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Greetings from Chad Leith
Dear Members of the Morse School community,
One of our school’s greatest strengths is our sense of community, and in this week’s message I would like to highlight some upcoming events that will bring children and families together.
Morse Marathon - FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about next week’s Morse Marathon:
When and where will the Morse Marathon take place?
Although we had originally planned to hold the Morse Marathon today, due to the wetness of the field, we have postponed the event to next Thursday, October 10th from 9 - 10:30AM at Magazine Beach Park (located on the other side of the Memorial Drive footbridge).
How long is the Morse Marathon? Is it really a “Marathon?”
A “real” marathon is 26-miles (42 kilometers) long. The Morse Marathon is much shorter than that! The course is a loop path around Magazine Beach Park. We estimate that a “lap” equals approximately ? of a mile or 0.2 kilometers. Eight laps equals a mile; five laps equals one kilometer. Individual students are encouraged to complete as many laps as they wish, and are welcome to jog or walk around the Marathon course. Last year our youngest students averaged 2-3 laps, while some of our older students completed more than 20!
Is the Morse Marathon a “race?”
No. The Morse Marathon is a fun run, but it is not a “race” and all children can “win” by meeting their personal walking or running goals. Our P.E. teacher Phil Fousek will go over rules around speed and respectful participation in the event before we get started. After we have announced the final lap, students will cross the “finish line” and return to the gathering area, where they will be invited to participate in line dancing! There will be a water station and a nursing station, and we will be distributing bananas and cereal bars (generously donated by Trader Joe’s)!
Do you still need parent volunteers for the event?
Yes! Parent volunteers will be distributed throughout the course to help cheer our students on and also to make sure that children stick to the prescribed course and remain within the supervised area of the park.
Is there still time to sponsor my student runner or make a contribution?
Yes! The Morse Marathon is not only an event to promote fitness and community, it is also a fundraising event for our school. Money raised through events like this one directly benefit your children, by helping to pay for field trips, learning materials, and enrichment activities. You can donate by completing a pledge sheet for your student runner, or by making an online contribution through the Friends of the Morse School website.
Even if you are unable to volunteer or make a financial contribution, we hope that you consider stopping by to walk or run a few laps and to cheer on our student runners!
Fun Morning Programs Begin Next Week!
Our special before-school programming begins next week. These activities are meant to foster a sense of belonging for our students and to connect them to one another outside of the classroom. On Tuesdays, our P.E. teacher Coach Fousek will run an intramural sports club (Gr. 3-5, sign-up required). On Wednesdays, our music teacher Ms. Graeber will lead the Morse Morning Singers (Gr. 3-5, sign-up required). On Thursdays, our tech specialist Ms. Lavalle will run a new computer science club (Gr. 3-5, sign-up required, spaced limited). And on Fridays our librarian Ms. Pennell will lead a storytime for children and parents/caregivers (all ages, drop in - no sign-up required). There is no cost for our morning programs and we hope that many of our students choose to participate! Learn more about these programs >>
Fourth Grade Community Meet-Up: Sunday 10/6
Our 4th grade room parents and teachers have organized a “Sunday Funday” this Sunday October 6th from 1 - 3PM in Dana Park (located on Magazine Street halfway between Central Square and the Morse School). Fourth graders and their families are invited to join in for a fun “getting to know you” play date for all room E6, E8, and E3 family members. The kids will be able to play at the park, meet some new friends and enjoy light refreshments. Many thanks to the members of the Morse School 4th grade community for planning this great opportunity to make connections with other families.
Annual Title I Breakfast: Tuesday 10/8
Many of the amazing programs we offer students at the Morse are supported by Title I funds. Please join CPS Title I Director Mary Grassi, Family Liaison Denise Sullivan, along with me and our Title I staff for an informal breakfast in our Main Lobby on Tuesday 10/8 from 8:15 - 9AM. Please come learn more about our Title I program or simply enjoy the opportunity to connect with staff members and other parents and caregivers.
I look forward to seeing many of you over the coming week. In the meantime, my very best wishes for a wonderful autumn weekend!
Sincerely,
Chad Leith
Principal
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