Sept. 1, 2017

We are off to a good start at the Tenney! As we enter the second week of school, our students are settling into the routines established by teachers so learning can happen without disruption or distraction.  A special thank you to our Tenney families for partnering with us to keep our children safe especially during drop off and pick-up times. We hope to keep the traffic lines moving and the start and end of every day calm and happy for all our Tenney family.

Here is a quick look at the start of the school year:

• Staff celebrated our first day together with the second annual Tenney BBQ. The admin team manned the grill and in between meetings and setting up rooms, the  entire staff sat down to enjoy some time together and pose for a big “family”portrait.

• Our first fire drill, held the third day of school was a success. Our students were were recognized for their respect for the process, school safety and speed. Our entire building emptied in record time,  just over three minutes. Teachers practiced with their students in advance to establish routines.

• Our new School Safety Officer David Gardner has been meeting with classes to introduce himself and review safety rules.

• Our Back Pack Program, which provides food to students and families who may need extra help over the weekend, is about to get started, thanks to the volunteer work and generosity of our staff.

• The Tenney Grammar School stands for Respect, Ownership, Cooperation, Kindness and Safety.  This is why Tenney ROCKS.  In an effort to spread the kindness so often experienced inside, the Tenney is bringing it outside to a Kindness ROCKS Garden. Gardens like this can be found across the nation.  Colorfully painted rocks with images and messages of kindness are on display to visit, add to or even take in a moment of need.  Staff has started the movement at Tenney and want students, family, friends and community members to help spread kindness and watch it grow.   Teachers have already started to create some of the kindness rocks. Liz Fulks, our health  teacher is coordinating,

• We look forward to working with our new cafeteria monitors.  The addition of these positions will help with supervision  of meals.

• We marked events of 9/11 with time to reflect in both upper and lower schools, an encouragement to all students to do a good deed that day and a beautiful display of American flags put together by Ms. Wyman. We kept in our thoughts the Tenney families who lost loved ones that day and those who risked all to help.

And finally, we look forward to the first meeting of our fabulous PTO. It is set for Sept. 21 in our staff lounge at 7 pm.

                                                                                                                                            June 2017

May was a busy month for the Tenney family. Here is a sampling of the fun and learning:

• Students and staff worked hard during MCAS testing and attendance was super, with every student qualified to test, testing. Our computer-based testing for Grades 4 and 8 were successful thanks to the hard work and great attitude of our students and their teachers.

• Tenney Upper School students showed their support for those who face cancer at our Third Annual Relay for Life. Students marched around our building, helped create a giant ribbon on our front lawn and listened to Joanne Frittata of our food services staff talk about how she dealt with her cancer diagnosis.

• Upper School Band parents took to the stage to show what they learned about playing musical instruments. Band conductor Brian Fulks organized the event that included parents, guardians and staff taking  instrument lessons from fifth grade band students. The adults then performed as part of an ensemble. The  Spring Band Concert brought a huge audience to our auditorium.

• Congrats to our Tenney Grade 8 Basketball team and their great coaches. They are Methuen’s intramural champs!

• Our Junior National Honor  Society Induction was inspiring and a wonderful reminder of how smart people work hard. Congratulations to the  new members: Nicole Alonzo-Serna, Megan R. Armstrong, Jennifer Carmona, Emily Victoria Carter, Josiah Concepcion, Neilson Riley Crimmins, Samantha Lorraine DeBenedetto, Nina Anna Delaney, Kyra Jayde Dinicola-Rios, Felicia Rose Dragon, Abigail Rose Edgerly, Gillian Elizabeth Finn,Madeline Therese Gillespie, Alexus Maria González, Chloe Ann Howell, Sophia Santina Lachance, Jenneysha Marielly Martinez,Maryrose Moschitto, Haad Naeem, Corey Matthew Perez,David Anthony Rizzo, Carly Jean Ross, Abby Verrill Sapienza,Brayden Michael Seaman, Vanessa Marie Shea, Irianny Solorin. Keyla Fondeur Tenney alum and 2017 Methuen High graduate was the guest speaker. She served as battallion commander of the Methuen JROTC and will dual enroll in the US Army and Hawaiian Pacific University in the fall.

• Our Peer Leaders and Junior National Honor Society members marched in the town’s Veteran’s Day Celebration. Ms. McCarthy and Ms. Wyman  organized this wonderful Tenney tradition.

• We all wore red noses on Red Nose Day and brought in provisions to stock our food pantry.

• Our Girls on the Run team did a great job racing in their first 5K. Many staff came out to show support for the practice 5k around the Tenney and a few even laced on sneakers. Ms. Hudon leads the group.

Coming up:

Spirit Week: June 5-9

Chorus Concert, June 7, 7 pm

Fun Days sponsored by the PTO  June 12 and 13

Final Assembly: June 16, 9:15 am. Our guest speaker is former Tenney student Marie Akiki who is a combat medic in the US Army Reserves and a student at the University of New Hampshire.

April was the month of Tenney writer. Several of our students were honored for their way with words: Here is the good news and more:

• Eighth grade students Josiah Concepcion and Megan Bergeron were named winners of the Israel Arbeiter Essay Contest.  The contest is named in honor of human rights activist and Holocaust survivor Israel Arbeiter. Megahan and Josiah  and many of their classmates attended  and were recognized at the the Day of Remembrance Ceremony at Faneuil Hall on April 23. Josiah and Meaghan received scholarships and will be treated to a private tour of the  US Holocaust Memorial Museum later this year in Washington, DC. This marks the tenth consecutive year our students have been the recipients  of this  prestigious award!. Eighth grader Emily Carter’s artwork  was featured in the program.

• Hundreds of young Massachusetts entered the Letters About Literature  writing contest, sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. Tenney students made an impression, making connections between their worlds and works of literature. Winning writers include Kyla Nguyen, Grade 8, named one of the top ten writers in the state and who will be honored at a State House ceremony next month.   We are also proud of Jenny Nguyen, Grade 7, Semi-finalist, Abigail Edgerly, Grade 8, Semi-Finalist; Emma Chappell, Grade 8, Honorable Mention.

• We rocked the MCAS!  We had 100 percent in the ELA MCAS, meaning every child eligible to test sat for every session. Attendance and punctuality were at all-time records on testing days. And, our PTO provided breakfast to every child who tested.  Grades 4 and 8 completed the computer-based version of the test, making Tenney history. Thank you teachers, staff and families for this great partnership. Math and Science MCAS begins May 9.

• Grade 8 hosted a Gallery Walk Night  and movie night for families. Families got to tour our 8th grade wing to look over student projects. Then they gathered to view  the movie A Beautiful Life.

• Some of our students went on the road to learn. Band students enjoyed the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Chorus students enjoyed a performance at Methuen High and our kindergarten students saw the play Pete the Cat.

We look forward to a strong finish as we head to the end of the school year. AS always, if you have any concerns or ideas, Please contact me.

Important dates:

May 11, 12 Tenney and Timony Production of The Lion King, Tenney Auditorium

May 15: Tenney Band Parents Concert

May 26: Early Dismissal

May 29: Memorial Day - No School

MCAS Dates:

Grade 3:  Math: May 16, 17

Grade 4: Math: 18, 19

Grade 5:  Math May 9,10; Science: May 23,24

Grade 6: Math:  May 9.10

Grade 7: Math  May 16, 17

Grade 8: May 18, 19; Science: May 23, 24.

April 2017

A few  unseasonal snow days did not slow down the learning and fun at the Tenney in March. Here is a look at what we did.  We:

Strengthened partnerships with families by hosting several events.

• Our fourth grade team hosted 150 parents and building members for a special presentations by students who  researched and brought to life stories of people who in the words of one student, “made a positive change  in the world.’ The students dressed up as and told the stories  of Steve Jobs,  Betsy  Ross, Pocahontas, Walt Disney and more.

• Fifth grade teachers Judy Carpentier and Jenn Pardoen invited  parents to visit and enjoy special presentations students created on explorers.

• Second grade teachers hosted a publishing party so their writers could show off their talent and a night of non-fiction fun.

• The first grade team hosted an assembly to recognize good behaviors and invited parents.

Learned about the weather with a visit from  meteorologist Pamela Gardner. Our third graders also starred in a segment on WBZ-TV showcasing the visit.

Supported our seniors at the Methuen Scholarship Foundation Telethon. Our own Travis Maguire, lower school music teacher, performed,   singing and playing his guitar. Our staff donated over $800 to help fund scholarships for deserving Methuen High seniors. More than $25,000 was raised.

Celebrated our smart kids.  The Tenney and CGS squared off in a preliminary round  of the Methuen Academic Bowl.  The four teams were cheered on by families from both schools,  student volunteers worked together and Buddy the Bulldog and Tenney the Tiger, our school mascots entertained. Representing the Tenney were: Grade 7 (Hogwarts): Chloe Howell, Sierra McDermott, Rachel Becotte, Nina Delaney, Jessica Donald, Iriany Solorin. Grade 8 (Renegades) Jessica Clifford, Marie Palmer, Emily Keegan,Emily Jurovich, Abbi Edgerly, Josiah Concepcion. The Hogwarts will compete at the final competition in June. Sarah Call serves as the team advisor.

Celebrated Pi: Seventh graders and students in the sixth grade advanced math class  marked Pi Day by competing to see who could memorized the most digits of Pi. Abby Andam took first place, memorizing 214 digits.

Practiced for MCAS: Our run-through of the CBT MCAS testing was a success, thanks to the preparation of teachers in Grades 4 and 8. We look forward to showing what we know during testing.  And we are very grateful to our PTO, who will once again, provide breakfast to all students who test on MCAS testing days.

We are all looking forward to the annual Band Jamboree at Methuen High on April 11 at Methuen High. Many of our Tenney students will perform with their peers.

Coming up:

And, one more reminder about MCAS dates

Grade 3: ELA: April 4,5,6;  Math: May 16, 17

Grade 4: ELA: April 28, May 1, May 2; Math: 18, 19

Grade 5: ELA: April 11,12,13  Math May 9,10; Science: May 23,24

Grade 6: ELA: April 11,12; Math:  May 9.10

Grade 7: ELA: April 4,5; Math  May 16, 17

Grade 8:ELA:  April 28,  May 1; Math  May 18, 19; Science: May 23, 24.

As always, feel free to call me with any questions or concerns

Mary Beth Donovan

Supervising Principal

March 5, 2017

Hello Tenney Families!

February was packed with learning, activities and a few snow days. Here is a quick look at what happened at the Tenney and what is ahead in March:

Eighth grade teachers  Doug Patten, Sara Calla and John Lagnese received a $49,000 grant from Massachusetts Life Science Center, with some great support from Paula Simone. The  team’s work will bring in some fabulous science equipment. The MLSC’s STE Equipment and Supplies Grant Program funds the purchase of equipment and supplies for high schools and middle schools in the state..  Gov.  Baker announced the award right before vacation.

Kindness Week was a success. Each day of the week, staff and students explored the quality and practiced it.  Our students filled Kindness Bingo cards, teachers planned special activities, parents were recognized for the kindness and attention to safety during drop off times, and our food and book pantries were restocked.  We also got to wear our Ranger Blue, Tenney gear and dress as the folks we admire the most during the week.  

Staff Paint Night was a sell out and a great deal of fun! Our art teachers Carlo Licciardi and Marcia Mucci taught more than 30 Tenney teachers and staff how to create masterpieces. All funds raised will support our PBIS.

Sixth grade  hosted its  annual Hobby Fair. Students gave presentations on what they enjoy doing in their free time. These activities included baking, gaming, gymnastics and music and more. Parents attended an afternoon session.

Seventy Tenney 7th and 8th graders competed in the first round of Academic Bowl just before vacation. It was a fierce competition, with the Hogwarts and the Renegades winning the right to represent our school in a competition against the CGS on March 30.

Chorus members performed the National Anthem at the Boston University-University of Lowell hockey game. Members of the Tenney family attended to cheer on the singers and their conductor, Ms. Gray.

Band students enjoyed a trip to the House of Blues for a history lesson and the role of music to mark events  One student called it, “The best field trip ever.”

Seventh graders visited the Museum of  Fine Arts to  learn more about Egyptian civilization, which they are studying in social studies. Art teacher Marcia Mucci organized the trip and secured a grant.

Students in our new Bowling Club are enjoying their Friday nights at the lanes.

Coming up:

Our Book Fair begins March 13 and will be held in the Media Center.

Tenney hosts the CGS in the second round of Academic Bowl, March 30 , 6:30 pm

Tenney Upper School students will celebrate the art of storytelling on March 31 .

Mark your calendars for MCAS testing! Here are the dates:

Grade 3: ELA: April 4,5,6;  Math: May 16, 17

Grade 4: ELA: April 28, May 1, May 2; Math: 18, 19

Grade 5: ELA: April 11,12,13  Math May 9,10; Science: May 23,24

Grade 6: ELA: April 11,12; Math:  May 9.10

Grade 7: ELA: April 4,5,; Math  May 16, 17

Grade 8:ELA:  April 28,  May 1; Math  May 18, 19; Science: May 23, 24.

¡Hola familia’s de la escuela Tenney!

Febrero estaba lleno de aprendizaje, actividades y unos pocos días de nieve. Aquí está un rápido vistazo a lo que pasó en el la escuela Tenney y lo que está por delante en Marzo:

Maestros de octavo grado: Doug Patten, Sara Calla y John Lagnese recibieron una beca de $ 49,000 del Massachusetts Life Science Center, con un gran apoyo de Paula Simone. El trabajo del equipo traerá algunos fabulosos equipo de ciencia. El Programa de Subvenciones y Equipos de STE del MLSC financia la compra de equipo y suministros para escuelas secundarias y escuelas medias en el estado. El Gobernador Baker anunció el premio justo antes de las vacaciones.
La Semana de la Bondad fue un éxito. Cada día de la semana, el personal y los estudiantes exploraron la calidad y lo practicaron. Nuestros estudiantes llenaron tarjetas de Bingo de bondad, los maestros planificaron actividades especiales, los padres fueron reconocidos por la amabilidad y la atención a la seguridad durante los horarios de la dejada, y nuestras despensas de comida y libros fueron reabastecidas. También llegamos a usar nuestro Ranger Blue, Tenney equipo y vestir como la gente que admira más durante la semana.
Noche de pintura para el personal era un venta y una gran cantidad de diversión! Nuestros maestros de arte Carol Licciardi y Marcia Mucci enseñaron a más de 30 maestros y personal de Tenney cómo crear obras maestras. Todos los fondos recaudados apoyarán nuestro PBIS
Sexto grado recibió su feria anual de la manía. Los estudiantes dieron presentaciones sobre lo que les gusta hacer en su tiempo libre. Estas actividades incluyen hornear, jugar, gimnasia y música y mucho más. Los padres asistieron a una sesión de la tarde.
Setenta estudiantes de  7  y 8 grado de la escuela Tenney compitieron en la primera ronda de Academic Bowl justo antes de las vacaciones. Fue una competencia feroz, con Hogwarts y los Renegados ganando el derecho de representar a nuestra escuela en una competencia contra el CGS el 30 de Marzo.

Los miembros del coro interpretaron el Himno Nacional en el juego de hockey de la Universidad de Lowell de la Universidad de Boston. Miembros de la familia Tenney asistieron para animar a los cantantes y su conductor, la Sra. Gray.
Los estudiantes de la banda disfrutaron de un viaje a la Casa de Blues para una lección de historia y el papel de la música para marcar eventos Un estudiante lo llamó "El mejor viaje de campo jamás".
Los alumnos de séptimo grado visitaron el Museo de Bellas Artes para aprender más sobre la civilización egipcia, que están estudiando en estudios sociales. La maestra de arte Marcia Mucci organizó el viaje y obtuvo una beca.
Los estudiantes de nuestro nuevo Club de Bowling están disfrutando de sus noches de viernes en los carriles.

Próximamente: Nuestra Feria del Libro comienza el 13 de Marzo y se llevará a cabo en el Centro de Medios.
Tenney recibe el CGS en la segunda ronda del Bowl académico, 30 de Marzo a las 6:30 pm
                     Los estudiantes de Tenney High School celebrarán el arte de contar cuentos y actuarán en nuestra versión escolar de The Moth el 31 de Marzo.
¡Marque sus calendarios para las pruebas MCAS! Aquí están las fechas:
Grado 3: ELA: Abril 4,5,6; Matemáticas: 16 y 17 de Mayo,

The first month of 2017 was a busy one at the Tenney. Here is a quick look at what we accomplished:

• Haad Naeem, an 8th grader, represented all of Methuen in Project 351, a service and youth leadership development program sponsored by the state. We are so proud of Haad, who spent a Saturday meeting with other 8th graders, conferencing  with Gov. Baker, volunteering at a food bank. He is now planning a community service program at the Tenney!

• Our sixth graders got a hands-on look at the world. They were able to step into a giant globe  set up in our upper school gym to study the earth. Our sixth grade teachers organized the event with Bridgewater State University and the event was sponsored by our PTO.

• About 20 third graders are coming to school a bit early up to four days a week to improve their math skills. Math Coach Kelley Gravell is running the extra help program to boost math fluency.

• Congrats to all the participants of the 2017 Spelling Bee and especially the teacher who made it happen, Marian Magnan. The winners were sixth grader Andre Laurent (third) , 8th grader Abigail  Edgerly, (second) and  first place winner Nicole Alonzo-Serena  from the seventh grade. It was a fabulous competition that ended in the Tenney tradition of a real nail biter. Nicole will now be moving on to a state competition. Competing were:  Grade 5: Nasla Perez, Madison Armstrong, Quinn Foley,Eric Foster, Luke Polomoscanik,Ian Slipp. Grade 6: Ryan Finn, Abigail Andam, Eagan Charles,Andre Laurent, Andrew Le,Daniel Donahue Grade 7: Sierra McDermott,Gillian Finn, Alexus Gonzalez, Jennifer Carmona,Nicole Alonza Grade 8:Griffin Danehy, Abby Sapienza, Abigail Edgerly, Nicholas Notenboom, Quinn Farrel, Caroline Langone.

• Our first Grade teachers, as part of our school-wide effort to bring parents into our school, hosted a PBIS assembly to honor the students who meet our Tenney Rocks expectations. Parents joined in the  celebration.

• Almost 100 students took part in our ACCESS testing. The week of testing went smoothly.

• Our Bowling Club is off to a great start.Team Tenney takes to the lanes every Friday with Ms. Leal and Ms.  Calla helping with the organization.

• Many of our lower school students contributed to Apple Seed a literary and art magazine. The launch night honored celebrated the works of young artists and writers who were selected for publication in Apple Seed Literary and Art Magazine. They are: Luna Abimoussa, Zachary Anderson, Jasmyn Johnson, Sidney Mikhael, Michael Nguyen, Grace Ricupero, Esmeralda Rojas, William Ross and Joey Safi. Congrats to their teachers, too.

Coming up:

Feb. 10: Half Day Hat Day

   Tenney Chorus performs at University of Lowell River Hawks hockey.

Feb. 13-17: Kindness Week

Feb. 14: Seventh grade visits the Museum of Fine Arts to study Egyptian Art.

Feb. 20-24: Winter break

El primer mes del 2017 fue muy ocupado en la escuela Tenney. Aquí está un breve resumen de lo que hemos logrado:

• Haad Naeem, un estudiante de 8º grado, representaba a todos de Methuen en el Proyecto 351, un programa de servicio y liderazgo juvenil desarrollo patrocinado por el estado. Estamos tan orgullosos de Haad, que pasó una reunión el sábado con otros estudiantes del 8vo grado, la comunicación con el gobernador Baker, voluntario en un banco de alimentos. Ahora está planeando un programa de servicio comunitario en la Tenney!

• Nuestros estudiantes de sexto grado recibieron un aspecto práctico en el mundo. Ellos fueron capaces de entrar en un globo gigante instalada en nuestro gimnasio de la escuela superior para estudiar la tierra. Nuestros maestros de sexto grado organizaron el evento con la Universidad Estatal de Bridgewater y el evento fue patrocinado por el PTO.

• Cerca de 20 estudiantes de tercer grado están llegando a la escuela un poco temprano hasta cuatro días a la semana para mejorar sus habilidades matemáticas. La entrenadora de matemáticas Kelley Gravell está ejecutando el programa de ayuda adicional para impulsar la competencia matemática.

• Felicidades a todos los participantes del concurso de ortografía 2017 y especialmente, el maestro/a que lo han hecho posible, Marian Magnan. Los ganadores fueron sexto grado André Laurent (tercera), 8º grado Abigail Edgerly, (segundo) y ganador del primer lugar Nicole Alonzo-Serena desde el séptimo grado. Fue una competencia fabulosa que terminó en la tradición Tenney de un verdadero mordedor de uñas. Nicole será ahora pasar a una competencia estatal. Compitiendo fueron:  Grado 5: Nasla Pérez, Madison Armstrong, Quinn Foley, Eric Foster, Lucas Polomoscanik, Ian Slipp. Grado 6: Ryan Finn, Abigail Andam, Eagan Charles, André Laurent, Andrew Le, Daniel Donahue Grado 7: Sierra McDermott, Gillian Finn, Alexus González, Jennifer Carmona, Nicole Alonza Grado 8:Griffin Danehy, Abby Sapienza, Abigail Edgerly, Nicholas Notenboom, Quinn Farrel, Caroline Langone.

• Nuestros maestros del primer grado, como parte de nuestro esfuerzo para traer a los padres a nuestra escuela, organizaron un conjunto de PBIS en honor a los estudiantes que cumplen con nuestras expectativas Tenney Rocks. Los padres se unieron a la celebración.

• Casi 100 estudiantes participaron en nuestras pruebas de ACCESO. La semana de pruebas se realizó sin problemas.

• Nuestro Bowling Club ha tenido un gran comienzo!El equipo Tenney lleva a las boleras todos los Viernes con la Sra Leal y la Sra Calla ayudando con la organización.

• Muchos de nuestros estudiantes de la escuela elemental contribuyeron a Apple Seed una revista literaria y el arte. La noche del lanzamiento de honor celebra las obras de jóvenes artistas y escritores que fueron seleccionados para su publicación en Apple Seed literaria y revista de arte . Ellos son: Luna Abimoussa, Zachary Anderson, Jasmyn Johnson, Sidney Mikhael, Michael Nguyen, Grace Ricupero, Esmeralda Rojas, William Ross y Joey Safi. Felicidades a sus profesores, también!

Próximamente:

   10 de Febrero : Medio Día Día del sombrero,

    El Coro de la Escuela Tenney se realiza en la Universidad de Lowell River Hawks de hockey.

13 -17 de Febrero: Semana de la Bondad

14 de Febrero: El séptimo grado visita el Museo de Bellas Artes para estudiar el arte egipcio.

Happy New Year Tenney family!

We celebrated the holidays and the end of 2016 with all sorts of activities. Here is a look at some of them:

• Thank you to Shaws  of Salem, N.H. and manager Peter Lamar for supporting our school. The Salem, NH supermarket presented us  with a $400 check which we will use for PBIS activities..

• To celebrate good behaviors as taught in our PBIS initiative,  our upper school students and their teachers earned the opportunity to participate in a trivia contest on Dec. 23.  Dozens of students won tickets to Launch, Skateland and Tenney gifts. We all cheered student Jason Pitman who held the winning ticket for a Kindle Fire. Instead of taking the Kindle, Jason  told the assembly that the winning ticket  belonged to his friend, who had been dismissed for the day.  Jason’s show of respect and  ownership made us proud. He earned a Kindle as well.

• Our annual Giving Tree project, organized by third grade teacher Dawn Patterson and supported by Tenney staff,  provided 50 Tenney families with gifts and food to make the holidays a bit brighter.

• The  administrative team hosted a Staff Appreciation pancake breakfast just before the break. We all wore our ugly holiday sweaters - another Tenney tradition. We also said goodbye to Loretta Cardone, who has worked at the Tenney for 31 years  in our food services department.

• Our holiday band and chorus concerts were successful. Mr. Fulks, band director and several of his students spent an evening performing for residents of The Villages and Ms. Gray, chorus director, took her students caroling there Dec. 23.

• Our third grade team hosted a holiday math night for parents. The adults focused on math vocabulary.

• Our Peer Leaders, advised by Mrs. Wyman, are hosting the annual coat drive which runs through mid-January.

Thanks to parents who have worked with us to keep children safe by honoring drop off times.  There is no supervision on the playground for upper school children until 7:30 am. Lower school staff begin their supervision at 8:15 am.

Coming up:

Jan. 13: Early dismissal day. Upper school dismisses at 11:15, lower at 11:45.

Jan. 16: No school as we celebrate Martin Luther King Day.

Hello Tenney Family!

November was a busy month and we look forward to a December filled with learning and celebrations. Here is a summary of some recent Tenney activities:

• We welcomed democracy to the Tenney on Election Day. Our PTO held a successful bake sale and our Junior National Honor Society passed out complimentary coffee to voters.

• Our Upper School Gallery Walk, held the day before Thanksgiving, drew 500 guests. Students in grades 5-8 displayed their best academic work which was displayed. Parents and friends were encouraged to respond to the work by writing and posting notes.

• To welcome the holidays, the Tenney community celebrated the third annual Light the Night. We illuminated the big tree in our Upper School entrance, passed out cookies , listened to our band and chorus perform and passed out 1,000 books collected by staff to our young guests as part of our Book Pantry project. Some of our teachers hosted craft-making parties before the lighting for their students and families.

• To mark Veterans Day, our Peer Leaders and Junior National Honor Society marched in the town’s parade. Our annual Mama Tenney Pasta Dinner was dedicated to our veterans and we invited Tenney family veterans and active duty servicemen and women to be our guests at the dinner.  Students served a meal donated by Starchey’s Pizzeria  and diners got a chance to write notes of thanks to veterans and visit our  Wall of Honor which has pictures of Tenney family members who served. The dinner was a sell out with 250 people attending.

• We celebrated the accomplishments of our students at Thanksgiving assemblies. We recognized good MCAS work, our unsung heroes and more student accomplishments. Staff shared with students what they are grateful for and we were happy to have students in attendance. Staff from the Nevins Memorial  Library presented the summer reading award won by Tenney students and shared exciting news about other opportunities for our readers.

• Our kindergarten team collaborated with the Children’s Department at the Nevins Library to host two nights for students and families at the library. Children’s Services Director Kathy Moran Wallace read a book to the students, led a craft activity and tour of the Children’s Room. We all celebrated when our students received their first library cards. Thank you to the kindergarten teachers for organizing and attending the events.

• To make sure that all our families celebrated Thanksgiving, our guidance staff organized a dinner drive. Fifty Thanksgiving meals were put together through donations by students and staff and were distributed to our families who need a bit of support.

• Our Saturday detentions for Upper School students have begun. Hosted by Dean of Students Carl DeRubeis, Ms. Donovan and Ms. Simone, the detentions work to keep students in class while holding them accountable for their behaviors and arriving to school in a timely manner.

• Our staff continues to work to model the pillars of our PBIS program with activities designed to promote adult cooperation. Thirty members participated in an evening wreath making activity hosted by SEA Carrie Ingrassia and our Staff Spirit Council sponsored activities  for Thanksgiving.

Coming Up:

Dec. 12: Trip to MFA for the entire 7th grade. Thanks Ms. Mucci for securing this grant.

Dec. 13: Coffee with the Admin Team. Parents are invited to meet with the administrative team for informal discussions, 6 -7 pm.

Dec. 13: Band Concert, 7 pm Auditorium.

Dec. 21: Ugly Sweater Day.

Dec. 21: Chorus Concert, 7 pm. Auditorium

Dec. 23:  Tenney Holiday Caroling at area nursing homes.

Ongoing: Coat drive sponsored by Peer Leaders.

   Door decorating contest.