Rivera Middle School students enjoyed a special reward for their positive behavior on Friday as part of the "3-3-3" program.
Those who had three or fewer absences, tardies, and minor discipline issues this quarter were treated to pizza, a dance party during an extended V.I.P lunch, and a raffle.
Incentives are one part of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) system our schools utilize. PBIS is a research-based, nationally recognized framework that promotes a positive culture of making good choices on school campuses. It includes clear expectations for the students as well as incentives and intervention plans -- and is part of the district’s effort to reduce suspension and expulsion rates.
More than 1,000 fourth graders from across the Merced City School District enjoyed one of two incredible children's concerts by the Merced Symphony at the Merced Theatre on Friday. They also learned about the history of the music and the stories behind some classic songs.
Additional information from the Merced Symphony Association website:
Each year the Merced Symphony presents Children’s Concerts to 3,000 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade students from throughout Merced County. We work with the Merced County Office of Education (MCOE) to bus students to each our free concerts at the Merced Theatre downtown. The Los Baños Unified School District (LBUSD) handles reservations for the two concerts held at the Pacheco HS Theater in Los Baños. The concerts are planned to appeal to elementary students. Teacher packets are provided to teachers ahead of time to help prepare their students for the performance. The information includes a CD of the music to be played as well as information about the music, the composers, and the symphony orchestra. MSA usually features our Youth Audition winner(s) at one of our season concerts. These concerts prove to be very popular with the teachers and students who attend. Here are a few quotes:
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I learned that music can change your mood.
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I learned that playing is hard and you have a big part no matter what [the] instrument.
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In the theatre on ‘Hedwig’s Flight’ I closed my eyes and pictured flying. It was really fun.
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I learned that music can make you want to do something.
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The jazz music was very very very very very very good!!!!! [sic]
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I learned that to be amazing it takes a lot of practice.
Students throughout the Merced City School District will have exciting opportunities during the annual Summer Academy from June 12 – July 14.
The five week session will include hands-on learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM). Each grade level will have its own unique theme and project. For example, the youngest students will learn about energy and forces with the help of a marshmallow catapult, while fourth graders will make their own instruments as part of the study of sound waves. All participants will also enjoy a special performance and/or an educational excursion to places such as local zoos, performing arts centers, colleges and universities.
Summer Academy is available to all MCSD students currently in TK/kindergarten through seventh grade. Classes will be held at Reyes Elementary as well as Rivera Elementary and Rivera Middle School.
New this year is an online foreign language program, which allows participants to learn a variety of languages. This offering will be available to students currently in grades four through seven, on a first come, first served basis. Additionally, online mathematics will continue to be made available for students currently in sixth and seventh grade.
Summer Academy is designed to help students extend their learning through fun and enriching experiences, avoiding the dreaded “summer slide.” According to the California Department of Education, “Research spanning 100 years shows that children experience learning loss when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer.” Studies also show that high quality summer learning programs can help English learners, as well as English only students improve their vocabulary, support good attendance, and provide a smoother transition from elementary to middle school.
Families can now enroll their children at the school they attend through May 12. Registration forms are available through this link on our website: http://www.mcsd.k12.ca.us/District/Portal/summer-academy
Administrators and support staff at each school site will be available to answer any additional questions.
Students throughout the Merced City School District are enjoying a variety of activities to celebrate this holiday season while also using their creativity and collaboration.
Kindergarten and transitional kindergarten students from Fremont Elementary made personalized ornaments for one of the Christmas trees on display at the Merced County Courthouse Museum. They recently took a walking field trip to see their tree and all of the others that have been beautifully decorated for the holidays. (See photo below)
Meanwhile, kindergarten and TK students from John Muir Elementary helped spread holiday cheer with their voices. They walked to the nearby MCSD office to sing Christmas carols for administrators and support staff on Wednesday. They also visited La Sierra Care Center earlier in the day to perform for patients and employees. The students were all dressed up for the occasion with Santa hats and festive outfits. They impressed their audiences by memorizing the words to several carols, including Jingle Bells, Up on the Rooftop, and Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. The children even played percussion instruments for some of the songs and showed off charismatic choreography. (See video above and photo below)
Peterson Elementary enjoyed two special treats on Tuesday. TK through sixth grade students took part in the annual holiday sing-along, which included a visit by Mayor Stan Thurston dressed up as Santa Claus. Students in the fourth grade chorus also performed under the direction of Mr. Hofland, who is playing an "instrumental' role in expanding music education throughout our elementary schools. (See photo below)
Several MCSD campuses are also hosting winter program performances this month to highlight school bands, chorus groups, and other performing arts programs. These shows are a chance for students to share their artistic skills with hundreds of audience members, including their own families. (See photos below)
Fremont students visiting the Christmas tree they helped decorate at the Merced County Courthouse Museum.
Muir students singing Christmas carols at the MCSD office
Fourth grade chorus students performing at Peterson Elementary
Gracey students performing in their winter program
Reyes students performing in their winter program
Students at Burbank Elementary in Merced are learning valuable lessons while supporting a great cause this holiday season.
On Tuesday, all of the kindergartners took a walking field trip to a nearby store to pick out stuffed animals, action figures, games, and other gifts for children in need. They used their own money as well as additional donations to pay for the items. Representatives from Toys for Tots then visited the campus to collect the presents so they can be distributed to local families in time for Christmas.
This donation day was one of several acts of the kindness the kindergartners have been doing during the past two weeks, which all correlate with their classroom lessons. Their current English language arts unit is helping the students to learn about being part of a neighborhood, and their social studies unit focuses on how to be good citizens.
Teacher Jeannette Wersinger says, “This is a great way for our students to learn about giving back to the community and how they can make a positive impact at a young age. They’re learning that they can do simple things like raking their neighbors’ leaves or opening doors for others. We hope they will continue to build on these lessons as they progress in school and in life.”
