Hello, and welcome to our class website! Thank you for stopping by!
My name is Mary Jayne (MJ) Couet. Some of you may know me as "Ms.Menezes", but I got married four summers ago to my best friend, Tom, who is also a teacher (he teaches high school history). We just had our first baby, Cooper, at the end of last school year and he has been keeping us very busy!
This is my 12th year teaching at Sippican School. I began here teaching Enrichment, but have also taught grades 3, 4, and 5. I received my Undergraduate Degree from Bridgewater State College, majoring in Elementary Education and Spanish. I received my Masters in Reading from American International College in Springfield, MA, and am also a certified Reading Specialist (even though math is my favorite subject to teach). :) I help out with many after school activities and events, but my "favorite" achievement is being a part of the Sippican School Drama Club that Mrs. Lawrence and I reestablished several years ago. I love watching students in a different light and seeing all their hard work come together magically on stage. Because of COVID drama club was on hold the last few years, but I am hopeful we can perform a show this spring!
When I am not at school, you can probably find me at the beach soaking up some rays, exploring around town on my bike or in my kayak, crafting, shopping at Target and Homegoods, or cleaning and organizing. One of my other favorite pastimes is cuddling with my cat, Kitty(her real name is Harleigh, but I NEVER call her that). Kitty is quite large and likes to talk a lot, and does weird things like jump into the shower and drink from the faucet. Our cat is crazy, but we love her!
"Kitty"
fun times kayaking with my husband, Tom
One thing you may not know about me is that I LOVE to eat! Did you know that I eat an over easy egg almost every morning? That is, unless I meander over to Margaret's in Fairhaven, one of my favorite breakfast spots! Have you tried their homefries? They are mouthwateringly delicious and fill you right up along with all their other breakfast delights. Watermelon, cucumber, and bananas are my favorite snack, but when it's time for lunch or dinner you will find me visiting my favorite restaurant, Turks Seafood in Mattapoisett, mowing down on delicious sea food and sushi! I also love sandwiches from my favorite little spot, On the Go, also in Mattapoisett. Boy, do I love a good wrap! Yum!
At end end of the day, I make my way home to my house in Fairhaven. We have the "farmhouse" feeling, with one side of my house surrounded by a cow farm, and the other side fields of corn. We also somehow have a water view, making our house the best mix of farm house and beach house I could ever have wished for! It has been truly a blessing making our house into our home.
view from our back deck
our cow neighbors
My older brother John and my younger brother Joey are the best, although they still can drive me crazy sometimes. My older brother has two girls, Lily and Izzy, who are the best nieces I could ever have asked for! My mom and dad live in Mattapoisett, and I visit with them regularly, especially because they lie right next to Turks... My only living grandparent is my mom's mother, my grandmother Theresa, who is one of my best friends! I was blessed to live in the same house as her for 5 years and got to know her and learn a lot about the amazing life she has lived.
younger brother Joey, Me, & older brother John
Gramma (Gigi) & Me
my younger niece, Izzy
Dad, Me, & Mom
my older niece, Lily
Overall, all I can say is that although life is flying by, my life is beauty full. I am lucky to have such supportive and generous family and friends, and a job that brings me joy and keeps me on my toes. It's amazing that at my "old" age, I continue to learn something new every day. Life's experiences teach me so many things, and I love passing on knowledge to others. I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher, and I am blessed to be living out my educational journey at Sippican with all of you! Here is to a great year ahead, with many amazing memories to be made. :)