Class Placement

We have started creating the lists for next year's class placement.  At this point, I've reviewed the parent input forms and met with the special education team to determine any special considerations.  Classroom teachers and I will meet during tomorrow's early release time to look at effective groupings of students. This is usually a lengthy discussion as teachers are very thoughtful about how to best balance social and academic needs to ensure each class is set up for success.  Unfortunately, until the budget is settled* we will not know which teachers will be at Sweetsir and Donaghue next year.  Therefore, teacher assignments will not be finalized until over the summer and placement notification will be mailed home to students. 

*On Monday, June 13th, there will be a special town meeting at the Sweetsir School for Merrimac citizens to vote on the 2012 school budget.  The meeting begins at 7:30pm and a quorum of 150 residents is needed.

Memorial Day

Those who attended Friday's Memorial Day Ceremony at the Sweetsir School will agree that the beautiful songs and heartfelt writings of k-2 students certainly set the tone for the significance of this patriotic holiday. 

Many of our students have family members who have served, or are currently serving, to protect our country.  Some were able to join us making the program especially meaningful.  Pictured is Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Moran with his daughters, Olivia and Megan.

Tracey McCarthy receives 2011 Trailblazer Award!

The Pentucket Education Foundation has graciously offered a $500 award for classroom supplies to an individual at each school within the district.  Recipients were nominated by parents, students and colleagues as someone whose teaching has inspired, motivated and energized others.  Tracey McCarthy, a special education teacher in the district's Preschool Communication Program, was selected to receive an award.  Those who nominated Ms. McCarthy referred to her as a role model for parents and co-workers because of her patience, skill and dedication.  One described the remarkable progress students under her guidance make by stating,"there must be magic dust in that classroom!" Congratulations to Ms. McCarthy!

Merrimac Light~ Electric Safety Presentation

 

 On May 25th, the Merrimac Light Department gave a safety presentation for students in grades k-2.  The talk included an overview of the equipment and tools used.  Students were reminded to stay behind cones and away from trucks when men are working.  They were warned about the danger of electricity in wires and to call the Department if you need help getting kites or other toys off a telephone pole.  The talk was very educational!  I learn something new each time they visit...

Did you realize electricity can travel through water from a squirt gun?  Never aim near telephone wires.

The children loved peeking inside the bucket!  This is what they saw...

The students were given yellow hard hats and Mrs. Shea was given this cool shirt and a unique ride!                           

Thank you to the Merrimac Light Department:  Manager Daniel Folding, Ray Gouley, Bill Jennings and Ken Buzzell.  Also thank you to Police Officer Steve Ringette for helping with the presentation.

Scientists in Grade Two...

 The second grade wing is filled with excitement!  The caterpillars have arrived! 

Our second graders are studying the life cycle of the butterfly.  They have been doing lots of research to learn about its habitat, anatomy and food source.  Every student has his/her very own specimen on their desktop to study.  Each day they record their scientific observations in journals.  These scientist have noticed changes already...click on the video to hear one of our scientist share a sample of her journal writing.

Our School Grounds



Planted by Brownie Troop



Earlier this Spring, dozens of daffodils and tulips bloomed in front of the school.  Thank you to Robin Peirce, Maureen Moran, Teri McClung and the girls in their Brownie Troop for planting the bulbs!

In honor of Arbor Day, Michelle Carley and Debbie Bennett's Daisy Troop planted a Pink Dogwood Tree on the property.   Thank you for these plantings that will help to beautify our school grounds for many, many years.  We are so blessed to have parents who devote their time to teach young children the value of volunteerism.  Thank you!

Planted by Daisy Troop #63140

If you enjoy gardening, we would welcome some volunteers to help keep up with the weeds that seem to plague our flower beds.  Contact our school office for more details.

 

Memorial Day Ceremony

On Friday, May 27th, at 1:30pm Sweetsir Families and Merrimac Veterans are invited to join us for a special Memorial Day Ceremony.  Students will sing patriotic songs and share writings in honor of those who have fought to keep our country safe. 

A new flag pole was recently installed on the front lawn thanks to help from the PRSD grounds crew.  Our previous pole was knocked down when a snowplow cleared the lot.  Hence, the decision to move the pole.  To celebrate its arrival, the entire student body gathered on the front lawn to say the pledge of allegiance as it was raised.  It was a beautiful sight and a special moment as 260 voices then sang 'You're a Grand Ole Flag.'

Pentucket Education Foundation Nutrition Contest

Congratulations to Justin who won the PEF contest by drawing this picture of his favorite fruit- an apple!  Thank you to PEF for supporting our schools. For more information about PEF visit their website at:  http://www.pentucketedfund.org/

"Insects in their Habitat" by First Graders

 

Kindness Week May 8th-13th

Kindness Week, May 8th-13th 

We had a great week celebrating acts of kindness at Sweetsir School!  Each day we recognized special members of our community, such as the cafeteria staff, crossing guards, bus drivers, custodians and our school nurse.  On Thursday, for example, we honored our bus drivers by gathering outside to sing 'Wheels on the Bus' as they enjoyed treats from a coffee cart. Throughout the week, students filled a mailbox with poems and letters of appreciation for staff members.  On Friday, we gathered together for a school-wide assembly to read some of the letters.  Students were also shown the video below based on the theme from Carol McCloud's book, "Have You Filled A Bucket Today?"

Day One- My First Attempt at Blogging
Last week, I attended a fantastic conference put on by the Ma Elementary Principal's Association (MESPA).  The focus was on Technology in the 21st Century;  key speaker was Heidi Hayes Jacob (check out her site:  http://www.curriculum21.com/).  It was an excellent opportunity to network with other Elementary School Principals and discover how they are integrating technology in their schools.  Over a breakfast discussion, I became sold on Twitter and Blogging.  Apparently it is not just for movie stars and celebrities!  I've decided to start Twittering to build up a PLN - personal learning network and blogging to share information with parents and community members about the great things happening at the Sweetsir School!
Please keep in mind that blogging is new to me and  I am not particularly skilled in the tech area.  However, I do have a desire to learn and love a new challenge.  I believe it is important for Principals to model being learners.  This past week, I have found a number of resources on how to set up blogs, which has given me the guts to make a go at it.  Hopefully, I will share some of those links here once I get going.  I envision changing this blog over time.... just as I keep changing the picture on my Twitter Profile, lol.