MRE Update

Over the past couple of months, a new phenomenon has trickled into the Mary Rowlandson Elementary School. More and more students are wearing electronics such as Apple Watches, Fitbits, and V-Tech watches as well as many other brands of wearable devices. This presents new and unique challenges. One concern is that these devices can be a significant distraction in the classroom. With notifications, alerts, and messages, students may struggle to focus on their schoolwork and may be more likely to become disengaged from the learning process. We have also noticed students making phone calls or texting at recess. Others are playing video games. In addition, wearables can also create social pressure, which can lead to conflicts among students.

It is recognized that some families choose to have their children wear an electronic device for safety reasons. If a child has a wearable device in school, we ask that you review expectations with your child for the proper use of the device. In addition, please reinforce, if a child needs to speak with a parent regarding dismissal or setting up a playdate, it is best if a student comes to the office for those situations.

Friday, April 7th

Early Release Day
Students K-5th dismissed at 12:15. Full day PK students dismissed at 11:15. Lunch will be served.

Monday April 17th - Friday April 21st
April Vacation - School Closed

To ensure a smooth start to the school day and minimize disruption to learning, we kindly request that families send one email that goes to both the classroom teacher and MREattendance@nrsd.net before school starts at 8:35 to notify us of any dismissal changes, including Extended Learning, if applicable. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and help us manage the increasing number of appointments during the school day, as well as dismissal changes that come in during the day. At times throughout the day, whole classes may be away from their rooms, making it difficult for us to deliver the message to them in a timely and efficient manner.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We are committed to providing a safe and efficient learning environment for all of our students.

We are excited to announce that a new doorbell and camera system has been installed at the front doors of both MRE and LBMS. To gain access, please push the button next to the purple star and continue to look at the camera so we can see you. 😊

In an effort to maintain a safe and secure environment for our students and staff, we kindly request that you identify yourself and state the purpose of your visit. Providing additional information such as who you are, who you are picking up/dropping off, or the room you are volunteering in, will help us assist you more efficiently.

Please note that although we strive to answer the doorbell as quickly as possible, there may be times when we are occupied with other tasks. If we are unable to answer immediately, the doorbell will continue to ring in the office until we are able to assist you.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation in this matter. We look forward to welcoming you on your next visit to our school.

Thank you to all families who participated in the Spring Fundraiser with Meadow Farms. Although the fundraiser has officially ended, the website is still available for those interested over the weekend. The funds raised will help defray expenses such as Nature's Classroom, field trips, and recess equipment. We appreciate your support!

www.meadowfarms.com
Group ID: 1193231

Click here for the April edition of the Lancaster PTO newsletter: LINK

Also, the PTO is will meet Thursday, April 13th, in the MRE library at 6:30 PM. Kids are welcome, and we'll have an easy craft to keep them entertained. Hope to see you there!

Teacher appreciation week is almost here! During the first week of May, we'll shower our teachers with treats and gratitude. If you want to help thank the MRE/LBMS faculty and staff for all they do for our community's children, sign up HERE!

Save the date for upcoming family fun!

Join us for a night of pottery painting hosted by Claytime! On Thursday, May 4th, at 6:00 PM, the LBMS cafeteria will be transformed into a pottery painting studio. For Mother's Day, Father's Day, or just because, decorate a beautiful keepsake and have fun doing it!

Join us for the annual Spring Fling family dance! On the evening of May 19th, we'll be hosting a glow party! Bring the whole family to MRE for some neon-themed dancing! More info to come.

Volunteers Wanted:

Nashoba Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is currently seeking a Lancaster parent representative. Nashoba SEPAC is a parent-led group that provides support to parents and guardians of children with an IEP or 504 Accommodation Plan. Please email SEPACchair2022@nrsd.net for more information regarding this important role.

Are you a parent who is passionate about the MRE/LBMS summer theater program? The Lancaster PTO is currently looking for a new PTO/Theater Program Liaison. Please email mrelbmspto@gmail.com for more information regarding this role. The volunteer who accepts the position will receive free tuition for their child(ren) for the 2023 Summer Theater program.

Join us at the Mary Rowlandson Elementary School Auditorium at 103 Hollywood Dr. Lancaster, MA, Mondays through Thursdays in July for an opportunity to experience drama, music, and dance.

July 5 – July 27, 2023

Eligible Students: Those who have Completed Grades 4 through 9

View the PDF below for all the details!

I am sharing details below about a volunteer opportunity for students (and community members) to participate in the annual Learn-to-Bike Camp during April vacation week.

Great Volunteer/Community Service Opportunity – Spring Vacation Week

Emerson Health is running its 7th Annual Learn-to-Bike Camp during Spring Vacation week: April 17-21 at Lawrence Academy in Groton. During bike camp, more than 40 children with special needs are taught by physical therapists and volunteers how to ride a bike! Each camper requires volunteers to help motivate and spot them as they learn to bike. Camp is an amazing experience for all involved. For students interested in careers in health care, physical, occupational, speech therapies, recreation, athletics, and teaching, this is an extraordinary opportunity to make a life-changing difference for children and network with professionals during camp.

To participate, volunteers must be 14 years or older and able to run around a hockey rink (without ice). Volunteers will:

- Receive training and mentorship during camp from physical therapists

- Help children with special needs learn to ride a bike – a thrilling experience!

- Earn community service hours and receive a free t-shirt. Free parking is available.

To learn more about bike camp, watch this ABC TV news story that features campers and volunteers:
https://abcnews.go.com/US/video/program-helps-kids-special-learn-ride-bikes-54589856

For more information and to register to volunteer, visit: https://icanshine.org/ican-bike-groton-ma/. Scroll down on the webpage to Volunteer Online Registration. Thank you for your interest!

Thank you,

Kelsey Magnuson

Community Benefits and Events Manager

Emerson Health

310 Baker Ave

Concord, MA 01742

Office: 978.287.1193

Nashoba Youth Field Hockey will be hosting
a spring clinic starting April 28th!

This will be a skills clinic on Fridays for 7 weeks for K-6th grade

Location: Derby Field behind Florence Sawyer School

Fridays 5:15-6:15 from 4/28 through 6/9

This is open to new players as well as experienced ones! There will be fun drills and scrimmages during practice time! The cost of the clinic is $70.

THERE WILL BE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GAMES ALSO! There are a couple of playdays/tournaments that I would love to take players from this spring clinic to! They are local, Worcester and Concord area. It will primarily be for players in 3rd grade and up. There may be an additional cost for this depending on host site fees and roster size, but if there is, it will be kept very reasonable. Once I have a roster for the spring, I will be able to send out final details for tournaments/games.

The Friends of the Bolton Public Library will hold their semi-annual book sale on:
Saturday, May 13, from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM.

Rain date is Saturday, May 20, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM.

Location is the Houghton Building, 697 Main St. Bolton
There are over 5,000 books sorted and “not picked over.” puzzles, CDs and DVDs.

The School Committee has approved the new calendar for the 23-24 school year.

Email: jfrommer@nrsd.net
Website: rowlandson.nrsd.net
Location: 103 Hollywood Drive, Lancaster, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 368-8482