Dear Morse School Community,
I hope you had a great week. We have been finding ways to make the final days of 2024 count!
Fourth Grade Swimming
As part of our fourth grade PE curriculum, all of our fourth grade students have been swimming! The students began with an assessment and then are grouped based on skills they need to develop. As you can expect, our students are in very different places but all have been brave in trying to push themselves to try things like the diving board even though they may be nervous. We are so proud of them!
Morse School Spirit Week
Our Student Council has organized a fun School Spirit Week for the week of December 16th - 20th. They brainstormed, discussed, collaborated and came to consensus as a team and here are the resulting themes:
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Mon., December 16th- Cozy Day
Alternative: Weargreen
Tues., December 17th- Sports Day
Alternative: Wearpurple
Wed., December 18th- Socks & Crocs/Comfy Footwear Day
Alternative: Wearblue
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Thurs., December 19th- Dress as Famous Person/Character Day
Alternative: Wearred
Fri., December 20th- Choose Your Own Secret Group Theme Day
Alternative: Wearblack
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Field Trips
In November, third graders enjoyed an educational field trip to the Concord Museum to explore Native history and Early Colonial history. In this two-part program students were introduced to Northeast Native culture through a table-top archaeological dig, object investigations, and museum galleries. Students also explored the critical first encounters between English settlers and Native people in Massachusetts.
On Thursday, Kindergarten students attended a performance of “A Year with Frog and Toad” at Wheelock Family Theatre. It was a wonderful live show celebrating the power of friendship. The event provided a nice connection with their Animals and Habitats unit. Throughout this experience, children were able to grow both their theatre and life skills. After returning from the trip, students enjoyed a special pizza lunch in the classrooms. A special thank you to the CPSD Visual & Performing Arts Department and the Friends of Morse for providing the funding for tickets and lunch.
Professional Development
We were very excited to welcome Hannah Shin, Behavior Specialist, back to Morse on Wednesday. Hannah was a first grade teacher at Morse for many years prior to moving into this role. She led a thoughtful professional development on "De-Escalation Strategies" for our staff. We learned about concrete strategies to reinforce positive or desired behaviors and how to support students who may be in crisis in a way that is safe for everyone.
Personal Cell Phones, Smart Watches & Electronic Devices
Cell phones and smart watches belonging to students must be kept in backpacks and turned off during regular school hours. Morse School staff members reserve the right to take cell phones or smart watches from students who do not turn them off and/or store them in backpacks during the school day. The first time a phone or smart watch is taken, it will be returned to the student at the end of the day. The second time a phone or smart watch is taken, a parent or guardian will be expected to come into school to retrieve it. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged or misplaced cell phones or smart watches. In an effort to foster an effective learning environment for all children, electronic devices such as tablets and hand-held video games are not allowed in school or on school buses. Such devices will be confiscated and returned to parents with the understanding that they will not be brought to school again. The Morse School is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen electronic equipment.
Upcoming Events
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Samantha Headley