Welcome to Mathew Paterson Elementary School


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 

   

Upcoming Events

  • Cycle Day 6

    Carmel Central School District
  • MPES - Curriculum Night K-2, ENL & Specials

    Matthew Paterson Elementary School
  • Cycle Day 1

    Carmel Central School District
  • MPES - PTO Picture Day

    Matthew Paterson Elementary School
  • MPES - Curriculum Night Grades 3 & 4

    Matthew Paterson Elementary School
View Monthly Calendar

Announcements

  • Board of Education Committee Meetings

    Upcoming Board of Education Committee Meetings:

    Audit, Facilities & Operation: September 16, 2025, GFMS, Library #1, 5:30 p.m.
    Special Education, Support & Wellness Committee:  September 16, 2025, GFMS, Library #2, 5:30 p.m.
    Policy Committee: September 8, 2025, Administrative Office, Executive Conference Room, 5:30 p.m.

    Board of Education
  • Board of Education Meeting

    The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the George Fischer Middle School.  The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. immediately followed by a 30-minute executive session.  The public portion of the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. 

    Community members who wish to speak during the public comment section of the Board meeting are asked to sign up in advance using our Public Comment Sign-up Form here: https://forms.office.com/r/SnQBCFWYy8

    Board meetings will continue to be live streamed on this page.  Committee meetings are open to the public.

    Board of Education
  • Send us Compliments or Complaints

    If you like something a CCSD staff member has done, tell us at compliments@carmelschools.org. Likewise, if there is an area you think needs improvement, send an email to complaints@carmelschools.org. Both email addresses will go directly to School Superintendent Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben and to the Board of Education President Melissa Orser. 

    Carmel Central School District
  • Sign-up for Weekly E-Newsletters and District Alerts

    Community members can sign up for our Carmel Central School District News group through ParentSquare to stay up-to-date on district news and events. You will receive weekly e-newsletters as well as other updates with important district information. Current parents and staff are automatically subscribed to receive e-newsletters.

    Sign-up now!

    Carmel Central School District
  • Standardized Testing and Our Commitment to Student Success

    Dear Carmel Families,

    As we approach the upcoming standardized testing period for students in grades 3-8, I want to take a moment to reaffirm our collective commitment to the academic growth and success of all our students.

    Standardized testing is a key component of our educational system, providing valuable insights into student learning, the effectiveness of instruction and overall school performance. The data from these assessments helps us tailor teaching strategies to better meet individual student needs and evaluate the strength of our districtwide curriculum.

    We understand that standardized testing can bring a range of emotions for students, parents and educators alike. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that the testing experience is as positive and supportive as possible, in alignment with our goal of fostering a nurturing and effective learning environment.

    To address concerns about potential stress or anxiety, our district has implemented strategies to create a calm and supportive atmosphere during the testing period. These strategies include clear communication with students about the purpose of the assessments, the provision of helpful resources and guidance on effective test-taking techniques. We encourage open and ongoing dialogue between parents, teachers and students to ensure that we approach the testing process together in a constructive and collaborative way.

    Additionally, I would like to stress the importance of student participation in the testing process. The data we gather from these assessments not only highlights areas for growth but also plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the academic standards of our district.

    Thank you for your continued dedication to supporting quality education and fostering a positive learning environment within Carmel Central School District. If you have any questions or concerns about the testing process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s principal or the district office.

    We truly appreciate your partnership in helping our students thrive.

    Respectfully,

    Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D.

     

     

    Superintendent of Schools
  • Leadership Plan

    Dear Carmel Community: 

    After listening to stakeholders throughout the Carmel School Community, I have put together a Leadership Plan that is designed to reflect the mission, vision and core beliefs of the Carmel Central School District. 

    This plan allows us to maintain District strengths, add revisions to areas in need of improvement, increase opportunities and promote an inclusive environment for all. It will serve as our guiding document as we move forward to make Carmel Schools the best they can be.   

    Respectfully, 

    Erin Meehan-Fairben, Ed.D.  

    Superintendent of Schools
  • Superintendent's First 100 Days Plan

    As your Superintendent of Schools, I am excited to lead the Carmel Central School District into the future to continue and build on the proud tradition of cultivating opportunities. The leadership transition of a new superintendent represents a new chapter filled with opportunities for growth and
    development. I have put together this First 100 Days Plan to share with you how I will transition into the district.

    Sincerely,

    Dr. Erin Meehan-Fairben

    Superintendent of Schools
  • Board Meeting Public Comment Sign-Up

    Community members who wish to speak during the public comment portion of a Board of Education meeting are asked to sign-up in advance using our Public Comment Sign-up Form or by contacting the District Clerk four (4) hours prior to the meeting at jstevens@carmelschools.org.  The sign-up form will also be available at the meeting for anyone who wishes to speak and did not sign up in advance.  

    These individuals will be called upon during the scheduled public participation section on the agenda.  To facilitate follow-up, please provide your name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address, as well as the topic of your comments.  Speakers are limited to five (5) minutes each.  No district employee or student may be commented upon or identified by name or situation.

     

    Board of Education
  • CCSD Launches Anonymous Alerts Tool

    As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing safety, communication and equity districtwide, Carmel Central School District has launched a new communication tool, Anonymous Alerts®. This tool enables students or parents to report urgent information to school officials quickly, easily and anonymously across all our school campuses. 

    Access the Anonymous Alerts portal.

    Carmel Central School District
  • Board of Education Meeting Recordings

    Recordings of Board of Education meetings and presentations from those meetings are available to the public.   

    View recordings from Board of Education meetings.

    Board of Education
View More Posts