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.
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
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