Macdonough Smoothie Cart

Each Friday, a different grade level will get to enjoy fresh fruit smoothies during breakfast in the classroom! Today, first graders loved having this delicious addition to their breakfast!



 

Macdonough School Welcomes Student Teachers

We are delighted to welcome four student-teachers to Macdonough School this semester.

Miss Kristin Robbins is working with kindergarten under the direction of Mrs. Kelly Lenihan.  Mrs. Ashley Walsh and her first grade class have been joined by Miss Sarah Sita.  Miss Jillian Cipriano is working with second grade under the direction of Ms. Joanne Jukins.  Mrs. Kym Ciccia and her first grade class have been joined by Miss Crissy Ripley.

 

Miss Robbins, Miss Sita, Miss Cipriano, and Miss Ripley are all seniors at Central Connecticut State University majoring in Elementary Education.  They are very happy to be here at Macdonough School!

Bikes For Kids On Walking Wednesday!

A lucky first grader received a bike and helmet on her way to school on Walking Wednesday. You never know when you will be picked to receive a bike so work hard to show SURFS Behaviors at school and at home!

Book Buddies

First graders in Mrs. Walsh's class and fifth graders in Mrs. Ellis' class met today for the first time for a program called Book Buddies. First and fifth graders will be getting together every Monday afternoon for this program. During their time together, fifth graders read stories to their first grade buddies, and soon first graders will be showing off their reading skills to their fifth grade partners too. We all had a blast today!

 

First Graders Visit the Farmer's Market

On Friday, first graders visited the Farmer's Market on Main Street.  All three classes walked down to the market and had four dollars to spend.  Students bought fresh fruits and vegetables and were able to bring their purchases home! It was a very enjoyable day!

 

 

 

 

Miss Claffey named to the 2012 ING Hartford Marathon's Elite Inspiration Team!

The 2012 ING Hartford Marathon Elite Inspiration Team

In an effort to recognize the many amazing personal journeys that compel participants to run the ING Hartford Marathon, the Hartford Marathon Foundation is proud to present the 2nd annual Elite Inspiration Team.

 

Among the ten honorees who have inspired and motivated others, is Miss Sarah Claffey, a Macdonough School teacher.

 

Sarah Claffey

In 2009 Sarah Claffey, a fourth grade teacher at Macdonough Elementary School, ran the ING Hartford Half Marathon on a whim. The school planned to have a few teachers run the course, picking up and dropping off students and colleagues at designated mile marks along the way. Despite having never run a road race before, Sarah completed the 13.1 mile course and along the way discovered her new passion: fitness.  She serves as a role model for her school’s community; and thanks to her encouragement, many students, parents and teachers regularly participate in road races. Led by Sarah, Macdonough’s student running club will participate in the ING Hartford Marathon programs and will cheer her on as she completes her first marathon.

 

Friends from Wesleyan at Macdonough!

Today we had a special treat at recess!  Athletes from Wesleyan University came to our school to lead us in games of football, soccer, basketball, and 4 square.

Are you ready to RUN?

Macdonough students are gearing up for the Macdonough Marathon Club. 3rd grade students from Mr. Ferrero's class have been informing the student body how they can join (see picture). Open to everyone, students will have the opportunity to run laps during recess earning a "foot" for each mile they run. They have to run around the entire field 5 times to earn a mile "foot". Ms. Shaniece, our new recess duty aide, will be guiding and encouraging students during the recess waves. Good luck to all our marathoners.

The Little Red Hen

 On Thursday the Kindergarten classes read The Little Red Hen. The students enjoyed baking bread and eating it for a yummy snack! Unlike the characters in the book, all of the students helped out and shared!

Lemonade in the Shade

Lemonade in the Shade

 

 

The staff at MacDonough School were treated to lemonade and snacks during lunch time. Country music and a peaceful spot in the shade made for a great afternoon outside!

 

Today, the kindergarten teachers brought in watermelons for their students.  Each class weighed their watermelons and used links to find the circumference.  After finding these measurements, the teachers cut up the watermelons for the students to taste.  The students recorded whether they liked or didn't like watermelons on a class graph. 

Goodspeed Opera House

Fourth grade students from Macdonough School have been selected to participate in a very special program at the Goodspeed Opera House!  Our students will travel to the Goodspeed Opera House for a special matinee performance of "A Musical Love Letter to Broadway."  The program is being provided to Macdonough School students free of charge!

“A Musical Love Letter to Broadway
Below the bright lights of Broadway, in the depths of the historic Sovereign Theatre, an acting troupe of mice rehearse their new musical. When the theatre is threatened by demolition and their diva Adelaide disappears, it will take all paws on deck to fulfill the time-honored tradition: the show must go on! Filled with singing, dancing, and show biz lore, The Great American Mousical is a sharp and witty tribute to life in the theatre that celebrates the two most glorious words in the English language: musical comedy!”

 

The Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam was built in 1876 by William Goodspeed for his shipping and banking business and to provide a venue for his love of theatre. Over a century later, it is still be used as it was originally intended. The Victorian building overlooks the river, the East Haddam Swing Bridge, and a small riverside park suitable for picnics and walking

Award for Macdonough School

The North End Action Team named Macdonough School as a recipient of a 2012 Neighborhood Builder Award in recognition of the efforts of the faculty and staff at strengthening the bonds between school - family - community. 

 

 

 

The award was announced at NEAT'S Annual Garden Party and will be presented to the staff at Macdonough on October 3rd at a schoolwide celebration!

A Day in the Life at Macdonough School

"A Day in the Life at Macdonough school" was completed yesterday. The bulletin board can be seen as you walk into central office! This bulletin board depicts several different events that occur on a typical day at our school.

Kindergartens Learn About Sunflowers

Today, the kindergarten students learned about sunflowers.  Their teachers' brought in a real sunflower to visualize the actual size of these giants of the garden.

Painting the Playground

Incoming Freshman from Wesleyan University came to Macdonough School this morning to brighten up our playground.  The project was part of the Freshmen Orientation Weekend!

Students added the state abbreviations to our United States map, added some colorful Four Square Courts to our playground, created a wonderful new literacy hopscotch game, and used the leftover paint to brighten up our picnic table!

Getting to Know You in 2nd Grade

 

 

Second graders spent the first two days getting to know each other and learning all about second grade. Many new friends were made and we are excited about the new year!

First Day

Kindergarteners had a wonderful first day of school!

 

Kindergarten Night at Kid City

Kindergarten teachers welcomed their new students during the annual Macdonough Kindergarten Night at Kid City Children's Museum.

Incoming students and parents had a chance to meet with Mrs. Lenihan, Mrs. Spaman, and Ms. Erasmus.  After students met their teachers, they had a chance to explore the many interactive rooms at the museum.  While the children were treated to a pizza party, the teachers provided the parents with an orientation to kindergarten.

 

Sign Language at Macdonough School

Check out the video below featuring one of our partnerships with Wesleyan University!

New Mascot for Macdonough School

Children will be welcomed by a new Macdonough mascot when school begins next month!

Students will have the opportunity to participate in a "Name the Mascot" contest in September.

North End Farmers Market

As part of Macdonough School's summer academic program, students take weekly walking field trips to the North End Farmers Market to get fresh fruit and vegetables!

The trips are sponsored by our friends from the North End Action Team.

Middletown Bookmobile Visits Macdonough School

Students in the summer program were thrilled to get a visit from the Middletown Bookmobile!  All students had the chance to select a summer reading books!

Connecticut River Paddle a Learning Experience

From The Middletown Patch

The annual Jonah Center for Earth and Art canoe and kayak launch from Harbor Park in Middletown this year included some city fourth-graders, who were among some 56 folk who explored the freshwater tidal wetlands.

Special thanks to Miss McKenzie, Mr. Ferrero, and Miss Claffey for their support of this exciting trip!