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.

Preschool and Kindergarten Registration at Memorial School

As we all prepare to welcome the New Year, at Memorial School we have begun planning for our next school year as well.  Registration for the District's Integrated Preschool will be held from January 22nd through 27th. To register, children must be 3 or 4 years old, on or before August 31, 2012 and be toilet trained.  Parents must be able to provide transportation and the children must be residents of Mendon or Upton. All classes are staffed with Master Level Teachers who are certified to teach early childhood students, with and without disabilities.  The research based curriculum that is utilized in all preschool classes is titled "Tools of the Mind".  Memorial School will hold an Open House for perspective parents and students on January 20, 2012 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.  Parents may choose from morning or afternoon classes.  The schedule for morning classes is Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 11:30 at a cost of $303.00 per month and the schedule for afternoon classes  is Monday through Friday 12:30 to 3:00 at a cost of $375.00 per month.  In addition, we expect to offer an extended day option for 1 to 5 days per week at an additional cost.  Every effort will be made to accommodate all those who are interested in attending the Integrated Preschool.  In the event that there are more students registered than available slots, a lottery will be drawn on February 10, 2012.  For more information, please contact Carol Suffredini, Pre-K Coordinator at 508-529-1020 Ext. 109.

Students who will be entering kindergarten during the 2012-2013 school year must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2012. The Mendon Upton Regional School District offers half day, full day, extended day, and Spanish immersion kindergarten classes.  Parents of all perspective kindergarten students are invited to attend an informational evening on Thursday February 9th in the Memorial School Cafeteria at 6:00.  If you are unable to attend the informational meeting, please stop into the school office to pick up a registration packet and make an appointment to register your child.  Packets will be available beginning January 3, 2012.  Proof of residence, birth certificate, and immunization records are required at registration.   Kindergarten registration will be held on Wednesday February 15th and Thursday February 16th.  If you have any questions, please  contact the school office at 69 Main Street or call 508-529-1020.

Standards Based Reporting

Many school districts have adopted standards based report cards at the elementary school level to more closely reflect the standards based instruction that has been implemented in response to No Child Left Behind.  The greatest benefit of standards based reporting is to provide parents with additional information about their student’s achievement. 

Every state has adopted a list of skills/standards that students are expected to learn at each grade level from kindergarten (pre-school in Massachusetts) through high school.  The list of skills/standards in our state is known as the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework. Teachers are responsible for teaching the skills/standards listed for their students’ specific grade level. How the skills are taught is left to the discretion of each school district.  Standards based report cards list the most important skills in all subject areas for each grade level.  The mastery of the skills/standards listed on the report card is anticipated by the end of the school year.  The example below is taken from Mendon Upton Regional School District’s Second Grade Report Card in the area of Mathematics:

·         Counts, identifies, compares, and writes numbers up to 1,000

·         Skip counts by 2’s, 5’s, 10’s, up to at least 100, starting at any number

·         Adds and subtracts up to three-digit numbers accurately and efficiently using conventional and non-conventional methods

With standards based reporting, rather than receiving a “traditional” letter grade, students receive a mark that indicates the level of mastery for each specific skill/standard.  Instead of quantifying a grade through the averaging of various scores collected across a predetermined period, the teacher asks the basic question, “Has the student mastered this specific skill as of the end of this marking period?” If the answer is yes, the child receives a “3”.  In many cases, mastery of grade level skills/standards will not occur until the second or third marking period.  Students who are working toward mastery will receive a “2” until the skill is mastered.  Students also receive separate marks for effort and work habits.

In the past, students often received one grade for each subject area (i.e. reading, math, science, etc.).  On a standards based report cart, each subject is divided into a list of specific skills/standards and knowledge that students are expected to master.  Students receive a separate grade for each skill/standard listed. In addition, standards based report cards provide more consistency between teachers and schools than traditional report cards because all students are evaluated on the same grade-level skill/standard.  Parents are better able to identify which skills/standards that their children have mastered and where additional practice may be needed.

Partners Advancing Literacy

 I’m pleased to inform you that the Partners Advancing Learning (PAL) Program will be offered again this year at Memorial School.   This is a program in which volunteers work with teachers to provide specific curriculum based activities for students in the classroom.  The program has been developed in collaboration with the Memorial School Staff and under the guidance of the Memorial School Council.

The intent of the program is to provide additional support for teachers within the curriculum, such as reading, writing and math.  This is in addition to the other volunteer programs the school is currently offering. 

This year we plan to expand Book Worm Buddy into other grade levels.  This program will provide volunteers the opportunity to lead a read aloud and discussion group with 3 to 5 students in a second or third grade classroom.  The time commitment is approximately 45 minutes to one hour bi-weekly.    This program provides children time to practice reading skills and improve their confidence.  Orientation and materials are provided. If you would like to share your love of reading with children, then this is a great way to do it.  We are also hoping to add support in the areas of written language and mathematics. 

To insure the safety of our children, all volunteers must have a current CORI form on file with the school.  Please see Carol Gibson in the front office if you need to update your CORI.  All participants in this program will receive training which will address the specific activity they will be implementing. Several volunteers are still needed.

If you have any questions or would like to support this program, please contact Mrs. Swain at dswain@mu-regional.k12.ma.us.

Banking Comes to Memorial School

I'm pleased to announce that Memorial School has partnered with the Charles River Bank to bring their School Savings Program to our students.  Beginning Tuesday November 8th, students in first through fourth grade will have the opportunity to make deposits to their very own savings account each Tuesday morning.  It is our hope that our students will learn money management skills and develop strong math skills by filling out their own deposit receipt and maintaining their transaction registry.  In addition, the Charles River Bank will make an initial deposit of $5.00 to open each students' account.  Throughout the program, there will be gifts, games, and contests to make saving fun.  Additional information will be send home with students during the week of October 24th.

Learning With Cranberries

The second grade students at Memorial School have spent the last couple of weeks learning their reading, writing, and arithemetic through their study of cranberries.  Through the use of hands on learning centers, second graders have honed their skills in measuring, estimating, and describing.  They have also learned about dry harvest vs. wet harvest and will have the opportunity to see first hand what each looks like when they visit Bog Hollow on Tuesday October 18th.  Upon their return to school, the students will send post cards (created with cranberries) describing their adventure. 

Principal's Pride

Each week teachers are asked to choose a student to participate in the Principal's Pride program.  Once chosen, the students are asked to identify a piece of work that they are most proud of.  The work is then submitted to me to be displayed on the Principal's Pride Bulletin Board during the following week.  Students also receive a signed certificate acknowledging their "BEST EFFORT". 

When visiting Memorial School, pleast stop by the lobby to view the fine work of our Principal's Pride recipients.

Rachel's Challenge

It's a pleasure to inform you that Memorial and Clough Schools have been awarded a grant through the Mendon Upton Education Foundation (MUEF) for $6,857.20 to bring the Rachel's Challenge, Elementary Program to our schools.  Rachel Scott was the first victim in the Columbine High School tragedy.  Her father and over twenty certified presenters travel across the nation delivering Rachel's message of kindness and compassion.
Our program will take place on Thursday October 6th with an inspirational assembly for our students in kindergarten through fourth grade.  All students, in both schools, will receive an inspirational bracelet to wear throughout the school year as a reminder of the words they will hear during the presentation.  Students in third and fourth grade will also receive a journal to use in their classroom.  Students and staff will create a "chain reaction" of kindness and compassion by filling out paper chains which reflect acts of kindness and compassion witnessed by others.
All students and staff are also being asked to purchasse an official Rachel's Challenge T-Shirt which was designed especially for our schools by Mrs. Horn (P.E. teacher at Memorial School).  It is our plan to have special spirit days throughout the school year to continue to spread this important message.  Checks made out to MURSD for the amount of $6.00 can be sent to school with students in an envelope addressed "Rachel's Challenge T-Shirt Donation".
A special evening presentation will be held in the cafetorium at Memorial School on October 6th at 7:00 p.m. for parents/guardians of students attending Memorial and Clough, as well as community members.  This presentation will be the full content of Rachel's Challenge.  Students will NOT be allowed to attend this program.  Inspirational bracelets can be purchased that evening for $1.00 and all proceeds will go toward the schools' end of the year culminating celebrations.
We are very excited to bring this important program to our elementary schools.  Rachel's Challenge has been a huge success at both Nipmuc High School and Miscoe Hill Middle School and we are confident the success will continue with our students. 
If you have any questions regarding Rachel's Challenge Elementary Program, please feel free to contact Mrs. Christine Horn at chorn@mursd.org or Mr. Dan Hayes at dhayes@mursd.org.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Important Dates to Remember:

Oct. 18^th – Grade 2 – Bog Hollow Field Trip

Oct. 27^th – School Photos

Inspiring Words from a Student in Texas

Start of the New School Year

It's hard to believe that September is nearly over and October is right around the corner.  In spite of the delay to the official start of school, we have had a wonderful beginning to the new year.  Our staff and students were clearly excited to return to school and as I walk through the building, our classrooms are buzzing.

This year we will continue incorporating technology into the classroom and promoting creative problem solving as we prepare our students for the 21st Century.  We thank the Memorial School PTO for their continued support in the area of technology, as well as the many innovative programs they bring to our students through the Cultural Arts.

During the summer, the Parks and Recreation Department began working on the fields behind the school.  Although this will ultimately lead to a wonderful space for our students, we have faced some challenges related to our inability to utilize the field during recess.  As a result, the students are limited to the tennis court, basketball court, and playground area for recess.  To promote safety in these limited spaces, the staff has worked together to develop a number of activities for our children to participate in.  Our goal is to provide the students with a fun game/activity while keeping everyone safe.