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!

Save the Dates...

Good morning,

I hope that you enjoyed the long weekend with your family!  The weather today is bone chilling, so we will be spending the day inside.  Stay warm!

Grades 3-5 Concert

Just a reminder that our grades 3-5 Music Concert is just around the corner! The performance will take place at 6 pm in the Lincoln Elementary Auditorium on Monday, February 1st. Please arrive at 5:45 pm. We sincerely hope you are able to attend. Your children have been rehearsing very diligently and are excited to perform!


Sincerely,Dan Htoo-Levine

MCAS Dates

Reading Comprehension

Grade 3:  March 29 and 30

Grade 4: March 31 and April 1

Grade 5: April 6 and April 8

Math

Grade 3: May 16 and 17

Grade 4:  May 10 and 11

Grade 5:  May 12 and 13

Science and Technology

Grade 5: May 19 and 20

Please schedule appointments for your children around these dates.  

Happy New Year!  I look forward to welcoming your children back to school.  I'm sure that they have many stories to share!

Keeping Kids Safe Online: An Evening With National Internet Safety Expert Katie Greer What apps should I be worried about? Is social networking safe? Is my child being cyberbullied? Did you know there are several apps, such as The Vault, available for keeping texts and photos secret and many of them are free? Please join expert Katie Greer on Monday, January 4, at 7:00 p.m. in the Lincoln School Auditorium. This program will cover issues around the latest apps such as SnapChat, Ask.fm, and Kik, as well as discuss other important topics including online privacy, digital responsibility, cyberbullying, texting, sexting and more. Greer helps adults navigate the digital waters covering what's new, what's now, and what's next when it comes to children and technology, and provides parents and caregivers with proactive initiatives to keep kids safe. Former Director of Internet Safety for the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, and Intelligence Analyst with the Massachusetts State Police, Greer has worked closely with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces and schools throughout the country to educate thousands of students, parents and educators on the issues of digital technology safety and cyberbullying. She will be speaking to all third, fourth and fifth gradersat each primary school, as well as all students atMcCall Middle School. This presentation is sponsored by the EnKa Society in partnership with the Winchester Coalition for a Safer Community.

MCAS Update

The results of the 2015 MCAS scores have been released.  Muraco’s official MCAS report card is available on our website and may be found at the following address:

http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/accountability/report/school.aspx?linkid=31&orgcode=03440040&orgtypecode=6&

MCAS Schedule for 2016

Grades 3-5:

Reading Comprehension:  March 28 - April 11

Math:  May 9 -May 23

GRADE 5 ONLY:

Science and Technology: May 9-23