Thank You for Filling My Bucket!

Thank you to the PTO for this
rosebush, now planted in my garden.

Thank you to the students, families, and staff members who blessed my life in so many ways during my four years as Principal.  As you can see from these blog posts, our time was filled with learning, laughter, and many celebrations!

This blog will stay online for awhile in the hopes that future readers may benefit from our experiences (i.e., follow labels on right to view videos of students sharing math tips and reading strategies).  

For my final post, I'll end with the advice I shared each day during morning announcements...

"Remember to give your best effort, and fill some buckets today!"                   

Wishing Wild Success to Superintendent Hart!

Congratulations to Dr. William Hart - the new Superintendent of Schools in Ipswich, MA!  

Dr. Hart on his last day at Pentucket.
(As usual, he blended into the crowd 
and cheered on others).

The Pentucket Community was fortunate to have Dr. Hart as an Assistant Superintendent; the district grew tremendously during his tenure.  Under his guidance, teachers received support and training to fully embrace 21st Century Skills (preparing students to meet the needs of today's world).  Dr. Hart helped institute systematic changes enabling teachers to work more collaboratively.  As a result, all PRSD educators participate in 'Professional Learning Communities', with identified 'SMART Goals' to enhance instructional skills and create 'Powerful Learning' experiences for students.  Most notably, has been the work he accomplished moving instructional practices to incorporate the five 'Habits of Learning': Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Independence, and Creative Exploration.  The progress made in these areas has been so impressive that state officials and  neighboring districts have sent teams to Pentucket for site visits.  

I had the pleasure of working closely with Dr. Hart for four years.  He was a great mentor, who facilitated many administrative meetings focused on leadership and team building.  Those who know Dr. Hart, recognize his expertise in the area of thinking and questioning.   Whenever, we approached a new task he was famous for asking the question, "If ---- was to be wildly successful, what would it look like?"  

Reflecting on my four years with Dr. Hart, and the wonderful strides the district has made, I can confidently say he was wildly successful!  

Guidance Update: Career Exploration

Post by guest blogger:  Sarah Angell Pond, Guidance Counselor

After our successful Career Day, we have continued to explore career ideas in classroom guidance lessons.  Kindergarten and grade 1 learned about Community Helpers and the tools they use.  Students were excited to have a turn picking a tool out of the career tool bag and matching it to the community helper who uses that tool in their job.  There were lots of smiles as a tape measure, a rolling pin, or a stuffed kitten was pulled out of the career tool bag!  Students made connections with what family members do and also their own experiences with community helpers in Merrimac.  We discussed what each Helper might like about their job and what skills they might need.

Career Board used in Guidance Lessons

Grades 1 and 2 read the book “How Santa Got His Job” by Stephen Krensky.  Students were very interested in hearing this “behind the scenes” story of Santa’s journey through several jobs before starting his career of delivering toys to children.  Did you know Santa was a chimney sweep and a cook at an all-night diner?  In this story we explored how interests and skills can help you learn what kind of job or career you might like.  Santa learned he was good at being neat and that he liked staying up late!  Children explored the “job” they have now as students as well as responsibilities they have at home (even if they don’t receive a paycheck for doing chores!).   Students understood that Santa’s career journey started long before he found the job he is known for today.  Just like Santa did, students are already learning about themselves and gathering experiences and knowledge that will help to shape their future career choices. 

Grade 2 took an online career interest inventory designed especially for kids.  Paws in Jobland allows students to explore many different jobs through a fun and interactive website.  Students first took a quiz that identified career areas they may be interested in.  These places lit up on the map of Jobland inviting students to click and explore.  Students were able to visit all the different areas of Jobland to learn more about specific careers.  Many careers were brand new ideas to students they had never heard of and were excited about finding.  These included jewelry maker, graphic designer and even a fish farm worker!  Paws the dog was their tour guide.  Students really enjoyed being able to navigate through this independently and were very excited to share what they learned about themselves. Here is the link to this free site! http://paws.bridges.com/cfnc1.htm

A Memorable Memorial Day

Sweetsir students singing patriotic songs.

The cafeteria was overflowing with families at our Memorial Day Ceremony on May 24th.  Ms. Ramsey, our music teacher, managed to get all k-2 students on stage waving flags as they sang moving patriotic songs. Several second graders also shared special poems they wrote to thank military men and women for their service.

We are grateful to the veterans and the active military men and women who were able to join us.  Their presence was a highlight for students who have spent the past few weeks learning about the significance of Memorial Day.  A special thank you to American Legion Commander Roger Clark, a U.S. Marine who served in Vietnam, for helping to host the ceremony. 

Special guests:  Stephen True, Dean Lischke, Roger Clark,
Paul Robbins, James Quinn, and Dudley Farquhar.

Ms. Ramsey assists Joey as he shares
a special poem for his grandfather.

Stop-Think-Stay Away!

Electric Safety Lesson at Sweetsir.

On May 20th, the Town of  Merrimac Light Department provided a special presentation on electric safety for our students in grades k-2.  Students enjoyed the opportunity to see the big trucks, safety gloves, and tools up close.

Thank you to Ray Gouley, Safety Consultant, and Francisco Frias, the new General Manager, who visited along with line men, Mr. Jennings and Mr. Saunders!  
Mr. Gouley stressed the importance of calling the Department anytime help is needed (even to retrieve kites, or spray a bees nest around power lines).  Students were encouraged to share the following safety tips with their parents:

• If you ever see power lines on the ground-"Stop- Think- Stay Away!"  Call the Electric Light Department immediately for help anytime wires are knocked over.
• Electricity can travel, so never spray water guns, silly string, or hornet/bee spray near the wires.  
• Only birds that fly can safely touch wires, hence many squirrels met their demise upon touching the ground.... The electricity in power lines is extremely dangerous, and fast moving, so never retrieve toys (such as kites or parachutes) from them. 
• During storms, stay away from tall trees and poles that could conduct electricity.
• Do not use electronics (including battery operated phones and video games) during thunder storms.  
• Call the Town to check where underground wires are located before digging any large holes.
• Always stay behind the coned area when trucks are present.  Ask workers for help if needed. 
• To ensure workers safety, remind parents to keep their eyes on the road (do not use cell phones) while driving.

CALL FOR HELP
 Mr. Saunders encouraged children to peek inside
the bucket.  The crew are happy to use it to
retrieve toys that land in the wires.

DIG SAFE

Before digging, always call the Town
to ensure no lines are present.

Mrs. Vienneau named 'Super Lunch Hero'!

Special assembly honoring Mrs. Vienneau

On May 9th, representatives from the MA School Nutrition Association surprised our Kitchen Manager, Mrs. Linda Vienneau, at  a school-wide assembly.  She is the first school nutrition employee to be recognized as "Super Lunch Hero of Massachusetts" for outstanding food service.  For more details about her nomination, view postings on this blog labeled 'kitchen' or the Daily News article:  A Show of Love.

Linda Vienneau (center)
Principal, Mary Beth Shea; Food Service Director, Bonnie Kitsakos; and
Child Nutrition Association Representatives, Janice Watt & Jane McLucas

Career Day

Fashion Designers and Runway Model

 Champion Horse Rider

Secret FBI Agent and Pro Athletes

Rancher

During recent guidance lessons, students have been learning about careers.  On April 23rd, they were invited to dress as a future career option.  As you can see, they were many creative outfits!

Veterinarian

Salon Owner

Business Manager

Doctor

Lego Engineer

Health Care Professionals

Ballerinas

Playwright and Teacher

Military Hero

Future Athletic Stars
 with Photographer (Ms. Carroll)

Gold Medalists