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.