Principal
James Kennison
Last Page Update
March 31, 2021 6:45 AM
| Our Web Address | www.lynnschools.org/callahan |
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2020-2021 School Year Calendar
September 16th Start - 170 Days
English - Spanish
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Reopening Our Schools Safely
Reopening Communications and More
Visit Our Reopening Page |
Reopening Technical Support
School Issued Laptops, Connecting - More! |
| School Year Announcements |
Good Afternoon First and Second Grade Families,
As we prepare for the return of in-person learning, I would like to offer a forum for us to come together so that you may ask any new or lingering questions you may have. Also, I will be able to share some specifics around the daily schedule, routines, protocols, and procedures. Our Grades 1-2 Virtual Town Hall will be held Thursday, April 1 at 2 PM. The Zoom meeting information will be sent through email and text. If you do not receive this information, please call the main office at 781-477-7340. I hope to see many of you there.
Please do not hesitate to reach out and let me know if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Mr. Kennison
Buenas tardes familias de primer y segundo grado,
Mientras nos preparamos para el regreso del aprendizaje en persona, me gustaría ofrecer un foro para que nos juntemos para que puedan hacer cualquier pregunta nueva o persistente que puedan tener. Además, podré compartir algunos detalles sobre el horario diario, rutinas, protocolos y procedimientos. Nuestro Ayuntamiento Virtual de Grados 1-2 se llevará a cabo el jueves 1 de abril a las 2:00. La información de la reunión zoom se enviará a través de correo electrónico y texto. Si no recibe esta información, llame a la oficina principal al 781-477-7340. Espero verlos a muchos de ustedes allí.
Por favor, no dude en comunicarse y hágamelo saber si tiene alguna pregunta.
Respetuosamente,
Sr. Kennison |
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Good afternoon Callahan Community,
With the decision to skip the hybrid phase and alter our schedule for full student return, there will be one asynchronous learning day for Grades 1 through 5. Please remember that on asynchronous days there will not be a Zoom meeting with a teacher. Students will have activities and assignments to be completed on their own. The upcoming asynchronous dates are as follows:
Kindergarten:
- Asynchronous learning for students on Wednesday, March 31st (Orientation 12-2PM)
- In-person student return on Thursday, April 1st
Grades 1 & 2:
- Asynchronous learning for students on Thursday, April 1st (Friday, April 2nd is a holiday and there is no school)
- In-person student return on Monday, April 5th
Grades 3-5:
- Asynchronous learning for students on Friday, April 9th
- In-person student return on Monday, April 12th
Please do not hesitate to reach out and let me know if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Mr. Kennison
Buenas tardes Comunidad de Callahan,
Con la decisión de saltarse la fase híbrida y alterar nuestro horario para el regreso completo del estudiante, habrá un día de aprendizaje asincrónico para los grados 1 a 5. Recuerde que en días asíncronos no habrá una reunión de Zoom con un maestro. Los estudiantes tendrán actividades y tareas que completar por su cuenta. Las próximas fechas asíncronas son las siguientes:
Kindergarten:
- Aprendizaje asincrónico para estudiantes el miércoles 31 de marzo (Orientación 12-2PM)
- Los estudiantes en persona regresan el jueves 1 de abril
Grados 1 y 2:
- Aprendizaje asincrónico para los estudiantes el jueves 1 de abril (viernes 2 de abril es un día festivo y no hay escuela)
- Los estudiantes en persona regresan el lunes 5 de abril
Grados 3-5:
- Aprendizaje asincrónico para los estudiantes el viernes 9 de abril
- Los estudiantes en persona regresan el lunes 12 de abril
Por favor, no dude en comunicarse y hágamelo saber si tiene alguna pregunta.
Respetuosamente,
Sr. Kennison |
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Callahan families are invited to an evening session about i-Ready Assessment and Instruction. Join us for a tour of the platform and a conversation around how i-Ready helps teachers serve the best instruction to keep your child growing and learning across the school year.
Webinar Agenda:
- What is i-Ready?
- What is the Diagnostic?
- Taking the Diagnostic from home
- Resources for families
- i-Ready Q&A!
What is i-Ready?
i-Ready is an online program for reading and/or mathematics that will help your student’s teacher(s) determine your student’s needs, personalize their learning, and monitor progress throughout the school year. i-Ready allows your teacher(s) to meet your student exactly where they are and provides data to increase your student’s learning gains. i-Ready consists of two parts: Diagnostic and Personalized Instruction. Learn more on their website!
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Callahan Community,
I would like to share some important information regarding first trimester report cards. Currently, report cards are on track for distribution this Friday afternoon, 1/15/21, to both student and parent email addresses.
If this timeline changes for any reason I will update you immediately. Report cards will be password protected, with the password being the individual student's ID number. All students should already have their ID number, as it is the number following STU- in their email address. For example, if a student's email address is STU123456@lynnschools.org, then the student ID number would be 123456. If someone is unsure of their student ID number, please contact me by calling our main office during regular school hours, through email, or through Schoology.
Also, please take a moment to read the letter attached below. The letter explains the thought process and rationale involved with how students are being graded for the current school year. Lastly, information on our second virtual open house of this school year will be shared in the weeks ahead.
Respectfully,
Mr. Kennison
January 12, 2021
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Dear Callahan Community:
The current school year is unlike any other. For your children, the teaching and learning is filled with new and different challenges. Students are completely dependent on technology and a learning management system to participate in their education. They are separated from their teachers and friends and a new educational reality has been imposed. The goal of this letter is to explain the circumstances being considered as teachers assess and grade students in remote learning.
Teachers will approach this task taking into account the enormity of the struggles students are facing and assess with grace and flexibility. In addition to assessments and assignments, other important criteria in the grading of students will be considered and include attendance, participation, effort, and engagement. It is also important to note that not all-grading information is located and maintained within Schoology. Teachers across the district want to emphasize that there are limitations to their current assessment data in its accuracy, quantity, and overall reliability. Our learning community began the school year in a tenuous situation with not everything in place including devices, technology, and resources. We are all too well aware that our current situation is different, and we should respond accordingly. The commitment from teachers is to give the best indication of where your child is academically in this first trimester.
Teachers want to express their gratitude and sincere appreciation to parents and families for your support and understanding. We miss teaching our students in person but remain committed to supporting our students’ learning remotely and continuing to develop warm and caring relationships in our classrooms.
Sincerely,
James E. Kennison
Download This Letter In:
English - Arabic - Haitian-Creole - Portuguese - Khmer - Spanish
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"Schoology" Parent Access Update - October 6, 2020
Your student's school will be reaching out to you by the end of next week with an access code for "Schoology". If you do not receive an access code by October 9th, reach out to your child's homeroom teacher. At the secondary level, you only need 1 access code and all courses will be loaded.
This account will allow you to see the work your child has submitted, discussions they have participated in, school updates, and also provides the ability to message staff at the school. Multiple children can be added to one parent account.
The following are videos (Part 1 and Part 2) showing how to set up your account and take advantage of all the "Schoology" features available to you.
PARENT ACCESS - PART ONE
• LPS Parent Access Video - Part 1 - English
• LPS Parent Access Video - Part 1 - Spanish
 PARENT ACCESS - PART TWO
• LPS Parent Access Video - Part 2 - English
• LPS Parent Access Video - Part 2 - Spanish
Parents How To Register and View Your Child's Activity:
Download the Step by Step Instructions Here. (English and Spanish
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How To Set Up Your New Laptop - English Version
Cómo configurar su nueva computadora portátil - Versión en español |
New "Schoology" How To Videos Have Been Posted!
Visit Our Technology Page Here! |
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October 7, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians:
As we opened our school year, a remote learning schedule was created for all students. At the elementary level, this schedule is heavily focused on synchronous learning where every student spends most of their school day on the computer with the classroom teacher. There was a desire to provide our youngest scholars with enormous support and supervision. Please remember, that we are planning for teaching and learning in a way that we as educators have never experienced before. That said, we are going to have to continuously reflect on the model we have built and make changes when we believe it is necessary.
The concern with the current schedule is the demands of a five-hour synchronous schedule for our youngest learners. In response to these worries, there will be a revision to the Wednesday schedule for students in grades one through five. For this group, there will be an increase in asynchronous time on learning with a shortened day each Wednesday. For early elementary schools, students would end the synchronous part to their day at 11:45 and for late elementary schools 12:15. All students are expected to engage in asynchronous learning for an additional hour. Students will be given assignments to complete. They will be allowed to do this work at their own pace and at a time that permits them to break and return to working on their assignment at their leisure. Across the district, all students will focus on using a literacy resource, Imagine Learning as well as ST Math. Teachers will be looking to assign one hour in total of content and engagement.
This change to the Wednesday schedule is a first step and an initial response. This amended schedule will begin next week on Wednesday, October 14th. We have also put a team together to further evaluate the elementary schedule and make additional recommendations for moving forward. There will be no changes to the Pre-K and kindergarten schedules at this time. The existing schedule is half day with a half hour in between sessions.
We thank all of our parents, guardians, and providers for your support of LPS and our students. Your patience and persistence is appreciated.
In partnership,
Mr. Kennison
Dowmload Thios Letter In English and Spanish
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August 31, 2020
Dear Callahan School Family,
As you may already know the Lynn Public Schools will begin the 20-21 school year remotely. Remote learning is students engaged in their classes and completing assignments from a remote location, not from inside school. Although we will be learning remotely, the attendance policy has not changed, it remains the same as in previous years.
This school year will look very different as we move into teaching and learning. We have adopted a learning management system for Lynn Public Schools called "Schoology". A learning management system is an online application that allows for the administration of educational courses allowing for learning anytime from anywhere. Your child will be taught using the learning management system, "Schoology", Monday-Friday, throughout the school day and beyond. "Schoology" can be accessed through a desktop, laptop, or through the web browser on an iPad or tablet.
Students will access "Schoology" by logging onto:
https://lynnschools.schoology.com
Username: student’s email address:
stu------@lynnschools.org (6 digit ID# follows stu)
Your child’s 6-digit student id# is included in their email address, immediately following stu. If you don’t know your child’s id# please contact your building principal. Beginning on September 16th, once they are logged in, their courses will be loaded on this page and they will have access to school updates. More information will follow including videos with how to login.
Students in grades 3-12 should have already received their district issued loaner laptops at this time. If you have not had this opportunity, please contact your building principal and they will provide dates, times, and locations for pickup. Devices have been ordered for students in grades K-2, we will notify families when those arrive.
| Starting September 23rd, the school day for Grades 1 - 5 at Callahan is Monday - Friday from 7:45 AM to 12:45 PM. During that time, students will participate in teaching and learning based on the following times: |
| Morning Circle |
30 minutes |
(5 days a week) |
| English Language Arts/Social Studies |
120 minutes |
(5 days a week) |
| Math |
90 minutes |
(3 days a week) |
| Math |
60 minutes |
(2 days a week) |
| Science |
30 minutes |
(2 days a week) |
| Brain Break |
30 minutes |
(5 days a week) |
| Closing Circle |
15 minutes |
(5 days a week) |
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| The Pre-K and Kindergarten Schedule is based on an AM (7:45-10:00) or PM (10:30-12:45) class with following time allotments. |
| Morning Circle |
30 minutes |
(5 days a week) |
| English Language Arts |
45 minutes |
(5 days a week) |
| Screen Break |
15 minutes |
(5 days a week) |
| Math |
30 minutes |
(5 days a week) |
| Closing Circle |
15 minutes |
(5 days a week) |
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| The following are important contacts: (781) 477 - 7340 |
| Principal |
James Kennison |
| Clerk |
RaShon Comeau |
| Nurse |
Rachel Randall |
| Program Specialist |
Sarah McIsaac |
| Social Worker |
Nicole Simonson |
| Technology Help Desk |
(781) 477 - 7342
Monday - Thursday: 7:45 AM - 3:45 PM
Friday: 7:45 AM - 12:45 PM |
This is the first of multiple letters you will receive. We will share more information as it becomes available. One piece of information that is forthcoming is breakfast and lunch pick up locations. We thank you for your patience during this time.
Sincerely,
James Kennison
Principal
Callahan Elementary School |
Health and Welness At Callahan
**Starting school year 2020/2021, all students in Massachusetts are required to receive the flu vaccine for the current flu season (given on or after July 1, 2020).
Dr. Tutwiler Visits Our School!
Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Tutwiler, read the book, "With Books and Bricks How Booker T. Washington built a School" by Suzanne Slade to a group of fourth grade students. Afterwards, students received a copy of the book, and a snack of sliced apples. Students enjoyed and loved every minute! Thank you Dr. Tutwiler!!!
The Callahan Eagle Visits!
Students were treated to a visit from the school eagle!
Welcome, Our Principal's Message
Callahan is a school that prides itself on providing world-class instruction; creating strong teacher, student, parent, and community relationships; and instilling in children the ability to think, to learn, to achieve, and to care.
Our entire staff is dedicated to continuous learning through professional development and use of school achievement data to discover the most effective ways to teach our students. We have high expectations for our students, our colleagues, and ourselves through trust, hard work, and positive reinforcement of our collective strengths.
James Kennison,
Principal
Callahan Elementary School Information
School Staff and Teacher List for 2019-2020
Our School Staff List
| Our Phone |
(781) 477-7340 |
| Our Fax |
(781) 581-9248 |
| Principal |
James Kennison - Office 115 |
| Principal Phone |
(781) 477-7340 ext. 1251 |
| School Secretary |
RaShon Comeau - Office 114 |
| Secretary Phone |
(781) 477-7340 extension 1252 |
| Program Specialist |
Sarah McIsaac - Room 116 |
Program Specialist Phone
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(781) 477-7340 extension 1287 |
| Adjustment Counselor |
Nicole Esdra - Room 200 |
Adjustment Counselor Phone
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(781) 477-7340 extension 1259 |
| School Nurse |
Denise Ferarri-DiResto - Room 119 |
| Nurse Phone |
(781) 477-7340 extension 1254 |
| Social Worker |
Nicole Simonson - Room 200 |
| Social Worker Phone |
(781) 477-7340 extension 1259 |
| Building Substitute |
Danielle Moran |
| Occupational Therapist |
Kelly Simone - Room 212 |
| Therapist Phone |
(781) 477-7340 extension 1291 |
| Physical Therapist |
Mary Jo McElligott |
| Therapist Phone |
(781) 477-7340 extension 1291 |
| Special Ed. Chairperson |
Amy Vernava |
| Cafeteria - Gym |
Rhonda Plouffe - Basement |
| Cafeteria Phone |
(781) 477-7340 extension 1288 |
| Custodian |
Steve Fiste - Cafeteria |
| Custodian Phone |
(781) 477-7340 extension 1284 |
Our School Teacher List And Online Classroom Links
| Pre-Kindergarten |
| Jennifer Northrop |
Teacher |
Room 105 |
| Lorna Lacaillade |
Aide |
Room 105 |
| Danielle Giordano |
Aide |
Room 105 |
| Crystal Surette |
Teacher |
Room 104 |
| Ruth Torres-Ramirez |
Aide |
Room 104 |
| Colleen Munnelly |
Teacher |
Room 103 |
| Jean LeBrasseur |
Aide |
Room 103 |
| Kindergarten |
| Nicole Carter |
Teacher |
Room 101 |
| June Bennett |
Aide |
Room 101 |
| Linda Hannaford |
Teacher |
Room 102 |
| Areti (Audrey) Thomidas |
Aide |
Room 102 |
| Grade 1 |
| Michelle LaSala |
Teacher-TASC-K2 |
Room 109 |
| Barbara Cote |
Aide |
Room 109 |
| Ana Perdoma |
Aide |
Room 109 |
| Debra Kelly |
Teacher |
Room 111 |
| Megan McGrath |
Teacher |
Room 103 |
| Grade 2 |
| Susannah Warden |
Teacher |
Room 111 |
| Joyce MacDonald |
Teacher |
Room 112 |
| Rachel Hurst |
Teacher-TASC-K2 |
Room S-107 |
| Amber Fournier |
Aide |
Room S-107 |
| Grade 3 |
| Tina Gilson |
Teacher |
Room 207 |
| Kaitlyn Wechsler |
Teacher |
Room 210 |
| Grade 4 |
| Rachael Cox |
Teacher |
Room 205 |
| Kristen Crabtree |
Teacher |
Room 204 |
| Maria Silletti |
Teacher |
Room 206 |
| Brianne Caira |
Teacher-TASC-3-5 |
Room 108 |
| Diondra Woumn |
Aide |
Room 108 |
| Grade 5 |
| Alicia Burnett |
Teacher-TASC-3-5 |
Room 208 |
| Eddie Lewis |
Aide |
Room 208 |
| Ariane Dobias |
Teacher |
Room 203 |
| Linda Morgan |
Teacher |
Room 202 |
| Jennifer Paiva |
Teacher |
Room 201 |
| Karen Howland |
Aide |
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| Art |
| Andrea Difebbo-Harris |
Tuesday - Friday |
Room B-113 |
| CIT |
| Deb Koutoulas |
CIT |
Room 117 |
| Computer Lab |
Lab |
Room 214 |
| ELL Support |
| Maria Cinelli |
ELL Support |
Room 215 |
| Becky Darby |
ELL Support |
Room 215 |
| Inclusion |
| Donna Restiano |
Inclusion Specialist |
Teacher Resource Room |
| Nicole Maker |
Inclusion Specialist |
Teacher Resource Room |
| Jennifer Steele |
Inclusion Specialist |
Teacher Resource Room |
| Rebecca Walsh |
Inclusion Specialist |
Teacher Resource Room |
| Library |
| Library |
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Room 215 |
| Lynn Community Health |
| Danitza Zambrana-Gonzalez |
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Room B-113 |
| Lynne Gallagher |
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Room B-113 |
| Music |
| Gabriel Mazzotti |
Music Teacher |
Room 217 |
| Physical Education |
| Derek Dana |
PE Teacher |
Gym Room 121 |
| Reading |
| Colleen Bacon |
Reading Specialist |
Teacher Resource Room |
| Kathe DiNitto |
Reading Specialist |
Teacher Resource Room |
| Marijean Halas |
Reading Specialist |
Teacher Resource Room |
| Speech |
| TBA |
Speech |
Room 212 |
| TASC Resources |
| Jennifer Fucci |
Clinical Director |
Room 110 - Extension 1295 |
| Stephanie Gaeta |
Behavorial Specialist |
Room 110 |
| Robin Wolkiewicz |
CIT Special Ed. |
Room 110 |
| Jarrell Byrd |
Aide |
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| Last Website Update:
March 31, 2021 6:45 AM
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Welcome To Callahan's Resource Page
| Welcome to the Callahan School Council Webpage |
| School Council Members and Meetings - School Year 2020 - 2021 |
| Name |
School or Community Position |
| New Members Soon! |
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| Meeting Dates and Agenda |
Meeting Minutes |
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| December 8, 2020 - 2 PM |
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| Past Meeting Dates and Agenda |
Past Meeting Minutes |
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| September 24, 2019 Title One |
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| January 06, 2020 - 2 PM |
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| February 10, 2020 - 2 PM |
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| April 13, 2020 - 2 PM |
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| June 01, 2020 - 2 PM |
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About School Councils
A school council is a representative, school building-based committee composed of the principal, parents, teachers, community members and, at the secondary level, students, required to be established by each school pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 59C.
It is important to note the School Council plays an advisory role in assisting the building principal to organize and implement a School Improvement Plan which not only addresses the areas in which the school intends to comply with the requirements of the Educational Reform Act, but also how the school intends to meet those system-wide goals and policies adopted by the school committee. Membership will consist of the principal, teachers, parents, students and community members. |
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