Principal's Update

Morse Pond School Mission Statement:

Morse Pond School, in collaboration with families and the
the community will educate all students at high levels while meeting the needs of the whole child.

May 29-June 2 Update:

Dear Morse Pond families,

This week has been filled with some memorable experiences. 4th graders began to visit Morse Pond in preparation for their transition into 5th grade. We welcomed the 4th graders from Teaticket and East Falmouth this week and we will see North Falmouth on June 5 and Mullen-Hall on June 9. All groups are being treated to a performance by the Morse Pond Jazz Band, getting a preview of the Battle of the Books, and taking a full tour of the school led by student ambassadors under the direction of Mrs. Buscher. In conjunction with the elementary PTO groups and the Morse Pond PTO, all incoming 4th graders will receive a copy of the graphic novel Extincts: Quest for the Unicorn Horn by author/illustrator Scott Magoon as part of the Battle of the Books.

I was also able to accompany a group of 6th grade students on a trip to Penikese Island this week. All 6th grade classrooms visit the island in either the fall or spring. Mr. Jim Newman led our expedition across the water where students were able to see Martha’s Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands as we made our way to Penikese. Once on the island, we explored its history and learned about the native ecology. It was truly a special experience to visit a beautifully remote corner of our local area and to see students, some of whom enjoyed their first boat trip, engage with hands-on science with great enthusiasm.

*Passes Prohibited on Some Buses: We are no longer allowing students to bring a note in to ride the following buses listed below due to frequent overcrowding. If a child rides one of these buses as part of their regular dismissal plan and bus assignment, they may continue to do so.

Bus 1

Bus 14/24

Bus 12

Bus 17

Bus 23

*Moving? If you are moving after the school year, or you plan to have your child attend a private school, please let the Morse Pond office know before the end of the year. We are happy to help you navigate the transition process.

*Social Media and Resource Summit for Parents:The summer months means lots of unstructured time for kids! Come join us for a presentation on what parents and guardians should be on the lookout for with children using devices. Resource tables with community agencies with programming for youths will also be available!

June 6, 2023 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Barnstable Intermediate School

895 Falmouth Rd. Hyannis

Contact: Danielle.Whitney@mass.gov

Sponsored by: Barnstable Intermediate School PTO

*Volleyball Clinic: Falmouth Parents and Athletes!

LOV is coming back to Falmouth for our 2nd annual Spring clinic between May 30th-June 1st for boys and girls in 5th-6th, 7th-8th, and High School. Join the LOV FAM for our spring clinic as we continue to build high level volleyball access through positive energy in Falmouth! Through LOV our nationwide nonprofit 501C3 we’ve coached over 200 youth participants with over 100 hours of coaching in Falmouth since November of 2021! As promised to the athletes, parents, and supporters we are here for the long haul. We're excited to announce our 2nd annual LOV Summer Camp dates will be released in a few weeks. Watching the young Falmouth athletes continue to improve their volleyball skills and as human beings truly warms our hearts, that's what LOV is all about! We are beyond thankful & grateful to our supporters in Falmouth: Lawrence Principal- Tom Bushy, Athletic Director- Kathleen Burke, Volunteer/Parent Monet Berthiaume, Alex Khan of Shipwrecked + Falmouth Heights Hotel, and Rocky from Rocky’s Gym!!!

Clinic info:

Clinic Information: Middle School & Junior High

· Where ?: Lawrence school gym (113 Lakeview Avenue, Falmouth, MA, 02540)

· When ?: May 30th - June 1st 2023 from 3:15 – 4:45 p.m. ( 3 clinic days)

· What ?: volleyball skills clinic for boys & girls in grades 5th-6th & 7th-8th to learn volleyball fundamentals, teamwork, agility, and gameplay.

· Cost: $90 for 3 days

· Registration

Instruction provided by Lights Out Volleyball Founder, CEO, and Master Coach Harshil A. Thaker, LOV coach Kyle Ullsperger, and LOV volunteers!

Lawrence School Council Parent Vacancies -

At present, a need exists to fill three (3) parent vacancies on our School Council. One two-year seat will be assigned to an incoming 7th grade parent and two (2) one-year seats will be open to any parent who will have a child enrolled at our school for the 2023-2024 school year. If you are interested in having your name included on our School Council Ballot for the 2023/2024 school year, please fill out the Candidate Declaration Form in the link below. All nominations should be received no later than Thursday, June 1, 2023. The nominated individuals will be added to the Lawrence School Council Parent Vacancies Ballot and voting will begin on Friday, June 2, 2023 (this will go out in the LAW and MP family communication).

2023/2023 Lawrence School Council Candidate Declaration Form

*Career Fair @ Lawrence:

Lawrence School is gearing up for its Career Fair which will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, from 9:00am to 12:00pm. This is a great opportunity for students to meet career specialists and volunteers from the Falmouth Community. If you are interested in participating in this event, please complete the Lawrence School Career Fair Response Form. For more information on this event, please see the Career Fair Parent Invite.

Letter Day and Events Calendar for Next Week

May 29: No School in observance of Memorial Day

May 30: B Day

*Grade 5 and 6 presentations from visiting artist Bren Bataclan. Bren Bataclan is a Filipino-American artist. Based in Cambridge, MA he is the creator of the street art project Project Smile. He has left more than 3000 anime-inspired paintings in public spaces for passers-by to take for free if they "promise to smile at random people more often." He has given his paintings away in 80 countries and in every state in the US. Students will be working interactively with our artist in residence as he creates a new mural near the auditorium.

May 31: C Day

*Mrs. Ryan’s class trip to Penikese Island.

*Mrs. Goulart’s and Mrs. Ripley-Young’s class trip to the Coonamessett River Greenway.

*Falmouth High School graduates Walk of Honor: graduating seniors are invited to walk the halls of Morse Pond to be honored for their amazing achievements in the Falmouth Public Schools. The graduates will also visit Lawrence and their respective elementary schools.

June 1: D Day

*Mrs. Buscher’s and Mrs. Vendice’s class trip to the Coonamessett River Greenway.

June 2: E Day

*Mr. Falcone’s and Mrs. Kelliher’s class trip to the Coonamessett River Greenway.

*Mrs. Harris’ class trip to Penikese Island.

May 22-26 Update:

Dear Morse Pond families,

We are proud of all of our students this week as they worked so hard to complete the mathematics and science MCAS tests. All hands were on deck for the administration and the team effort was great to see. We are now looking ahead to beautiful weather and some exciting end-of-year events.

As we head into the final weeks of the school year, students may start to feel anxious about the coming transition into summer and, for 6th graders, the move up to Lawrence. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or our amazing counseling staff if your child is sharing these feelings at home. Our goal, as always, is for all students to feel welcome, supported, and successful at school.

June 6, 2023 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Barnstable Intermediate School

895 Falmouth Rd. Hyannis

Contact: Danielle.Whitney@mass.gov

Sponsored by: Barnstable Intermediate School PTO

*EL Parent Advisory Council: The council is hosting its second "Dinner & Conversations" on May 24 at MP. An invitation is attached to this email.

ELPAC "Dinner & Conversations"

Wednesday, May 24

6:00-7:00

Morse Pond School Library

*Volleyball Clinic: Falmouth Parents and Athletes!

Clinic info:

Clinic Information: Middle School & Junior High

· Where ?: Lawrence school gym (113 Lakeview Avenue, Falmouth, MA, 02540)

· When ?: May 30th - June 1st 2023 from 3:15 – 4:45 p.m. ( 3 clinic days)

· What ?: volleyball skills clinic for boys & girls in grades 5th-6th & 7th-8th to learn volleyball fundamentals, teamwork, agility, and gameplay.

· Cost: $90 for 3 days

· Registration

Instruction provided by Lights Out Volleyball Founder, CEO, and Master Coach Harshil A. Thaker, LOV coach Kyle Ullsperger, and LOV volunteers!

Lawrence School Council Parent Vacancies -

2023/2023 Lawrence School Council Candidate Declaration Form

*Career Fair @ Lawrence:

May 15-19 Update:

Dear Morse Pond families,

Here are the updates for this week:

June 6, 2023 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Barnstable Intermediate School

895 Falmouth Rd. Hyannis

Contact Danielle.Whitney@mass.gov with any questions

Sponsored by: Barnstable Intermediate School PTO

*EL Parent Advisory Council: The council is hosting its second "Dinner & Conversations" on May 24 at MP. An invitation is attached to this email.

ELPAC "Dinner & Conversations"

Wednesday, May 24

6:00-7:00

Morse Pond School Library

*Juneteenth Poster Contest:

*Volleyball Clinic: Falmouth Parents and Athletes!

Clinic info:

Clinic Information: Middle School & Junior High

· Where ?: Lawrence school gym (113 Lakeview Avenue, Falmouth, MA, 02540)

· When ?: May 30th - June 1st 2023 from 3:15 – 4:45 p.m. ( 3 clinic days)

· What ?: volleyball skills clinic for boys & girls in grades 5th-6th & 7th-8th to learn volleyball fundamentals, teamwork, agility, and gameplay.

· Cost: $90 for 3 days

· Registration

Instruction provided by Lights Out Volleyball Founder, CEO, and Master Coach Harshil A. Thaker, LOV coach Kyle Ullsperger, and LOV volunteers!

Lawrence School Council Parent Vacancies -

2023/2023 Lawrence School Council Candidate Declaration Form

*Career Fair @ Lawrence:

May 8-12 Update:

Dear Morse Pond families,

Here are the updates for this week:

*Early Release Reminder: Tuesday, May 9, is an early release day from school. Students will be dismissed at 12:00.

*Outdoor learning and play: Please remember to have your child dress in layers each day at school. While temperatures continue to climb as the season progresses, students may still be more comfortable outdoors with a sweatshirt or light jacket. Whenever possible, please label your child’s clothing. You should also encourage your child to check the lost and found at lunchtime in case they are missing any clothing items.

*PTO: If you are interested in supporting a Teacher Appreciation Week luncheon, please use the following link: https://may-teacher-appreciation-lunch.cheddarup.com

*Technology Reminder: If a student chromebook needs repair, please email: CBrepair@falmouth.k12.ma.us Please make sure to include the following:

Student name
Teacher
Grade
Nature of the problem

April 24th-28th Update:

Dear Morse Pond families,

Spring weather is really beginning to appear now and students are enjoying more time outdoors, diving into the most complex aspects of their grade level curriculum, and beginning to work towards the transition into next year. The entire staff at Morse Pond could not be more proud of our students and how hard they have worked this year. I hope that all of you enjoy a wonderful April vacation. When we return, we will begin final preparations toward the mathematics and science MCAS (grade 5 only), along with the wonderful anticipation that will build toward the end of year traditions in June.

*April Vacation: No School from April 17 - 21

Here are the updates for this week:

“Tickets are on sale NOW for FHS Theatre Company’s production of Mamma Mia! The show runs May 5th at 7pm, May 6th at 2pm &7pm, and May 7th at 2pm. Please come and support an incredible group of students as they perform some of ABBA’s greatest hits! This show is rated PG-13. Visit our website for more information or reach out to Ms. Guida at aguida@falmouth.k12.ma.us. “

*PTO: If you are interested in supporting a Teacher Appreciation Week luncheon, please use the following link: https://may-teacher-appreciation-lunch.cheddarup.com

*Technology Reminder: If a student chromebook needs repair, please email: CBrepair@falmouth.k12.ma.us Please make sure to include the following:

Student name
Teacher
Grade
Nature of the problem

April 3 Update:

Dear Morse Pond families,

Here are the updates for this week:

*Technology Reminder: If a student chromebook needs repair, please email: CBrepair@falmouth.k12.ma.us Please make sure to include the following:

Student name
Teacher
Grade
Nature of the problem

*Spring Flag Football: If you are looking to play some football this spring - check out Sandwich High School's Blue Knights Gridiron Spring Flag Football program. https://sandwichyouthflagfootball.com

*Holiday Inn Parking: Due to frequent disruptions to business, please do not park at the Holiday Inn for vehicle drop-off and pick-up. While this was previously allowed this year, the hotel can no longer allow this for the remainder of the year. Please remain on Jones Road until buses clear and the crossing guard allows cars into the Morse Pond parking lot.

*Neighborhood Parking: For vehicle drop-off and pick-up, please do not park in the Grasmere neighborhood to wait. Please remain on Jones Road until vehicles are allowed into the Morse Pond parking lot.

*Poster Contest: Here is an awesome opportunity for students K-12 to submit an original poster that creatively depicts the history and importance of protecting the planet and the ocean from the impact of shipping by recognizing the importance of the MARPOL Convention (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships). The theme reflects the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2023 World Maritime Day Theme. Students are asked to submit an original artwork that is based on the Torrey Canyon oil spill in 1967, the largest oil disaster at the time. It was one of the key moments that led to the development of the MARPOL Convention, in force since 1973. Today, MARPOL helps prevent pollution of the sea by:

MARPOL Annex I oil,
MARPOL Annex II- noxious liquid substances in bulk,
MARPOL Annex III- harmful substances in packaged form,
MARPOL Annex IV sewage
MARPOL Annex V garbage from ships, and
MARPOL Annex VI air pollution from ship emissions, and regulation of energy efficient.

Here is the link for submissions: Art Contest - NAMEPA and I would love to get the word out to the Falmouth schools students.

Art Supplies Donation: If you have unused art supplies at home, please consider donating them to Morse Pond for use during indoor recess periods. Any materials that can be used for arts and crafts are greatly appreciated. Items can include: stickers, cord for necklace making, pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, yarn, colored tissue paper, etc.

March 20th Update:

Dear Morse Pond families,

Here are the updates for this week:

MARPOL Annex I oil,
MARPOL Annex II- noxious liquid substances in bulk,
MARPOL Annex III- harmful substances in packaged form,
MARPOL Annex IV sewage
MARPOL Annex V garbage from ships, and
MARPOL Annex VI air pollution from ship emissions, and regulation of energy efficient.

Here is the link for submissions: Art Contest - NAMEPA and I would love to get the word out to the Falmouth schools students.

*Lost and Found: All unclaimed items in the lost and found will be donated to the Falmouth Service Center on March 24. Please remind your child to check the lost and found in the cafeteria for any missing items prior to that date.

SAVE THE DATE!

Acclaimed authors Nicole Melleby and AJ Sass will be at Morse Pond for a community event on Monday, March 27th from 3-4 PM. We are excited to welcome these authors to our school to discuss their first collaborative book Camp Quiltbag. Students can take the late buses home if they want to stay.

Please make sure to pre-register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/author-event-with-aj-sass-nicole-melleby-tickets-527890413437

Books will be raffled off to attendees!

*Food Celebrations: As a reminder, the student handbook contains a new update this year regarding food celebrations in school. The introduction reads: Creating an environment that enables students to make good nutrition choices is important to the district. To that end, classroom based celebrations (e.g., birthday parties, holidays) are food free.

Please make sure to read the full language in the handbook.

March 11th Update:

Dear Morse Pond families,

Here are the updates for this week:

*Science Fair: On Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 10am to 12 noon, Falmouth High School will host the district’s 45th annual K-12 STEAM Fair, a celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. The Falmouth STEAM Fair is a FREE, family-friendly event at 874 Gifford Street with activities and exhibitions appealing to all ages!

From 10:00-11:30, guests can explore a variety of exhibitions:

A showcase of science and engineering projects from K-12 students.
A VEX Robotics exposition
Live axolotl and turtle tanks
Falmouth High School Artwork inspired by nature and science
A dramatic egg drop competition
Hot air balloon launches
Delilah, the life-sized inflatable right whale
Handpump railcars
The senior class auction
“Are you smarter than a Fifth Grader?”
Over 20 interactive exhibits from the local science community

The STEAM Fair Awards ceremony begins at 11:30am to honor top science and engineering projects, judged prior to this year’s fair. For more information, visit the Falmouth STEAM Fair Website at www.falmouth.k12.ma.us/Page/3723

*Morse Pond PTO: Our next PTO meeting is on Monday, March 13th at 6:30pm in the library. We will be talking about the upcoming Scholastic Book Fair which is scheduled for April 10-14th and are looking for many volunteers to lend a hand with this long standing event. In addition, topics of discussion will include reintroducing the Ice Cream Social, looking forward to spring happenings and reviewing recent events.

Thanks to all who attended our Morse Pond Skating events at Falmouth Ice Arena! We had a great time and loved the community building aspect of these fun-raisers.

SAVE THE DATE!

Please make sure to pre-register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/author-event-with-aj-sass-nicole-melleby-tickets-527890413437

Books will be raffled off to attendees!

Please make sure to read the full language in the handbook.

March 6th Update:

Dear Morse Pond families,

Here are the updates for this week:

*Rec Center Update: Beginning on Wednesday, March 8, students will be able to walk to the Rec. Center. A staff member from Morse Pond will walk with the students each day on established side walks. Please send a note with your child each day that they would like to walk to the Rec. Center. If a note is not sent in, your child will follow their normal dismissal plan. In addition, we are not able to accommodate any additional riders on the bus that stops at the Rec. Center. The only option will be to walk. Students should dress appropriately for the weather to walk.

From 10:00-11:30, guests can explore a variety of exhibitions:

A showcase of science and engineering projects from K-12 students.
A VEX Robotics exposition
Live axolotl and turtle tanks
Falmouth High School Artwork inspired by nature and science
A dramatic egg drop competition
Hot air balloon launches
Delilah, the life-sized inflatable right whale
Handpump railcars
The senior class auction
“Are you smarter than a Fifth Grader?”
Over 20 interactive exhibits from the local science community

*Parking for arrival and dismissal: If you are bringing or picking up your child, please do not park in the neighborhood on Grasmere Drive directly across from Morse Pond. Residents of that neighborhood have not been able to exit recently due to cars blocking their street. We appreciate your cooperation with this policy.

*Author Visit: Morse Pond School is excited to host our next author event on March 27th from 3-4 PM. Coauthors Nicole Melleby and AJ Sass will talk about writing books for children with LGBTQ+ representation as they tour the country to introduce their latest work Camp Quiltbag. Any students who would like to attend can take a late bus home or be picked up.

Here is the link to the event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/author-event-with-aj-sass-nicole-melleby-tickets-527890413437

We ask that everyone pre-register for the event.

*6th Grade Families:

Attention families of current Morse Pond sixth grade students, The Lawrence School will be holding their annual Curriculum Night on Monday, March 6th at 6:30pm in the library. At this event, Department Heads will be presenting outlines of the curriculum that your children will be learning in 7th grade. They will also be available to answer questions you may have about placement and some scheduling options. We hope you can attend the Curriculum Night and learn more about all Lawrence School has to offer your child. Sixth grade students are not expected to attend this event. Thank you.

__________________________________________________________________________

MORSE POND COURSE SELECTION PROCESS FOR INCOMING 7th GRADE STUDENTS: On Wednesday, March 8, 2023, the Lawrence School Guidance Department will be visiting Morse Pond to meet regarding the course selection process for incoming 7th grade students. During this meeting, students will learn about what the Lawrence School has to offer and discuss the registration procedures. If you have any questions, please contact Selby Bourne, School Adjustment/Guidance Counselor, at

sbourne@falmouth.k12.ma.us or 508-548-0606, press 7 and extension 512.

*Dental Clinic: The second dental clinic is occurring at Morse Pond on Thursday, March 9th. Students who have already consented and completed the paperwork at the first clinic and we’re not able to be seen, will be seen during this clinic.

*From the Nurse: Postural screenings will run from March 10 - 17. Families were sent the opt-out form separately. Please forward any forms to the nurse.

*Snow days and letter days: In the event of a full day off from school for inclement weather, we will skip the letter day.

*Quills and Quotes: Submissions for this year's poetry contest are due by March 31. Let's encourage our young writers!

February 10th Update:

*Reminder about the school cell phone policy: Cell phone use including text messaging is not permitted during regular school hours and during detention. Students may not carry cell phones during the school day. They must be put in the student’s backpack. If a cell phone is visible during the school day, the phone is placed in the office for the remainder of the day, and the parent/guardian is notified. If this happens a second time, a student receives a detention.

PTO and School Council

School Council: School Council will be held on February 13 at 5:30 in the Morse Pond office.

PTO: Please join us for the February PTO meeting on Monday 2/13 at 6:30pm in the library. Preference is to in person attendance, zoom link is available if you are not able to attend.

We have a full agenda with many upcoming spring activities to cover. We are in need of volunteers in many capacities to help with the following upcoming events-

•Morse Pond skating events at Falmouth Ice Arena

•Morse Pond movie screening at the Cinema Pub

•Spring Fling Dance

•Book Fair

•Art Show and Ice Cream Social

•School Banking

•Spirit Gear

Zoom Link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/9191639263?pwd=djFYZHNQM3Y0SFlqTFdMSkg1VU5MZz09

*Bus to the Rec. Center: Going forward, bus transportation to the Rec. Center will only be provided to students that have that as their already established daily dismissal plan. The bus does not have the capacity for extra riders. We will no longer accept notes to ride to the Rec. Center.

Letter Day and Events Calendar for Next Week

February 13: F Day

February 14: A Day

February 15: B Day

February 16: C Day

February 17: D Day

February 20 - 24: February Vacation Week

*Aperture Resource: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-to-increase-persistence-write-about-success/2021/01

To turbocharge learning, ask students to write about the steps they took to turn a dream into reality.

February

Dear Morse Pond families,

Here are the updates for this week:

*Falmouth Public Schools Statement on Hate-Speech:

“Falmouth is a No Place for Hate community, and Falmouth Public Schools has brought forward a vision of how we see Falmouth through our eyes and the eyes of our children, “Falmouth is my Beloved Community.” To build a genuinely beloved community, we must speak up when acts of hate occur and acknowledge the pain and rippling effects of trauma. We must recognize there are symbols, words, and acts of hate that have the power to negatively impact individuals and a community as a whole. We need to continue to reject hate and respond with love to all people. Our hearts go out to our community members and friends who are harmed by such acts. When one of us is harmed, we are all harmed. Let us come together and express love and care to our Beloved Community.”

In addition, the school district will host its second parent/ guardian forum on Thursday February 2nd. The event is called the Beloved Community Forum. The goal is to allow parents to continue the discussion concerning the schools’ equity journey so that all of our students will thrive! All Falmouth Public Schools Parents/Guardians are welcomed to attend. The location is at the Falmouth Public Library (300 Main St., Falmouth, MA 02540) in the Hermann Foundation Meeting Room from 7pm to 8:30pm.

Here is a copy of the flier: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1drpgySPKYSc78wg1CAj6kKDXMu_TIKJ_/view?usp=share_link

Nurse’s Corner

*6th grade hearing screenings will take place during the week of February 6 - 10. Parents should send in written notification if they would like their child to opt-out of this service. Email communication is acceptable.

*If you have not already done so, please remember to fill out all of the electronic PowerSchool forms. Please contact the Morse Pond main office if you have any questions.

JANUARY 2023

Dear Morse Pond families,

We are off to a great, if a bit wet, start to 2023. Students and staff have returned from the vacation break with renewed energy and enthusiasm. In class, students will now begin to tackle the real heart of their grade level curriculum and begin to build new skills to help them with increasingly complex tasks. The next several weeks until the February vacation will be crucial to their development. Beginning on January 17, all students will be screened again in both English Language Arts and mathematics to gauge their progress this year. This data will help us create specialized learning groups to meet individual needs. Thank you, as always, for your continued support for our students at home. A strong partnership between school and home is critical for success.

Here are the updates for this week:

*Grief Groups: The Morse Pond counseling team will be starting some groups focused on grief for students that have experienced loss. Please contact one of our counselors if you feel that this support would benefit your child. The counselors can be rea

Courtney Salvucci: csalvucci@falmouth.k12.ma.us

Lindy Thomas: athomas@falmouth.k12.ma.us

*FAMILY VIRTUAL FORUM ANTI-BULLYING: January 19, 2023 at 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

ZOOM: https://falmouth-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/86515673674

Sincerely.

Mr. Timothy Adams

Principal's Update

Morse Pond School Mission Statement:

Morse Pond School, in collaboration with families and thethe community will educate all students at high levels while meeting the needs of the whole child.

Morse Pond School, in collaboration with families and the
the community will educate all students at high levels while meeting the needs of the whole child.