Margaret Chase Smith School Weekly Update
December 4, 2020
Dress for snow:
The forecast for tomorrow looks like snow and possibly lots of it. This means
there is a strong possibility snow will be on the ground come Monday. This is
just a reminder that students need to dress appropriately for the weather. If a
child wants to play in the field in the snow, he/she will need to wear snow pants,
jackets, hat, gloves, boots, etc. I also recommend that your child have shoes or
sneakers to change into once inside the school. Boots can make your feet hot
and uncomfortable if worn for the whole day. In past years we have been able
to supply jackets and boots, snow pants and jackets for students to borrow when
they forget theirs; however, this will not occur this year.
Proof of negative test results from travelers:
This is just a reminder that if your child travels out of state that Maine’s CDC
expectations are that individuals quarantine for 14 days or provide a negative
COVID test. The school does need proof of the test results. We appreciate all
the parents who have been keeping us informed and following these guidelines.
This allows us to keep everyone safe. There are a couple exceptions to these
guidelines and you contact me at school so, we can discuss if your travel fits into
this area.
Hedgehogs
We’ve been reading some Jan Brett books staring Hedgie the Hedgehog, and we
also read a nonfiction book about hedgehogs. They followed along with a
directed drawing of a hedgehog and we added them to our winter bulletin board.
They did an amazing job! ~ Mrs. Deschambault
New iPads:
If your child was at school yesterday or today, then they have come home with
their new iPad! It is a BRAND-new iPad, with a BRAND-new case! Our
kindergarten, first and second grade students were the recipients. As I was
walking around the school I stopped into Mrs. Smith’s second grade class as the
students were getting used to their new iPads. What if your child was not in
school? He/she will get their new iPad when they return and hand in their old
iPad.
3rd Grade Update:
Math: This week in math we focused on multi-step number stories and
developing number models and pictures to help support and prove our answers.
Reading: We continued our mystery reading this week. We discussed the
importance of considering motive and opportunity when we think of suspects,
and also using clues from the text to help support our thinking.
Writing: This week the students took a break from writing to focus on science.
Mystery Doug taught the class how plants reproduce using pollination and the
difference between a science fruit and a science vegetable. ~ Melissa Parnham
December is Empathy Month: #Grinch For Good Campaign
This holiday season MCS is participating in the Grinch For Good Campaign. We
are challenged with collecting cans and non-perishable items for our local food
pantry and student backpack program. By giving back to our community, we hope
to grow our hearts three sizes bigger, just like the Grinch! Please send in your
items by December 18th. Wear green or dress up like your favorite Grinch
character as well on Monday & Tuesday, December 21st and 22nd to show
your support!
Things are about to get "Ugly":
As a reminder - Every Friday at MCS for the month of December, the staff are
asking the students for help as they judge our 2020 Ugly Sweater
Contest. Throughout the month we will post pics of various staff members
wearing their favorite Holiday sweater. On December 21st and December 22nd,
students will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite sweater and choose
our champion. Does your student have a favorite holiday sweater or
sweatshirt? Feel free to join in on the fun! ~ Mrs. Hallissey. Below is a
sampling of some of the unique sweaters and a skirt worn this Friday.
The Weeks Ahead –
Here are some dates and events I want to give you a heads-up about so that you can plan for them.
1. December 11th – Our second Ugly Sweater Contest
2. December 14th- 15th – Report cards go home.
3. December 1st- 18th – Grinch for Good Campaign
4. December 23rd-January 3rd – Winter Break.
Have a great week!
~ Chuck Potter