Morse Pond School Mission Statement:

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

 

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Principal’s Weekly Message

October 13, 2023

Dear Morse Pond families,

 

Students have sailed through this shorter week and we are so proud of their efforts.  One aspect of life in the classroom that I have really enjoyed being a part of this year is student discussions.  Now in our second full year of school without health restrictions, you can really see students becoming more comfortable with speaking in class.  Teachers are doing an amazing job facilitating small group stations across the curriculum that allow students the space and time to work together and creatively collaborate.  

 

To keep that momentum going at home, I always encourage families to set aside time to actively listen and engage children in discussions.  In 5th and 6th grade, students may be reluctant to share a lot of details about school, but don’t stop asking questions!  As the parent of a 3rd and 6th grader myself, we have established a routine where our sons know that we will be asking them to share at least one specific detail about each part of the daily school schedule.  This has really helped us to move beyond the previous response they would give for their entire day:  “It was good.”  The best moments happen when you can see their eyes light up with a clear memory from the day that they might have forgotten otherwise.  Keep the discussions going!  We are definitely seeing the benefits here at Morse Pond.  

News and Reminders

 

*Coffee with the Superintendent:  Dr. Duerr will be at Morse Pond on Wednesday, October 18 from 2:50 - 3:50 hosting a coffee hour for any parents or guardians who would like to attend.  The superintendent’s website also lists future coffee hours at the other schools.  Parents and guardians are welcome to attend as many of these events as they would like to share ideas, questions, and concerns. 

 

*PTO News:  The annual Monster Blast event is fast approaching!  This year’s event will be held on October 20 and it promises to be a night of music, fun, and great raffle prizes.  If you are interested in volunteering, please click the following link:  

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0944AFAC2EABFD0-44508270-mpptomonster#/

 

You should have also received separate emails from the PTO about Monster Blast.  Specifically, they are looking for donations of blow-up decorations or any other props you might be willing to lend that will help to transform Morse Pond into a scary good time! 

 

*Early Release Day:  Tuesday, October 17 will be an Early Release Day.  Students will be dismissed at 12:00.  Staff will be attending training in the afternoon.  

*Belonging Series:  Adults in the Falmouth Public Schools (parents, guardians, staff) are invited to participate in the district-wide Belonging Series. The first of three “learning together” sessions is coming up: 

• Tuesday, October 17, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., at the Falmouth Recreation Center, 790 Main Street.

• Facilitated by Dr. Kalise Wornum. 

• Participants will explore what it means to “belong,” as well as strategies to foster a greater sense of belonging among everyone in the Falmouth Public Schools.

• Portuguese interpreters will be available.

For more information: https://shorturl.at/nstC9

*Note from the Nurse:  The health office is still looking for donations for our students. We are in need of new girls' underwear, boys' boxer briefs, t-shirts and socks. As far as gently used clothing, we could use kids' gym shorts, black leggings, sweatpants, and sweatshirts. Boys/girls sizes 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, and 14-16 are in the most need.  Thank you for your support! All donations can be brought to the main office, or sent in with your child. 

 

 

*Note from the Nurse:  The health office is looking for donations for our students. We are in need of new girls' underwear, boys' boxer briefs, t-shirts and socks. As far as gently used clothing, we could use kids' gym shorts, black leggings, sweatpants, and sweatshirts. Boys/girls sizes 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, and 14-16 are in the most need.  Thank you for your support! All donations can be brought to the main office, or sent in with your child. 

 

*Thank you to our families:  Our crossing guard, Diane Troccoli, would like to thank all of our families who come for vehicle drop off and pick up each day.  She truly appreciates all of your patience and kindness as she manages the heavy traffic load on Jones Road. 

Wings for Falmouth Families:

If you or someone you know in town is experiencing a medical crisis or tragic event, this local organization may be able to help.  Aid packages are available for Falmouth families with school-age children.  Call 508-388-7633, or visit their website to find out more. 

 

*Hispanic Heritage Month:  September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

Principal’s Weekly Message

October 6, 2023

Dear Morse Pond families,

 

The new format for this year’s Meet Your Teacher Night brought a great level of energy to the event.  I truly enjoyed seeing the pride and enthusiasm that our students displayed as they led their families on a tour of the classroom and school.  5th and 6th-grade students are in a developmental phase of their lives where they are looking to take on more responsibility and grow their voices.  Allowing them to lead the evening was one way to support this critical phase in their academic journey.  Furthermore, it was powerful for the children to see all members of their school community, from parents to teachers, together in one place to celebrate and support them as young scholars.  Thank you all for supporting the evening!

News and Reminders

 

*PTO News:  The annual Monster Blast event is fast approaching!  This year’s event will be held on October 20 and it promises to be a night of music, fun, and prizes.  If you are interested in volunteering, please click the following link:  

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0944AFAC2EABFD0-44508270-mpptomonster#/

*No School:  There is no school for staff and students on Monday, October 9 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  

 

*School Council and PTO:  School Council will meet on October 11 at 5:30 in the principal’s office, followed by the PTO meeting at 6:30 in the library.  

 

*PeaceBuilders of the Month:  Congratulations to all of our inaugural student winners!  Students were chosen by teachers for this honor for displaying the characteristics of a PeaceBuilder.  Students began reciting the PeaceBuilders Pledge in Falmouth beginning in kindergarten and we are glad to continue this tradition at Morse Pond.  Each month, we will recognize a new group of students with a group photo that will be displayed in the school and a certificate to take home.  

 

*Outdoor Learning Committee:  Please read the attached flyer.  

 

*Falmouth Travel Basketball:  Please read the attached flyer.  

*Belonging Series:  Adults in the Falmouth Public Schools (parents, guardians, staff) are invited to participate in the district-wide Belonging Series. The first of three “learning together” sessions is coming up: 

• Tuesday, October 17, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., at the Falmouth Recreation Center, 790 Main Street.

• Facilitated by Dr. Kalise Wornum. 

• Participants will explore what it means to “belong,” as well as strategies to foster a greater sense of belonging among everyone in the Falmouth Public Schools.

• Portuguese interpreters will be available.

For more information: https://shorturl.at/nstC9

 

 

 

Principal’s Weekly Message

September 29, 2023

Dear Morse Pond families,

 

I continue to be impressed by our young scholars at Morse Pond.  The work being done by staff and students this year with the S.O.A.R. expectations is making our school a positive, welcoming place to learn.  From walking quietly in the hallways, to actively listening to a speaker in class, expected behaviors ultimately contribute to all of our students achieving excellence.  We truly appreciate your partnership in this work.  

 

For 5th and 6th graders, growing responsibility and independence at home can directly support learning at school.  Having a list of jobs to complete at home, without reminders, is a great way to achieve this goal.  Students will also begin to grow in their awareness of helping others and contributing to a larger cause.  A solid work ethic, established at a relatively young age, will pay dividends that will last a lifetime.  I look forward to seeing everyone next week at Meet Your Teacher Night.  

News and Reminders

 

*Full Day Professional Development/No School:  There is no school for students on October 6.  Staff will be attending professional development sessions throughout the day focused on the social-emotional well-being of students and strategies for creating a positive classroom culture that supports excellence in academics.  

*Meet Your Teacher Night:  This annual event will be held on October 4 from 6:00 - 8:00.  

This is not a night for individual conferences, but you may sign up for a conference with your child’s teacher in the near future.   Students are invited to attend with their parents/guardians and they will be participating in the presentations.  We ask, if possible, that siblings do not attend.

 

*Belonging Series:  As you read in Dr. Duerr’s recent update, Falmouth Public Schools is excited to announce the 2023-24 Falmouth Public Schools Belonging Series – three “learning together” sessions for adults, designed to build a more inclusive learning community. In each interactive session, we will explore what it means to “belong,” as well as steps we can take to foster a greater sense of belonging among everyone in our schools. 

 

We hope you will join us for any or all of the three learning sessions. Portuguese translation will be available. Each session will take place from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Falmouth Recreation Center, 790 Main Street, on the following dates:  October 17, January 16, and April 2.  

*Note from the Nurse:  The health office is looking for donations for our students. We are in need of new girls underwear, boys boxer briefs, t-shirts and socks. As far as gently used clothing, we could use kids' gym shorts, black leggings, sweatpants and sweatshirts. Boys/girls sizes 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16 are in the most need.  Thank you for your support! All donations can be brought to the main office, or sent in with your child.  

 

*Thank you to our families:  Our crossing guard, Diane Troccoli, would like to thank all of our families that come for vehicle drop off and pick up each day.  She truly appreciates all of your patience and kindness as she manages the heavy traffic load on Jones Road.  

Wings for Falmouth Families:

If you, or someone you know in town is experiencing a medical crisis or tragic event, this local organization may be able to help.  Aid packages are available for Falmouth families with school-age children.  Call 508-388-7633, or visit their website to find out more. 

 

Asas para famílias de Falmouth:

Se você ou alguém que você conhece na cidade estiver passando por uma crise médica ou evento trágico, esta organização local poderá ajudar. Pacotes de ajuda estão disponíveis para famílias de Falmouth com crianças em idade escolar. Ligue para 508-388-7633 ou visite seulocal na rede Internet descobrir mais.

 

Alas para las familias de Falmouth:

Si usted o alguien que conoce en la ciudad está experimentando una crisis médica o un evento trágico, esta organización local puede ayudarlo. Hay paquetes de ayuda disponibles para las familias de Falmouth con niños en edad escolar. Llame al 508-388-7633 o visite susitio web Para descubrir mas.

 

*iReady Family Letters:

 

*Hispanic Heritage Month:  September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month.

Principal’s Weekly Message

September 22, 2023

Dear Morse Pond families,

 

This week at school has been busy and a lot fun!  I have really enjoyed visiting classrooms, especially to sit in on the small group instruction that teachers are implementing widely this year.  Working together, children often come up with solutions that they would otherwise not consider.  It is also very interesting to listen to their discussions, which help them learn to actively listen and compromise about ideas.  Ask your child about their experiences working in groups at Morse Pond and feel free to share their feedback with me.  

 

News and Reminders

 

*Early Release Day:  September 26 is an early release day for students.  Dismissal will begin at 12:00.  Staff will be in training sessions for the afternoon.  

 

*Falmouth Soccer Club:  We want to thank our friends from the Falmouth Soccer Club for donating the new nets on our field and the resprayed lines.  Students love to use them during recess!  

 

*Meet Your Teacher Night:  This annual event will be held on October 4 from 6:00 - 8:00.  An exact time schedule for each grade level will be sent next week.  New for this year is that you are invited to bring your child.  Your child will take part in the evening and show you their classroom and routines.  

 

*Note from the Nurse:  The health office is looking for donations for our students. We are in need of new girls underwear, boys boxer briefs, t-shirts and socks. As far as gently used clothing, we could use kids' gym shorts, black leggings, sweatpants and sweatshirts. Boys/girls sizes 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16 are in the most need.  Thank you for your support! All donations can be brought to the main office, or sent in with your child.  

 

*Orange Shirt Day:  All students are invited to wear orange on September 29 in honor of Orange Shirt Day that occurs on September 30.  Please see the attachment for more information about this tradition.  

 

Wings for Falmouth Families:

If you, or someone you know in town is experiencing a medical crisis or tragic event, this local organization may be able to help.  Aid packages are available for Falmouth families with school-age children.  Call 508-388-7633, or visit their website to find out more. 

 

Asas para famílias de Falmouth:

Se você ou alguém que você conhece na cidade estiver passando por uma crise médica ou evento trágico, esta organização local poderá ajudar. Pacotes de ajuda estão disponíveis para famílias de Falmouth com crianças em idade escolar. Ligue para 508-388-7633 ou visite seulocal na rede Internet descobrir mais.

 

Alas para las familias de Falmouth:

Si usted o alguien que conoce en la ciudad está experimentando una crisis médica o un evento trágico, esta organización local puede ayudarlo. Hay paquetes de ayuda disponibles para las familias de Falmouth con niños en edad escolar. Llame al 508-388-7633 o visite susitio web Para descubrir mas.

 

*iReady Family Letters:

 

*Afternoon Dismissal reminder:  If you are picking up your child in the afternoon, please remember to not park in the Grasmere neighborhood to wait for buses to clear.  The neighborhood needs to be kept open for residents to enter and exit.  

 

*Morning Arrival/Dismissal Suggestion:  For vehicles, it would be helpful to our crossing guard if the majority of our traffic came from the direction of Stop and Shop.  It is not a requirement, but it would allow her to admit one side of the street to our driveway for an extended time and accommodate a larger number of parent/guardian vehicles together.  We truly appreciate our school community’s patience and kindness toward our crossing guard, Mrs. Diane Troccoli.  She has a lot of traffic to manage on a busy road!  

 

*Hispanic Heritage Month:  September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

Principal’s Weekly Message

September 15, 2023

Dear Morse Pond families,

 

The second week of school has flown by and students are settling into their routines.  Classrooms are coming alive with hands-on activities and lively discussions across the curriculum as we head toward the fall season.  We look forward to seeing everyone visit our school soon for Meet Your Teacher Night on October 4 and the many activities that we will host in the coming months.  

 

News and Reminders

 

*School Council:  If you are interested in being a member of the school council this year, please email Mr. Adams at:  tadams@falmouth.k12.ma.us.  Meetings will be held at 5:30 on Wednesdays directly before scheduled PTO meetings occur at 6:30. 

 

*Falmouth High School Athletics:  All Morse Pond students are welcome to attend any high school athletic event free of charge.  Students must be accompanied by an adult to attend.  

 

*New Math Program:  We have officially kicked off our new math program iReady Math! Students have completed "Lesson 0" an introductory lesson made up of 5 sessions introducing the routines specific to the program as well as have taken the beginning of the year Diagnostic Assessment. Teachers will begin Lesson 1 next week. For resources you can use at home to support your student's mathematical growth "Family Letters" may be found below. We hope to be able to provide these for you here weekly. Each "Lesson" will take between 3-5 days. Please reach out to your child's teacher or our Instructional Math Coach, Karen Karson (kkarson@falmouth.k12.ma.us) if you have any questions. 

 

 

*Band:  The document linked below is for band sign-ups and instrument rentals. Students all received a paper copy as well.

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ww-0KZLAwHbUPeggmD3Awmo24MZiY4MVF4dREWw1jQ0/edit?usp=sharing

 

*Headphones reminder:  Students should always have a pair of headphones to use with their chromebooks. 

 

*Afternoon Dismissal reminder:  If you are picking up your child in the afternoon, please remember to not park in the Grasmere neighborhood to wait for buses to clear.  The neighborhood needs to be kept open for residents to enter and exit.  

 

*Hispanic Heritage Month:  September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month.

 

*Early Release Day:  September 26 is an early release day for students.  Dismissal will begin at 12:00.  Staff will be in training sessions for the afternoon.  

Principal’s Weekly Message

September 8, 2023

Dear Morse Pond families,

 

The first week of school has been a great joy as students returned to the halls of Morse Pond!  Teachers have been working with students to establish classroom communities by learning routines and getting to know each other.  As principal, I get the opportunity to visit classrooms each day and discover new things about all of our students.  From fishing, to horseback riding, to trips to the beach; I was able to learn about summer adventures and see what an amazing group of young scholars we have at our school.  I can’t wait to hear more! Community meetings were held for each grade level this week to discuss the S.O.A.R. expectations that form the foundation of excellence.  Students listened attentively and asked many thoughtful questions.  We look forward to seeing our students again on Monday! 

 

News and Reminders

 

*Absences:  If your child is absent from school, please make sure to call the Safe Arrival line at:  508-548-7300 and select option 4.  You can also email your child’s teacher, but you should always call the Safe Arrival line first.  

 

*Safety Monitor:  I would like to introduce Mr. Bill Langmead as our new Safety Monitor this year.  Mr. Langmead comes to us with an extensive background in safety and security.  You will see him around the building, monitoring our grounds, and assisting with traffic.  We are very lucky to have his support this year.  

 

*Dress for success:  We encourage all students to dress comfortably for the weather and bring a water bottle to school each day.  Students are also encouraged to wear sneakers to school because they have recess daily and PE class during the week.  

*Hispanic Heritage Month:  September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month.

*Early Release Day:  September 26 is an early release day for students.  Dismissal will begin at 12:00.  Staff will be in training sessions for the afternoon.  

Arrival and Dismissal Reminders

 

*Arrival:  Our doors open to students at 8:15.  Buses will be in the parking lot first.  Once buses depart, vehicles will be directed into our parking lot by the crossing guard.  All vehicles must wait on Jones Road until directed into the school.  Vehicles will not be allowed into the school until all buses have arrived.  We apologize for any delays while we get bus schedules settled.  Once vehicles enter the parking lot, please follow the staff directions to pull up into the driveway and open your doors once you are told to do so.  

 

*Dismissal:  Dismissal will begin at 2:50.  Again, all buses enter the parking lot first.  Once buses depart, the crossing guard will direct vehicles into the school for pickup.  All students for vehicle pickup will be on the main playground field, or, in the case of inclement weather, in the cafeteria entrance.  Staff members will send your child to your vehicle.  Your child will be bringing home a placard with their name on it for you to display in your windshield to help with dismissal.

 

*Rec Center:  If you would like to send your child to the Rec Center in the afternoon, you will need to send in a note to the teacher each day.  A staff member will walk all students to the Rec Center.  Students are not allowed to take a bus to the Rec Center as there is not enough space to accommodate extra riders.  

 

 

Principal’s Weekly Message

September 1, 2023

 

Dear Morse Pond families,

 

The staff at Morse Pond is so excited to see our students on September 5!  The new year promises to be a great journey in learning and growing.  Falmouth is a truly special community that supports public education and works together to support everyone.  Together, we can achieve excellence for all students, each and every day.  I hope that you all enjoy the long weekend!

 

*Arrival:  Our doors open to students at 8:15.  Buses will be in the parking lot first.  Once buses depart, vehicles will be directed into our parking lot by the crossing guard.  All vehicles must wait on Jones Road until directed into the school.  Vehicles will not be allowed into the school until all buses have arrived.  We apologize for any delays while we get bus schedules settled.  Once vehicles enter the parking lot, please follow the staff directions to pull up into the driveway and open your doors once you are told to do so.  

 

*Dismissal:  Dismissal will begin at 2:50.  Again, all buses enter the parking lot first.  Once buses depart, the crossing guard will direct vehicles into the school for pickup.  All students for vehicle pickup will be on the main playground field, or, in the case of inclement weather, in the cafeteria entrance.  Staff members will send your child to your vehicle.  Your child will be bringing home a placard with their name on it for you to display in your windshield to help with dismissal.

 

*Rec Center:  If you would like to send your child to the Rec Center in the afternoon, you will need to send in a note to the teacher each day.  A staff member will walk all students to the Rec Center.  Students are not allowed to take a bus to the Rec Center as there is not enough space to accommodate extra riders.  

 

*Evening events:  All evening events at Morse Pond and Lawrence will be held on Wednesday this year.  Elementary schools will shift to Monday.

 

*6th grade chromebooks:  All 6th graders should return their chromebooks and chargers when they return to school.  Once the devices are returned, 6th grade students will receive a new chromebook and charger.  

 

*Lunch and Breakfast:  School meals will once again be free to all students.

*Hispanic Heritage Month:  September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month.