Friday, December 29, 2017

MPSD Undergoes Coordinated Program Review

From January 10-12, the Marshfield Public Schools will undergo a Coordinated Program Review (CPR).  The Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) will oversee the process as it does for districts across the Commonwealth.  

As one part of its accountability system, DESE oversees local compliance with education requirements through the CPR. All reviews cover selected requirements in the following areas:  Special Education, Civil Rights and English Learner Education.  They will also review Career/Vocational Technical Education and the district's McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance program.

Below is a link to a brief article on the process in the Mariner:

Coordinated Program Review for MPSD

School Updates From Across the MPSD

Below is a compilation of links to recent updates from the seven schools from across the district.  I hope you find their updates informative:







2nd Day of Kindergarten Registration- January 3rd

Kindergarten Registration   for the 18-19 School Year is well underway.  If you did not come to the Dec. 6th registration, our next Registration (at our elementary schools) will be held on Jan. 3rd from 9 a.m. to noon. Children entering Kindergarten MUST be five (5) years old BY AUGUST 31, 2018.

http://marshfield.wickedlocal.com/news/20171110/marshfield-public-schools-announces-kindergarten-registration

Marshfield Eductaion Foundation Hosts "Screenagers-Growing Up in the Digital Age"

Join us for a free screening of "Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age" Hosted by Marshfield Education Foundation. Registration is required, please visit https://impactflow.com/event/presented-by-marshfield-education-foundation-6528.

The event will be held at Marshfield High School on Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 7 PM - 8:30 PM


Thursday, December 21, 2017

Overview on Next Generation MCAS

Earlier in the month, the School Committee was presented with an overview of last spring's MCAS results.  Laura Tilton, the district's Director District Data & Accountability, gave a fantastic summary of the results and how the test itself has changed from previous years. 

Below is a link to Ms. Tilton's powerpoint that highlights the success of our students, while comparing and contrasting the legacy MCAS tests and the Next-generation version.  In addition, an article from the Marshfield Mariner outlines much of what was discussed.

Next Generation MCAS- Year 1 Overview

Article on 2017 MCAS

Collaborative Effort to Fund Project Interface

Project Interface is a program that helps hundreds of Marshfield students and residents every year.  The funding mechanism was going to end and many came together in an effort to support this valuable resource.  Through a collaborative effort of local and state leaders, we were able to find ways to continue the funding for this important program.  Below is a link to a story on who came together to support this effort.

Continuation of Project Interface

Monday, November 6, 2017

DWS' Webster's Weekly

Here's a link to the DWS' "Webster's Weekly".  Hope you find it informative:

Webster's Weekly

Parent Workshop on Basic Rights In Special Education

The Federation for Children with Special Needs
presents
BASIC RIGHTS
In Special Education
A Workshop for Parents and Professionals

The Basic Rights workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities under:
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  • Massachusetts Special Education Law
This workshop is designed to help parents learn to be effective partners with their child’s school to decide their child’s eligibility for special education, and to plan, make decisions and monitor their child’s progress in school.
Date:           Thursday, November 9
Location:    Martinson Elementary        School  
Time:           7:00-9:00 p.m.           
Contact: Melissa Chiano at marshfieldsepac1718@gmail.com       
Questions regarding this workshop should be directed to the contact individual listed above. A presenter from the Federation for Children with Special Needs will conduct this workshop.  Federation workshops are free and open to the public.  You are welcome to attend any workshop in or outside of your immediate community.  
 
The Federation for Children with Special Needs
Schrafft Center, 529 Main Street, Suite 1M3 Boston, MA  02129
617-236-7210 or 800-331-0688, ext. 0 or http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/home.php

Thursday, November 2, 2017

Update From Morning Email

Good afternoon.  Below is a brief follow up to the email sent this morning related to the recent threats made on social media:
The Marshfield Public School Department (MPSD) is continuing to work with the Marshfield Police Department (MPD) as they investigate threats that were made by a young adult male which were posted on social media. The threats were directed at the Town of Marshfield and the Marshfield Rams.  As reported in an earlier email sent to the school community, the police acted immediately upon hearing of the threats and intervened with appropriate police/medical intervention and the adult has been removed from our community.

As this is an ongoing police investigation, we cannot speak to the details of what is transpiring on the law enforcement side of this matter.  Those questions should be directed to the Marshfield Police Department.  (There will be a release forthcoming from the MPD on police/court actions taken this afternoon.)

As a school district; however, I can inform you that we communicated with all of our families and staff via email this morning to make them aware of what transpired and what steps the police and schools had taken to that point.  We asked for a police presence at our schools for the morning drop off to provide additional assurances to our families and staff.  In addition, I have issued a no-trespass order to the young adult who issued the threatening comments.  In that order, he is prohibited from entering in or upon any of our seven schools or the district administrative building.  This extends to all adjoining fields and school properties.  In addition, he is prohibited from attending any athletic and/or extracurricular events that involve the Marshfield Public Schools.

As we noted in this morning’s notice to the community, our primary concern is the safety and security of every student who is entrusted to our care. The Marshfield Public School Department and the Marshfield Police Department take this responsibility very seriously and will continue to take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff. 

Thank you,
Jeffrey W. Granatino

Social Media Concern Email- Morning of 11.2.17

The following message was emailed out to the MPSD school community this morning.

Good morning MPSD Community,

Marshfield Police were notified late last evening that a young adult in the community made threatening comments to the Town of Marshfield and all Marshfield Rams on social media. Marshfield Police immediately intervened with appropriate police/medical intervention and the adult has been removed from our community. We have asked the Marshfield Police Department to provide an additional presence at our schools this morning for safety purposes.  Marshfield police will continue to investigate this threat to ensure the safety of our community.  

Our primary concern is the safety and security of every student who is entrusted to our care. The district/school administration and police department take this responsibility very seriously and will continue to do so. Our guidance department and counseling staffs will be ready to assist any student who might be impacted in any way.

If additional information becomes available we will communicate that electronically using ConnectEd.

Thank you.


Jeffrey W. Granatino

Friday, October 27, 2017

Go Green For Devin


Friday, October 27, 2017 has been proclaimed "Devin Suau Day" in the city of Boston.  Devin, who would have turned 7 years old today, passed away last week, after a hard fought battle against a rare form of brain cancer (DIPG). 

Cities, towns and schools around the Commonwealth, along with some students right here in Marshfield, are commemorating this day, which would have been  Devin's birthday, by going green.  Many buildings, bridges and landmarks around Boston are being lit green as well. in honor of Devin.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Halloween Safety Tips

Just wanted to pass on a bit of information that was shared by the Marshfield Police, as we get ready for the Halloween season:


Friday, October 20, 2017

Martinson Messenger

The following is a link to the latest "Martinson Messenger".  It gives you are great look at what's going on at the MES:

Martinson Messenger

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

DESE Releases 2017 MCAS Results

Today, the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) released results from the MCAS tests taken last Spring.  These results include those from the next-generation MCAS tests taken in grades 3-8.

Due to the fact that the state administered new tests, we are receiving these results about a month later than we typically do and we have not had a lot of time to analyze the results in great detail.  We will be doing that over the next few weeks and there will be opportunities for individual schools, grades and departments to review the results and assess their impact on teaching and learning.

Legacy MCAS tests: The Science & Technology MCAS tests given in grades 5, 8 and HS, along with the grade 10 ELA and Math tests, will follow the scoring format that has been used for over two decades, with students scoring Advanced, Proficient, Needs Improvement, and Warning, on a scale of 200-280.

Next-Generation MCAS tests: The ELA and Math tests given to grades 3-8 align with a new set of performance levels outlined below, on a scale of 440-560. It is important to note that because of changes in the test, these levels do not necessarily align with the “legacy” MCAS levels. (please note that MHS will not take the Next-Generation MCAS test until the spring of 2019)
  • Exceeding Expectations (E): student performance on this test demonstrates mastery of the subject matter and exceeds grade level expectations.
  • Meeting Expectations (M): student performance on this test meet grade level expectations; as results are vertically aligned across grades, the student is on track to succeed if continuing at this level.
  • Partially Meeting Expectations (PM): student performance on this test partly meet grade level expectations; school and family should consider if additional assistance is needed.
  • Not Meeting Expectations (NM): student performance on this test do not meet grade level expectations; family and school should coordinate academic assistance and/or additional instruction.

Next week, school districts will receive individual student test results.  Those results will be mailed home to the families of each student, along with a letter from Acting Commissioner, Mr. Jeffrey Wulfson.

As always, we look at the MCAS tests as but one lens through which we can gain an understanding on where our students are excelling and where they may need assistance.  It also allows educators to focus on areas that the test results may highlight as an area of need for a particular grade level or subject area.

To learn more about the next-generation MCAS, please visit the following links:
·         2017 MCAS Summary from MASC


Thank you and have a great day.

Monday, October 16, 2017

State & Local Officials Present to Marshfield FACTs

At today's Marshfield FACTs meeting, Co Chairs Jen & Jim Cantwell brought together local and state legislators, law enforcement officials, town-wide safety officials, members of the school department and concerned citizens to discuss the opioid epidemic and steps our community can take to battle this issue.  

Some of the featured speakers were: Michael Jackman from Congressman Bill Keating’s office, State Rep. Jim Cantwell and State Senator Pat O’Connor, Plymouth County DA Tim Cruz and Liam Rooney from Marshfield Police.  Below are a few snapshots of the event.









SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age

Weymouth Public Schools is hosting a free private showing of the Award-winning documentary SCREENAGERS.  Dr. Delaney Ruston explores parental struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction and offers solutions to help kids find a balance.  Through personal stories and input from leading researchers, SCREENAGERS sheds light on the impact this screen time is having on kids. The documentary explores how learning, playing and socializing online affects teens' developing attention span, fragile self-esteem and moral instincts.

Thursday October 19th 6:30pm at Abigial Adams Middle School Auditorium
Everyone is welcome and there will be a free BOKS Session for younger students.    

Trailer:

Please Join Us!

SCREENAGERS:  Growing Up in the Digital Age

Thursday, October 19, 2017

6:30 - 8:30 pm

FREE - All Welcome!

Weymouth Middle School, Adams Campus Auditorium

Screening of SCREENAGERS:  Growing Up in the Digital Age for older students and adults

BOKS Session available for younger students
Children attending BOKS session must be accompanied by an adult who is attending the screening of Screenagers

Two easy ways to register!
Fill out the attached form and return to your child's school or register online:

ON-LINE REGISTRATION LIVE LINK:

Marshfield FACTs Keeping a Busy Schedule

Marshfield FACTs will have a full slated of events coming up over the next few weeks.  Here's a quick summary of upcoming events:

Marshfield FACTS Open Coalition Meeting Monday, October 16, 2017 3:00 PM at Seth Ventress Auditorium, 2nd floor, 76 South River Street, Marshfield, MA Featured speaker: Michael Jackman from Congressman Bill Keating’s office, State Rep. Jim Cantwell and State Senator Pat O’Connor, Plymouth County DA Tim Cruz and Liam Rooney from Marshfield Police

Upcoming events:
South Shore FACTS meeting Tuesday, October 24th, 2017 2:30 – 4:00 PM at South Shore VNA offices 30 Reservoir Park Drive, Rockland

Marshfield Drug Task Force Meeting Wednesday, November 1st 7:00 PM at Marshfield Town Hall


Thursday, October 12, 2017

MHS Fundraiser-Hypnotist Show November 8th




On Wednesday, November 8, 2017, the juniors and seniors at MHS are co-hosting an appearance by Hypnotist Jim Spinnato.  The fundraiser for the two classes will take place at the MHS auditorium.  This family-oriented event begins at 7PM and costs $10/ticket. Tickets will be on sale at the high school as well as at Peppermint Twist.  

Monday, October 2, 2017

Homework Free Night. November 9th through Veterans Day Weekend

Good afternoon.  The following is an email that was sent out to staff last week detailing the district's 3rd annual "Homework Free Night", which will take place on Thursday, November 9th through that Veterans Day Weekend:

Good evening.  I am writing to inform you that the Marshfield Public Schools will be Homework Free across the district from Thursday Night, November 9th through the Veterans Day weekend

This is the third year that we have gone “homework free” in conjunction with Veterans Day.  In part, as the district continues to focus attention on the social-emotional well-being of our students and staff, we are looking to give them a break from homework.  Each year, it has been reported to teachers and administrators that schedules and stress levels continue to grow as the year progresses and having  a homework free night can help relieve some of that stress. 

In addition, time away from homework will allow our students and staff, and their families, to focus on the importance of recognizing Veterans Day.  In lieu of homework, I hope that members of our school community will find the time on Veterans Day to thank a Veteran they may know for their service to our country.  The person they reach out to could be a relative, a neighbor or a friend.  In addition, if members of our school community can attend the Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 AM at Veterans Memorial Park, it would be greatly appreciated by an amazing group of men and women who have given so much to our country.

I know this notice is seven weeks in advance of the Homework Free night, but I wanted to provide you with the time needed to work this this change into your schedules.  

Thank you and have a great night.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey W. Granatino
Superintendent
Marshfield Public Schools

Friday, September 22, 2017

Monday, September 18, 2017

"Life, Animated" Presentation

Please see the invitation below to take part in a very special event sponsored by the Weymouth Public Schools:

Please Join Us!

as we proudly present
Ron Suskind
"Life, Animated"

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Keynote Speaker for Adults:  6:30 pm
Movie for Children:  Finding Dory
Book Signing:  Life, Animated

Weymouth Middle School, Adams Campus
89 Middle Street, Weymouth, MA  02189      Door #2

Children must be accompanied by an adult who is attending the Guest Speaker


Register on-line or return the attached registration form to your child's school
NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017


Book Signing Available:
Pre-Order your book by September 15, 2017
PAPERBACK copies of Life, Animated, available for $12.75 each (including taxes)
HARDCOVER copies of Life, Animated, available for $22.94 each (including taxes)
Payment due at event --- Cash, Check, Credit Card accepted


"Imagine being trapped inside a Disney movie and having to learn about life mostly from animated characters dancing across a screen of color.  A fantasy?  A nightmare?  This i the real-life story of Owen Suskind, the son of the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Suskind and his wife, Cornelia.  an autistic boy who couldn't speak for years, Owen memorized dozens of Disney movies, turned them into a language to express love and loss, kinship, brotherhood.  The family was forced to become animated characters, communicating with him in Disney dialogue and song; until they all emerge, together, revealing, how, in darkness, we all literally need stories to survive."    Excerpt from  ronsuskind.com/books/

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Opening Day Assembly For Staff

Prior to the 1st day of school for students, our faculty and staff had a chance to come together in our annual opening day assembly on Monday.  We heard words of hope and inspiration from our SC Chair, Sean Costello.  In addition, I had the opportunity to talk to the team of educators about themes that we will focus on throughout the year.  The most important one being that "All Means All".  We also looked briefly at our new District Strategic Plan and spent a while investigating how we will incorporate Social Emotional Learning into our schools.  It was a great morning, that brought together close to 800 educators and support staff and we had a chance to smile and laugh as well.  In the end, they were able to meet as teachers and then transitioned to variety of events and meetings back in their schools.

It is always a fun and important day, where our team of educators can come together and make sure their oars are all moving in the same direction as we get ready to greet our students.


Don't Forget: Overdose Awareness Vigil, August 31st