how some of our Muraco Families managed the snow!  A special thanks to Ms. Staltari for creating this special slideshow.  https://animoto.com/play/1yIJY0ivsUysglfqaV470A

Health Room update and reminder dates: February 2015

Pediculosis:  Please continue to check your child’s hair frequently for head lice. If you find any cases, please notify me.  If you need assistance, feel free to call my office. 781-721-7030 ext 114 or check the Winchester Public School website (link under Administration and school health services) for additional teaching information and websites.  

Postural Screening: has been conducted for all 5th graders.  In March a therapist from Winchester Hospital will be coming to reassess any students that we have questions about.  Most students exhibit no findings and are very enthusiastic about this screening, and have found it simple and non-threatening. You will receive a phone call if a referral is suggested.

The Growth and Development program: for 5th grade students will be held in the spring.  Notices to parents/guardians will precede the program.

Heights and weights: for the entire school population, grades K-5, will commence in March.

Strep Throat:  A persistent sore throat, sometimes accompanied with fever or a physician should evaluate upset stomach and a culture for Strep should be done.  Sore throats may or may not be present with Strep, and not all kids have a fever.  Children often complain of a stomachache and headache.  If a diagnosis of Strep is made, students should stay at home until they have had at least 24 hrs of antibiotic treatment, and fever is gone.  

Thanks for your cooperation!

Debbie Provanzano R.N

Week in Review 1.23

Wow!  It was a short week, but we accomplished a great deal!

Our week ended with a musical performance which was sponsored by the CSA.  Alastair Moock captivated his audience.  Students in grades k-2 enjoyed the program, Voices of American Folk,  and students in grades 3-5 were entertained with Music and Social Change.

I am asking for your help.  The past couple of weeks the number of students arriving after the 8:30 bell has averaged 55 students, and some days the number is higher!  It is critical to the success of your child and the other students in the classroom that your child arrive to school on time.  Please help to develop good habits by having your students here for the first bell at 8:25. Thank you for your support!

Meet our newest staff members:

School Nurse- Mrs. Debbie Provanzano



5th Grade Classroom Teacher- Ms. Julie MacSwan

Save the Dates:

• February 9th, is Tech Night. Don’t miss the chance to see many Muraco students and teachers in grades 2-5 running mini technology workshops.  It will be held at McCall from 6PM-8PM. 

• Grades 3-5 Concert will be held on Monday, February 2nd.  It will be held in the Lincoln School auditorium beginning at 6:30.

Friendly Reminders

• Thursday is a release day. 
• Please be sure to park in marked spaces when entering the building or picking up your child(ren). 
• To ensure the safety of our students please:
• Shut off your cars while waiting for your children at the end of the day.
• Adhere to the speed limit.  

All smiles at the CSA sponsored program

Save the Dates

There are some events that have been scheduled and rescheduled, and I want you to be sure that you save the dates.

RULER Presentation: As you are aware, we have been using the RULER social/emotional program out of Yale with our students.  The trainers from Yale will be making a presentation, and attendees will learn about emotional intelligence, how RULER is being rolled out in Winchester Schools, and practical tips for using emotional intelligence tools and strategies at home.  The presentation will be made on January 13th from 6:30-8:00 in the V-O Library.

Concerts:  Our talented music teacher, Mrs. Perkins, will be taking a maternity leave at the end of February.  We want to be sure that our students have the opportunity to share what they have learned in music class, so we have rescheduled our concert dates to accommodate Ms. Perkins leave and to allow time for her replacement to work with the students.  We will begin the hiring process in the next couple of weeks.

• Mrs. Perkins will be leading the Grades 3-5 concert on Monday, February 2nd, from 6:30-7:15.  This performance will take place in the Lincoln School Auditorium.
• The K-2 performance will be lead by the long term substitute.  It will be held in the Muraco gym on Wednesday, April 15th, from 9:00-9:30.