Hello Parents and Guardians,
Third and Fourth Grade MCAS Testing
As we gear up for another exciting week at Morris, we want to remind you that our third and fourth-grade students will take their MCAS assessment this week. Our students have been diligently preparing for these assessments, and we are confident in their abilities to showcase their knowledge and skills.
To ensure our students are ready to perform their best, please make sure they get a good night's sleep and a nutritious breakfast on the days of the tests. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle supports optimal cognitive function, helping our students tackle challenges with clarity and focus.
Eclipse Glasses Distribution
In preparation for the upcoming solar eclipse, the district will provide eclipse glasses for all students and staff before they leave school on Monday. We want to remind everyone that it is not safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. Please take note of the following safety guidelines:
Even during a partial or annular eclipse, or during the partial phases of a total eclipse, the sun will be very bright. If you are watching an entire eclipse, you may be in direct sunlight for hours. Remember to wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to prevent skin damage.
Recap of Last Week's Science Fair
Last week's science fair was a resounding success, with 85 enthusiastic participants showcasing their projects. From kindergarteners to fifth graders, our students demonstrated creativity, curiosity, and a deep understanding of scientific concepts.
Highlights from the fair included a kindergarten student explaining "What is blood made of?", second-grade girls teaching us about allergies and demonstrating the use of an EPI Pen through a catchy tune, and a group of girls exploring whether banana peels are truly slippery.
I was thoroughly impressed by the presentations and the depth of knowledge displayed by each student group. Morris students received a nice compliment from judge Tracy from General Dynamics: "I had a great time again this year and really enjoyed spending some time with the littles in the cafeteria. These kids continue to amaze me with their creativity and hard work."
Thank you to Pam Levin and Erica Robins for organizing such a great event and to the fifth grade families who baked for the bake sale. As always, we appreciate your ongoing support in our educational endeavors.
Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work and dedication!
Below is the list of Winners:
Grade 3
Best Use of Scientific Method - Air Pressure by Cecilia Clark
Best Research Project - Mystery of Auroras by Emelyn Gimbert
Best Presentation - Flavor Burst by Natasha Zaretsky and Mia Leslie
Best in Grade - Wing Size of Paper Rockets by Elias Simonson
Grade 4
Best Use of Scientific Method - Exploring Color Blindness by Oliver Knodler and Flynn Stevens
Best Research Project - What is Pink Eye? by Declan Tullock
Best Presentation - What Liquids Help A Plant Grow Best? by Natalia Morales and Sophie Boden
Best in Grade - The Penny Lab by Myra Bansal and Kennedy Flynn
Grade 5
Best Use of Scientific Method - What Do Babies Prefer to See as They Develop? by Harlow Knauss, Isla Knauss and Bryn Candee
Best Research Project - Tsunamis by John Guyer, William Guyer and Joseph Ahmed
Best Presentation - Shimmer & Shine - Minerals & Crystals Explained by Ruthie Scherben and Odessa Mannix
Best in Grade - Introducing the Horse Brain by Camryn Vorce
A Note to School
Each family will be provided with a yellow notepad on Monday. We kindly request that you utilize this notepad to communicate any changes to your child's dismissal routine, absence from school, or participation in after-school activities. The end of the day is a particularly busy time of day in the office, so we encourage parents to utilize this method of communication to ensure that the school receives all necessary information promptly. Thank you for your cooperation.
