Mastering Math Facts

Developing an understanding of numbers and the ability to add and subtract with ease is essential during the early school years.  Children who do not master the ability to add and subtract quickly and accurately will struggle with math in later years.  Most children need ongoing practice to memorize facts, therefore, making it part of a home routine is important. 



This box of triangle math cards just arrived thanks to a generous contribution from the PTO!  Every student in first and second grade will receive a set to take home.  In January, we plan to roll out a school-wide incentive program to encourage children to practice their math facts.  Teachers will introduce the cards and show how to use them.  Then the minutes students spend practicing at home will be tracked by class and displayed on a school wide graph.  More details will be sent home with the cards in mid-January.

Triangle shape cards are more effective than the traditional flash cards because students learn to memorize 'fact families.'  Fact families are a set of three numbers that link addition and subtraction, or multiplication and division, together.  For example, the numbers 4,6,10 can be added or subtracted:  6+4=10, 4+6=10, 10-4=6, 10-6=4.  Presenting the numbers together helps students understand the relationship between adding and subtracting.  Each number is in a corner, allowing a finger to cover one of them while viewing the other two.  The student looks at the other members of the fact family and then guesses the covered number.  These triangle cards are also available for multiplication/division.  Parents of 3rd and 4th graders may want to consider purchasing a set which can be found online or at specialty learning stores.

Merrimac is a Caring Community

The Holiday Helper program was a huge success!  Community members joined with staff from the Donaghue and Sweetsir School to help over 30 families.  Local organizations, such as the Merrimac Garden Club, Merrimac PTO and many others, gave monetary donations to purchase warm clothing and toys.  Throughout the past year, Lion Club Members raised funds to provide each family a turkey dinner.  They partnered with the West Newbury Food Mart to provide the food baskets below.  Students also brought in mittens, hats and food donations. 

 

A special thank you to Kathy Devaney, Judy Kroner, Kathy Sullivan 

and the many other Holiday Helper organizers.

Mr. Ouch

We are very fortunate to have safety prevention programs provided 

by the Merrimac Light and Water Department! 

Earlier this month, the Merrimac Light and Water Department provided a valuable safety presentation for students.  Ray Gouley met with kindergarten, first and second graders to discuss potential dangers associated with common household items such as space heaters, hot curling irons, hair dryers and toasters. Students watched a safety video featuring 'Mr. Ouch' who taught them to 'Stop, Think and Stay away' whenever they spot electrical dangers.  Children were told to tell an adult and encourage them to call the Department if they see downed wires or encounter unsafe electrical situation.

Mr. Gouley also gave us a set of LED colored lights which were used at the PTO Santa Breakfast.
(Tip: the new LED lights are the brightest and use the least amount of electricity).

A Fun Saturday Morning

Many families came to Sweetsir School for the annual PTO 'Santa Breakfast' on December 4th.  As you can see from these photos, everyone had a wonderful time!

Posing with Santa was the highlight of the breakfast

There were lots of  photo-ops

   

Mrs. Vienneau & her daughter

 visited with Mr. & Mrs. Claus

 Lots of beautiful smiles...
perfect for making Holiday greeting cards

Thank you, Mrs. Claus! 

Volunteers included Dads & FNS Grads 

 Hugs for the
Elf Party Planners

             

Thank you to all of the Moms, Dads & Kids who helped make this event possible!  Many volunteers donated their time to plan this breakfast, decorate the cafe, pick up the donuts, greet people at the door, set up the school store, oversee the bookstore, clean up and more...  Thank You!

Signing, Singing and Dancing at Recess

We recently purchased new supplies to 

add pizazz to indoor recess!  

Although we try to go outside for recess whenever possible, there are days when rain or freezing temperatures force us indoors.  Along with playing board games and coloring, k-2 students will now have an opportunity to sing and dance along with music/movement Cd's and videos. 

Since our school library books about American Sign Language are very popular, we decided to order a set of 'Signing Times' videos.  These videos feature singer Rachel Coleman who created the series after her daughter, Leah, was born deaf and she had a desire to build a community of children who could communicate with her child.  Each video features Rachel giving explicit instruction for signing several common words and incorporates them into a song.  Clips of children using the signs gives viewers a chance to follow along and practice.  Research indicates sign language is beneficial for children with all types of disabilities, including language delays and autism.  Our hope is that students will enjoy learning sign language and develop a greater appreciation for people with diverse needs.    

      

More snippets of 'Signing Times' videos can be found on You Tube.                                       

Why are webkins on the wall?

Reminders to use 'Lips the Fish', 'Eagle Eye', and 'Chunky Monkey' are often heard as our first and second graders read.  These phrases are associated with common strategies often used by good readers.  Children love the animal associations and find them helpful in remembering things to try whenever they are stuck on a word.

Strategies frequently used by First Graders:

Lips the Fish- Get your mouth ready.  Sound out the first letter of the word.
Eagle Eye- Look at the picture for clues.
Chunky Monkey- Look for chunks you know in the word.
Flippy Dolphin- Try changing the vowel sound; flip long and short sounds.
Stretchy the Snake- Slowly sound out the different letters then blend.
Tryin' Lion- Try a different word.  Try re-reading.
Skippy the Frog- Skip the word and read to the end of the sentence.  Hop back and reread to figure out the word.

Many of our classrooms feature bulletin boards with posters describing the reading strategies and associated animals as visual aides.  Animal strategies are so popular at Sweetsir, our Special Educators and Reading Teachers have found using this same terminology across settings is very beneficial.  Since a few more animals are needed to complete the bulletin board in the Title One Reading room, we would welcome new or used donations of the following animals in webkin sizes:

eagles   dolphin   snakes   spiders   owls   parrots   iguanas

The animal reading strategies can be found on so many school websites and blogs we were unable to determine who initially created them.  This is an example of how teachers across the globe share great ideas to benefit children everywhere.

'Holiday Helper' Tradition

Giving Tree 2010
Girl Scouts handmade stockings
filled with mittens.

For many years, the Sweetsir School & Donaghue School have joined forces with community members and local organizations to provide holiday gifts for families experiencing financial hardship.  This wonderful tradition will continue again this year!  If you would like to contribute, food drives will be held at both elementary schools and gift cards or monetary donations may be brought to the school office (checks can be made payable to 'Holiday Helper').  After Thanksgiving, there will also be a 'Giving Tree' in the Sweetsir lobby for children to hang donations of mittens and gloves.  The tree is named after the book, by Shel Silverstein, featuring a tree that showed unconditional love by giving gifts.

A letter recently went home to let parents know how they can apply for assistance from the 'Holiday Helper' program.  For more information, please contact one of the elementary school nurses or guidance staff members. 

Lion Club Members 
help every year!

Both retired & current staff members
are behind the scene organizers.

Why is there a 'blob' in the kitchen?

Watch this video to find out what is on the counter and why 

Chef Vienneau was wishing for 'smelly-vision.'

We have two fabulous women working in the Sweetsir School kitchen!!  Mrs. Chase and Mrs. Vienneau keep a super clean kitchen, are kind to children and take pride in making foods from scratch.  Take a look at this video and you will see why students love to buy hot lunch at Sweetsir!

Mrs. Vienneau became our Kitchen Manager this year after transferring from the Page School.  One of the reasons she wanted to come to Merrimac was to work in an early childhood setting.  She loves young children and has made the cafeteria a warm and inviting place.  She often surprises children with stickers for eating their vegetables or trying new foods.  She raffles off prizes for 'Lucky Lunch Day', decorates pumpkins as sesame street characters and even wore a crown on her birthday and gave away pencils.  It has been fun to have her as a member of our school.

Stay away from the 'Danger Zone'

First Student Bus Company's outreach educator, Cheri Gibbons, provided a special safety presentation for students in grades k-2.  In this picture, she is explaining about the 'danger zone', which is the area around the bus that the driver can not see you.  Our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Sarah Angell, used red and yellow tape on the floor to create a visual of the danger zone.  Students learned a number of safety tips, including the importance of looking for the 'thumbs up' signal from the driver before crossing the street.

Parents can help reinforce bus safety rules by reminding children to stay seated until the bus comes to a complete stop, and modeling how to look for the driver's signal before crossing in front of the bus.  Never cross behind the bus since it is part of the danger zone.

Note:  A bar swings out over the danger zones in front of the bus when the stop sign is out.   Look for the driver's signal and then walk beyond the bar so the driver can see you.

Winter Swap and Take...For Thrifty Parents

It is so expensive to buy winter apparel for growing children each year!  I was fortunate my children were born after many cousins.  They have several aunts who passed along outgrown clothing and a grandmother whose favorite hobby is shopping.  She loved that things were passed along and used it as an excuse to shop at really nice stores so clothes would last through several grandchildren.  As a young mom, I always appreciated receiving costly winter coats, boots and snow pants.

Sweetsir students love to play in the snow at recess, but may only do so if they have all the winter gear listed in the "High Five Rule."  Therefore, for the first three weeks of November we will be having a special 'Swap and Take' table in the front lobby.  Everyone is welcome to participate!  If you like to save money and recycle, feel free to take something from the table.  If you have gently used winter coats, snow pants or boots to share, just leave them in the lobby.  Anything left over will be donated to a local charity over Thanksgiving Break.

High Five Rule:
Students may play in the snow at recess only if they have all of the following:
1) Winter Coat  2) Snow Pants  3) Boots  4)  Hat  5) Mittens or Gloves

Fall Fun

Mrs. Vienneau, our kitchen manager, decorated these cute pumpkins.  Children get a kick out of seeing Ernie & Bert in the school lunch line!



These two moms brewed up some fun!



THANK YOU PTO!

The October 21st Harvest Festival was a wonderful family event!  


Children had a blast jumping in the bouncy house, decorating cupcakes, eating cotton candy, playing lots of games and, if they were brave enough, walking through the Teacher's Haunted House. 

Pencils, Erasers & Notebooks Galore!

The PTO runs a school store during lunchtime twice a month (on the second and last Wednesday).  Many items are available for under a dollar, giving students the opportunity to practice consumer decision making and math skills.

 

Thank you to the many parent who volunteer their time! If you would like to join them, contact Sharon Bartholomew for more information.  As you can see from this picture of Sue Poor and her son, it is a fun event for both students and parents!

Power of Words and Actions

 I recently stumbled upon these two cute videos that made me think...

For the past several years, our district has focused professional development efforts on explicitly teaching students the 5 Habits of Learning: communication, collaboration, independence, thinking and creative exploration.  This first video highlights why explicitly teaching-  and encouraging- creativity is so important.

Derek Sivers also created this video, which has an important message about the power of our words and actions.  Just as harsh words can stay permanently in a person's heart, they may also stay permanently on the Internet.  It is so important for children, and adults, to realize when they write something on the Internet it is not easily erased- it becomes part of your "digital footprint." 

How Will We Keep Up?

"The Changing Media Landscape" is a thought provoking youtube video.  After watching the clip, I was surprised to discover it was produced several years ago- 2009!

This video really drives home how vitally important it is for students to develop digital literacy skills.  Due to budgetary cuts, this has been challenging for many schools.  Across our district, for example, all the elementary library media specialists and technology teachers have been eliminated.  In fact, the Pentucket School district has only two full time staff members responsible for maintaining all the computer equipment and technology database systems used in six school buildings and the business office.  (Fortunately, Jeanne Frasch and Craig Carlson are very dedicated and talented).  

At Sweetsir, faculty members have decided to make enhancing our knowledge and use of technology a school-wide goal this year.  Teachers are sharing resources and dedicating time to help each other further develop technology skills (i.e., blogging, skyping, creating video lessons, smart board lessons, assistive technologies and using social media professionally),  We are also collaborating to create livebinders to share technology resources. 

Heating Units and Bucket Fillers

The Sweetsir School is a bucket filling school!  (For more information about where this saying comes from, follow the tab above for the page with more detail).  Not only do we fill buckets with kindness; we also filled them with rain drops today.

The rain has been a great way to test out our new roof.  A number of buckets adorned our hallways today.  Not to worry... if you look closely at the picture, you will notice in the spot directly above the bucket there is partial duct work.  The rain trickled in the holes made in preparation for where pipes will be installed to connect our heating system to units on the roof.  This was not surprising since we are in the midst of construction.  Otherwise, the new roof held up great! 

Construction Update:  Good news, I saw several very large heating units being placed on the roof today.  Based on the information I am receiving, the heating project appears to be nearing completion.  In the past, the heat was not distributed well and temperatures varied from room to room.  I anticipate things will be much better.  However, as a mom who has worked in several different school buildings, my advice is to always dress children in layers.  I have one child who prefers teeshirts and another who wraps herself in a blanket.  Everyone has their own comfort level, so layers help adjust to individual needs.  Removable sweatshirts and sweaters are great during the winter months.  Thicker layers are especially helpful after weekends and vacations when it can take awhile for large buildlings to heat up. 

High Five:  Next time you go shopping for winter clothes.... remember the high five rule.  Students in grades k-2 go outside all winter long for recess.  If children have the following five articles they can play in the snow:  1) winter coat 2) snowpants 3) hat 4) boots 5) gloves.  It is a blast watching a playground full of children slide down snowbanks during recess.  I look forward to snapping photos and blogging about it in the near future.

Help Merrimac Win Fire Prevention Grant

As you can see from the posts below, the Merrimac Fire Department provides valuable Fire Safety and Prevention Programs for all four of our elementary schools.  Please help them receive grant funding to support this work.  Click on the link below to complete a 10 question quiz and help them earn $10,000!!!  The deadline is October 31, 2011.

http://www.befiresmart.com/merrimac-fire-department

Fire Prevention Assembly

On Thursday, October 5th, Merrimac Firefighters Michael McLeieer and Scott Maker visited the Sweetsir School to teach students in grades k-2 fire prevention safety tips.  Students learned the importance of having smoke alarms and knowing emergency exit routes.  In the event of a fire, they learned everyone must 'get out and stay out'.  In the picture above students are pointing up to where the 'bad air' goes.  Below, Jake the fire dog gets ready to demonstrate how to crawl under smoke.  

We are very fortunate to have access to such comprehensive fire prevention programs.  In addition to this assembly, the Merrimac Firefighters will be back later this year for a special program aimed at preschoolers.  On alternate years, they visit our school with the 'Escape Smoke Trailer'.  Students meet in the trailer, which is decorated to look like a room inside an actual house, and experience a simulated smoke exercise.   Children practice crawling under smoke and out an escape route.  This year, the Merrimac Fire Department brought the Escape Smoke Trailer to the other elementary schools within our district. Students at both the Bagnall School and Page School benefitted from the experience.

"Change Your Clocks; Change Your Batteries!"

A great way to remember to change your smoke alarm batteries is to do it twice a year 

when you change your clocks for day light savings.  

Mrs. Shea just bought new batteries for her home smoke alarms, you should too!

Excellent Drill Today

Since the weather was so beautiful today we decided to hold a practice firedrill. Lt. Ellis, from the Merrimac Fire Department, came by to assist us.  Once the alarm sounded, the children exited the building quietly and quickly.  As soon as they reached their designated areas, teachers counted students and held up signs to indicate they had everyone.  Visitors and volunteers who were present also exited quickly and waited outside.  Myself and a few other staff members walked around the building and communicated via walkie talkies to ensure all children were safely outside the building.  As I looked around today, I was truly impressed with how efficient and smooth everything went!  Feedback from Lt. Ellis was very positive.  We will have several more practices this year so that all children become familiar with our emergency procedures.

Have you held a practice firedrill for your household lately?  It is important young children are familiar with how to use emergency exit routes (i.e., a bedroom window).  Families should also identify a designated meeting place outside, such as a tree or neighbor's front porch.  While the weather is nice, I encourage you to consider having a practice drill at your home.

Construction Update

(Based on Mrs. Shea's observations, see 9/23/11 posting):

The crane is no longer in our back lot and the building was much quieter today!!  This morning a truck came by to pick up supplies to take over to Donaghue.  I have been told the Sweetsir roof is nearing completion.  Most of the roof work is done!  The roofers will be returning periodically to add finishing touches and seal around the heating units as they are installed.

The heating and ventilation work will continue for a few more weeks.  They are preparing to install the heating units on the roof and connect duct work throughout the building.  To meet the expected deadline of October 15th, workers have been here all different shifts.  Last Friday night, they stayed until around midnight to perform welding work when the building was unoccupied.  It must be difficult for the construction workers to work on a school building while it is in session.  All the workers I have interacted with have been polite and accommodating.  It is strenuous work to demolish and rebuild a roof.  I've noticed the men working hard as a team lifting and moving materials.  They have an amazing work ethic!

Leading and Learning Under Construction

Several parents have asked me to blog about the construction as a way to help them stay informed. While I am willing to share my personal observations, please keep in mind that I am not involved in planning or overseeing the renovations.  (I am happy to leave those decisions to the experts!).  My role is as an educational leader; my focus is on ensuring Merrimac children receive a solid educational experience.  

Since the construction projects are under the jurisdiction of the town, it has been reassuring to see the Town Building Inspector and Health Inspector spending significant time on-site to check the progress.  With the nice weather at the start of this week, the roofers were able to tackle areas above both the first and second grade wing.  The heating/ventilation crew also continued to work on installing duct work in the ceiling.  To work around each other, and take advantage of the daylight, the crews have worked both day and evening shifts.  I have never lived in a home while it was being remodeled, but several teachers who have mentioned this has a very similar feeling.  The secret is to stay flexible and keep reminding ourselves that this work is needed to create a safe, warm, dry school for these and future students.

I have been truly impressed with the response from Sweetsir Staff!  Despite the increased activity, teachers and paraprofessionals are doing an amazing job keeping the focus on children and on learning.  Classroom norms and routines have begun to settle in and the students are delving into the curriculum.  They appear happy and their behavior has been stellar.  The beginning of the year math assessments and DIBELS (reading) scores have already been completed and are being reviewed.  On the first early release day, teachers met in small groups, also known as 'Professional Learning Communities', to outline thier goals for the year.  The topics included: co-creating focus lessons for Reader's Workshop, examining students' work to drive instruction in Writer's Workshop, designing social stories and other differentiated activities to meet the needs of all learners, and using smart board technology to enhance math instruction.  All goals have the common element of using collaboration to create powerful learning environments for children.

Spirit Wear

Kudos to the PTO for this fantastic window display in our front lobby!  There is still time to order your spirit wear. Staff members went crazy over these soft, flannel bottoms... they are planning some school spirit days so they'll have an excuse to wear them to school, lol.  Order forms were sent home via backpack last week, additional copies are available in the school office.

Bucket Filling Moments

Everyday at Sweetsir, I see and hear things that are kind and heartwarming....

A 5 year old boy filled my bucket this week.  I asked him if he remembered meeting me last year and he responded with my name.   When asked if he knows what a Principal does, he answered, "You're the one who cares about all the kids." I loved the fact that he stressed the word all.

On Friday, the students in Mrs. Byrne's class proudly informed me they had earned extra recess time by filling up a marble jar.  When asked how they did this, they responded, "We filled buckets!" They then shared stories of helping classmates with kind gestures such as opening a water bottle, returning a lost pencil, and lifting up a chair.  Best of all, the smiles on their faces showed they understood the importance of building a caring, classroom environment.

Morning Announcements

This week, schools across America celebrate 'Constitution Day.'  After months of debating and compromising, 39 of our forefathers signed the final draft of the Constitution into effect September 17, 1787.  The document still serves as the framework for our government.  To honor their contribution, all schools receiving federal funding are obligated to spend time providing lessons about the constitution on the anniversary date.

We begin each day at Sweetsir School reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  A second grade student helped me make this video clip to show families the typical format of morning announcements. Beginning with grade two, students take turns each morning leading the student body in the pledge via the intercom.

Early Wednesday morning, a crane arrived to lift ventilation units off the roof before school began.  These first graders were fascinated!  Once they hung up their backpacks, they were allowed to spend a few minutes peeking outside the classroom window.  

Hmmm... perhaps these students will be future architects, structural engineers or building inspectors?

My understanding is that the roofing project is well underway.  The Building Inspector, Clerk of the Works and our PRSD Facility Manager have been closely monitoring the progress.  Those piles of large, white rectangles on the roof are styrofoam insulation. Initially, I thought only the older section of the building would be renovated, I was delighted to learn the project will include new roof and windows throughout the building.  Merrimac children for years to come will benefit from this project!

Busy Bees

The bees seem to love our school grounds!  We had to call in the experts... pest control will be here tonight to address the issue.  

 

Construction Update: Friday Night

The second day of school, students in grades 1 & 2 attended a school-wide assembly.  Along with the usual beginning of the year overview of recess rules and cafeteria manners, they were given information about the building renovations.  Students were instructed to keep away from the area behind the school, which will serve as a staging area for construction trucks and materials.  PE classes and the after school program will be held indoors or relocated to the front lawn for the first half of the year.

New pipes waiting to be installed.

This is what the building looked like on Friday Night at 6:00 pm.  As you can see in the picture, construction crews have been working second shift to minimize disruption during the school day. The halls were filled with ladders, equipment and workmen as soon as the children departed

Ceiling in middle wing.

We have become very creative in finding ways to work around the renovations!  Our stage is currently serving as a holding area for building materials.

If you look closely at the picture to the left, you will see duct work that has already been installed.  Also in the upper left corner is the bucket we placed there mid-week to catch raindrops.  This spot frequently leaks during rainstorms.  Fortunately, replacing the roof on this section of the building is also on the list of upcoming repairs.

Because this first phase of the project has taken place after hours, the impact on students has been minimal.

First Day

I always love the first day of school.  It is filled with sweet moments like this....

A second grader rushes off the bus to greet Mrs. Greeley with a big hug.

At the Kindergarten Open House, children are thrilled to climb aboard a real school bus.

Take a risk and try something new this year... and then share it!

As a Principal,  I've sent a welcome back letter to faculty members every August.  It's a way to reconnect and set a positive tone for the upcoming school year.  Since I am often encouraging faculty members to learn new skills and share with each other... I decided to practice what I preach.   This is my August welcome back message to the faculty...

Recently, I've noticed an incredible surge in the number of educational articles (along with blogs and tweets!) focused on the importance of bringing 'media literacy' into today's classrooms.  As educators, we have an obligation to be ongoing 'digital learners' to best prepare our students for tomorrow.  Effectively using current technologies is rapidly becoming an essential communication skill for all ages.  (Even my 74 year old aunt has learned to Skype to see a newborn grandchild living three states away).  This inspired me to explore how to use the camera lens on my new home computer.  Using the Tutor for iMovie 'll App I taught myself to create and edit a video.  The Internet is filled with so many free technology tools and how to guides.  On this page, I've started a list of Educator's Blogs as a resource for any parents and educators who might like to see what technologies other schools are using... reading them you can even learn to twitter, blog, skype, and create a prezi!  My favorite, The Classroom Chronicles, is written by a teacher who taught her colleagues a new tech skill each week... then she shared all of her lessons on-line!  Amazing.  I can't wait to share that site at our opening faculty meeting!

A Toasty Warm Building...

Sweetsir Students who love trucks are in for a real treat this year!  Three building renovation projects will be taking place on-site this fall.  The oldest part of the building (first grade & preschool wings) will be getting new windows, a new roof and an improved heating ventilation system.  We are so fortunate our district applied for this Greens Project funding!  Although it may be inconvenient for a few months, we can look forward to a much warmer building and a roof that does not leak.

Yesterday, I met with the gentlemen who will be our construction site supervisor.   He has experience doing these types of projects while schools are in session.  He recommended we use two of our empty rooms as 'swing rooms'. This will allow two classes at a time to relocate for a few days when the windows are installed. The back of the building will be a staging area for the trucks and equipment.  This spot will allow easy access to the roof.  Equipment will be moved out of the way during arrival and dismissal time, and safety barriers will be placed on Jervey Loop during recess time.  The workers will have an outdoor Porto-potty and school bathrooms will be off limits.  Since the other four elementary schools are also having building projects take place, the contractors will have weekly meetings will school officials to discuss any concerns and provide progress updates.

I am planning to have a school-wide assembly at the beginning of the year to fill students in on what to expect.  I am confident the teaching staff will find creative ways to incorporate the renovation projects into a learning experience.  Right outside our doors, will be real life examples of careers that use math, science and engineering!

Prevent Summer Learning Loss

Research indicates the average student looses two months of learning each summer!  Children who do not read throughout the summer can even go down in reading levels.  Summer learning loss is so common, the first six weeks of school teachers must spend time reviewing and reteaching forgotten skills. 

To prevent this and help your child get an edge, read with him/her every day and practice math facts to secure skills and increase speed.

Loved this video!



Summertime

We had a great last day of school at Sweetsir on June 23rd. Now the focus is on preparing for next year! The custodians have begun emptying everything out of the classrooms. They will strip all the floors then lay six coats of wax- letting each layer dry in between. In the front office, we are placing supply orders, making up schedules and registering new students.
If you know of any families moving to town, please let them know the office is open most days until 2:00pm.

Look what just arrived at Sweetsir!

Pictured on the left are the cafeteria tables that have been at Sweetsir since the building first opened.  If you look closely, you will notice many of white table stools now have missing backs.  The brown tables, which came used from another school, have warped seats.  I had an a-ha moment when I went to sit on a stool and slid off!  Hence, I realized why so many children tend to wiggle around while eating.  In addition, these tables are so large only our tallest custodian is able to safely close and open them. 

We were able to purchase six new tables, pictured on the right, with funds left at the close of this fiscal year (Thank you to staff members who have been very thrifty with spending and photocopying).  The round style was selected to promote more natural conversation.  No one is left sitting alone and more friends can participate in a discussion.  Our hope is to eventually replace all of the older tables.  They are very expensive- however, the last set lasted over 40 years!

Locked Up!

On Friday, June 10th, our kindergarten students walked down Church Street to visit the Police and Fire Departments.  Police Crusiers even drove along side them on the trip!  Our students appreciated Merrimac's First Responders taking the time to answer questions and give tours of the facilities.  As you can see, one of the highlights for students was being locked in the slammer.  LOL, perhaps, I should have titled this blog- Guess: Which Principal's Son Landed in Jail?  Hint- Mrs. Shea only has daughters, so it was not hers.

Apps 4 Children with Special Needs

This Mother's Day I received an ipad from my family (yes, I did drop a few hints).  I am loving the camera and video feature- it is so light and easy to carry around the building!  Also, I am learning about what a fantastic tool it is for children with special needs.  There are many stories of children with autism and other learning disabilities who have had break throughs communicating using ipads.  A great website I've discovered is  http://a4cwsn.com/ (acronym: Apps 4 Children With Special Needs).  It is hosted by a father of children with special needs who established connections with many developers of apps.  The site features videos of apps in use so you can preview them and see ratings before buying.  Most apps are only a few dollars, but some for special needs can cost hundreds. 
This summer, Tracey McCarthy is planning to purchase an ipad for her preschool classroom with the PEF Trailblazer Award!  We also plan to purchase a couple ipads with funds from the special education budget.  In the future, we hope to bring more ipad technology to Sweetsir.   If you would like to contribute to this cause, we would love itune cards to buy apps.  Also, donations to the 'Sweetsir Gift Account' could be designated for purchasing ipads.  Feel free to contact our office (978-346-8319) for additional information

Curious Creatures

Alligator, Turtle, Frogs, Tarantula, Flying Squirrel and Lizards were seen at the Sweetsir School this week! 

Click on the video above to hear the kids excitement when Curious Creatures came to visit the preschool.  The turtle, who layed 20 eggs earlier in the week, allowed the preschoolers to ride on her back!  One of our Sweetsir Dad's, Dean Kosch, is the owner of Curious Creatures.  His presentation was superb!  He interweaves educational facts about each animal as he brings them out.  Students were fascinated as the squirrel flew across the room and the lizard dined on crickets.  Did you know that alligators fall asleep if you put them on their back and rub their tummy or that flying squirrels come out at night in Merrimac??

Golden Scooper Award

June 10th PTO Ice Cream Social 

Lots of families turn out for the annual ice cream social on Friday evening. In about 40 minutes, FNS & HRD Faculty Members raced to scoop through 35 gallons of ice cream.  Children indulged and then ran around the playground while their moms and dads enjoyed each others company.  The weather was beautiful and everyone had a fantastic time!



Ice Cream Champions

Gold Scooper- Melanie Hitchcock

Silver Scooper-Kate Byrne

Part of the Ice Cream Social tradition is seeing which teacher will reach the bottom of her/his tub first to claim the "Gold Scooper" award.  This year Ms. Hitchock, grade 2 teacher, earned first place.  Her secret strategy... 15 years of experience working summers at Hodgies 2 and using her math skills.  (She surveyed her students in advance to find out the top flavor, then arrived early to claim cookie dough.)  Ms Byrne, gr. 1 teacher, came in second with oreo cookie.