Wash, Wash, Wash Your Hands...

Our school nurse, Ann Brady-Lozier, recently updated the Sweetsir website with information about the flu (link: Health Information).  She recommends thorough hand washing as the best defense.  Since children tend to skip soap or rinse too quickly, they need adults to remind them of proper washing techniques.  Mrs. Lozier has been visiting classrooms to stress the importance of these five steps:

          1)   Wet hands;

             2)   Add soap;
             3)   Thoroughly wash*;
             4)   Rinse;
             5)   Dry hands with a towel.

*Step 3 should last as long as it takes to sing two verses of Row, Row, Row Your Boat.  Ask your children if they know the catchy lyrics Mrs. Lozier made up to go with that popular tune: 

                   'Wash, wash, wash your hands

                          thoroughly and clean.

                   Spreading your germs to other kids 

                         is really very mean.'

Germ squirt  (aka hand sanitizer)
is available throughout the building.

Goals for the New Year

Second graders, in Mrs. Rowley's class, created this cool display for our lobby bulletin board.  Following a discussion about New Year's resolutions, they each wrote a goal for the upcoming year.  If you happen to stop by in January, take a moment to view their hopes for 2013.  Below are a few examples of their resolutions.

January Bulletin Board

                  

              

In 2013, I will try to...

"help one of my friends get more friends."

"ete more veges."

"do my best work and... best writeting."

"be nicer to my brother and sister."

"read more."

"do the dishes for my mom and dad."

"do beder in school bye working harder."

"eat wey heltther and get more exersize."

"go to bed on time"

"be a better listener at home and class."
"play less vidio games."

Several students wrote about getting more sleep 

and following a consistent bedtime routine. 

Making a goal to get enough sleep is great advice for all of us.  Research indicates sleep is a key factor influencing work and school performance.  For both children and adults, lack of sleep can impair thinking, memory and attention.  Even one night without adequate rest can also negatively impact a person's mood and energy level.  Although individual sleep needs may vary, 11-12 hours each night is recommended for elementary students.  If your child has difficulty waking up or is easily irritated, it may be a sign they need an earlier bedtime.  Pediatricians and school counselors are a good resource for families whose children are struggling with sleep issues.

Bucket Fillers Bicycling for Diabetes

Emma- 2 years ago

"These two young girls are my superheros.  They showcases the courage it takes to live every day with this difficult disease.  They are two vibrant and wonderful young ladies who are living with type 1 Diabetes through their childhood years as I did.  In honor of their journey, and the journey of their friends and family who are with them, I am riding to support their healthy future."  
          -Courtney Breen (describing a Sweetsir student and a family friend                      who are the inspiration for the family's ride this year).

The Breen Team, 4yrs ago

Emma & Joshua are Bucket Fillers! 

Two Sweetsir Students will be participating in the 'Tour de Cure Bike Ride to Stop Diabetes' on Sunday, June 3rd.  This will be the fifth time for Emma (1st grader) and first time for siblings, Joshua and Regan.  Their team also includes: grand mother- Jeane Lowd and parents - Joel and Courtney Breen.  The ride has special meaning for them since their mom and several dear friends were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as young children.  Courtney credits treatments found from fundraising efforts like 'Tour de Cure' for helping her accomplish healthy living goals.  

In the past few years, I've known several elementary age students who were unexpectedly diagnosed with diabetes. They, and their families, were suddenly thrust into a life altering experience. To maintain their health, they must follow restrictive diets, monitor blood glucose levels, take insulin shots and work closely with their health team.  I encourage all families to preview the warning signs listed below and consider joining  the Breen family in their efforts to stop this medical condition which affects over 25 million Americans.

To help Emma & Joshua's team raise money for the American Diabetes Association visit:
Breen Team Page  (donations can be made on-line or by contacting the Breen family directly).
                    

   Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

• Frequent urination
• Unusual thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue and Irritability

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.  Consult with your physician if you notice any of the warning signs above.  For more information visit:  American Diabetes Association Website

Snack Charts & Carrots

Jennifer Karin, from Anna Jacques Hospital,
Puppeteer Leslie Smith & Sammy the Snail, and  Mary Beth Shea

Anna Jacques Hospital obtained a grant from the Moseley Foundation to fund a 'Healthy Snack' initiative at the Sweetsir School which began in April.  Each classroom was given a chart, as shown in the picture, so they could track the healthy snacks brought in by students.  The kick-off  for this initiative included a puppet show featuring Sammy the Snail and entertainer Leslie Smith.  As an incentive students earned trading cards depicting food based cartoon characters.  The grant also included books and videos about nutrition and exercise for our library.

The feedback from students has been extremely positive.  Last week, a mom told me she really appreciated the focus on healthy eating.  As a result, her son has been requesting she buy carrots and other vegetables for snacks on a regular basis!

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.

5-2-1-0 Puppet Show & Snack Graph

 On Wednesday, March 28th,  Leslie Smith and the Theatre of Life Puppets, will be performing a show about nutrition for Sweetsir students.  Parents and younger siblings are welcome to join us for the 1:30 show!

We are grateful to Anna Jacques Hospital for securing a grant from the Mosely Foundation.  As a result, they will provide the funding for the puppet show along with $1,500 worth of library books and materials to promote healthy eating and exercise!  Teachers will facilitate class discussions to help students decide if the snacks they bring to school are healthy choices.  Results will be graphed and displayed in the classroom for an ongoing period of time.  (Don't worry parents, we will send home hints and ideas for healthy snacks).    

Leslie Smith incorporates the 5-2-1-0 program, daily guidelines to fight childhood obesity, in her show: EVERYDAY eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, engage in 2 hours or less of screen time, exercise at least 1 hour, and, consume 0 sugary drinks.  For more information about the program visit: 5-2-1-0 Healthy or Let's Go.

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.