Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Community of Giving

I would like to commend Domenic DeSantes (gr. 9) and Daniel Heine (gr. 11) for their collaboration with two of our schools on recent drives for the needy.  Prior to the break, these two young leaders, both of whom were previous Project 351 Ambassadors, worked with students and staff at the Furnace Brook Middle School and the Governor Winslow School in collecting food for the Marshfield Food Pantry and toys for the Marshfield Community Christmas.

These drives were in addition to the ones that took place around Thanksgiving and ones that are planned for the new year.  The boys coordinated with each school and at the end of the drive, they had two SUV's full of boxes and donations. 

Marshfield is full of individuals and organizations who consistently give to those in need and the efforts of Domenic and Daniel, along with the two schools, are just another example of Marshfield students (and staff) stepping up to help others.

Than you boys!

 
 

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Winter Concert At MHS

Here are a few pictures from tonight's Winter Concert at MHS.  The students sounded wonderful.  We hope you can make it to the second night of performances tomorrow at 7 PM in the MHS Auditorium. 
 




MPSD Stays With MCAS for Spring of 2016

The Marshfield School Committee voted last night to remain with MCAS for the spring of 2016.  Students in grades 3-8 will continue to take the MCAS instead of the PARCC exams that came forward last spring.  At that time, Marshfield joined many districts in staying with the MCAS and will continue with it for one more year before moving to a newer version of the MCAS (“MCAS 2.0”) that was discussed and voted on at a recent Board of Elementary & Secondary Education (BESE) meeting.

In an update from Commissioner Chester, we learned what many of you may now know: “At its November 17 meeting, BESE voted to transition to a next-generation MCAS test that will be given for the first time in spring 2017 and use both PARCC and MCAS items, as well as items developed specifically for the Massachusetts test.”  In addition, the Commissioner noted that, “The spring 2016 MCAS tests will include a limited number of PARCC items in order to help make statewide comparisons easier and to offer students and staff the opportunity to experience PARCC items while the new assessment is being developed.”

With regards to the 10th grade proficiency exam, Commissioner Chester informed districts that, “All high schools will continue to administer the grade 10 MCAS in English language arts and mathematics, as well as the high school science and technology/engineering tests, in 2016 and 2017.”
Based on the vote taken by BESE the following changes also took place:

•Each MCAS test in grades 3–8 ELA and Mathematics will be supplemented with a small number of PARCC items.
•In ELA, one of the PARCC items will require students to write in response to text.

•Because of this change for ELA, the Department has decided to eliminate the ELA Composition in grades 4 and 7 in spring 2016. The ELA Composition for grade 10 will continue to be administered.

•The MCAS ELA administration window for grades 3–8 will begin and end one week later to accommodate changes to the test and allow for additional instructional time. The new ELA administration window for grades 3–8 will be March 28 to April 12. Please note that grade 10 ELA testing dates will remain the same.

The district stands ready to implement these changes and our staff will continue to enhance their instructional strategies in order to provide the optimal learning environment for all of our students.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Hour of Code @ MHS- Friday, December 11th


Computer Science Education Week is upon us and our friends in the newly formed MHS Technology Club plan to highlight this event by hosting an Hour of Code event.  The Hour of Code is a worldwide initiative meant to introduce students to computer science by having them engage in an hour of programming.

Members of the Technology Club will be in the MHS Presentation Center throughout the day Friday, December 11th and will set up stations where students/faculty/staff can jump into a variety of coding activities using Chromebooks.  They plan to have a demo coding station during most blocks, as well as videos and information about computer science.  They are very excited to spread the word about how much fun computer science can be!

Events like this help provide more students with the opportunity to learn computer science.  Beyond the applicable problem-solving skills that are part of computer science, students who get involved with these types of activities will be better prepared for success in the 21st century workforce.

Here is a link to the Hour of Code website.

Representative Cantwell to Speak at MES

The 2nd graders at the Martinson Elementary School will have a special guest tomorrow, Tuesday, December 8th.  State Representative Jim Cantwell will make his annual visit to the MES to speak to the 2nd graders about citizenship and the role that government plays in our community.  Thank you Representative Cantwell.

Kindergarten Registration Coming Up



KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION / REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION



Kindergarten registration will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 and Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016 from 9:30 -12 noon at the Daniel Webster, Eames Way, Governor Winslow, South River and Martinson Elementary Schools.

Children entering Kindergarten must be five (5) years old by August 31, 2016.

Parent should bring the following documents to registration:

1. Proof of Residency (Utility bill with name and address)

2. A certified copy of the birth certificate (baptismal or hospital certificates not accepted).

3. A dental examination document.

4. A physical examination, including the following immunizations:

a. Three (3) doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine

b. Four (4) doses of Polio Vaccine

c. Five (5) doses of DTaP/DTP

d. Two (2) doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccine

e. Lead Screening Certificate

f. Two (2) doses of Varivax Vaccine (chicken pox) or documentation from physician that child has had illness prior to entering Kindergarten

Kindergarten Screening will be held in the spring at each elementary school within the

Town of Marshfield. Parents will be notified of the day and time their child’s screening will be

scheduled.

If interested in Full-Day (fee based) Kindergarten Program please refer to Full-Day Program Option available @ www.mpsd.org or in each elementary school office.
 



 

Importance of Art in STEAM Education

As the MPSD has continued to increase the growth of our STEAM efforts, here's a link to a timely article from District Administration on the importance of Art in STEAM.  Hope you find it informative.