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.