Perkins Pride Newsletter December 11th 2013

MJP Students desire to create warm homes for our animal friends

Greetings MJP Families!!!

We are continuing to “Pay It Forward” with our “Doing the Right Thing” Challenge.  The enthusiasm and excitement of helping others has become so contagious that even our Chief Academic Superintendent, Dr. Eileen De Los Reyes, was inspired to bring it back to her office!

Ms. Daniels’, our Science Specialist, is leading an initiative to help animals that have been rescued.  We are asking families to contribute towels and blankets to support comfortable sleeping quarters for animals whose home are inside animal shelters.  If you could "spare some change" we will take that too! :) If you can help us to help our animal friends, we would appreciate it.

Michael J. Perkins T-Shirt Sale

We are excited to begin selling MJP T-shirts!  Starting on Friday, December 13^th, we are selling MJP t-shirts for students and adults.  T-shirts costs between $10.00 - $12.00.  If you attend the Community Day of Scholars, you may purchase and receive the shirt in person.  If you would like to

order and purchase shirts, please send in your money (checks payable to Michael J. Perkins School) and the order form with appropriate t-shirt sizes.   If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

MJP International Potluck Literacy Night

The MJP is COOOOOOOOOOOKING up a good time on Thursday, December 19^th from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.  We are hosting our infamous International Potluck Literacy Night.  We are doing arts and crafts, eating delicious foods from all over the world, listening to amazing guest readers, and much much more.  We are giving away cool books and even raffling off a few baskets!

We would appreciate it if families would bring a nice dish to share with other families that night.  It will be a great way to build a sense of community and get to know our families and friends from the Michael J. Perkins! J

For more information, please contact Ms. Correa-Gonzalez.

Urban Nutcracker

Unfortunately we will not be able to take the school to the Urban Nutcracker because we were not able to meet an internal deadline.  We are saddened by this and will do much better the next time. Teachers will be sending home your child’s money.  Please do not be discouraged. We will have another chance to do this again real soon! If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Martin.  Thanks. Have a great winter break!J

Save the Dates

·        December 13^th—MJP Community Day of Scholars Awards Ceremony—See Flyer for times!!!

·        December 16^th—MJP Emergency School Site Council Meeting, 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.  FOCUS: School schedule changes.

·        December 19^th School Site Meeting from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. in Mr. Martin’s office.

·        December 19^th Potluck Literacy Night from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. Come out for a fun night of games, reading, giveaways, hot cocoa and more!!!

·        December 23^rd No School

·        January 3^rd-Students return to school.

 Have a wonderful holiday season!!!!!!

Perkins Pride 12.4.2013

“Doing the Right Thing School” Challenge

Mr. Coughlin and his Fifth Grade students have been hosting very interesting discussions about how to make great choices in life.  And they came up with a Calendar of activities to show how they can do the right thing and have a positive impact on the lives of others.  We would love for the entire MJP School Community to join in “paying it forward” and helping others.  We know the power of a kind word or action and hope your family may join with us in the “Doing the Right Thing” Challenge.  Please take the calendar and put it in a nice place where everyone can see it and invest a few moments of your time or treasure to supporting others. J

Box Tops Challenge

 

We would like to congratulate Mr. Smith’s Fourth Grade Class for winning the Box Tops Challenge.  They brought in 400 Box Tops!!!  They will enjoy a day ice skating on the Frog Pond at the Boston Common on December 19^th. We would also like to acknowledge Ms. Hicks K-2 class that brought in 211 Box Tops.  They will receive an ice cream social for their participation.

Overall, our school brought in over 1100 Box Tops.  That will raise $110.00 for our school!  Kudos to everyone who participated.  We will host our next challenge in January 2014!

We strongly encourage every family and community partner to continue supporting the school by sending in Box Tops even when we are not hosting our Box Top Challenges.  Every box top counts!!!

We are excited that so many students will be attending a showing of the Urban Nutcracker at the John Hancock Hall on Friday, December 20^th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Tickets are $8.00.  We need families to turn in forms and money by December 16^th.  If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the main office.

 Community Day of Scholars Awards Ceremony

We are inviting everyone out to participate in the Community Day of Scholars Awards Day where we are celebrating student achievement, growth, and success.    We are encouraging families to come out and see their children at the center stage of celebration. 

Please see the attached invitation with each class’ time.  If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or the main office.

 Save the Dates

  ·        December 13^th—MJP Community Day of Scholars Awards Ceremony—

·        Families First: Anti-Bullying Parent Education Series.  The other dates are 11/21 and 12/5.  We will provide free childcare and snacks! (Cancelled because of low attendance) L

·        Parent University Math Education for Parents at Tierney Learning Center (across from school) from 9-11 a.m.  Participants will receive free Parent University points and free childcare and snacks. The other sessions are 11/25, 12/2, 12/9, and 12/16. (Cancelled because of low attendance). L

·        December 19^th School Site Meeting from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. in Mr. Martin’s office.

·        December 19^th Potluck Literacy Night from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. Come out for a fun night of games, reading, giveaways, hot cocoa and more!!!

Thanksgiving Eve Early Dismissal

Michael J. Perkins Elementary School

Home of Outstanding World Learners

Early Release Schedule

November 27, 2013

Time	Period
8:15 a.m.	Breakfast/Morning Work
8:30 a.m.	Announcements
9:00	1st Period
9:30	2nd Period
10:00	3rd Period
10:30	4th Period/1st Lunch
11:00	5th Period/2nd Lunch
11:30	6th Period/3rd Lunch
12:00 p.m.	7th Period
12:15 p.m.	Bus Dismissal
12:45 p.m.	Building Closes for Thanksgiving Break

Box Tops Challenge

We are having a Box Tops Challenge!  We are challenging every single student to bring in box tops to help the school provide great activities and programs to the entire Michael J. Perkins School!  The class that brings in the most box tops will be provided with a free field trip to the Frog Pond at Boston Common.  We will even provide the hot chocolate!!!  Each day or week, students can bring in their box tops to Ms. Correa-Gonzalez or their teacher from November 1^st through the 29^th.  For more questions, please call the office.

Power of Date Night

Greetings MJP Families!

When was the last time you had a “date night” or “hangout” with your kiddo(s)? Interestingly enough, children of families who build in at least an hour of quality one-on-one time throughout the week are more motivated in school, score higher academically, and overall are well-adjusted and happier students.  Some parents may retort: “But I have to work two jobs…” “I have three kids…how do I fit it in?” “ I am just tired…I need help!” 

Quality date nights can be 15 – 20 minutes of exclusive time anywhere at anytime where your child can check-in and just experience “be” with you.  Some ideas on how to make this work:

·         Grocery shopping: Have them plan a meal menu and budget for items.

·         Host a family game night

·         Have a picnic in the living room

·         Make cookies

·         Visit a museum

·         Fold paper airplanes and test them out

·         Go on an adventure

These ideas/activities and more can transform the attitude and altitude of your child.  Try one out tonight.

MJP Quality School Plan

Perkins QSP Parent Doc 2013

Boston Cares Loves MJP!

On Thursday October 10th, the Michael J. Perkins was treated to a beautiful uplift! Thanks to Rick Wallwork, Sara Hamilton, and a host of Boston Cares volunteers, our MJP Outdoor Classroom and Courtyard have totally been rejuvenated! In speaking with students, families, and staff members, a buzz has begun around the community.

"This space is so inviting! I believe we could invite parents and partners to meet us in our Outdoor Classroom Space!" exclaimed Ms. Correa-Gonzalez, our Family and Community Coordinator.

"This is so awesome!" cried one of our MJP student leaders! "The yard is so beautiful and vibrant! I Love It!" shared one Perkins Parent.

We are grateful that Ms. Galvez and Ms. Salazar, proud Perkins parents invested their time and talent to helping to paint the globes near the Outdoor Classroom. Their contagious smiles captivated the Boston Cares faithful and students as they toured the newly renovated courtyards.

We invite and encourage the entire Michael J. Perkins Community to visit and enjoy these spirited spaces for learning and engagement soon!

Perkins Pride 10.2.2013

Perkins Pride 10.2.2013

Meet the Principal Nights!!!

MJP Meet the Principal Nights

 The inaugural "Meet the Principal Night" was staged on Thursday September 19th at Panera Bread of South Bay Shopping Mall where approximately 20 of our valued MJP Families, Ms. Haney, our First Grade Teacher,  Ms. O'Malley, our Student Success Teacher, Ms. Daniels, our Science Specialist, Ms. John, our 4/5 Teacher, Ms. Alert, our Third Grade Teacher, Ms. Correa-Gonzalaez, our Family and Community Outreach Coordinator, and member of our MassStart team joined us for a very informative and enjoyable evening of discussion on the joys and hopes for the Michael J. Perkins in the 2013-2014 School Year.  

It was quite memorable to listen to families share their experiences with the Michael J. Perkins! Family partners said the Michael J. Perkins is...

• "A Family Centered School..."
• "A school I fought to get my son into!"
• "A school I am proud to say I attended when I was a kid!

We hope families will continue the conversation when we have Open House on October 17th from 4 to 6 p.m. For more information, please contact the school office at 617-635-8601.

Perkins Pride Family Newsletter 9.25.2013

Perkins Pride 9.25.2013

Perkins Pride 9.9.2013

Perkins Family Letter 9.9.2013

Welcome to the Michael J. Perkins 2013-2014!!!

Welcome to Families 2013

It's Hard to Let Our Children Go

Mrs. Haney's first grade class also had butterflies they had raised that were ready to release.  Actually the butterflies were more than ready.  The rainy weather had kept us and them inside.  Now it was time.

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Before we go out, Ms. Flaherty, our naturalist volunteer, asks the kids if they wonder anything about what will happen to the butterflies. The answers come flying in.

"I wonder where their homes will be."

"I wonder if they have sticky feet so they can stay on plants the way they stick on the top of their cage."

"I wonder if they are going to a better place than this classroom."

"Well, they are going to the place they are meant to be--outside," says Ms. Flaherty.

"

"Let's line up," says Ms. Haney.  

And, off we go.

Once we're in the outdoor classroom, Ms. Flaherty unzips the butterflies' home.  Suddenly one flies out and...

  

right onto Ms. Goodman's (our author-in-resident's) hand.  While this Painted Lady is getting ready for its next move, the kids say their goodbyes in the form of wishes.

"I hope you live a happy life."

"I hope God makes you food."

"Thank you, butterfly," Ms. Haney adds, "for allowing us to help you grow. It was a privilege to have you in our classroom."

Then, it flies out into the world!

Finally the only ones left in the cage are the two born with injured wings.  We decide to put them down gently on a flowering bush nearby.

"The injured ones are going to live a harder life," says Ms. Flaherty, "but we'll give them the best change we can."

"I like to think of them as survivors," said Ms. Haney.

Then all the first graders walked to the bush and watch their last two butterflies settle on a place, hopefully to live and thrive.

Goodbye, butterflies.

Look at Our Stories

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It took us a little while to post this story, so Ms. Enos's English Language Learners may be writing books by now. It's hard enough to learn to write.  It's hard enough to learn a new language.  Look what they can do! 

Way to Go, Ms. Correa!

Parents University has been a program sponsored by the Boston Public School since 2009.  It gives Boston parents an opportunity to sharpen their own skills so they can help their children learn and grow.  This month, Parent's U. honored someone who has worked very, very hard to make it a successful program...our own Ms. Correa!

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Here is Ms. Correa, holding her award.  This photo gives us the added advantage of seeing Mr. Craig Martin, who will become Perkins' new principal next September.

What did Ms. Correa do to earn this award?  Here is what the presenter said when she called Ms. Correa up to receive it: 

Evelyn has really embraced the concept of Parent University and parent learning for
academic success.  Evelyn has worked to have Parent U sessions at her school and in the South Boston community. She has committed to support the office work of Parent University in ways that go above and beyond her call of  duty, including changing her family vacation plans to staff a learning session. She has staffed Parent University events, learned and co-taught math classes, led her own Spanish math sessions and co-facilitated the Mind Matters: Families Make the Difference sessions for parents.

Way to go, Ms. Correa.  We are lucky to have her.

Who Wins the Race? Our Third Grade Class.

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As we mentioned last post, Ms. Bishop's third grade class has been studying a book called Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner. The kids have used this adventurous, rich tale to learn how to do many different analytic and writing skills.  They are also working on many of the new Common Core standards, as you can see.

Here are some of the interesting ways they are accomplishing these tasks.  Who says learning can't be fun?

In fact, here is a close-up example of one of the articles.  Nice job, Dominick!

The kids learned so much.  We learned so much too.  The only thing we don't know is how their poster got wet!

Author Studies Start Early at the Perkins

As you will see in our next post, the kids in Ms. Bishop's class did an indepth study of a book they read.  They looked at plot and characters and many other aspects of writing.  That is a third grade thing to do--but, not only a third grade thing to do.

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Ms. Smith's kindergarten class read three books!  They did what we call an author study.  They read several books by the same author (and, in this case, an author who draws his own pictures too).  They talked about the books, their different plots or stories.

Unlike the third graders, these kindergarteners then voted on which story they liked better.  They also had to support their choice with a reason.  Here are a few examples: