August 29th, 2017

Dear Muraco Families,

Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year! On behalf of the staff at Muraco school, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our new and returning students and families. The start of a school year often signals new beginnings, and this is certainly the case for me!

I can’t begin to tell you how very excited I am to be a part of this outstanding school community. As a lifelong resident of Winchester I have been incredibly fortunate to have served as the Assistant Principal of McCall Middle School for the past 7 years. This year, I am honored to take on the role of Interim Principal of the Muraco Elementary School. I am certain that this will be the best year yet!

Over the summer, our custodial staff was busy readying the school. Both Mr. Steve Queen and Mr. Dave Carney did a remarkable job of maintaining the interior and exterior of Muraco School. Thank you to our custodial staff for a job well done.

A special thank you to Mrs. Lori McKinney, Administrative Assistant and Mrs. Lisa Mandaglio, Assistant Principal and Special Education Supervisor for coming to school all summer long. They both to made sure that teachers had their supplies, phone calls and emails were returned, among the long list of other important tasks that help to make a school run.

Our teachers were able to enjoy some well deserved rest and relaxation over the summer. In addition, many of our staff members were a part of district wide professional development opportunities in a number of areas. They are returning to us refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for a fantastic school year.

Staffing Updates:

Please join me in welcoming the following new staff members:

  • Stacey Bukuras will be filling in for Kelly Cunha while she is on maternity leave.
  • Lydia Connell is our new School Psychologist.
  • Lori Murphy will be a K-2 Special Education Teacher.
  • April Hunt is a new Teaching Assistant.
  • Rachel Hernandez is a new Teaching Assistant.
  • Angela Winn joins us as a new ISS.
  • Ryan McGowan also joins us as ISS.
  • Janet Hurley joins us in the cafeteria.
  • Cara Moretti will join us each Thursday to offer her assistance as the new district-wide elementary School Adjustment Counselor.

In addition to our new staff members, we have had a few personnel changes:

  • Alison Delory continues as a Special Education teacher and has moved to 5th grade.
  • Leah Ferullo has returned to 5th grade after a year sabbatical.
  • Dina Smith has returned to grade 1, after maternity leave.
  • Laura Inglese has moved from ISS to our ADK as a Teaching Assistant.

MESPA:

  • MESPA is our Muraco Elementary School Parents Association. Sarah Brown is this year’s MESPA President. She and several other parent volunteers have been working hard to coordinate activities and programs that broaden our students’ thinking and strengthen our home/school connection. Our students benefit tremendously from the efforts of this dedicated group of parents, and it our hope that more parents will consider lending a hand. If you would like to learn how you can volunteer or you have a question regarding a MESPA event, please feel free to contact Sara at: . You can also access information regarding MESPA, here.

Important Notices:

On Wednesday your child will bring home the following forms in their backpack:

Please return the Student Information Sheet and Health form no later than Friday, September 15th. It is critical that this information remain accurate. Please keep us updated of any changes made during the school year.

  • Student Information Sheet: Please read carefully and make corrections.
  • Point of Sales (POS) Information Sheet: Discusses the NEW POS system, NUTRIKIDS. Your child’s pin number is on this sheet. Please help your child remember their number. This will be sent home to our kindergarten and new students only.
  • Free and Reduced Guidelines can be found on the District website
  • If you plan on chaperoning field trips, please be sure to come to the office to complete a CORI.

Notes from our Nurse:

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Family and Community School Health require complete health records and immunizations for every child in public school. Winchester Public Schools require an updated physical signed by your child's Health-Care Provider for all kindergarteners, new students entering Muraco, and 4th graders.Thank you to those who have already submitted paperwork.

If your child has a life threatening allergy that requires an Epi-Pen, or requires other, daily medication, please be sure to stop in to see the nurse. Written authorization by the parent/guardian is required for all medications, including over the counter medications. In addition, some medications require authorization by the physician. Children should not be taking medication in school independently.

Arrival/Dismissal:

To ensure the safety of your children and a timely arrival, please adhere to the following procedures:

  • Supervision begins at 8:10. It is critical that students do not arrive to school before there is supervision.

To help maximize time on learning please be sure that your child arrives to school on time.

First Bell: 8:25 – Students will begin to enter the building

Second Bell: 8:30 – Classes begin

  • The side parking lot is for staff only.
  • ALL students will line up by class on the hard top in the back of the school.
  • A red flag placed at the front of the school will be the signal for students to line up indoors.
  • When the RED FLAG is out front students in kindergarten, first, and second grades will line up in the front lobby.
  • Students in grades 3-5 will line up in the gym.
  • Students who arrive AFTER the first bell, at 8:25, should enter through the front lobby.
  • Students who arrive by bus will be escorted to the back of the school by a staff member.
  • To ensure the students’ safety parents will not be allowed inside during arrival and dismissal times.
  • After arrivals and dismissals, all doors are locked.
  • For your child’s safety and peace of mind, please make arrangements before arriving to school and for him/her to be picked up promptly at dismissal.

Parking and Car Safety:

  • Use only the front parking lot for pick up and drop off. Moving traffic into and out of the side staff parking lot is extremely dangerous during these times due to the number of students walking.
  • Do not park in restricted areas.
  • Do not park around the rotary in the front of the school as it impedes all traffic flow.
  • Parents who are dropping off or picking up students will form a single line at the front of the school.
  • Drivers MUST remain in their vehicles. Vehicles should be put in park before allowing children to exit vehicles.
  • To make this procedure most efficient and manageable, students should enter and exit from the passenger side between the STOP sign and ALL along the sidewalk.
  • Teach your child/children to wait for you on the sidewalk. No child is allowed to cross the parking lot to reach a car.
  • Turn off your car engine if you arrive early at dismissal time and are waiting in line. This will reduce the presence of harmful fumes.
  • Between the hours of 8:00 AM-9:00 AM and 2:00 PM-3:00 PM all drivers must turn RIGHT from Bates Rd. onto Washington St. after leaving the parking lot to alleviate traffic jams.

Student Handbook:

Please be sure to check out the student handbook on the Muraco School website.

Some Friendly Reminders:

Snacks:

Each day students have an opportunity to have a morning snack, and our young friends work up quite the appetite! We encourage you to pack a healthy snack, which can easily and neatly be consumed. Thank you for your support!

Food in Classrooms:

During the school day, all elementary schools will require that parties and celebrations be food free. Food will not be used as a reward or incentive for any student. Children are not allowed to share snacks or food with each other, either in school, on the bus, or at school sponsored events such as Field Trips.

Lunch:

Children may bring lunch from home or may purchase lunch through the school lunch program. Elementary school lunch cost is $3.25, milk is $0.75 and water is $0.85.

You can deposit money into your child’s lunch account with a check, made payable to Winchester School Lunch, or cash, delivered to the school on the first three mornings of school from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. During the school year deposits can be made at school on Monday mornings from 8:00-9:00 am. You can also pay anytime online. You can register free at:

Save the Dates:

First Day of School for Students:

  • Wednesday, September 6th (Early Release)

Early Release:

  • Thursday, September 7th

First Full Day of School:

  • Friday September 8th,

Muraco Family Picnic:

  • Tuesday, September 5th, 4:00-6:00pm

Welcome Back Coffee: Beginning at 8:45 in the Gym

  • Wednesday, September 6th
  • Thursday, September 7th

Picture Day:

  • Monday, October 2nd.

More details will be forthcoming as we get closer to this date.

Curriculum Night:

  • Thursday, October 12th.

The purpose of Curriculum Night is for parents to meet the teacher and learn about routines and expectations. We look forward to meeting with you. More details will follow as we get closer to these dates.

I am looking forward to a wonderful year ahead!

Respectfully,

Leslie West