The Lion's RoarMcAvinnue's Weekly Newsletter: Week Of November 23rd

MCAVINNUE'S PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Hello McAvinnue Community!

Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States, andThanksgiving 2020 occurs on Thursday, November 26. In 1621, thePlymouth colonists and Wampanoag Native Americans shared anautumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the �rstThanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries,days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in themidst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to beheld each November.

For most families, Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together to enjoy food and timeparticipating in many traditions that are unique to their cultures and beliefs. This will be a muchdifferent celebration due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Lowell and throughout theCommonwealth.

Please make sure that you do your part and keep family gatherings at a minimum and follow all of therequired COVID-19 precautions including mask wearing and social distancing. Our goal is to return ourstudents to in-person learning. We can't do this safely when the COVID-19 positive cases continue toincrease throughout the city. The next several weeks will be critical with the up and coming holidayseason around the corner.

Here are a few highlights for you to be aware of over the new few weeks:

Wednesday, November 25th @ 11:50 AM - Early DismissalThursday, November 26th & Friday, November 27th - No School (Thanksgiving Break)Thursday, December 3rd @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Parent/Teacher ConferencesWednesday, December 9th @ 1:30 PM - Early Release Day

You will be able to �nd more details below in this edition of McAvinnue's "Lion's Roar" CommunityNewsletter.

If you have any questions or need anything that we can support you with, please reach out to the MainO�ce at McAvinnue or send Mr. Domina a message at mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us

Thanksgiving Around The WorldThanksgiving doesn’t always mean turkey, pilgrims, and seeminglyendless football! The idea of bursting cornucopias and celebrating thebounty of Mother Nature transcends borders and cultures across theworld. Although they spring from the same ideas, thanksgivingtraditions around the world bring unique ceremonies and stories that inspired the merrymaking to thetable. Here are some thanksgiving and harvest festivals around the world each complete with theirown way of showing and giving their thanks!

Harvest Moon Festival / Mid-Autumn Festival – China: When the moon is the brightest and the fullest,this three-day celebration takes place in the middle of the autumn season. Also known as the MoonFestival, this celebration is a descendent from the original Chinese customs of moon-sacri�cialceremonies, where a series of prayers, poems, and offerings were burned as offerings. Nowadays, thepeople of modern China are much more accustomed to “appreciating the moon,” which is the practiceof gathering around a table, talking, and eating the offerings from the sacri�cial ceremony. Re�ectingon the importance of togetherness, families eat moon cakes (round, semi-sweet pastries) and thechildren dance and play with festival lanterns.

Pongal – India: A time for giving thanks to nature, Pongal, the Indian Harvest festival, is a four-daylong celebration held in mid-January in Southern India, and it contains plenty of rice, sugarcane, andturmeric! When you break it down, the �rst day is the time for paying homage to Lord Indra, the ruler ofclouds who provides the rain People celebrate his generosity in providing water for their crops and

Here are important to remember over the next few months of school:

Wednesday, November 25th: Early Dismissal @ 11:50 AMThursday, November 26th & Friday, November 27th: Thanksgiving Break - No SchoolThursday, December 3rd: Parent/Teacher Conferences @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PMWednesday, December 9th: Early Release Day - Student Dismissal @ 1:30 PMMonday, December 21st: Report Card Distribution (PreK - Grade 4)Thursday, December 24th - Friday, January 1st: Holiday Break - No SchoolMonday, January 4th: McAvinnue Reopens @ 9:10 AM (In-Person); 9:30 AM (Remote)

bringing prosperity to all. The second day is the performance of puja (the ceremonial act of worship),where rice is boiled in milk and then symbolically offered to the Sun God. Sugarcane, coconut, andbananas are offered in a small dish, and all participants are clothed in traditional dress.

The third day is the day for cows. In representation of the legend of Shiva and Basava, his bull, thecows are adorned in decorations, beads, corn, and �owers and paraded around the town. The jinglingbells signal the time for celebrating, and the entire scene turns into one giant party! The fourth and�nal day of Pongal requires the women of the house to wash a turmeric leaf, lay it on the ground, andplace Pongal rice around it, asking that the house and their brothers always prosper.

Chuseok Harvest Festival – Korea: The Chuseok Harvest Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the8th lunar month, emphasizes respect and commemoration of elders and ancestral roots. Aside fromthe usual thanksgiving traditions (aka feasting with friends and family), families return to theirancestor’s hometowns and hold memorials at relative’s grave sites. Along with Songp’yon (traditionalrice cakes), toran-t’ang (taro soup), and song-i (mushrooms), people celebrate with dishes made fromthe freshly harvested rice. Celebratory friend and family activities include archery, musicalcompetitions, and singing folk music. While this is a holiday to honor family ancestors, Chuseok is aspecial time for spreading happiness and togetherness amongst those you love.

The Kadazan Festival - Malaysia: Malaysians believe that “without rice there is no life.” The KadazanFestival, celebrated in May, worships rice as an extension of the Creator, and thus, the source ofthriving life and existence on Earth. Malaysians celebrate the Creator, Bambaazon, for his generosityin facilitating life on Earth. In the time of creation, the story states that their God sacri�ced hisdaughter in order to save the people who would otherwise suffer from great famine. He buried parts ofher across the land, and her body became the seed of the rice paddy. Still today, the people of Malaysiabelieve the grain holds the spirit of life and creation. With a rather dark origin to such a bright festival�lled with rice wine, buffalo races, and agricultural shows, the Kadazan Festival is a beautiful day ofgiving thanks to the Creator who made the people’s most-prized staple of life.

"Virtual" Morning AnnouncementsWe have launched each day with "Virtual" Morning Announcements. These announcements bring thein-person and remote students together in the usual way we launch each day of school with someimportant information...while having some fun!

Online Emergency Contact FormDue to a combination of in-person and remote learning occurring for thisschool year, we have created an online emergency form for you tocomplete below. Using the same form, we have provided information inboth English and Spanish for your convenience.

You can complete this form or complete a paper copy that we have used in previous school years. Thisform will be sent home with those students that will be at McAvinnue for in-person learning. However,the paper copy of the emergency form can also be picked up at McAvinnue for those families who willbe working remotely to start the school year.

PLEASE COMPLETE ONE FOR EACH CHILD ENROLLED AT MCAVINNUE!

If you could like a paper copy of the emergency form, please contact Ms. Nancy in the Main O�ce andshe will set you up with what you need to complete.

If you miss morning announcements, you can watch the videos on the McAvinnue's Learner's GoogleSite and on McAvinnue's YouTube page. Links can be found below for each.

Google Learner's Site:https://sites.google.com/view/mcavinnueelementaryschool/home?authuser=0

YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAUzGwuFaKMy13iFbHpSiMw?view_as=subscriber

Remote Learning Daily Meal Service UPDATED

Emergency Form School 2020-2021Formulario de Emergencia 2020-2021 Formulário de Emergência2020-2021* Required

Students will receive two breakfasts and two lunches on Mondays and Wednesdays at thesesites.Students will also receive meals for the weekend days on Fridays at all of our meal sites.All LPS students are eligible for meal service. All meals are free of cost. No student ID is requiredand students don’t have to be present to pick up a meal. A parent or neighbor can pick up thestudent’s meal.Meals will be served outside in a grab and go format at the front or back of the school, dependingon the location.

MCAVINNUE'S WEEK IN REVIEW

Please remember to wear a mask or face covering and follow social distancing protocols whenvisiting the meal sites.

Any updates to the remote learning meal service schedule will be posted here:https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/RemoteLearningMealService

McAvinnue's Yoga Pose Of The Week: "Chair"

On this short week, we will practice this pose and focus on increasing our strength while maintainingbalance through patience and discipline. Please see the steps of this yoga pose that we will practiceduring Morning Announcements to launch each day.

Good News InRoom 209iKindergarten students inRoom 209i used materialsfrom nature to make theirvery own trees! They havebeen learning all about treesin Science! Check out theirawesome creations!

Good News InRoom 303Grade 3 students in Room303 completed a May�owerSTEM project usingmaterials found at home.The designs and creativity istruly fantastic! Check out allof the hard work put forth bythese students...well done!

Good News InRoom 208Students read "TurkeyTrouble" and had to create adisguise for a turkey thewould keep it safe frombecoming someone'sThanksgiving meal! Checkout the awesome disguisesthese students came upwith!

WE'VE GOT TECH TIPS & SUPPORT FOR YOU!

McAvinnue's Virtual & In-Person LearningAnd Information Spot For StudentsThis link will take you to all of our learning information site for students.It is one place for you to easily be able to navigate to your child's virtualand in-person platform. You will be able to virtually met your child'steacher and access information to their in-person and virtualclassrooms.

Want To Check It Out? Click The Button Below!

Click Here for Our Student Learners SiteClick Here for Our Student Learners Site

Lowell Public School District Tech Support

The LPSD IT Team will have a "Technology Tent" set-up at thefollowing locations during the times listed below this up and comingweek:

HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES

We will update this section with the LPSD TechnologyDepartment distributes the days and times the Tech Tent willbe available this week.

Please note that these locations will change weekly.

You can also contact the Help Desk at (978) 674-2024 forassistance.

We Still Have WIFI Hotspots...Do You Need One For Better OnlineAccess?If you need access to the internet or if your home internet is not really reliable, we have T-Mobile WIFIhotspots that will allow you to fully access all elements of our remote learning program.

All you need to do is contact us and we will make sure that we secure a WIFI hotspot for your family. Atthis time, we can only provide one WIFI hotspot per family. We have heard very positive results forfamilies that have more than one child needing to use this device when it is used as directed.

If you need a WIFI hotspot, contact the Main O�ce at McAvinnue and we will do our best to get thiscritical device in your hands as soon as possible.

New & Updated COVID-19 GuidelinesCOVID-19 cases continue to be on the rise in Lowell, with 789 new cases reported in the City onO t b 29th N b 13th L ll h COVID 19 d il i id t t f 64 2 (i )

and a percent positivity rate of 8.85% (increase) as of Friday, November 20th. This still places ourcommunity in the "red" high risk category.

As you know, new measures went into effect on Friday, November 6th to help slow the spread. Knowthe rules and follow them closely to help keep our community safe.

Stay At Home Advisory: 10:00 PM - 5:00 AMFace Coverings Required In All Public PlacesRestaurants Close @ 9:30 PMIndoor Gatherings Limited To 10 PeopleOutdoor Gatherings Limited To 25 People

Flu Vaccine Required For All Students InMassachusettsThe Lowell Health Department is requiring all children to be vaccinatedagainst in�uenza by the end of the calendar year on 12/31/2020. Pleasenot that students will not be permitted back on campus after theDecember vacation without the �u vaccine. This will be important notonly for our in-person students but any student who is eligible to returnfor in-person learning at any time this school year.

Please see below for information about upcoming �u clinics for LCHC patients. As the informationbecomes available, we will share out as much information from local health providers to make thingsas easy as possible for you to get a �u vaccine this year.

If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Robin at McAvinnue.

Click Here For The Information On Flu VaccinationClick Here For The Information On Flu Vaccination

NEW - Flu Shot OpportunitiesThe Commonwealth of Massachusetts has mandated that all children attending school in gradesPreK-12 must receive a current �u vaccination by December 31, 2020. This includes students enrolledin both in-person and remote learning. Proof of a �u vaccine must be given to the school nurse by the12/31/20 deadline or a child will be excluded from school.

FAMILY INFORMATION & RESOURCES

The Greater Boston Food BankThe Greater Boston Food Bank will be at the STEM Academy (43 Highland Street) will now take placefrom 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

In support of our families, Lowell Public Schools partnered with CVS Pharmacy to provide a series of�u shot clinics at our schools. The clinics are for children ages 3 and older (family members and schoolstaff are also welcome!).

A list of clinic dates/locations and links to register can be found here:https://www.lowell.k12.ma.us/�ushotclinic

You can go to any clinic...it doesn’t have to be the one at your school. Advanced registration isrequired and space is limited.

REMEMBER THAT THE FLU VACCINATION IS A REQUIREMENT AND NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED BYDECEMBER 31ST. IF YOU HAVE ALREADY HAD YOUR CHILD RECIEVE THE FLU VACCINATION, YOUCAN DROP OFF PROOF TO NURSE ROBIN AT MCAVINNUE DURING SCHOOL HOURS OR EMAILTHEM TO HER AT rmcneil@lowell.k12.ma.us

The next food pantry is Tuesday, November 24th. Other dates for thisschool year are listed on the �yer.

This food pantry is a drive-up distribution of assorted foods for all LowellPublic School students and their families. All food bank clients arerequired to wear a mask to ensure the safety of our volunteers as well asother clients and community members. Please bring reusable grocerybags, baskets, or a cart to carry your food.

Please see the �yer below for more details.

Parent & Caregiver Support Groups

When

Tuesday, Nov. 24th, 3-4pm

Where

43 Highland Street Lowell, MA

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and Wayside Youth &Family Support Network are hosting Parent & Caregiver Support Groups.

Join them for weekly virtual support groups and individual support forparents and caregivers who are raising children and young adults withmental illness.

Parent Support Groups:Tuesdays - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Thursdays - 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Drop-In Support:Wednesdays - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Spanish Support Group:2nd and 4th Monday - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Portuguese Support Group:2nd and 4th Monday from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

For more information or the Zoom meeting link, please the contact individuals below:

mailto:malik_marrero@waysideyouth.org / 978-349-4171mailto:roberta_agostinho@waysideyouth.org / 978-349-4177

C i R d D O i f F ili

y y pYou can click the link below to access a guide that includes resources ranging from food and utilityassistance to support for parents and their children to resources about abuse. You can download andsave the resource for future reference.

Here is a list of daycare options in Lowell:

Community Team Work (CTI) (978) 454-5100Families who are already enrolled in a CTI program...

Call or text school-age coordinators to request a slotBilly 978-995-0028, wma@commteam.orgKaren 978-729-7216, kshannon@commteam.org

CTI will have full and half day slots for CTI kidsFamilies who are not enrolled in a CTI program

If you’ve �lled out a CTI application in the past...Contact Karen (978) 729-7216, kshannon@commteam.org to see if where you areon the waitlist

If you’ve never �lled out a CTI application...Fill out an application at 17 Kirk St., 126 Phoenix AveOr call the main CTI number (978) 454-5100 to request an email version of theapplication.

YWCA: (978) 454-5405 or (978) 458-9983; 41 Rock St in LowellThe YWCA is offering full-day remote slots for families who are working with the Departmentof Children and Families (DCF)Call your DCF worker and/or the YWCA to request a slot

YMCA: (978) 454-7825; 1 YMCA Dr in LowellKaren Espinola is the school-age director

Fill out a application online or at the YMCA to request a slotDebbie Doben is the preschool director if your child is preschool age

Family Childcare: Call programs to see if they have openings near youBethel Family Childcare (978) 458-6577Clarendon Family Childcare (978) 454-3026Child Development and Learning (CDE) (978) 275-2843ACRE Family Childcare (978) 937-5899CTI: See above contact information

Girls Inc: (978) 458-6529, 220; Worthen St. in LowellAccept girls ages 5-14 years oldAccept Child Care Circuit vouchers, DCF vouchers, and private pay (income-based, slidingscale)Call Pam Lerocque (Director of Finance & Administration) to check on openingsGirls Inc. has full and part-day options, but no transportation

Boys and GIrls Club: (978) 458-4526; 657 Middlesex St in LowellSchool-age openings for after-school onlyTeens who are working with the Department of Children and Families can call BGC or DCF tosee if they’re eligible

Follow McAvinnue On Social MediaYou can follow McAvinnue on social media at the following sites! Weupdate things daily and this is a great way to stay in touch with all of theamazing things that are happening inside and out of "the best school weall know"!

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/McAvinnueElementarySchoolTwitter: https://twitter.com/McAvinnueLPSInstagram: http://instragram.com/mcavinnueelementarylps

5 Facts About Thanksgiving Around The World

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5 Facts About THANKSGIVING Around The World | 5 FACTS

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Our Vision

McAvinnue Elementary School is a place...where there are highexpectations, where students are academically engaged, whereinstruction is guided by a systematic approach to examine data,where there is a multi-tiered system of support, and where aresponsive environment that fosters social emotional connectionsbetween faculty and students prevails.

#McAvinnuePride #BeTheDifference #NextLevel

131 Mammoth Road, Lowell, M… mdomina@lowell.k12.ma.us

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