January 28, 2016

Hello Memorial Families,
It's hard to believe that January is just about over.  We are quickly approaching the mid-point of the school year and things are in full swing at Memorial.

Incoming Kindergarten Parent Night
On Wednesday, the informational night for incoming kindergarten parents was held in the gymnasium. It was a pleasure to see so many new and returning faces to the Memorial and I am looking forward to meeting all of the new students in June for Transition Day.  Pre-registration for the 2016-2017 school year is now open. Materials and forms can be accessed by clicking here. 

To access the presentation from last evening, please click here.

As a reminder, walk-in registration will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016.  Registration times are 9:00-10:30 a.m. or 12:30-2:00 p.m. Please be sure to visit the website to view the required materials.  

PJ Drive!
Medfield Girl Scouts Troop #74900 is joining with the Boston Bruins and Cradles for Crayons for the 9th annual PJ Drive. The Boston Bruins and Cradles to Crayons are coming together to collect new pajamas for local children living in homelessness and poverty. Troop #74900 will be placing a collection box in the Memorial lobby and will deliver all PJ's to the Bruins at the close of the drive. For every pair of pajamas our school donates, the Boston Bruins will also donate a pair of PJs. This event will run from February 1st through March 15th.

Please note that pajamas must be new and sizes 4T-18.

Thank you in advance for your support!

No School

There will be no school on Friday, February 5th as Medfield staff members will be participating in Digital Learning Day.

Thank you for reading. Have a wonderful week.

Sincerely,

Missy Bilsborough

January 21, 2016

Hello Memorial Families,
It's hard to believe but we are already beginning to plan for the 2016-2017 school year.  On Wednesday, January 27th at 6:30 p.m., there will be a parent information night for incoming kindergarten students.  General information about kindergarten readiness, full-day and half-day options, and registration information will be provided.  In addition, representatives from MAP will be available following the presentation to share information regarding their program.  I hope to see you there.  Please note that if you are unable to attend, all information will be posted on the Memorial home page.

Spirit Day Reminder
Friday is Patriots' Spirit Day!  Wear your red, white and blue or Patriots gear to support the Pats in the AFC championship game this weekend.

Inside Recess Guidelines
Winter has definitely arrived! While we try to get the kids outside for recess whenever possible, at times the cold temperatures and/or windchill keep us inside.  Decisions are made as close to lunch time as possible to allow for the winter sun to help out. However, if the temperature or windchill dips below 20 degrees, the kids will have inside recess.

Snow Clothes
As we prepare for the inevitable snow that will be arriving over the next couple of months, please continue to send warm clothes and boots with your child.  For those new to Memorial, many families have found that keeping an extra bag, such as a reusable shopping bag,  for boots, snow pants, hats, and mittens works well for transporting clothes.  As a reminder, it is a good idea to label your child's bag and snow clothes as many items frequently make their way to lost and found.

Lost & Found
The Memorial lost & found bin is quickly growing.  The bin is located directly outside the main office and parents are encouraged to take a peek for any items that may belong to your family.  Unclaimed items are periodically donated to charity.



World Language Presentation
On Thursday, Wheelock 2nd & 3rd grade students, joined by Spanish teacher, Mrs. Simanski  and Mandarin teacher, Ms. Wang visited the Memorial first graders to share about the different world language options available to second grade students.  They presented a few songs and shared some phrases that they have been learning throughout their time in class. Thank you to Mrs. Olson,  Mrs. Simanski, Ms. Wang and all of the students for joining us! It was a wonderful presentation and a great way to give the first grade students some information about each of the language options.  For further information regarding the World Language program and selection process timeline, please visit the Wheelock page at www.medfield.net or click here.

Box Tops
Keep those box tops coming!  We are planning to use the funds from the box tops for a very special addition to the Memorial playground.  Stay tuned for more information coming soon from the Memorial PTO.  Thank you for your ongoing support of our school!

Preschool Registration
Preschool registration for the 2016-2017 school year is now open to all new families.  Please visit the Memorial website for pre-registration paperwork.

Have a wonderful day.
Sincerely,
Missy Bilsborough
Memorial Principal

January 14, 2016

Dear Memorial Families,

Please remember that tomorrow (Friday, January 15th) is an early release day due to teacher professional development. Please see the email reminder that was sent out from the Memorial office for specific details.

Johnny the K

Johnny the K visited the Memorial school today and performed two shows for our preschool, kindergarten and first grade classes.  Johnny's messages about respect, kindness, compassion and remembering that we are all special and different were conveyed through songs and stories about his many different hats.  The show was fantastic and and the kids were amazing!  Thank you to the Memorial PTO for funding this program for our students. 

KIBO robots
The Memorial School were fortunate to receive two KIBO robots as part of an MCPE grant.  Teachers and staff have been learning how to use them in preparation for teaching the kids and today the students in Mrs. Teany's class learned how to code the robot.  Using their best problem solving skills, they worked together in small groups and all succeeded in programming their robots.  Great job boys and girls!

Thank you to all who supported the MCPE auction. One of the best parts of my week was dining with the winners of Lunch with the Principal. The pizza was delicious but the company was the best!

As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, January 18th (Martin Luther King Day).  Students will be back in school for a full day on Tuesday.

Have a wonderful long weekend.
Sincerely,
Missy Bilsborough
Memorial Principal

January 7, 2016

Greetings Memorial Families,

Happy New Year everyone! We are all excited to be back after a restful vacation and looking forward to the months ahead.

Welcome!
We would like to formally welcome Irene McNeil to the staff.  Irene officially started this week as the part-time office secretary in the office and we are thrilled to have her.  You may contact her at imcneil@email.medfield.net.

Please mark your calendars...next Friday, January 15th, Memorial students will have an early release day.  Elementary staff will be involved in literacy professional development.

In Medfield for one night only....don't miss this amazing opportunity!

Jessica Cox - Assembly for Students and Community

Some exciting news just arrived! Blake students and the Medfield community have been offered a wonderful opportunity to meet Jessica Cox and hear all about her incredible story of courage and perseverance.  Jessica is an energetic, positive motivational speaker who was born without arms but did not let that stop her from becoming the World's 1st Armless Pilot and the 1st Armless Black-belt in the U.S.  She will present to Blake Middle School student on Friday, January 22nd, during assembly period. In addition (as a preview to the assemblies), Jessica will share her trials and triumphs with the Medfield community on Thursday, January 21st, at 7 p.m. in Blake Middle School Auditorium.  Please see this Jessica Cox Community Event for more information, and check out the link to a trailer to a film about her story - Jessica Cox Film Trailer.  We strongly encourage you seize the chance to meet Jessica and learn about her amazing accomplishments despite her physical constraints.  Spread the word and order your free tickets now before they are gone!  E-mail (your name, address, # of tickets) to: President@HelpingHandsGroup.org

Click here to read more about Jessica Cox -  Medfield Patch - Jessica Cox Presentation

It’s Time for World Language Selections!

On Wednesday, January 13th at 9:00 a.m., Mrs. Olson, Wheelock Principal, and Mrs. Ellen Toubman, Medfield World Language Content Specialist, will attend the Memorial PTO meeting to present information to the parents of Memorial first graders to assist them in the world language selection process.  A Google survey will be sent out toward the end of the month when parents will select either Mandarin or Spanish for their student’s second grade year.  Later this month, and before the survey is sent home, Mrs. Olson and the world language teachers, along with a few of our Wheelock world language students will return to Memorial to present to the first graders so the boys and girls can gain a little knowledge of each language before talking over their choice with their parents.  We hope you find this helpful.

PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION

FOR 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR

Registration for the Medfield Public Schools Integrated Preschool Program for the fall of 2016 is coming up! The program is open to typically developing children who act as role models in an inclusive classroom setting. Open Registration for existing students began January 4, 2016 online at Medfield.net and will end January 13, 2016.

Registration for new students begins on January 18, 2016 and ends on January 27, 2016.

Open House for NEW FAMILIES ONLY will be held on Friday, January 15, 2016 at Memorial Elementary School from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The preschool teachers will talk about the preschool programs and answer any questions you may have regarding the program.

The Registration forms are also available to be filled out at the Student Services office at Town Hall (459 Main St. 3rd floor).

ENROLLMENT

Children must be Medfield residents and must be three years old** on or before August 31, 2016. Space in the preschool is limited and children are chosen by lottery.  A registration form must be submitted online for your child’s name to be included in the lottery.

Lottery for Current Families is January 14, 2016, and for New Families on January 28, 2016. You will be notified by phone within two days of the drawing if your child has been selected.  Children who are not selected will be put on a waiting list for future openings.

Program days/times are:

2 day program: $2,550.00 per year

Tuesday & Thursday 8:45 a.m.-11:15 a.m. (morning session)

                      12:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. (afternoon session)

3 day program: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 a.m.-2 p.m.$ 5,850.00/year

4 day program: Tuesday – Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. $ 7,230.00/year

TUITION

Tuition is payable in monthly installments. A completed application and the full amount of September tuition are required for all registrants to reserve a space.

For more information, please call: Student Services (508) 359-7135

or email: isafina@email.medfield.net

Memorial PTO Meeting

The Memorial PTO will be meeting on Wednesday, January 13th at 9:00 a.m. in the Teachers' Room. We hope that you'll be able to join us!

Winter Carnival Volunteers Needed

The PTO is looking for volunteers to help with this year's Winter Carnival. For those of you who are new to the Memorial, the Winter Carnival is an amazing event filled with games, activities, food and raffles. Many hands are needed for this phenomenal day. Please click HERE to sign up to help.

Thank you for reading.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Missy Bilsborough

December 23, 2015

Dear Memorial Families,
On behalf of the entire Memorial School, I would like to wish you and your family the happiest of holidays.  Enjoy the break. We'll see you on January 4th.

PTO Holiday Luncheon
Thank you to all who contributed to the amazing staff luncheon on Tuesday, December 22nd.  Everything was delicious and very much appreciated.  We are beyond grateful!

On Friday, December 18th, the entire Memorial School met to learn about Whole Body Listening from our friends in Mrs. Harrison and Mrs. DeGeorge's preschool classes.  The boys and girls showed us pictures of what Whole Body Listening looks like, sang a song to help us remember and played a great video that they had worked hard to create.  Everyone did a great job listening!

Thank you to Mr. Olsen and the entire Jazz Band for visiting the Memorial School on Friday.  We loved hearing the music and learning all about the different instruments.

Box Top Raffle Winner
Congratulations to Noah Smith!  Noah was the winner the Box Tops raffle for December winning a Park Street Books gift certificate.  Thank you to the PTO for their ongoing support. Please keep sending in those box tops!

Fa la la la la! 
The holiday sing was so much fun!  350 + happy voices all singing together is one of the greatest sounds!  Thank you to Mr. Ruggerio and Mrs. Pollock for leading the sing-a-long and to Mrs. Ravinksi, Mrs. Salamone, and Mrs. Paget for accompanying me on vocals.

Thank you for reading and have a wonderful break!
Sincerely,
Missy Bilsborough

December 17, 2015

Greetings Memorial Families and Happy Holidays!

It has been a busy week here at Memorial.  The anticipation is growing as we look forward to several upcoming events.

Teacher PreK-5 Professional Development Day

PreK-5 teachers participated in a mini digital learning day at Wheelock on Wednesday afternoon.  With five different offerings to choose from, teachers were able to differentiate their own learning based on their individual and student needs.  Check out some of the great workshops from which the Memorial staff was able to choose.

App Challenges - Debby Fromen

A hands-on opportunity to investigate K-5 creativity iPad apps.  Bring your iPad and chose your challenges:  Camera, PicCollage, Skitch, Popplet, Adobe Voice, Chatterpix, Sock Puppets, Book Creator, Explain Everything, iMovie, iMovie Trailers, Stick Around.  Then work collaboratively with colleagues to create integrated centers/lessons to take back to your classroom.  End products will be shared K-5.

Already an app expert on these apps?  Take it to the next level - app smash and create some new integrated lessons/centers.

Raz-Kids Webinar - Jamee Callahan

Gain knowledge and confidence to flexibly and seamlessly use Learning A-Z to supplement your core reading, writing, and science instruction, target key literacy skills, and move your students to new levels of reading proficiency!

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Managing Student Work with Seesaw - Bethany Robertson

Collecting student work from various iPads, computers, numerous worksheets, etc. can be overwhelming.  Seesaw is a digital portfolio that lets students easily send you all kinds of learning artifacts to one place.  Additionally, rather than use multiple apps, you can take pictures, video, draw, type, and record voice all within Seesaw.  Although it can access your camera roll for all of you app smashers!  Seesaw is simple to use for both students and teachers while still offering lots of options.

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Google Classroom and Google Apps - Jason Garverich

Excited to use this platform but just haven't had the time to get started?

Started already but feel like you're not getting the most out of it?

Come and get hands on with the technology with a Google employee who will help you take the next step in your journey (whatever that may be).

Will involve active use of the products, interacting with your peers in a real-world setting.

Chrome: The Browser with Superpowers - Neal Sonnenberg

Most of us use Chrome everyday and think of is as just a browser to get onto the Internet; however the Chrome Browser can do a whole lot more.  In this session you’ll learn many tricks to make your time on the Internet more efficient - from bookmarks, to extensions to managing multiple accounts, to making your holiday shopping easier, you will learn something new in this session.  

Thank you to our amazing presenters!

Safety Drill
Students and staff did a wonderful job today during our unannounced safety drill. Please see the email that was sent earlier on Thursday for additional details.

We are all looking forward to our school wide assembly tomorrow on Whole Body Listening as well as the Jazz Band concert in the afternoon. Next week, we will have our 2nd Box Top raffle drawing, the Holiday Sing, visiting carolers, and classroom parties. Check out next week's blog for a recap and pictures of the fun.


Have a great weekend and thank you for reading. Sincerely,
Missy Bilsborough
Memorial Principal

December 10, 2015

Dear Memorial Families,

It is with mixed emotions that I share that Mrs. Policella,  Memorial School secretary for the past 22 years, has announced her retirement.  While we are very happy and excited for her as she embarks on the next phase of her life, we will all miss her terribly!  Her kindness and ever-present smile will be greatly missed. Lynn's final day at Memorial will be December 23rd.  

Early Release Day - Professional Development
On Wednesday, December 16th, students in Preschool, Kindergarten and Grade One will be dismissed at 11:40 a.m.  The elementary staff (PreK-5) will be involved in professional development centering around various technology apps and programs designed to enhance student learning.

Thank you to MCPE for approving over $3800 for a recent grant requesting Brain Break Boxes for all 18 preschool, kindergarten and grade one classrooms.  These funds will be used to purchase sensory tools such as finger fidgets, move and sit seat cushions, weighted lap bean bags and other tactile materials.  In addition, we will be incorporating a sensory break station into each of our three hallways to provide the opportunity for structured supervised breaks as needed. "Brain Breaks are a quick and effective way of changing or focusing the physical and mental sate of learners. They are also a useful tool for student to use to help activate, energize and stimulate their brains.  Research indicates that brain breaks also improve students' concentration and relieve stress." (Incorporating Brain Breaks": http://www.pgsd.org/cms/lib07/PA01916597/Centricity/Domain/43/Brain%20Breaks.pdf

We are so grateful for MCPE's ongoing support.  Thank you!

This week, Kindergarten and Grade One teachers each spent a half-day on Tuesday working with math consultant Shephali Fox. Together, they planned a lesson that Mrs. Fox modeled in one Kindergarten and one Grade One classroom. The teachers then returned to chat about the lesson; noting strategies and activities that they can then carry over into each of their classrooms.

From the P.E. Department
Mrs. Gelinas and Mr. Grace have developed a Memorial School Physical Education Blog to highlight all the great learning that is happening during Physical Education classes.  Please take a minute to check it out!   http://memorialschoolpe.weebly.com/

Did you know that twenty Memorial staff members are participating in a monthly book group?  
Each month, our group gathers to discuss the chapter that we have read in Mindset by Carol Dweck. We look at our current practices and brainstorm ways that we can foster growth mindsets in ourselves and our students.  For more information visit: http://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/ or http://alexvermeer.com/why-your-mindset-important/


As always, thank you for reading.
Enjoy your weekend.

Sincerely,
Missy Bilsborough