
Dear Matthew Paterson Community,
We’ve just completed our first full week of school, and it’s been a wonderful start! Students are settling into their classroom routines, navigating hallway transitions smoothly, and enjoying their time at lunch and recess. It’s been heartwarming to see their enthusiasm, kindness, and eagerness to learn.
This month, we are focusing on citizenship—what it looks like to be a positive, respectful, and responsible member of our school community. In the library, Mrs. Fitzpatrick led a thoughtful discussion about the Buddy Bench and what it means to be a good friend. These early conversations are helping to lay the foundation for a supportive and inclusive school environment.
We are also celebrating our students in special ways! Each morning, we recognize birthdays during announcements. Students celebrating their special day receive a birthday pencil and bookmark from Ms. Darling as a small token of celebration and connection.
We are so proud of how our students are embracing the new school year with such positivity and care. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make this a successful and joyful year for everyone at Matthew Paterson Elementary.
Wednesday, September 17: K-2, ENL & Specials Curriculum Night @ 6:00 PM
Thursday, September 18: 3rd & 4th Curriculum Night @ 6:00 PM
Thursday, September 18: Picture Day & Miss Chocolate Sales Starts
Tuesday, September 23 & Wednesday, September 24: School Closed: Rosh Hashanah
Moment of Gratitude: Thank you to MPES PTO and our volunteers for joining our frist school store day. If you would like to volunteer you can sign up at MPESPTO.org.
On Thursday, September 11, our Matthew Paterson school community came together in a moment of silence to honor Remembrance Day, reflecting on the events of 9/11 and the impact they had on our country.
In classrooms, teachers led age-appropriate discussions about the importance of compassion, unity, and citizenship. Students learned about how people across the nation supported one another during difficult times, and how acts of kindness and bravery brought communities together in the face of adversity.
We shared a powerful quote from Mr. Fred Rogers, a beloved educator and television personality, who once said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” This message continues to resonate today, reminding us that even in challenging moments, there are always individuals who step up to help others — and that we can all be helpers in our own way. Through these discussions and reflections, we continue to instill the values of kindness, empathy, and responsible citizenship in our students.
Monday, September 15 is day 4 in our special cycle.
Fondly,
Jennifer Darling