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??