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.

Community Outreach

 Firefighter Michel McLeieer as  Preschool Guest Reader

The children of Merrimac are fortunate to have educational programs brought to the school by local community members. Ray Gould, from the Electric Light Department, and Michael McLeieer, from the Merrimac Fire Department, organize several safety prevention programs across grade levels.

On May 29th, the Electric Light Department plans to meet with children in grades k-2 to review summer safety tips, such as staying away from downed wires and kites caught in power lines.

Kids loved the giant mouth & toothbrush

Dr. St. Germain with Kindergartners

Local dentist, Dr. St. Germain, meets with kindergartners each year to teach them about oral hygiene and proper bushing techniques.

Career Day

Judson Firefighters

The following information is from guest blogger Ms. Sarah Angell, who works as a Guidance Counselor for Donaghue and Sweetsir schools:

In classroom guidance lessons, K, 1, and 2 students have been learning about different careers and exploring what they might want to do “when they grow up".  Lessons have focused on how what is being taught in the classroom now is essential for what students will do in the future.  On Wednesday, May 9, 2012, students in K, 1 and 2 are invited to dress up as a career that interests them.  During lunch, students will share their career day choices so we can chart career interests as a school.  Parents, please do not purchase a costume or expensive props/tools. We are encouraging kids to be creative and use things they already have or can create out of household items. We look forward to seeing their creativity at work for what promises to be a fun day! Teachers and staff are also invited to dress up as another career of interest too!

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!