Writers' Workshop

Teachers at the Sweetsir School participated in professional development with a coach, Kate Donelin, from the Teaching & Learning Alliance. These coaching and training sessions, which took place over a span of two years, focused on developing writing skills using the "Writers' Workshop Model."

At the kindergarten level, Writers' Workshop begins with oral story telling, and then drawing.  Horn & Giacobbe's book, Talking, Drawing, Writing  Lessons for Our Youngest Writers, served as a good resource for teachers. Throughout the year, teachers provide mini-lessons and model elements of writing.  Focusing on oral story telling first, helps young writers learn the skills to provide information in an organized manner, in order (beginning, middle, end), with enough details for an audience to understand.  Talking about their stories develops 'thinking strategies' which are an essential precursor for putting ideas on paper.  Kindergartners then begin to draw stories in their own special drawing pad. The mini-lessons expand to include adding words and sentences to tell the story.  

 As you can see from these photos, students are fully engaged during the writing block. Many describe 'Writers Workshop' as their favorite part of the day because they love the creative process.  Teachers' have found the lessons are easily differentiated, enabling students to move at their own individual pace.  As you can see from these pages, taken from three students' drawing pads, there can be quite a range of skills among kindergartners.

Kindergartners Visit Pumpkin Patch

Enjoying a hayride and view of the farm.

Learning what animals eat.

Finding pumpkins in the patch.

Mrs. Richard and Ms. Ruest brought their kindergarten students for a field trip to Spring Hill Farm. Students enjoyed walking through a real pumpkin patch.  As you can see in these pictures, they each selected a sugar pumpkin to bring home. The farm visit brought to life information they had studied about plants as part of a science unit.  The tractor trailer hayride and chance to see animals close up added to the experience.

Selecting the perfect pumpkin to take home.

Parents' Report Card

Arrive by 8:30am.

       It is essential parents realize the value of every moment in the school day. Curriculum demands have dramatically increased since we attended elementary school. To cover the depth of material, teachers must carefully plan ways to make maximum use of time.  For this reason, it is so important children arrive on time for school and stay until dismissal.

       Those first few moments of the school day help ease the transition from home to school as children settle in and greet one another.  They love to share the latest news with teachers and their classmates (loose teeth and stuffed animals seem to be the hot topics).  Having time to connect with each other, creates a sense of belonging to a classroom community.  Teachers also use the beginning ot the day to set a positive tone as they review the daily schedule and expectations.

      

       Students should be in their classroom and ready for instruction to begin by 8:35am. If not, the entire class is impacted when someone arrives late, even if it is just by 2-3 minutes.  Teachers must stop teaching to greet the child, help them unpack, order lunch, and turn in homework.  Time is also lost repeating information for the late student.  This can be very uncomfortable for the tardy child, and is unfair to students whose learning time has been disrupted.  Likewise, early dismissals can cause a similar interruption, as the teacher must gather homework, help pack up materials, and devote time to catching the child up on missed information.  

       It is understandable that dismissals and late arrivals are sometimes unavoidable due to life circumstances.  However, the most common explanation for tardiness tends to be oversleeping or loosing track of time.  If your family is having difficulty arriving on time, then it is time to review your morning routine.  Is the TV causing time loss?  Are bedtime routines early enough?  Are clothes laid out and backpacks ready in advance?  Our Guidance Counselor, Sarah Angell Pond, is a wonderful resource for any families looking for ideas and strategies to make morning routines smoother.  Please feel free to contact her at (978) 346-8319.  

      Note: Tardiness, dismissals, and absences are recorded on students' report cards.  ( I was inspired to write this blog post after a parent wisely stated she considers the attendance section her report card).

Stop, Think, Stay Away

Ray Gouley, from the Merrimac Light & Water Department, gave safety presentations to students in grades k-2 on November 27th.  "Stop, Think, Stay Away," is the key phrase students learned to help them remember what to do if they encounter potentially dangerous situations.  

Students enjoyed watching a video featuring the character 'Mr. Ouch'.  We hope you will ask your child to tell you about 'Mr. Ouch' and review these tips Mr. Gouley covered during the presentations:

• Texting while driving leads to distracted drives; so cross the street with caution. 
• Do not play on or near electrical boxes (often they are green).
• Never go near a downed electrical wire.  Stay away and tell an adult to report it immediately.
• You should call the Department for help if kites, or other objects, get stuck in the wires.
• Do not put anything in a light socket. 
• Never put a utensil in the toaster.
• If cords are worn, tell a grown up so they can be replaced.
• Keep hair dryers, and other electrical appliances, away from water. Stay away from cords in the bathroom.  
• Curling irons are one of the most common cause of house fires.  They should be placed on a ceramic plate to cool.

Preschool Mathematicians

Mrs. Patty DiStefano with a preschool

Preschoolers in Ms. Patty DiStefano's class have been graphing all types of data.  They then use "math vocabulary" to discuss their observations.

In this picture, a preschooler is placing acorn symbols on a graph; his classmates also had a turn to show their data on the graph.  After reading the book Busy Squirrel, students broke into small groups and 'hunted' for acorns hidden around the room. The students then counted the acorns, and graphed how many they had collected.  Ms. Patty facilitated a discussion comparing the amounts.  (This is an example of how teachers effectively use time by combining literacy, social studies, and math all in one lesson).

Preschoolers create a 'Snack Graph' everyday by placing their picture next to the food item they have chosen for snack.  Some days there are more choices, and the graph is larger.  After the data is displayed, Ms. Patty facilitates a discussion encouraging students to talk about what they see using math vocabulary.  "Are there more teddy grahams or goldfish?"  "Which snack has the least?"  "Are there fewer pretzels or goldfish?"  "Which snacks are equal?"  "Which snack did two people pick?"  Exposing students to math terms at this young age, builds a foundation for success in later years.  

Each session made a graph showing 
the number of  people in their family.  
Students are able to compare graphs and
see how each class is different.

The weather is recorded during each class session.
Students track and compare cloudy, sunny, rainy and
snowy days throughout the year.

A Community Against Bullying

'Be A Buddy; Not A Bully' banner held by assembly presenters and students.

It sends a powerful message when adults with different roles in the community stand together to speak against bullying.  On October 4th, Police Chief Eric Shears, Fire Chief Ralph Spencer, and Superintendent Dr. Jeff Mulqueen visited both Merrimac Schools to speak with students about the importance of being "A Buddy; Not A Bully."  The event was part of a community-wide initiative, which also included Groveland, West Newbury, and other neighboring towns.  Police Chief Eric Shears helped bring this initiative to all the Pentucket Schools.

The three Chiefs did a wonderful job tying the anti-bullying message in with the "Bucket Filler" theme we use all year long to promote kindness.  (Follow the link at the top of this blog for additional information about Bucket Filling).  After the assembly, students received green bracelets with the motto "Be A Buddy, Not A Bully" thanks to a generous donation from the Haverhill Bank.  School Counselors, Sarah Angell Pond and Amy Brennan, then invited students to sign a banner pledging to "Be A Buddy and A Bucket Filler." 

Below are some age appropriate examples we use as talking points. 

                  Being a Buddy means being a good friend (Bucket Filler):

§  Smiling and saying hello

§  Saying nice things to others- giving compliments

§  Using good manners- (saying please and thank you)

§  Offering to help others- (hold the door/ pick up someone’s pencil)

§  Inviting others children to play at recess or to sit with you at lunch

§  Sharing and taking turns

§  Respecting others space- ‘Keep your hands and feet to your self."

Buddies help to stop bullying (bucket dipping):

§  Remind others to be kind, and help them to learn and remember the rules

§  Using words to solve problems.  If someone does something you do not like, tell them with your words. ('I do not like it when you lean on my desk, please stop'.)

§  If someone is hurt or really upset, get help by telling a grown up.

Graduates in 'Oliver Twist'

October 26th Preview Show

The performers in this photo are all graduates of Sweetsir School!

The Pentucket High School Theatre Group stopped by all four elementary schools to give a preview of their fall show, "Oliver Twist".  Sweetsir students were mesmerized by their lively voices, fancy dance steps, and period costumes. 

The young girl wearing a red "Oliver" shirt in this photo was also a part of the cast. She, and several other elementary students, had the opportunity to play orphans in the weekend performances.

Safety Practice

Once outside, teachers take a head
count to ensure all are safe.

Sweetsir Cafe seconds after a practice fire drill.

This was the view of our cafeteria seconds after the fire drill sounded on November 14th.  Watching 75 second graders exit quickly and smoothly out the cafeteria doors was impressive!  This was part of our safety plan to practice drills during different part of the day, so students and staff will be prepared in the event of a real life emergency.  

Our school is fortunate to have great support from the Merrimac Fire Department and the Merrimac Light & Water Department who visit several times a year to provide educational workshops for students.  On November 27th, students in grades k-2 will learn about electric safety during a presentation with Ray Gouley, from the Town Light Department.  Last month, several firefighters brought the ESCAPE smoke trailer for students to practice crawling out of a room with simulated smoke (click on labels in the right column to read posts regarding previous visits). The students really enjoy when these community members come by to speak with them.

MassCue

Mrs. Sabella learned how to use Twitter
while waiting for the conference to begin.

In October, twenty educators from across the district attended the MassCue (Massachusetts Computer Using Educators) Conference at Gillette Stadium.

Workshops featured many of the latest technologies and practical strategies for implementing them in classrooms.  In between sessions, the room was buzzing with teachers exchanging ideas and sharing useful sites.

Sweetsir teachers were excited to learn about many of the free apps available to support our reading and writing programs.  Thanks to the PTO, our school recently received two new ipads.  One will be used by the Speech Language Pathologist, and the other will be shared by the grade two team.  These ipads will give our teachers an opportunity to explore using hand held devices as an educational tool.

Ms. Julie Healey & Mr. Ryan Richards  

Mr. Ryan Richards was recently hired as a special education paraprofessional.  He has a Bachelor's Degree from Westfield State College and is working toward certification as a teacher. The interview team was impressed with his professionalism and enthusiasm.  "I love working with kids- this is a great opportunity!"   Mr. Richards is also passionate about sports; he coaches lacrosse,  soccer, and wrestling at Whittier Technical School.   

Ms. Julie Healey also joined us this year as a special education teacher.  Ms. Healey began her career as a kindergarten paraprofessional  and then worked for several years as a special education teacher in Haverhill.  She is currently enrolled in a Master's Degree Program at Rivier College, with a concentration in special education and autism.  You may notice her in the hallways wearing stripe socks, snapping her fingers, and telling kids to 'walk with swag' as a motivational incentive. She has brought a fun, creative energy to the Sweetsir School team! 

PRSD stars against bullying

Kudos to Pentucket High School 

for creating this amazing music video with an anti-bullying message!

This clip was posted on the Vimeo website, along with many others created by Pentucket students and staff members.  Footage from School Committee Meetings and past athletic events are also 

featured on the website at:  https://vimeo.com/prsd/videos.

Guidance Resources

The Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir and Helen R. Donaghue Schools are fortunate to share a wonderful Guidance Team.  Miss Sarah Angell, Mrs. Amy Brennan and Mrs. Kathie Sullivan are highly dedicated professionals who care deeply about children.  Services they provide include: class guidance lessons, social skill groups, and consultations.  They are also available to support parents in helping children through all types of life experiences.   If you ever need information, support, or help connecting with area resources, please know that they welcome your phone call.

A letter is going home in students' backpacks today with tips and resources for coping with loss. Links to the on-line resources are posted below.  We plan to purchase multiple copies of the recommended books to have available for parents to borrow in the near future.  Our hope is to create a lending library for parents with books on a variety of health/guidance/parenting topics.  Once the lending library is set up, we will share the available titles with you.  

The Good Grief Program-Boston Medical Center

http://www.bmc.org/pediatrics-goodgrief/tipsforadults.htm

The Children’s Room

www.childrensroom.org/resources/talking-with-your-child-about-death

Tips for Talking to Children After traumatic events

http://www.samhsa.gov/MentalHealth/Tips_Talking_to_Children_After_Disaster.pdf

The Merrimac PTO ROCKS!

Parent Volunteers at the 2011 Festival

Wow, the Merrimac PTO has done it again.  This active group of volunteers has scheduled three major events for Donaghue and Sweetsir families during the month of October!  Fliers with details about the upcoming Wizard's Game, Yard Sale, and Harvest Family Festival will be sent home via backpacks this week.  They are hoping more parents will sign up to help run the events.  To learn more about the PTO, attend their next monthly meeting on October 10th from 7:00pm-8:30pm in the Sweetsir library, and check out their newly revised website with online links to sign up as a volunteer:  http://merrimacpto.org/.  

On October 16th, the Harlem Wizards will be returning to play against some brave Donaghue and Sweetsir staff members.  For those of us old enough to remember, this team replicates the same wacky comedy and amazing tricks made famous by the Harlem Globe Trotters. The last time our PTO brought the Wizards to Pentucket the game was sold out, so be sure to purchase tickets in advance.  This is a really fun, wholesome show for families.  (Check out the video below of their last visit).  The players even came to both schools for a pre-game pep rally to build excitement.

Recess Safety & Lunchtime Manners

Sweetsir Playground

Students recently attended a school-wide assembly on 'Recess Safety & Lunchtime Manners'.  They were shown a slide show featuring students using polite behavior in the cafeteria and playing safely on the equipment.  Topics included: using two hands on the monkey bars; going one at a time and feet first down the slide; looking to be sure the coast is clear before descending the twisty bar; and putting toys away as soon as the bell rings.  Please ask your children to tell you about the assembly and remind them to follow the same safety rules while using the equipment outside of school hours.

Parents, since there are many cars traveling around the building during dismissal we ask that you not allow your children to play on the grounds at that time.   Your family is welcome to enjoy the playground after 3:20pm or any day school is not in session.   

Teachers' Pets

Mrs. Brennan, School Psychologist, with her 4 legged jogging buddy.

Mrs. Shea's 4 pound kitty and 134 pound dog.

Just for fun, these animals were featured on our lobby bulletin board for September. Staff members sent in pictures of many beloved pets which also included a three legged cat, a guinea pig, a donkey, several horses and a variety of other critters.  Students and visitors have enjoyed discussing the pictures and reading the interesting captions.

PE Teacher, Ms. Moody & Tobby

The pet Prek Teacher Miss Patty wishes she had.

Maisy Byrnes loves to read

DANGER ZONE

Bus drivers can not see anything in the danger zone area pictured above.  Please teach your children to stay at least 4 feet away from buses at all times.  To cross the street, go at least 4 feet in front of the bus and stand still as you look at the driver.  Wait until he/she gives the 'thumbs up' gesture to signal it is safe to cross.  Remind them if they drop something while crossing, do not stop to pick it up.  Continue to cross, then ask the bus driver to help retrieve it.

As I rode the mid-day kindergarten bus today, I realized this is a procedure we need to practice, practice, practice.  The new buses do not have the safety bar that use to swing way out in front of the bus as a reminder that the driver can not see directly in front of the hood.  Parents, please talk with your children about the above danger zone and model how to wait for the "thumbs up"signal  (more than once today, I saw a parent help their child on the bus then run back across the street without checking to see if the driver could see them).  Picture how difficult it is for a driver to monitor forty children behind them, while also keeping track of who is crossing in front of them.

First Day of School

A mother, grandmother, and little brother wave good bye and watch as children

line up in the cafeteria for morning arrival.

Kindergartners take their first walk in line down the hallway to Mrs. Richard's room.
(Check out how shinny those floors are~ kudos to the custodians!)

Parents, please remember to complete and send back all the beginning of the year paperwork sent home.  

Tips for Talking About Loss

Our Counseling Staff put together this list of tips and resources.  Ms. Sarah Angell, Guidance Counselor, and Ms. Amy Brennan, School Psychologist, work with students and families at both Sweetsir and Donaghue Schools.  They are available to support families and students with helpful strategies in times of need.

Some tips for talking with your child about loss:

·There is no “best” way to talk with students about this.  The main point to remember is to just be honest.  Openly recognize your feelings by sharing that you are upset and feeling sad too. 

 

•Focus on the facts.  Less is more.  It’s ok to say “I don’t know” if they ask you a question you can’t answer.

·Establish open lines of communication.  Let children know it is ok to talk about this.  How they are feeling.

•Avoid euphemistic phrases that may confuse children (i.e. she’s not with us anymore).  Young or very concrete children might think “where did she go?” 

•Remind your child that everyone deals with grief and sadness in different ways.  Just because someone isn’t crying doesn’t mean they don’t feel sad.  Reassure kids it’s also ok if they want to sit quietly or don’t want to talk about it.

·It is not always easy to “hear” what a child is really asking.  It may be necessary to respond to a question with a question to fully understand the child’s real concern. Focus on answering the hidden meaning of the question being asked.  Questions and statements that kids make may reflect fears for their own health and safety or that of loved ones. 

·A death often brings up memories and feelings of a previous death or loss in their lives.

•Suggest ways to help support family and close friends.  (For example make cards, draw pictures, share memories).  School will plan a more lasting memorial in the coming weeks.

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

Adams, John. The Dragonfly Door.  Feather Rock Books, 2007.  Life cycle of dragonfly.

Bunting, Eve. Rudi's Pond. Sandpiper 2004. A group of school children respond to the illness  

       and death of the narrator's best friend, Rudi, by helping to build a pond in his memory.

Buscaglia, Leo. The Fall of Freddie the Leaf.  Slack, Inc., 1982. 32pp. Story for children of Freddie    the Leaf depicting the balance between life and death.

Cohen, Janice.  I Had a Friend Named Peter.  Morrow, 1987.  Talking to children about the

      Death of a friend. 

O’Toole, Donna. Aarvy Aardvark Finds Hope. Celo Press, 1988. 80 pp.   A story for most children of Aarvy’s journey through grief.  Helps express feelings of pain, hope, and growth.

Viorst, Judith. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney. Macmillan, 1988. 25pp. Story of the death of Barney the cat, suitable for young children.

Book for Parents

Trozzi, Maria & Massimini, Kathy.  Talking with Children About Loss.  Perigee, 1999. Words,

       strategies, and wisdom to help children cope w

2012-2013 Teacher Assignments

On August 15th, we plan to mail home letters informing HRD & FNS students who their classroom teacher will be for the upcoming year.  Please understand, these letters are going out later than previous years because we were waiting to find out about additional revenue from the state.  Fortunately, our district received enough funding to restore four of the positions recently cut.  One elementary teacher will be restored for each of the three towns, along with a Middle School counselor.  Rob Harrison, Principal of the Donaghue School, met with me to review class sizes at both Merrimac schools.  Although class sizes were also high in several upper grades, we both felt the biggest need was in first grade since it is a crucial year for developing reading skills. Therefore, we will have four sections in grade one this year.  Merrimac is so lucky to have Mr. Harrison as a principal- he is truly a team player who cares deeply about providing all Merrimac children the best possible learning environment!  Our hope for the future is to have lower class sizes in all our elementary classrooms.  Below is a listing of the Sweetsir teachers for 2012-2013.

A clever FNS teacher uses this system so students
always have a sharp pencil available-
without the loud buzz of a pencil grinder.

A number of parents have inquired about purchasing back to school supplies.   As in previous years, teachers will include suggestions in the August 15th letters.  However, please know that this is only a 'wish list' and not mandatory.  While donations of stickers, hand sanitizes, tissues, and extra pencils are always welcome- please know that we will provide students with the necessities.  If you wish to contribute, but do not have a chance to shop before opening day, you may send supplies in later.  We apologize for the short notice this year.  Teachers often spend their own money to buy extra supplies, so your help is greatly appreciated!


I have several backpacks that were donated by community members to assist families experiencing financial need.  Please feel free to contact me via phone or email at mshea@prsd.org if you would like me to set one aside for you.  Also at the upcoming 'Merrimac Goes Back to School' event, on Tuesday August 28th, the PTO plans to give grade 1 & 2 students pencil boxes for their desks. 

Sweetsir Teachers for 2012-2013

Preschool Teachers:   Patricia DiStefano; Tracey McCarthy; Leslie Mitchell                      

Kindergarten:   Susan Richard (part-time sessions); Carol Ruest (full day session)     

First Grade:   Kate Byrne; Jodi Caproni; Kate Carroll; Bridget Murray   

Second Grade:   Colleen Belmont; Kathryn DiGennaro; Kristen Rowley                    

Art:   Drew Duprey (previously known as Miss Duford)                                 

Music:   Mary Ellen Ramsey                                 

PE:   Melody Moody                                           

Title One Teachers:   Toni Sabella; Emily Marsh; Sara Treem               

Special Educators:                                   

Kathleen Sullivan      Team Coordinator

Christine Joyce          Grades k & 2                  

Karen Schwartz         Grade k & 1                    

Julie Healey               Room 25 Communication Program                      

Lisa Mitchell              Speech & Language      

Diane Milewski          Speech & Language       

Julie Walton               COTA                              

Julie Andrews            Occupational Therapist  

Reading Tips from the 'Experts'

Research indicates math and reading skills can regress over the summer if children are not encouraged to read and practice math facts.  To provide Sweetsir parents with helpful information, our Title One teachers hosted a presentation at the Merrimac Public Library on  June 5th.  Ms. Toni Sabella and Ms. Emily Marsh gave an overview of the strategies we use in the classroom to help students learn to read.  Ms. Grimes showed parents the Every Day Math site they can access from home and provided tips on helping children master their math facts.  

Below are videos the Title One Teachers created for the presentation.  They feature the real 'experts'- some of our grade one and two super stars.  (To view videos of students explaining how to master math facts, follow the math label listed on the right).   

Reading Strategies 

First graders share tips with animal helpers.

Non-Fiction Text Features

Second graders share posters they created with text conventions.

Bucket Filler becomes a Trailblazer

Miss Kate Carroll

Congratulations to Miss Kate Carroll~ 2012 Trailblazer! 

The Pentucket Educational Foundation will be honoring one teacher from each Pentucket school with a 'Trailblazer Award' at the June 5th School Committee Meeting.  This is the second year the PEF will be recognizing teachers who 'inspire, energize and motivate others' with $500 to purchase classroom materials.

Miss Kate Carroll is a talented first grade teacher who goes above and beyond to share her passion and skills with others.  Earlier this year, for example, she played a pivotal role in helping colleagues learn to use the online technology component of our upgraded math program.  Her knowledge of smart board technology has made her the building go to person for technology needs.  In May, Miss Carroll was invited to be a presenter at the Teaching and Learning Alliance literacy conference.  She, and colleague Kate Byrne, facilitated a training for Massachusetts educators on how to create focus lessons for Reader's Workshop.  

Miss Carroll was instrumental in bringing the 'bucket filling' concept to Sweetsir School.  I was struck by the warm, positive culture created in her classroom and noticed her using Carol McCloud's book to promote kindness.  The concept has since caught on as our school-wide theme.  Miss Carroll is a prime example of a 'bucket filler.'  She spent much of this year recovering from an injury she sustained practicing basketball for a PTO fundraiser.  She refused to take time off because she didn't think it would be fair to her first grade students.  Instead, she came to work in a wheelchair and used it as a teaching opportunity to help children understand the importance of compassion and acceptance for those with disabilities.  Seeing her smile as she leaned on a chair to reach the smart board, or glide across the hall to share a resource with fellow teachers, one could not help but be inspired.  Miss Carroll's dedication and positive attitude make her most deserving of the title 'Trailblazer'!


Thank  you to the Pentucket Educational Foundation for creating the Trailblazer Awards!  The following list of educators were also selected to receive this honor:

• Bagnall:  Ms. Regan
• Donaghue: Ms. Simmons
• High School: Ms. Sessions
• Middle School: Mr. Beatrice
• Page: Mr. Peterson

Honoring Veterans

Many veterans and family members attended our annual Memorial Day ceremony on May 25th.  Children sang patriotic songs and shared heart touching poetry they had written to thank the men and women who served to keep our country safe. 

Kudos to Mrs. Ramsey for conducting
220 children so gracefully!

2011

Last year, these two brothers posed in front of a thank you banner after the ceremony so their mom could take a picture of them to send to their brother, a soldier stationed oversea.  He has since returned home safely and was able to join us this year!

As the bombs blow and the gun shots fire 

2012

you put your life on the line all for your country.

You travel mighty weather and bitter cold all for your country. 

You travel close and far all for your country.  

At the risk of death you never quit all for your country.  

No matter the circumstance you do your job all for your country.  

Thank you for protecting me.  

You deserve this so I'm honoring you with this poem!

-Poem by Aiden, gr. 2

Clark brothers

Commander Roger Clark attended with a group of veterans from the American Legion.  He and his brother had some pretty amusing stories to share after the ceremony.  If you see them around town, ask them to tell you what it was like growing up along the Merrimac River.  

This very moving video features the song, 'Thank you, soldiers.'  As they were learning the lyrics for the ceremony, students were shown this video to help them understand the significance behind the words.  The song was written by Michael and Angela Soulders.