Report Cards

Dear Parents,

As we begin to prepare for the distribution of the first report card of the new year, I would like to take this opportunity to share a little information about the process that our teachers will be using to determine students’ grades. 

As you may know, the state of Massachusetts has recently adopted the Common Core Standards to replace the former Massachusetts Curriculum Framework.  As a result, the district is in the process of reviewing our curriculum to ensure that it aligns with the Common Core Standards.  As a result of the changing standards, we anticipate making changes to our report cards in the future so that they more closely reflect the skills that are being taught in the classroom.

For the current school year, teachers have been asked to report progress on each standard listed on the report card based on the instruction that has been provided through each of the marking periods for each skill.  For example, if a report card standard reads, “adds and subtracts up to 4 digit numbers” and the student has only practiced this skill with “2 digit numbers” during the first trimester, the grade on the child’s first report card of the year will indicate mastery of the skill up to that level (2 digit numbers).  The skills, as they are listed on the report cards, reflect end of the school year expectations.  Your child’s grade may change each trimester as the expectation for skills increase.

It is also important to remember that number grades do not translate into “traditional letter grades”.  Instead, each number grade reflects the progress your child is making toward meeting each standard.  The numbers are as follows:

·         4 – Exceeds grade level standard – Student consistently performs above the grade level standard.  Student is self-motivated and independently grasps, applies, and extends key concepts and skills.

·         3 – Achieves grade level standard – Student consistently demonstrates proficiency in meeting grade level standard.  Student grasps and applies key concepts and skills with limited errors and minimal teacher support.

·         2 – Nearly meets grade level standard – Student demonstrates understanding of basic concepts and skills.  Performance is characterized by the ability to apply skills with increasing success.  Performance varies in consistency with regard to accuracy, quality, and level of support.

·         1 – Below grade level standard – Student is not achieving and/or not progressing toward the grade level standard.  Student does not demonstrate understanding of basic concepts and skills.  Interventions support the student in progressing toward the standard.

·         X – Standard not addressed

We believe that your understanding regarding what is expected of your child and how he/she is progressing towards the goals at the current grade level is important.  Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or the administration if you have questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Debra Swain

Principal

Painting Donated to Memorial School

The Memorial School Community will have the pleasure of enjoying an original work of art each day as they pass through the lobby of the school.  Upton resident, and parent of a Memorial School student, Scott Joseph recently delivered a painting, titled “Bus Stop”, which was painted by his mother Marlene Joseph.  The painting is a donation from the Joseph family and will take its place of honor in the entrance way of the school.

 

The artistic works of Marlene Joseph, a prolific artist and teacher, are represented in numerous private collections and galleries throughout the United States and several foreign countries, including Africa and New Zealand.  Her paintings represent a wide range of style, techniques and subject matter, which won frequent awards in New England art exhibitions.  Her sympathetic treatment of poignant subjects enchants the eyes and often evokes an emotional response.  “Sunday Morning”, a nostalgic definition of a quiet New England village was selected as a cover for the well-known New England monthly publication- “Yankee”.

 

Marlene began her art education as a child, and continued her studies through the Pittsburgh Institute of Fine Art.  Professionally, she held painting classes for both adults and children at her Studio & Gallery in Brockton MA for over twenty-years.  Marlene also taught painting at Stonehill College in Easton MA.  Her gifted talents and professional interest in art took many forms, including- studio teacher, club lecturer, art workshop demonstrator, volunteer teacher of underprivileged children, art show judge, art association president and officer, to name just a few.

Marlene is now a retired artist, living on Cape Cod, and still enjoys painting at home and on her annual trips to Ogunquit and Wells Maine.  Marlene has grandchildren who are attending Memorial School.

 

Setting Goals

Beginning next year, the new Educator Evaluation System will be utilized to evaluate all teachers and specialists in Massachusetts schools.  The Mendon Upton Regional School District, under the direction of superintendent Dr. Joseph Maruszczak, has begun the process of working together to better understand the evaluation tool and the impact it will have on teaching and learning.

As a district, we have begun "unpacking" the rubric which will help us to define and quantify best practices.  Each teacher has also developed SMART Goals which are being submitted to their building principals.  This year, as part of the learning process, each educator has been asked to submit a professional practice goal, as well as a student learning goal.  As the principal of Memorial School, I have had the pleasure of meeting with teachers to discuss their goals and the impact they hope each will have on the learning of the students they serve.  With each meeting, I am more and more impressed with the level of professionalism and commitment of the teachers I am fortunate enough to work with.  The amount of thought and reflection that have clearly been put into each goal is evidence of  the dedication the staff has to providing EVERY student at Memorial School with a positive learning experience, as well as academic and social success.

With the hectic pace that most days bring, the opportunity to sit with teachers and reflect on our practices has been extremely rewarding.  Although change is not always easy, I think that any change which promotes reflection and conversation has to be viewed as positive. 

Mrs. Horn and Miscoe Hill Skippers are Recognized by the American Heart Association

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to join members of the Memorial School Family to honor the hard work of Physical Education Teacher Chrissy Horn and the Miscoe Hill Skippers (many of whom are former Memorial School students.)

The American Heart Association held their Heart of Our Mission Award Ceremony on September 27th in Boston.  This event was a volunteer appreciation and awards reception celebrating the volunteers that have been instrumental in achieving the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.  Ms. Horn was asked to have the Miscoe Hill Skippers perform at the ceremony before learning that she was chosen as one of the recipients of this award.   Of the many thousands of volunteers who give their time to these organizations, only six volunteers are selected annually to receive the Heart of Our Mission Award.

Chrissy Horn is not only a dedicated educator, but gives her time willingly to coach the Skippers, enabling them to develop the skills that will help motivate other students to be fit and live a healthy lifestyle through the Jump Rope for Heart Program.  Ms. Horn and the Miscoe Hill Skippers have performed at a number of schools to kick off this important initiative.

Congratulations to Ms. Horn and the Miscoe Hill Skippers for their hard work and  this important award.

Open House

     Last night Memorial School hosted the first of two open houses.  I had the pleasure of welcoming parents of our preschool, kindergarten, and third grade students.  In addition to meeting their child's teacher, many parents had the opportunity to participate in scavenger hunts with their student(s) to learn more about their classroom and see samples of the student work.  Teachers also shared information regarding the grade specific curriculum and classroom routines. 
     Tonight, I look forward to welcoming our first, second, fourth, and Spanish immersion students and their parents to Open House.  Our teachers have been busy preparing for this annual event and are as excited as their students to show of their classrooms and Memorial School.
     Certainly one of the greatest testaments to our goal of helping students to develop a love of learning are the words shared by one of our parents, "I dread Friday each week, because I know my child will be complaining for the next two days that they cannot go to school."  I'd like to extend my sincere appreciation for the opportunity to serve our students and their families and I look forward to the exciting work that we will be doing together thoughout the new school year.

(Pictured: Amy Henderson, Brenda Webster, Deb Swain, Deborah Coyle, Jan Maglione)
The Third Grade theme reflects our school's belief: UNITED WE STAND - UNITED WE LEARN

Clifford the Big Red Dog Visits Memorial School

The Memorial School PTO is sponsoring a Book Fair from September 14th through September 21st.  Students will have the opportunity to visit the Book Fair during their regularly scheduled Library period.  Parents are also invited to shop at the fair during Open House which will be held on Wednesday September 19th for students in Preschool, Kindergarten, and Grade 3.  Open House will also be held on Thursday September 20th for students in Grades One, Two, Four, and Spanish Immersion.  Clifford the Big Red Dog was available to "kick off" the Book Fair and rumor has it that he will return for Open House.  Please stop by the library to say hello to Clifford and check out the great books that are available for purchase.

Dear Memorial School Families,

          It’s hard to believe that the beginning of the new school year is only two weeks away.  The summer, with its amazing weather, has simply flown by.  Teachers have begun returning to their classrooms to start the set up process and there’s beginning to be a feeling of excitement and anticipation in the building.  This has always been my favorite time of the year and this year is no different.  I can’t wait for the hustle and bustle of the new school year to begin.

          I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about some changes in our staffing.  Sra. Belen Santos has been appointed to the position of Grade Four Spanish Immersion Teacher.   Sra. Santos has spent time volunteering and substitute teaching in the Spanish Immersion Program at Clough School.  She has also worked with 9 to 11 year old students through the Massachusetts Museum of Fine Arts Youth Program.  In addition, Mr. Oliver MacFadden has joined the Memorial School Team as our new music teacher.  Mr. MacFadden is coming to us from Nipmuc Regional High School where he held the position of Director of Bands, teaching Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Percussion Ensemble.   Former music teacher, Mrs. Ann Marie Tremblay, has joined the Miscoe Hill School Staff.  We have also had some staff changes in grade level assignments.  Melonie Washburn will be teaching first grade this year and Heather Smith will be teaching kindergarten.  I am happy to report that Nancy Lopes is returning from a leave of absence and will resume teaching first grade. 

          I am currently interviewing candidates for a special education position which had been held by Skye Bomba, who has accepted a position in another district.  Although Mrs. Bomba will be greatly missed, I am encouraged by the large number of highly qualified candidates who are interested in joining the Memorial School Team.   

          In mid-September we will be introducing a new system for purchasing milk and lunches in the district.  Students will have a lunch card which parents will be able to “recharge” either on line or by sending a check to school.  Lunch tokens will continue to be accepted during the transition period.  Additional information will be forwarded as it becomes available.

          A number of parents have asked about our access to the field in the back of the school.  I have been informed that we should be able to begin using the field for recess in the spring.  The staff is committed to continue working with our students to provide them with fun and safe recess options while we wait for the return of the open space.

          As a reminder, staff returns to school on Monday August 27^th and students in grades one through four will return on Tuesday August 28^th.  Students in preschool and kindergarten will begin school on August 30^th.  There will be no school on Friday August 31^st and Monday September 3^rd in recognition of Labor Day.

          I look forward to welcoming our new Memorial School Families and reuniting with our returning families.  Enjoy the final days of summer.

Deb Swain

Principal

A GREAT School Year

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and students of Memorial School for a great year.  As a school community, we embraced Rachel's Challenge through our Kindness, Caring and Compassion Club.  We ended the year celebrating random acts of kindness each morning during opening exercises....a practice we will continue into the new school year.

A number of exciting events took place as the year came to a close this spring.  Listed below are just a few.

Our fourth graders wrote and performed a Mystery Dinner Theater under the direction of author/journalist Steven Krasner.  In addition to developing the script, students created all costumes and set designs.  This wonderful activity is destined to become a Memorial School tradition.

Third graders began their role as student leaders of Memorial School on the final day of school when they took charge of the annual Talent Show.  Many students showcased talents ranging from ice skating (via a video) to basketball, as well as singing, dancing, gymnastics, comedy, and musical instruments.  It was great to come together as a school and celebrate the arrival of summer, as well as a wonderful year.

Second grade students showcased what they had learned during the school year in the area of social studies when they presented Travel the World.  Parents, siblings, and friends were treated to song, dance, poetry, and costumes from around the world as each classroom presented information about a specific continent.  Our guests were also treated to food from around the world which was prepared and donated by the parents of the performing students.

Our first grade students became "published authors" and shared their Frog and Toad stories with their parents during the Annual Author's Teas.  The students created wonderful stories about friendship with settings that included jungles, ski mountains, and Hawaii.....to name just a few.  It never ceases to amaze me how much growth we see in our first graders between September and June.  This is especially true in the areas of reading and writing. 

A  number of songs and poems were shared with proud parents during the Memorial School Kindergarten Graduation.  Students, wearing graduation caps, marched into the cafetorium on June 15th and proceeded to dazzle the audience with their many talents.   Kindergarten teachers handed out certificates to the proud students and I got to shake their hands. (I even got a few hugs!)

Our youngest students invited parents into their preschool classroom to celebrate the many accomplishments they had during the school year.  The students sang songs and played games with their guests.  A fun family picnic was then enjoyed.

This year, Memorial School hosted the International Night for students of the Spanish Immersion Program at both elementary schools and their families. Foods from many Spanish speaking nations were enjoyed, as each class presented a song, poem, and/or dance.  A variety of projects and work completed by the students was also on display.

As the summer reaches the half way mark, it is wonderful to reflect on the fabulous work that was done by our students and their teachers and to look forward to the next school year.

Music at Memorial School

The students of Memorial School have had a number of opportunities to share their love of music with family and friends.  Third and fourth graders were invited to sing The Star Spangled Banner at a recent Worcester Sharks Hockey Game.  The students were led in song by music teacher, Ann Marie Tremblay.  To the delight of all those who attended, the Sharks played well and the students sang BEAUTIFULLY.

Parents of kindergarten students have been invited to visit their child's music class to observe first hand the exciting activities that they participate in with Mrs. Tremblay.  The students played various instruments, shared a poem, sang songs, and acted out a story through movement and music.

Students in grades one through four presented a very special evening of music on February 7th at their Winter Concert which was held at Nipmuc High School.  Students shared a scarf dance, a variety of songs, and played a variety of musical instruments.  The night was a HUGE success and enjoyed by students and adults alike.  Many thanks to Mrs. Tremblay for her hard work and dedication to the students of Memorial School.

Reflections for the New Year

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all members of the Memorial School Community a happy and healthy 2012! 
As we begin the new year, I find myself thinking about the many changes I have seen in education during the twenty years that I have been in the profession, as well as in the world in general.  I remember asking my grandmother on her eightieth birthday how it felt to be that old.  It has been 24 years since that day, but I remember her response as if it were yesterday.  "Deb", she said, "I think about what I have done and all that I have seen in my life and realize that no one could have done it any faster.  I have to be 80 years old."  As time has passed, her words have become clearer and more meaningful.
Recently, I was reminiscing with my husband about "technology", as we have known it through the years.  We laughed about the key punch cards that we had to generate in order to run our program (which did little more than alphabetize a list of names) on a computer which was as big as a good sized room.  We also chuckled about the mobile telephones which weighed about 7 pounds and had to be kept in a bag which was tethered to the antennae on your car.  He reminded me that when he was out of range, I had to call a special number in order to reach him.  We thought we were so "cutting edge".
I share these thoughts with you because I believe that in order for us to be successful in the future, we must learn from the past.  I think of the many innovations that have become common place since this year's graduating class were members of the kindergarten class and have to ask myself what our current kindergarten students will be using for technology when they are members of the graduating class.  How do we as educators prepare them for the use of innovations that have not yet been developed?  The thought of staying current in a world that changes so quickly is both exciting and unsettling.  I am confident that the days, weeks, months, and years ahead will bring new technology that today we can only dream about.  I suspect our students will reminisce about the good ol' days with IPads and IPhones just as I do bagged phones and key punch cards.