Macdonough School

Family Resource Center goes to Kid City!!

2012-01-27T12:49:00.001-05:00

Macdonough Students to Compete in Kids Lit Quiz at CCSU

2012-01-27T07:42:00.001-05:00

The Kids Lit Quiz is holding the first of its nationwide competitions at Central Connecticut State University on Friday, February 3rd from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with 21 teams representing five districts (New Britain, Plainville, Middletown, Simsbury, and West Hartford).
The Kids Lit Quiz promotes wide reading and tests knowledge of children's literature.

Miss Sarah Claffey has coordinated the participation of Macdonough School students for the event.

Pancakes With My Principal

2012-01-26T14:56:00.001-05:00

Three students took a field trip to O'Rourke's Diner to have pancakes with the principal.

They were treated to a delicious pancake breakfast. The group also met Mayor Drew, saw important people including Firefighter Al and Wesleyan Basketball Coach Reilly, spent time with Miss Maley (a former Macdonough teacher), and Brian O'Rourke (the owner of the diner).

It was a fun morning!

Students were selected for exhibiting SURFS up behavior (Self-responsibility, Understanding, Respect, Fairness, and Safety).

Macdonough School Honored by Middletown Youth Services Bureau

2012-01-26T14:25:00.000-05:00

The Middletown Youth Services Bureau, as part of its efforts to promote the 40 Developmental Assets in Middletown, has selected several organizations as Asset Builders of the Year. Macdonough School has been announced as one of the award winners!

Developmental Assets represent 40 common sense building blocks that all young people need to grow up healthy and successful. Each asset represents a relationship, opportunity or value that we as a community can help ensure all young people receive. “An asset builder can be many things, but most importantly they are a person or group that is improving the lives of young people in our community.”

Raising Readers Kids Club

2012-01-25T16:06:00.004-05:00

Raising Readers Parent Club is a SIX week program that teaches you how to support your children’s literacy development through a love of stories, books, friendship and fun and is open to all families who have children in grades PreK-2nd in Macdonough school.

Call the Family Resource Center for more information! 860-638-3742

Raising Readers Kids Club learns about literacy in the electronic age by playing educational computer games

Kindergarten counts to 20!!

2012-01-25T14:01:00.002-05:00

Watch kindergarten jump and jive, making numbers come alive!!!

Charlie the Chicken

2012-01-25T13:58:00.007-05:00

Today kindergarteners from Miss Grossman's class had a special guest come visit. Kyle Amtmanis, a student from Middletown High School's Vo-Ag department, came in to talk to students about chickens. Students were introduced to Charlie the Chicken (a stuffed animal) to learn different parts of a chicken. Kyle also brought in pictures to show where they lived, what they ate and the difference between a hen and a rooster. At the end of Kyle's lesson, students had the opportunity to eat hard boiled eggs from the chickens that Kyle raises in his back yard!

DonorsChoose.org at Macdonough School

2012-01-25T08:13:00.001-05:00

DonorsChoose is a simple way to fulfill needs and foster innovation in our public schools. Teachers post projects and donors fund those that are of interest. It's that easy!

Many of the Macdonough teachers have projects posted on the Donors Choose website. Everything from books to technology to classroom materials.

Want to learn more? Click here!

Kindergarten is special!

2012-01-24T21:19:00.001-05:00

Kindergarteners are special in many different ways!

Paws and Reading a HUGE success!!!!!

2012-01-24T14:21:00.008-05:00

Logan and Juno meet for the first time!!

Logan and Juno read stories and played games!!

Juno Meets another Macdonough friend!!

Take Your Family to School Week

2012-01-24T07:38:00.004-05:00

Please join us as we celebrate Take Your Family to School Week during the week of February 13th!

Our teachers have planned activities to welcome you into their classroom and into our school. Review the list below for the dates of each grade level activity (and be on the lookout for specific information in your child’s Friday Folder). We look forward to seeing many Macdonough families during this special week!

Tuesday, February 14th
· Kindergarten: Learning with Love at 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 15th
· Grade 1 - Shared Reading at 10:00 a.m.
· Grade 2 - Pop in for Popcorn Reading at 10:00 a.m.
· Grade 3 – Pot Luck and Poetry at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 16th
· Grade 4 – Smoothies and Stories at 9:30 a.m.
· Grade 5 – Pajamas and Hot Cocoa Literacy Time at 10:00 a.m.

In addition, families are invited to two “all school” celebrations (one during the school day and one in the evening).

Wednesday, February 15th
· SURFS Up Celebration at 9:15 a.m.
Thursday, February 16th
· Storyteller for Families at 6:00 p.m.

Bread Day at Macdonough School

2012-01-24T07:04:00.003-05:00

Thanks to a generous donation from a local business, dozens of loaves of bread are delivered to Macdonough School each Monday afternoon.

Families are welcome to take a loaf of bread, package of muffins or bagels, or other related product. The bread is free to all Macdonough families as well as neighbors of our school.

This program is supported through the efforts of our Family Resource Center and our friends from Wesleyan University.

4th Graders are Investigating Fractions!

2012-01-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

4th Graders are learning about fractions, decimals, and equivalent fractions using ice cream models and fraction quilts! Students are learning about parts of a whole using different colors represent different flavors in ice cream models. Students are also looking at fractional parts and examining equivalent fractions.

Kenny is using an ice cream model to learn about fractional parts and decimals! Deziar and D'Andrew are working on their fraction quilts and also learning about equivalent fractions!

Michael is done with his ice cream model and is putting a cherry on top!

Briana finished her fraction quilt and next she will be finding out what the equivalent fractions are in her quilt!

Congratulations to Ms. Morello's 4th Graders for Perfect Attendance!

2012-01-23T15:08:00.002-05:00

Ms. Morello's 4th grade class had perfect attendance for the month of January for having 98% attendance and timeliness! As a reward, they received the popcorn machine for the month of January and will be having popcorn once a week until the next Surfs Up Assembly. They also had a popcorn and movie party! Students are super excited and proud of themselves!

Here are Chante, John, Sean, and Dallas enjoying the popcorn from the Popcorn Party!

Give Kids a Smile Day

2012-01-23T12:23:00.009-05:00

The Community Health Center has selected Macdonough School’s kindergarten classes to participate in this year’s Give Kids a Smile Day.

Representatives from CHC will visit with our students to discuss dental hygiene and conduct some fun activities.

The event will take place on Friday, February 3rd.

Student-Teachers Begin the Semester at Macdonough!

2012-01-23T08:40:00.000-05:00

We are delighted to welcome a group of student-teachers from Central Connecticut State University to Macdonough School this semester.

Miss Jamie Narducci will be working in kindergarten with Mrs. Spaman
Miss Audrey Aresco will be working with Miss Claffey in fourth grade.
Miss Jessica Ross will be working in third grade with Mrs. Waterman.
Miss Felicia Johnson will be working with Mrs. Paul in fifth grade.

Macdonough Third Grade Visits The Connecticut Historical Society

2012-01-22T12:26:00.005-05:00

This week we went on a field trip to the Connecticut Historical Society and met up with our writing buddies through the LEARN program. There we heard about how Native Americans lived hundreds of years ago. We learned about their houses, clothing, and games that they played. We also learned about the first European settlers; their houses, how they dressed, chores, and games that children played. Some students modeled clothing that they may have worn if they were one of the first settlers in our state. A hands on project taught our class about community and the mapping skills. It was a great day of learning and fun!

4th Grade Field Trip to the Trash Museum

2012-01-20T14:54:00.002-05:00

As part of the BioBuddies program, the 4th Graders went to the Trash Museum in Hartford today! They learned about the importance of the four R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recyle, Recover, and Rethink! They also learned about the history of trash management and the consequences of not managing trash properly for the environment. They also learned innovative uses for trash such as using plastic to make rugs!

Here are students in the Trash Castle spying for objects which have been reused and reclyed!

Here is a part of the process of trash reclying carried out in the museum!

Students pretended to be aluminum cans and weighed themselves to see how much energy could be obtained from reclying the cans!

Students learned about the process of waste management in Connecticut!

4th Graders Dissect Owl Pellets!

2012-01-20T14:48:00.000-05:00

As part of our BioBuddies program, Mrs. Stewart came into Ms. Claffey and Ms. Morello's 4th grade class. Students dissected owl pellets and examined bones from voles,birds, worms, and other animals!

Dallas, India, and D'Andrew are having fun with their owl pellets!

Jenna and Deziar are surprised at what's inside their pellet!

Here are Mariah and Chante removing the bones from their pellet!

Here is Anthony matching the bones from the owl pellet to a diagram of a vole!

Read Around Macdonough Family Literacy Night

2012-01-20T14:04:00.005-05:00

Students and their families attended Read Around Macdonough Night on Thursday. Students brought their families to enjoy stories read by teachers and parents in various classrooms. Families were guided to each room by blue chicken feet that our friend "Mr. Chicken" left throughout the day. To help tie the blue chicken theme into the night, children had the opportunity to create their very own blue chicken and enjoy some healthy blue snacks. Families ended their night in the gym with a presentation by Deborah Freedman, author of Scribble and Blue Chicken. Ms. Freedman was kind enough to autograph her books and donated Scribble to our school library! Be sure to check it out!! A very big thanks to our wonderful PTA and Family Resource Center for their help in making this night a success!!

Macdonough 5th grade girls enjoy a Girls' Night Out

2012-01-19T08:18:00.004-05:00

Last night at Woodrow Wilson, Macdonough girls enjoyed a Girls' Night Out with their moms to learn, ecxercise, create and play together!

SURFS Up at Macdonough School

2012-01-19T07:25:00.000-05:00

Teaching behavioral expectations and rewarding students for following them is the focus for our school-wide positive behavioral support program. Through the acronym SURFS, students and staff have a common understanding of expectations for behavior in a variety of settings.

S=Self-Responsibility

U=Understanding

R=Respect

F=Fairness

S=Safety

We believe that introducing, modeling, and reinforcing positive social behavior is an important of a student’s educational experience.

Please join us in helping to instill these important character traits in your children - at school and at home!

Lit & Laundry "Up and WASHING!"

2012-01-18T15:07:00.003-05:00

Come read or play games with your children while doing your laundry! All Macdonough families are welcome to use the NEW laundry machines and detergent in the Family Resource Center!

Please call the FRC to register for a time 860-638-3742

Wesleyan Basketball Team Visits Macdonough

2012-01-18T14:03:00.004-05:00

Macdonough students enjoyed recess with their friends from the Wesleyan Men's Basketball Team!!

New Train Table in the FRC

2012-01-18T14:00:00.003-05:00

The FRC wants to thank Mr. Ferrero for the wonderful new addition to the FRC!!

Pancakes with My Principal

2012-01-18T12:58:00.000-05:00

Thanks to an incredible partnership with O'Rourke's Diner, a new program has begun at Macdonough School.

Each month, a few few students will be taking a walking field trip to the iconic North End landmark to have breakfast with the school principal.

Students will be selected for exhibiting SURFS up behavior (Self-responsibility, Understanding, Respect, Fairness, and Safety).

The first field trip will take place on Thursday, January 26th!

Macdonough Students Celebrate MLK

2012-01-18T12:44:00.001-05:00

A celebration of the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., was held Monday at the First Church of Christ on Court Street.

The 19th annual event featured music and dancing in honor the civil rights leader's birthday. As part of the celebration, Macdonough School students Kendalyn, Haley, and Lauren read their entries into the "Letters to Dr. King" contest. The girls were announced as city-wide winners of the essay contest!

The event was sponsored by the Scholarship Committee of Greater Middletown which provides scholarships to deserving students.

Second Grade Studies U.S. Presidents

2012-01-18T11:51:00.002-05:00

Second grade students have been studying about our presidents in Social Studies. In math we have been working on ordinal numbers. At the January SURFS assembly they combined their knowledge and read the name of each president in the order of their service.

Kindergarten Guest Reader

2012-01-13T13:44:00.008-05:00

Kindergarten students had a guest reader come visit their classroom this afternoon. Dortha Willetts, a writer from the Middletown Chronicle, came in to read a story to the students about winter. Students learned about what different animals do when winter begins.

Storytellers Coming to Macdonough School!

2012-01-13T11:19:00.001-05:00

Thanks to a partnership with the Middlesex YMCA, Macdonough School is proud to present a family literacy event on Thursday, February 16th at 6:00 p.m. Eshu and Motoko will present Stories from Asia and Africa.

Eshu and Motoko shine up a storytelling event wherever they appear. Though diverse in style and culture, they blend and tell as one. Absolutely charming, they bring humor, a sense of drama, a talent for singing, and present a seamless performance.

Snowballs

2012-01-13T10:27:00.003-05:00

"Do you think birds know when it's going to snow?" This line is from the story Snowballs. The kindergarten children listened to this story and brought home a snow person of their own to decorate with items found around their home with their families. Some used noodles, raisins, yarn and markers. They are on display in main hallway.

Family Resource Center Boutique

2012-01-12T15:43:00.000-05:00

Macdonough families had the opportunity to shop in the first FRC Boutique.

The FRC had donated items including clothes, books, games, and more!

Stay tuned for future opportunities to shop or donate to what may become a regular event at our school!

CSI-Macdonough!

2012-01-12T12:53:00.004-05:00

This winter selected students, from Grades 3-5, will participate in "CSI-Macdonough!"

CSI-Macdonough! is a Forensic Science Recess -Plus Club. The students will learn how to analyze various types of evidence that could be found on a crime scene (Fingerprints, handprints, footprints, lip prints, bite marks, secret codes and mystery fluids and solids). The club will culminate with the students analyzing a "real" crime scene, "The Case of the Missing Cookies," by using the forensic science knowledge they learned each week during recess and lunch.

Macdonough School Selected for Junior Achievement Program!

2012-01-12T12:04:00.000-05:00

Macdonough School has been selected for a one day program by Junior Achievement!

Junior Achievement Worldwide is a partnership between the business community, educators and volunteers — all working together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential.

JA’s hands-on, experiential programs teach the key concepts of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to young people all over the world.

Raising Readers at Macdonough!

2012-01-10T16:21:00.004-05:00

Nikki Belton is facilitating a series of workshops for parents in the Family Resource Center!

The Raising Readers Parent Club is a nationally recognized family literacy program for parents. The club provide opportunities for parents to practice storytelling, reading aloud and writing in a nurturing environment.

Parents take home quality children’s books after each session to continue family learning!

Hip Hop Fitness at Macdonough

2012-01-10T09:13:00.003-05:00

More than two dozen teachers, staff, and parents joined in for the inaugural session of Hip Hop Fitness at Macdonough School!

The class is free for Macdonough parents and caregivers. It meets each Monday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Free childcare provided by the Family Resource Center.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest

2012-01-10T07:26:00.003-05:00

Four of the five winners of this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest are from Macdonough School!

Congratulations to fifth graders Kendalyn, Xavier, and Victoria and to fourth grader Haley.

The students will be honored at a celebration at the Church of the Holy Trinity on Main Street in Middletown on Monday, January 16th.

NORA Cupcake Company

2012-01-06T16:15:00.003-05:00

A group from Macdonough School officially welcomed the NORA Cupcake Company to our neighborhood.

The students took a walking field trip to the Main Street business and presented a ceramic cupcake to the owner. Afterwards, the group sampled some delicious cupcake treats!

Dotting Doubles Facts

2012-01-06T13:54:00.008-05:00

First graders started a new unit in math. We are learning to add and subtract numbers to 20. This week, we have been practicing our doubles facts. Students used dot markers to create a number sentence using doubles! Check out our work in the hallway near our classrooms!

Macdonough School Welcomes D.A.R.E.

2012-01-05T14:38:00.004-05:00

Macdonough School is proud to welcome Officer Lee Buller from the Middletown Police Department as our new D.A.R.E. instructor.

D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. This year all fifth graders in Middletown will benefit from D.A.R.E. The program consists of a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.

The program begins at Macdonough School on Tuesday, January 10th.

Macdonough Welcomes the Paws & Read Program!

2012-01-05T11:23:00.000-05:00

Macdonough School has been selected to host a brand new reading program for first graders! Paws and Read features a registered therapy dog and handler who will visit Macdonough School once each week for 20 minute reading sessions.

The participating first graders will select a book to read aloud to the therapy dog which will surely bring instant motivation to the task. Therapy dogs are specially trained to attend to young readers.

Target Grant Awarded to Macdonough School

2012-01-05T07:44:00.000-05:00

A group of Macdonough School students will be visiting the Connecticut Science Center thanks to a grant from Target.

As part of its commitment to provide educational resources for America’s schools, Target launched the Target Field Trip Grants program in 2006. The program is designed to help teachers bring learning to life for students and enhance classroom studies.

Macdonough School teachers have planned for a spring field trip!

Lit and Laundry at Macdonough School

2012-01-03T16:00:00.000-05:00

Our Family Resource Center (FRC) has a brand new program called "Lit and Laundry."

Macdonough parents and caregivers are invited to come read or play games with small children while doing laundry using the brand new machines in the FRC! We'll even supply the laundry detergent!

This program is FREE for all Macdonough families. Be on the look out for more information or call Heather or Nikki in the FRC at 860-638-3742 to register for a time.

Macdonough Art Work is Out of this World!

2012-01-03T12:05:00.000-05:00

The office of Middletown's Park and Recreation Department is spotlighting art work from Macdonough School students this month!

Students from the were asked to submit creations with a theme of "Outer Space." Selected students from each grade level have their art work on display. Each of the students who participated received a coupon for a free ice cream treat.

Thanks to Mrs. Karen Nocera, Recreation Supervisor at Middletown's Park and Recreation Department, for this opportunity. Special thanks to Mrs. Alison Kaye, art teacher at Macdonough School, for her work in preparing the contest entries.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-23T14:29:00.003-05:00

From all of us at Macdonough School, please accept our warmest wishes to you and yours for a peaceful holiday season.

Merry Christmas & A Very Big Thank You to Our Troops

2011-12-22T13:24:00.006-05:00

Macdonough's fifth grade students are in the giving spirit this holiday season. Students and staff are donating various items to send care packages to our troops overseas. Along with the supplies students are sending a little holiday cheer through pictures. We know how difficult it can be to spend the holidays away from home so we hope our smiles and well wishes bring a little light to their long days. Thank you to the fifth graders for coordinating this!!

3D Creations

2011-12-21T13:59:00.001-05:00

First graders have been learning about 2 and 3 dimensional shapes. To culminate our unit, students were able to build 3 dimensional shapes out of toothpicks and gumdrops! After making their creations, students took their 3D shapes home to show their families!

Box Tops for Education

2011-12-21T08:08:00.000-05:00

Help Macdonough School earn money by clipping Box Tops from your favorite products. This is one of the easiest way to earn, because we buy these products daily! All you have to do is Clip, Turn-In and Save!

Another great way to earn Box Top points is by registering online. Once you register through Box Tops for Education Website, you have the opportunity to receive coupons and promotions on Box Top products that you can use at the local grocery store.

You'll also get: Macdonough's complete Box Tops earnings details, money-saving coupons for Box Tops brands, over 100 recipes using Box Tops products, and exclusive chances to win Bonus Box Tops. Best of all, membership in http://www.boxtops4education.com/ is absolutely FREE!

Dress Down Day at Macdonough

2011-12-19T08:23:00.000-05:00

Did you ever wonder why every few weeks the teachers at Macdonough School are dressed a bit more casually than normal? The reason is a staff initiative to raise money for local causes. Staff members donate money for each of the "dress down days" and the donations are allocated throughout the year to help Middletown area organizations.

Organizations supported by the Macdonough teachers include Oddfellows Playhouse, the North End Action Team, Amazing Grace Food Pantry, Relay for Life, and the Ruth Lawrence Fund.

'Tis the Season to be Reading!!

2011-12-16T12:28:00.005-05:00

Macdonough School was a host site for Connecticut's Tis the Season to be Reading celebration.

This morning the school hosted the All Aboard - Parent Express, a 40 foot bus visiting locations throughout Connecticut to provide education and wellness presentations, information packets, hot cocoa, fun activities, free books, and giveaways to families. Middletown's Bookmobile was also on site!

Each classroom hosted a guest reader from the community who helped send the message that it's always the season to be reading at Macdonough School. Guest readers included: Officer William Warner, Middletown Police Department; Mr. Ron Klattenberg, Mr. Phil Pessina, and Mrs. Deb Kleckowski, Middletown Common Council; Fire Marshal Al Santostefano, Middletown Fire Department; Donna Marino, Middletown Schools’ Family Coordinator; Mr. Quentin Phipps, Treasurer, City of Middletown; Mrs. Izzi Greenberg, Executive Director, North End Action Team; Professor Lynda Valerie, Central Connecticut State University; Mr. Sebastian Giuliano, former Mayor, City of Middletown; and Mrs. Julie Kastenbaum!

The entire school community came together for a celebration in the gymnasium featuring a presentation by fifth grade students, a reading of Governor Malloy's proclamation, and an inspirational talk by author Jane Sutcliffe.

The day concluded with each child at Macdonough School receiving a book so that this could truly be a season to be reading.

Kwanza in Kindergarten!

2011-12-16T11:59:00.004-05:00

Today in Kindergarten we learned about Kwanza. We read a story about how people celebrate Kwanza and had a picnic with some of the delicious fruits that people eat during Kwanza!

Award Winning Author Coming to Macdonough School!

2011-12-15T11:40:00.001-05:00

Author Deborah Freedman is coming to Macdonough School on Thursday, January 19th to take part in a family reading celebration.

Deborah Freedman is an architect turned author-illustrator who lives in Connecticut. She used to live in Middletown!

Mrs. Freedman's first picture book, Scribble was a Book Sense Pick and a Connecticut Book Awards finalist.

Her second book, Blue Chicken, was released this fall to three starred reviews – from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and Booklist – and is on Kirkus's list of "Best Children's Books of 2011".

Number Buddies Visit 2nd Grade

2011-12-14T16:14:00.006-05:00

Second graders welcomed their Number Buddies from Essex Elementary School on Wednesday. The started the morning with a snack that included delicious clementines and grapes. After talking about different ways to name numbers, the students played the card game "Close to 21." They also heard a fairytale that involved sorting gems so that all characters got equal amounts. The kids worked together to reinact the folktale. They ended their visit by eating lunch together and wishing their new friends a happy holiday.

Miss Weindruch's 5th Graders Present Achievement Awards

2011-12-14T13:23:00.004-05:00

After spending the first few months of school on the theme, Hard Work and Perseverance, fifth graders demonstrated their knowledge of hard working role models: Wilma Rudolph, Jackie Robinson, Mae Jemison, Michelle Kwan, Harriet Tubman, Buck Leonard, Benjamin Banneker, and Mia Hamm. Students created personalized achievement awards, as well as wrote and practiced speeches. As a final project, students presented the awards, and also gave acceptance speeches on behalf of the honoree. What a fun project! Public speaking isn't easy- very well done!!

Stuff-A-Cruiser Toy Drive for Macdonough School!

2011-12-14T07:12:00.000-05:00

The Middlesex United Way’s Young Leaders Society held a Stuff-A-Cruiser Toy Drive at Esca Restaurant on December 13th. The gifts that were collected were donated to the children and families at Macdonough School!

The Young Leaders Society is a unique and dynamic group providing community involvement, personal development and networking for individuals or couples 40 years of age or younger who live and work in Middlesex County. Their mission is to create opportunities for young professionals to get involved with Middlesex United Way, connect with colleagues and community leaders and give back to advance the common good.

Holiday Concert Special Guests!

2011-12-13T16:12:00.000-05:00

Students and families were treated to three special guests at this year's holiday concert!

Soro-Bindi African Dance coming to Macdonough School!

2011-12-13T14:35:00.000-05:00

Soro-Bindi is coming to Macdonough School in February!

Soro-Bindi is an exciting, interactive performance that incorporates traditional Ghanaian dances, songs, stories and explanations of Ghanaian culture. Iddi Saaka and his dance partner will lead the children through various dances such as the Kpanlogo dance and the Bawa harvest dance. Between dances, the students will learn about Ghana through multiple stories. Students will be invited to play traditional Ghanaian instruments and join together at the end for the big circle dance.

Soro-Bindi teaches students about Africa in general and Ghana in particular. The performance encourages students to respect and appreciate different cultures through an exploration of Ghana and its art forms.

Dear Santa.....

2011-12-12T14:37:00.002-05:00

Today kindergarten wrote letters to Santa. Each student was able to personally mail their letter. The mail box is right outside the office if you'd like to mail one too! Ho, Ho, Ho!

Macdonough Awarded Grant from MSAPC

2011-12-12T08:16:00.000-05:00

The Middletown Substance Abuse Prevention Council awarded Macdonough School a grant to support the spring edition of the Macdonough School Running Club.

The Macdonough School Running Club provides opportunities for students to participate in running practices to enhance their abilities and compete in local road races with parents and school staff.

First & Fifth Grade Book Buddies

2011-12-08T11:30:00.001-05:00

First graders in Mrs. Walsh's class and Mrs. Paul's fifth graders are book buddies! One student from each class is paired up with one another to read together each week. Older students read to the younger ones, and recently, the first graders have been starting to read books to their fifth grade buddies! All students enjoy this time together to share the love of reading!

Miss. Grossman's Class has a Guest Teacher!

2011-12-08T11:05:00.004-05:00

Student's were pleasantly surprised when Miss. DiBacco was a surprise guest teacher in Miss. Grossman's class today. She read the book Head to Toe by Eric Carle and taught them about verbs. Thank you Miss. DiBacco for such an exciting lesson!

Hanukkah In Kindergarten

2011-12-08T10:15:00.004-05:00

The kindergarten children learned about Hanukkah today. The children made menorahs and ate potato latkes. Ms. Izzie came in to show the children how to light the menorah and read them a Hanukkah story. Happy Hanukkah!

Book Fair at Macdonough School!

2011-12-07T08:56:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again! The Book Fair is here!

Children will have the opportunity to browse through a collection of fiction and non-fiction favorites throughout the week.

Proceeds from the book fair will be utlized by the Macdonough Parent-Teacher Association to off-set the cost of field trips.

Book Presented in Honor of Firefighter Hal

2011-12-07T07:11:00.001-05:00

The staff at Macdonough School has donated a book to the school library in honor of Firefighter Al (who is also known as Al Santostefano, Fire Marshall, Middletown Fire Department). Firefighter Al not only comes to Macdonough School to teach students about fire safety, but also serves as a mentor to a second grader.

The book, Firehouse by Mark Teague, is about the amusing journey of Edward and his cousin Judy as they learn how to be firefighters. Not taking the job of a firefighter lightly, Edward is thrust into a real emergency and is able to put his newly learned skills into action—saving the day, of course. Firehouse received the Parent’s Choice Award Silver Medal!

Hip Hop Dance Class for Parents, Teachers, and Care Givers!

2011-12-05T16:31:00.001-05:00

Beginning Monday, January 9th!

4th Graders are learning about Math Combinations!

2011-12-05T15:12:00.001-05:00

 This Week in 4th Grade Math: Combinations and Food fun!

Students manipulated various types of toppings and crackers to see how many possible combinations they could make. Students enjoyed eating their results as well!

First Grade Visitor to Kindergarten

2011-12-02T15:01:00.002-05:00

SURFS winner and first grade student,Quinn from Mrs. Walsh's class came to read
to Mrs. Spaman's class.This was the prize chosen by Quinn for being
SURFS winner this week! Thank you! Our class really enjoyed
your story!

Cultural Exchange Night

2011-12-02T11:26:00.004-05:00

On Thursday evening, Macdonough hosted a Cultural Exchange night. Parents, teachers and children got together to eat some food and converse in both English and Spanish. Latin music played in the background as folks ate delicious food from Iguanas Ranas and homemade dishes. It was a great opportunity for people to practice their Spanish and/or English skills. A big thanks to the Family Resouce Center for organizing and decorating the cafeteria. Fun was had by all!

Firefighter Al Visits 4th Grade!

2011-12-01T16:29:00.001-05:00

Firefighter Al visits Miss Morello's & Ms. Claffey's class as part of the Adopt-a-Firefighter program. Students learned about fire safety as well as power outage safety.

4th Grade Goodspeed Theater Trip!

2011-12-01T16:21:00.001-05:00

Students got to dance with Allie, one of the Goodspeed Actresses! Allie taught them the different genres of music; starting from the present all the way through the 40's. Students danced to Michael Jackson to the Beach Boys. They danced from rag to ballroom to hip hop.

Students also got to meet with Beth and Ben, who are also performers from Hello My Baby! Beth and Ben taught students the musical component of the show.

Students learned practicing drills, in which singers use to warm up their vocal cords.

Students learned lyrics to Hello My Baby!

Here is Miss Morello's class at the Goodspeed Theater.

Here is a beautiful view of the Connecticut River.

Students learned about the purpose of East Haddam's swing bridge.

4th Grade Mystic Aquarium Trip

2011-12-01T15:55:00.001-05:00

4th graders went to Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut on November 22nd with their BioBuddies. They learned about marine animals, interacted with some of them, and went on a scavenger hunt. It was a great experience!

Here is a Mystic Staff member swimming with the fish.

Briana and her BioBuddy had a chance to observe a crab?
Did you know that if a crab loses one of its leg, it can grow it back?

Chante is examining the underneath of a horseshoe crab!

Here are Christopher and Kenny with a baleen from a baleen whale. The baleen is used to help catch food.

Students learned about the food chain within the ocean and the different animals that take part.

Elf on the Shelf!

2011-12-01T15:38:00.002-05:00

The Elf on the Shelf has been visiting Kindergarten everyday! He stays and watches for good little boys and girls. He even sometimes brings goodies for the children! Keep an eye out, you might see him too!

Christmas in Mexico

2011-12-01T13:51:00.003-05:00

The Kindergarten students learn about 'La Posada' a holiday celebrated in Mexico. Children enjoyed 'Three Kings Cake' where there was a prize for the classroom in the middle of the cake. The children also put their shoes outside, which is a tradition done in Mexico. In Mexico the children believe that the 'Three Kings' will leave presents in their shoes.

The children listened to a story called "The Legend of the Poinsettia." In the story the little girl could only offer weeds as a gift. The weeds then in the spirit of 'La Posada' turned in poinsettia. The children in Kindergarten also crafted their own poinsettia

Shining Hope for Community (SHOFCO) visits 2nd Grade

2011-12-01T12:06:00.004-05:00

Ms. Eden, a student at Wesleyan and a member of SHOFCO visited the 2nd Grade Social Studies classes this week to teach students about a community in Kibera, Kenya. We learned about the similarities and differences of Kibera and Middletown. Students interested in being Pen Pals with students at the Kibera School for Girls will be able to correspond by letter and hopefully by video. We learned that there are no public schools in Kibera and what kids want more than anything is "to go to school and learn." We feel lucky to live in Middletown and be able to go to Macdonough School. Eden will be returning to Macdonough soon to do some follow up activites with students.

It's Snowing at Macdonough...

2011-11-30T14:09:00.001-05:00

A new bulletin board appeared in the main office today!

The board came complete with a snowman and two snow-women bearing an uncanny resemblance to our office staff.

Thanks to our clever and talented artists for decorating the main office as we get ready for the winter weather!

2011-11-29T19:08:00.001-05:00

Fourth Graders Visit the

Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam

Students received a behind the scenes tour of the opera house.

The dance workshop got students moving and exposed them to the different genres of music from the 40's through present day. Dances included ballroom dancing, disco, and hip hop.

Before heading to the Norma Terris Theatre in Chester to see the production Hello, My Baby, students had the opportunity to learn and sing songs from the musical. They also learned how musicians warm up their vocal cords and mouths for singing.

Fall Book Swap

2011-11-23T13:35:00.007-05:00

Students at Macdonough School participated in a book swap! Thanks to the students and their families for donating books. Each student was able to choose 2 books to take home for their enjoyment. :)

SURFS Bike GiveAway

2011-11-23T13:25:00.004-05:00

A number of Macdonough students received their very own

bike today as part of our Thanksgiving SURFS up assembly.

Each student also got a new helmet to take home.

Much thanks to the organization who donates the bikes,

they have generously given away 13,000 bikes as of today.

Thanksgiving Feast

2011-11-23T12:49:00.002-05:00

Macdonough had the opportunity to enjoy their Thanksgiving Feast as an entire school community the day before Thanksgiving. Our 3rd grade class shared a slideshow of what they are all thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving, Gobble Gobble!

Author Coming to Macdonough!

2011-11-22T15:49:00.000-05:00

Children's author and biographer Jane Sutcliffe is making a special visit to Macdonough School in December.

She is the author of more than a dozen biographies written especially for children.

Jane's visit will be made in conjunction with Connecticut's "Tis the Season to Be Reading" celebration.

Season of Giving

2011-11-22T14:52:00.003-05:00

With the Thanksgiving holiday only days away students at Macdonough School each received their own butternut squash to take home and add to their family feast. Each student also went home with a recipe to prepare their butternut squash.

Book Donation for Macdonough School

2011-11-22T14:47:00.000-05:00

Broad Street Books, Wesleyan University’s Book Store, donated an autographed copy of Jan Brett’s newest book, Home for Christmas, to our school library.

The story is about a wild little troll named Rollo who runs away from home because he doesn’t want to do his chores. Rollo tries living with various woodland animals, but he finds out that there is no place like home, and returns to his family just in time for “the best Christmas ever.”

2011-11-21T16:07:00.002-05:00

Kindergarten students made invitations inviting all staff members to sit with our class during the Thanksgiving Feast! Hopefully everyone will be able to join :)

3D and 2D picnic!

2011-11-21T15:58:00.005-05:00

Today in Kindergarten we learned all about 3D and 2D shapes. Each student got to sort different snacks into two groups, 2D and 3D. Then they were able to enjoy the tasty snacks!

Turkeys in the office

2011-11-21T15:19:00.002-05:00

Yes, a flock of turkeys made their way down to the office. The kindergarten classes wore their turkeys hats and sang 3 songs for the office.
Gobble, Gobble

Cajun Fiddlers at Macdonough

2011-11-18T16:26:00.002-05:00

Today, musicians David Greely and Joel Savoy, both from the Bayou country in Louisiana came to Macdonough to play a couple Cajun songs for the 3rd graders. Students even had the chance to get up and dance to a song sung in French. Thanks to Ed McKeon, parent and Board of Education member, for arranging the concert.

3rd Graders Meet Author/Illustrator Mike Artell

2011-11-18T15:51:00.004-05:00

The 3rd grade is fortunate to be a part of the Writing Buddies program, organized and funded by LEARN, a regional educational service, as one of their interdistrict programs. As part of the program, our 3rd grade classes have "buddy" classes at a different school. Our buddy classes are from Cromwell. On Thursday, November 17th, we traveled to Clark Elementary School in Hartford. First, we met with our "buddy" classes. We shared a snack and particapated in a scavenger hunt. Second, we heard Mike Artell, a talented and funny author and illustrator from New Orleans, Lousiana, talk about how to draw cartoon characters and how our drawings can inspire the written word in new ways. Mike Artell is best known for writing, Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood story. Every 3rd grader received an autographed book. Fun was had by all!

Wild Thing

2011-11-15T16:09:00.002-05:00

The 3rd graders have been working on writing use good descriptions. Today, students tried to guess which wild thing picture belonged to who by just listening to the written description. Good description helps having good visualizations.

2nd Grade Visits NUMBER KIDS Buddies

2011-11-15T15:27:00.007-05:00

Tuesday Ms. Jukins and Miss Cruz-Viera's 2nd grade visited their buddy class at Essex Elementary School. The students made, shared and compared fraction pizzas and learned how math and music are related by playing various instruments to a beat. NUMBER KIDS is a Math Enrichment Program that all second graders enjoy six times a year.

Tomorrow students from Essex will be visiting Mrs. Raney/Miss Green's class to be doing more math activities.

Liberty Bank Recognizes Macdonough School

2011-11-15T06:41:00.000-05:00

Representatives from the Liberty Bank Foundation awarded Macdonough School a check for one thousand dollars in support of the Scholars Academy program. Scholars Academy, a before school program, provides students with additional support in math and reading.

Staff members from Macdonough School donated a book to the school library in honor of Liberty Bank. Hooray for Reading Day, by Margery Cuyler, is the story of a girl who initially struggles with reading. Thanks to the support of her family and teacher she improves and finally says "Hooray for Reading Day!"

Thanks to this generous donation, many of our students will be saying "Hooray for Reading Day!" too.

Trick - or - Treat!

2011-11-14T08:09:00.004-05:00

Due to the storm Kindergarten had to celebrate Halloween a little late. Students were able to dress up in their Halloween costume and surprise the other classes with a trick-or-treat parade!

4th Grade Musical Field Trip

2011-11-10T14:17:00.003-05:00

MacDonough 4th graders are going to see a musical on November 21st!

They will be seeing Hello My Baby, a brand-new, all-American musical valentine for all ages, at the Goodspeed Opera House. It is a comic romance about a song-plugger who meets a factory girl in Tin Pan Alley, in the early 20th century, when the songs of such great composers such as George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and more filled the streets.

Here are Josh and Cristine from the Goodspeed Opera House.

This week they had a pre-trip class about the show and the music of Tin Pan alley. On the 21st, they will not only see the show but also engage in workshops with performers in the show and Goodspeed Education Department staff. We are so excited!

Math Scholars Esca Trip

2011-11-10T14:11:00.001-05:00

The Macdonough Math Scholars that completed their CMT skill sharpening activities over the summer enjoyed an evening of fine food and excellent company at Esca restaurant on Main Street in Middletown in recognition and celebration of their effort and achievement in math. The Scholars were treated to a tour of the Esca kitchen, were able to make their own pizzas, and learned how to use math to run a restaurant effectively. Special thanks to Mr. Bernie Bucholz, Chef Joe Bucholz, and the rest of the Esca staff for the generosity that made the evening such a success. The pizzas were delicious and the experience delightful! It was a blast to spend some time with students outside of the classroom!

The Mayflower has Arrived

2011-11-09T15:04:00.004-05:00

The kindergarten children learned about Pilgrims and the Mayflower. They are going home today wearing their new Pilgrim hats.

Hand-in-Hand Participating in Walking Wednesday

2011-11-09T13:16:00.009-05:00

Students were happy to be back at school & participating in Walking Wednesdays again. A kindergarten friend from Mrs. Lenihan's class was excited to get the opportunity to walk hand-in-hand to school with her very own Principal, Mr. Romeo!

Professional Development introduces Braidy

2011-11-09T13:05:00.005-05:00

Kindergarten, First grade and Special Education teachers at Macdonough
participated in a workshop during professional development on The Story Braid,
Braidy Doll. The doll helps teach and understand character, setting,
plot, and sequence of events in a story. Above, Miss Vullo is sporting her
very own Braidy Doll. While Mrs. Spaman excitedly volunteered to
read-aloud "The Paper Bag Princess" in order to demonstrate
the use of the Braidy Doll.

2011-11-08T21:07:00.002-05:00

Congratulations!

Reading teacher, Miss Michele Lavoie, took third place in her age group at the ninth annual Middlesex Community College Foundation $cholarship 5K Road Race. Despite the frigid temperatures, Miss Lavoie was excited and ready to run her very first 5K race. She was also joined by Miss McKenzie, Principal Romeo, and Miss Claffey. Special thanks to Mr. Nelson for cheering on the runners.

Mock Voting

2011-11-07T14:36:00.009-05:00

Students in third, fourth and fifth grades participated in mock voting today. They talked about the candidates for Mayor; Dan Drew, Christine Bourne and Sebastian Giuliano. Students were very enthusiatic about being about to cast their votes in the same voting booths that town members will be voting in on election day. After all the ballots were cast, the votes were counted, and the winner of the Macdonough school Mayoral election was...

Sebastian Giuliano!

Macdonough Runners to Race in Middletown

2011-10-28T16:17:00.000-04:00

Members of the Macdonough School Running Club will be competing in ninth annual Middlesex Community College Foundation $cholarship 5K Road Race scheduled for Saturday, October 29th at Middlesex Community College.

The 3.1 mile course is a scenic out and back route with several small rolling hills and a downhill finish in the reservoir area near the MxCC campus. Entertainment for runners and their families will be provided by the Pratt & Whitney Screamin’ Eagles Jazz Band

Guest Reader

2011-10-28T11:14:00.002-04:00

Mrs. Lenihan's class had a guest reader from first grade. Brian was the SURFS winner for his class and picked to read in kindergarten. He read "Where is my Mummy?" to the class. What a great story!