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locate the newsletter of interest below and click to view. 2008
S U P E R I N T E N D E N T ‘ S N E W S L E T E R September 2007 Dr. Middleton K. McGoodwin, Superintendent of Schools www.mpsd.org Dear Parents/Guardians: An Important Commitment: The 2007 – 2008 school year is underway. As we begin another school year I cannot over imp emphasize the importance of establishing a working relationship with your son’s and/or daughters’ teachers and school administrators. Over Over the past 38 years as a public school educator, I have been continuously reminded of the benefits effective communication has for pa parents/guardians, teachers, and school administrators in meeting the learning needs of students. The Marshfield Public Schools us success (as measured by our students’ performance) depends on this commitment by parents/guardians and school staff to c communicate openly and candidly throughout the school year. The Marshfield Public Schools Core Beliefs support this commitment through the following initiatives: v Safe & healthy schools v Student achievement v Academic & extra-curricular programs v Effort & hard work v Integrity, respect & tolerance v Different learning styles v Critical thinking v Problem solving v Partnership (home, school and community) Marshfield’s 3R’s represent our Core Beliefs in the classroom: Rigor -- What do we want students to learn and be able to demonstrate? Re Relevance – Do students understand how lessons apply to their world? Relationships – The quality of students’ relationships with teachers is the one thing that makes the greatest difference in their learning. Sc School Security: Front door buzzer systems have been installed in our district’s seven schools. School safety has always been a been a high priority in Marshfield, and this front door entry procedure will only serve to enhance this. Perception vs. Reality: Recent news articles involving Marshfield High School and the New England Association of Schools & Cole Colleges, Inc. (NEASC) was a surprise to many. NEASC, founded in 1885, is the nation’s oldest regional accrediting association. Schools co complete an accreditation process every 10 years. Marshfield High School’s last formal evaluation was conducted in 2001. 72 of the 78 NEASC NEASC recommendations in 2001 have been resolved. The unresolved issues that resulted in the ‘warning’ status were caused by the f following: locker rooms being non-compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act, outdated science labs, three cracks in the sch school’s foundation, sports teams not being able to play in the gymnasium because of floor cracks, and a lack of physical education space. space. The perception by some after learning about this was that the town had been ignoring the school facilities. The reality is that $31 doll dollars has been spent on capital projects in our seven schools during the past 14 years. School projects, renovations, and additions h have been possible by the support of Marshfield’s Capital Budget Committee, Advisory Board, and citizens. The NEASC information wa was made available so Marshfield citizens would be aware that our 40 year old high school facility has several structural challenges t that are being exacerbated by increasing enrollments. Currently 98% of Marshfield High Schools’ available classroom space is utilized. Professional Faculty & Staff: The Marshfield Public Schools hired several faculty and staff during the past three months. Our school district values the hiring process as being essential in supporting high quality instruction and student learning. We welcome our new faculty and staf staff including: Mr. Thomas Miller, Director of Business & Finance M Ms. Margaret Spencer, Director of Elementary Curriculum Ms. Ms. Joann Brady, Director of Data Processing Furnace Brook Middle School: Our middle school’s teachers, administrators, and students will continue their accomplishments from last year resulting from the 2005-2006 NELMS School Assessment Report recommendations. SMAC (Students Making A Community) is a representative student group formed to provide students’ perspectives in the development of such initiatives as the student snack program. School Improvement Team, comprised of parents and faculty, will be studying the feasibility of changing the middle school report card, card, parent conference, and student progress report procedures. Faculty Collegiate is a representative group of teachers and administrators who study various school issues, provide probably solutions, while highlighting Furnace Brook Middle School’s accomplishments. The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery. - Mark Van Dor
M A R S H F I E L D P U B L I C S C H O O L S S U P E R I N T E N D E N T ‘ S N E W S L E T T E R October 2007 Dr. Middleton K. McGoodwin, Superintendent of Schools www.mpsd.or Dear Parents/Guardians: The second month of the school year is underway. Students, parents/guardians, teachers and administrators have "set the course" to clarify both goals and expectations. Remember, ongoing communication is essential to accomplish our individual goals. Perception vs. Reality , Again: Last month my newsletter included information about the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc., (NEASC) and Marshfield High School. A recent newspaper article provided a perception that was very different than the reality of the high school's needs. Recently a second newspaper article stated the Furnace Brook Middle School has "failed to make AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) for the fourth consecutive year." Under the federal law No Child Left Behind Act our nation's students are expected to demonstrate annual improvement with their level of proficiency in mathematics and English. Contrary to this perception, Furnace Brook Middle School students did demonstrate a remarkable improvement in the 2007 mathematics and English tests. The percentage of students in grades 6-8 showed an increase in advanced and proficient performance levels, and a decrease in needs improvement and warning performance levels. This improvement resulted from strengthening our school district's math program during a three year period by: additional time in elementary mathematics instruction and scheduling this instruction in the morning; additional time for math instruction in grade six; purchasing materials to support instruction; hiring a math coach; developing a grade seven math application course; providing a graduate level course in math content and instruction for staff; and, reorganizing the mathematics textbooks. Though this year's progress must be sustained next year for our middle school to be removed from the list of schools identified as failing to meet AYP, Marshfield's K-8 faculty and students are to be commended for this remarkable improvement. MHS Homecoming 2007: The MHS Key Club, in conjunction with the Marshfield Kiwanis Club, is sponsoring a homecoming weekend involving the entire school community October 19 & 20. MHS Key Club: The Key Club is a dynamic group of students who exemplify the student leadership of Marshfield High School. Examples of Key Club events include: Project Reach (over 2,200 hours devoted to Carolina Hill students); Thanksgiving Turkey Baskets; Christmas Tree Festival for Children; Kiwanis Christmas Tree Sale Event; Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner; Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute Walk-a-Thon. The Marshfield High School Key Club has provided more than 5,000 hours of volunteer services to Marshfield students and citizens. A special THANK YOU to our Key Club students and Key Club Advisor, Ms. Joan Wool. Nutrition & Student Performance: The 2006 Marshfield Public Schools Wellness Policy was created to support wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity as part of the total learning environment. In 2007 the Marshfield Public Schools Nutrition & Physical Activity Council (NPAC) was created by the School Committee to implement the Wellness Policy and support student programs in each of our seven schools. The School Committee and NPAC support nutrition and physical activity for all students as a result of research evidence that demonstrates a clear association between a student's nutrition and activity and performance in school. This research has shown that the time of day students eat also positively impacts school behavior as well as academic performance. After two years of policy development, FBMS is implementing a student snack program on October 15. All middle school students will have the opportunity to drink water and eat a mid-morning nutritious snack they have brought from home. Meaningful school improvement is seldom free from conflict or resistance; and is based on the needs of students, not the needs of adults. Back to Back to Top
M A R S H F I E L D P U B L I C S C H O O L S S U P E R I N T E N D E N T ‘ S N E W S L E T T E R November 2007 Dr. Middleton K. McGoodwin, Superintendent of Schools www.mpsd.org Dear Parents/Guardians:
The Marshfield Public Schools’ success (as measured by our students’ performance) depends on this commitment by parents/guardians and school staff to communicate openly and candidly. The months of November and early December provide several opportunities for this to occur:
· November 16: Term 1 report cards are issued; · November 19 and 28: middle school and high school parent/guardian conferences; · November 27 and 29: elementary school parent/guardian conferences; · November 30 and December 6: PK-K parent/guardian conferences.
The importance of parents/guardians scheduling a time to meet with their child’s teachers cannot be overstated.
State of the Town Forum: The second annual State of the Town Forum was held in the Martinson Elementary School Auditorium Thursday evening, November 8th. Each department, including the Marshfield Public Schools, reviewed their goals and current challenges. You can view each presentation made during this forum through Marshfield’s local cable.
Improving Access Through Cable: Marshfield’s Board of Selectmen have approved the establishment of a Cable Access Corporation. This non-profit organization, made possible through the financial support of Verizon, will be supervised by a Board of Directors (Marshfield residents not employed by the town) and an executive director of the public and government channels. The most noticeable improvement for parents/guardians will be the ability to access informational presentations and meetings related to Marshfield Public Schools. The days of “flipping” through the channels in search of a meeting or school presentation of school programs and meetings that can be heard and viewed at the caliber we are accustomed to. The benefits of the town’s Cable Access Corporation will also support one of the Marshfield Public Schools Core Beliefs: Partnership with Home, School and Community.
MRSA: School safety is the Marshfield Public Schools’ number one priority. Though the 3A’s (academics, the arts, and athletics) are certainly a high priority, each can be jeopardized if the safety of students and staff is compromised. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an antibiotic resistant bacterium. At one time, most staph infections could be easily treated, when necessary, with several antibiotics. Today certain strains of staph are resistant to some antibiotics and must be treated using different types of antibiotics. Cases of MRSA have recently bee3n reported in Bridgewater-Raynham, Taunton, Wareham, Easton and Kingston high schools. However, it is important to note that local pediatricians are seeing more cases in young children than school athletes. Though there have been no reported cases of MRSA in the Marshfield Public Schools, to date, our district is taking a proactive approach.
Our school district has been working with the Marshfield Board of Health to ensure every precautionary measure necessary is being followed in every school. Further, our dedicated custodial staff and teachers are also taking the necessary precautionary measures as recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Marshfield Board of Health. MRSA is not a school phenomenon. Rather, it should be described more as a public health phenomenon. As a result the following measures are a reminder of ways to prevent MRSA infection: · Regular hand washing; · Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered; · Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages; and · Avoid sharing personal items. · Keep skin healthy, especially during the winter months to avoid dry, cracked skin. · Contact your doctor if you have a skin infection that does not improve.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has information and guidance on precautions everyone can take to prevent the spread of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) available on the following website: http://mass.gov/dph/cdc/antibiotic/antibiotic home.htm.
MRSA, similar to many other challenges, will be minimized by being informed and observant.
The true meaning of Thanksgiving is not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them.
Happy Thanksgiving!
M A R S H F I E L D P U B L I C S C H O O L S S U P E R I N T E N D E N T ‘ S N E W S L E T T E R December 2007 Dr. Middleton K. McGoodwin, Superintendent of Schools www.mpsd.org Dear Parents/Guardians:
Though parent/guardian –teacher conferences have concluded, and the second term of the school year is underway, please remember that every parent/guardian needs to maintain open dialogue with their son’s or daughter’s teachers and administrators throughout the school year. Involvement & Collaboration The best atmosphere for learning results by teachers, students and parents/guardians working together. Mr. Jerry Morris, former Governor Winslow Elementary School teaching assistant principal and Director of Elementary Curriculum, represented this by the following equation: Teachers + Students + Parents/Guardians = Education. Parents/guardians are their child's first and most influential teacher. By staying involved and informed with your child’s education everyone benefits. 2008-2009 School Budget The School Committee and administration are currently developing next year’s school budget. Parents/guardians are urged to remained informed of the challenges facing our community and school district as this process continues. Some of the FY09 challenges include:
Information regarding school finance is available on the district’s website mpsd.org. Click on Administration. Go to the Superintendent’s Website, and scroll down to Informational Links to access school finance information. More Snow This Year? Recent reports indicate the Boston area is going to receive more than the average 42 inches of snow this winter. This forecast is based on the premise that a cold fall usually leads to a snowy winter. Though the South Shore averages less snow than the city it is important to remember the following procedures when snow is forecast and with wintry travel:
Click on Administration. Go to the Superintendent’s Website, and scroll down to School Weather Cancellation to access: - 2007 Cancellation Details - Hurricane and Flooding (Brant Rock) - Inclement Weather Bus Stop Changes Audit of Marshfield Schools The Marshfield Public Schools was audited in 2007 by the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, an independent audit and accountability group of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. This process was enacted by Massachusetts education reform legislation. This audit report, “A Look at the Marshfield Public Schools, 2004-2006” is available on our district website mpsd.org. Did You Know?
Happy Holidays!
M A R S H F I E L D P U B L I C S C H O O L S S U P E R I N T E N D E N T ‘ S N E W S L E T T E R January 2008 Dr. Middleton K. McGoodwin, Superintendent of Schools www.mpsd.org
Dear Parents/Guardians: 2008 - 2009 Budget Update The Marshfield community is facing several fiscal challenges as each of our Town’s departments prepare their 2008-2009 budget. The School Committee is also facing many difficult decisions as the FY09 School Budget process continues. The School Committee is committed to provide every Marshfield citizen with the opportunity to access school budget information. The details involving Marshfield’s FY09 School Budget is being continuously updated. This is available through the Marshfield Public Schools website www.mpsd.org. The following bulleted information represents a summary of the current FY09 School Budget issues the Marshfield School Committee is addressing: · The FY09 School Budget, comparable to each Town department’s budget, will be level funded (not greater than the FY08 School Budget; · The School Committee has already reduced the FY09 budget, to date, by $888,000. This reduction was the result of mandated fixed cost increases combined with the school district’s share of the Town’s FY09 budget deficit; · The FY09 School Budget, to date, is smaller than the FY08 School Budget was; · The present FY09 School Budget does not include any cost of living adjustments resulting from collective bargaining. · 79% of the School Budget is comprised of personnel. · Governor Patrick is currently facing a $1.3 billion state budget deficit. A school district’s ability to educate students, and their subsequent success, is one of the single greatest support of real estate property values. Subsequently, the School Committee encourages every citizen to remain informed and aware with Marshfield’s school budget process. Public Hearing 2008 - 2009 School Budget January 22nd 7:00 P.M. Furnace Brook Middle School Library District Improvement Plan Successful school districts (as measured by the achievement of all students) establish multi-year “plans” that are used to achieve important goals. Marshfield’s Strategic Plan 2002-2005 was used in this manner to guide our school district’s progress. Following more than one year of work by teachers, parents, administrators and citizens, the Marshfield Public Schools District Improvement Plan, 2007-2011 is scheduled to be implemented later this winter. Did You Know? Did you know that the Marshfield Public Schools since 2002 has been utilizing student assessment results to improve instruction, learning and achievement? Marshfield teachers’ use of data involves answering two questions:
1. How many students are succeeding in the subjects I teach? 2. Within those subjects, what are the areas of strength as well as weakness? Answering the first question enables grade level and subject-area teams of teachers to establish annual improvement goals. Both research, and evidence observed by educators in Marshfield classrooms suggests that setting annual improvement goals may be the most significant act in the entire school improvement process. After teacher teams establish goals they turn to the second important question,” Where do the greatest number of students struggle or fail ?” The identification of strengths and weaknesses set the stage for the real work of instructional improvement: the collaboration among teams of teachers who share, produce, test and refine their lessons and strategies targeted to address areas of low performance. When the basis of important decisions is data-driven, policy formation and the allocation of resources will be determined by student achievement results. Marshfield students excel as a result of effective instruction — their accomplishment is not a coincidence. The most important school improvement processes involves data analysis. Avoiding elaborate and complex plans, and supporting teachers to answer the two preceding questions, establishes a straightforward improvement plan that results in the most significant impact for teacher and students. It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but rather those most responsive to change. - Charles Darwin Happy New Year !
SUPERINTENDENT’S NEWSLETTER February, 2008 Dr. Middleton K. Mc Goodwin Dear Parents/Guardians: FY09 School Budget Hearing The 2008-2009 School Budget Public Hearing was held January 22nd. The following bulleted list summaries this FY09 School Budget presentation: · The School Committee approved a FY09 Budget of $39,062,970. · The School Committee reduced the FY09 School Budget by $887,945 to offset fixed and mandated increases. These reductions, labeled Phase I, are posted under Budget on our school district’s website www.mpsd.org. · The $39,062,970 figure represents a 1.3% decrease compared to the FY08 School Budget of $39,562,970 · Marshfield Public School employees are members of seven collective bargaining units. The $39,062,970 School Budget does not include anticipated salary increases resulting from the ratification of seven employee contracts. · Following contract ratifications the School Committee will begin Phase II of the FY09 School Budget process. This second phase will require additional budget reductions to offset these salary increases. Fiscal Condition of MA Schools The Massachusetts Department of Education released a report last month entitled Preliminary Report on Current Fiscal Conditions in Massachusetts School Districts. This report cites several findings: · Academic expectations in Massachusetts have increased, but funding for both essential and mandated instructional services has not kept pace. Examples: 1. ) School districts, on average, have spent 18% above the Foundation Budget, the “minimum amount of funding needed by each local school district to provide an adequate education.” The Foundation Budget, created in 1993, was designed to bring all school districts to a level of spending in relation to local demographic and economic differences. 2.) Most superintendents of schools view the Foundation Budget as insufficient to support an adequate education. Examples: - 117 districts spent 25% above Foundation Budget, 64 spent 40% above. - Marshfield spent 15% above Foundation Budget in FY07 and FY08. - Health insurance and retirement costs have increased 300% more than the Foundation Budget allows. Marshfield Public Schools’ insurance costs have increased 94.4% since 2002. - The cost of Special Education is misaligned with the Foundation Budget. Since 2002 the average cost across our state has increased $380 million. · Cuts in Chapter 70 aid have caused school districts to rely on local revenues to support operating costs. 1.) FY02—FY06 (averages) - Chapter 70 aid increased 2.4%. - Towns and cities have increased their contribution to schools by 26.4 %. 2.) The FY07 Chapter 70 school aid, due to inflation, was equivalent to the amount of aid allocated in FY99. · As a result of instructional budget constraints Massachusetts school districts have implemented strategies to maintain student services. 1.) Transportation user fees in Massachusetts school districts increased from $3 to $11 million between FY02-FY04. 2.) 200 school districts have athletic user fees. Spending from athletic user fee revolving accounts has grown from $12 to $23 million between FY02-FY06. 3.) Marshfield continues to share costs with local school districts , and is joining another educational collaborative to further defray the cost of instructional services. 4.) This year Marshfield was awarded $1.5 million in grants to support Special Education programs and instructional services. You can read this entire Massachusetts Department of Education report at www.mpsd.org, under Budget. Did You Know? Did you know the Marshfield Public Schools has implemented DIBELS in Kindergarten and First grade this year? DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) is a set of standardized, individually administered assessments. Designed to be a few minutes in length teachers are able to regularly monitor the development of each student’s literacy and reading skills beginning at an early age. Early intervention through brief individualized assessments enables teachers to identify children in need of additional attention early in their education. Too often the adult sees the young child as an unfinished creature, as an object of learning to be molded, shaped, prodded, pushed, rewarded and reinforced. …. Significant learning always involves the learner as a person; thus, education itself must be humanized, must include the perceptions and interests of the learner if it is to have genuine meaning. - Clark E. Moustakas
MARSHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SUPERINTENDENT’S NEWSLETTER March, 2008 Dr. Middleton K. McGoodwin Dear Parents/Guardians: The Marshfield Public Schools Nutrition and Physical Activity Council invites parents/guardians to “mark your calendars” to attend this timely and relevant presentation: "Nutrition for Academic & Athletic Excellence" Tuesday, April 15, 7:00- 8:00 P.M. Furnace Brook Middle School Presenters from Tufts University will focus on several topics, including: Healthy snacks Food requirements Importance of breakfast Sports drinks Parents/guardians of Grades 5-9 students are encouraged to attend. Did You Know? The percentage of MHS senior students participating in the SAT (Standard Achievement Test) has increased from 77% in 2003 to 97% in 2007; 90% of the Class of 2007 attended a two-year and four-year college, compared to 84% in 2005; Several Furnace Brook Middle School students are taking high school level courses this year: Course Number of Students French I 64 Spanish I 286 Algebra I Honors 64 Algebra I 111 Several Advanced Placement courses are offered at Marshfield High School. i.e., English Language, English Literature, Calculus, Spanish V, French V, Chemistry, United States History, European History, JAVA, Art 2-D & 3-D Design. Students’ Performance There are a variety of student data used by the Marshfield Public Schools to measure our students’ performance. — You can learn more about the different types of student data, and how it is used, be reviewing a Student Data Presentation posted on the Marshfield Public Schools District Home Page — www.mpsd.org. How Much Can I Afford? Each year the state distributes Chapter 70 Education Aid to towns and cities. The amount of aid received is determined by: I. The amount of money needed to educate a school district’s students (AKA: Foundation Budget) II. The amount of money a town or city is capable of contributing to educate its children. Three years ago the Commonwealth of Massachusetts revised the method used to determine how much a municipality is capable of contributing to educate its children. A February 12th Budget presentation reviewing how this new method impacts Marshfield was made to the School Committee. This is available on the Marshfield Public Schools District Home Page: Click on Budget to access “FY09 Budget & Beyond.” Did You Also Know? Americans throw out 10 billion pounds of used clothing each year. Debbie Sullivan, Marshfield’s Recycling Coordinator, continues to promote recycling and save the community money as well. A clothing recycling trailer is now located adjacent to the Furnace Brook Middle School parking lot (left side of the building). The middle school is receiving $50 for each ton of clothing. Marshfield Energy Challenge Energy use in New England has grown considerably. The average home now uses 200 kWh per month more than it did in the 1970s - enough to power roughly six computers. NSTAR and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative is investing $4 million in Marshfield to help interested businesses and homeowners reduce the amount of energy used. The Marshfield Public Schools is also working closely with NSTAR to support and benefit from the Marshfield Energy Challenge. $ 3 Billion Annually? Over the past fifteen years Massachusetts tax cuts have reduced available funds at the state level by more than $3 billion annually. Is it a surprise that there is such an over-reliance on the property tax at the local level today? It is no coincidence 30% of our state’s 351 cities and towns sought overrides and debt exclusions in 2007. Education is not something to prepare for life; it is a continuous part of life. - Henry Ford
Dear Parents/Guardians: Nutrition = Success Schools and communities committed to educating the whole child create an environment that promotes the learning and practice of healthy lifestyles. The Marshfield PublicSchools Nutrition and Physical Activity Council invites parents/guardians to join their son and/or daughter to further learn about the development and practice of healthy life styles by attending the following presentation: Nutrition for Academic & Athletic Excellence Tuesday, April 15 7:00-8:00 P.M .Furnace Brook Middle School Tufts University staff will review several topics, including: Healthy snacks Food requirements Importance of breakfast Sports drinks Parents/guardians of Grades 5-9 students are encouraged to attend.“Where Everybody Belongs” Furnace Brook Middle School is implementing a new program for incoming sixth grade students. The program will be known as WEB, or Where Everybody Belongs.WEB is a transition/ leadership program designed to help new sixth grade students adjust to the changes involved with transitioning from a small elementary school to a large middle school. Additional objectives include empowering eighth graders as role models, increasing academic success through support of peers while creating a positive school atmosphere. Ms. Lori Damphousse and Ms. Julie McEwan, Furnace Brook Middle School Guidance Counselors, are implementing WEB at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year. Each incoming sixth grade student will be assigned to a WEB group consisting of about ten sixth grade students and two WEB Leaders. WEB Leaders are eighth grade students who are selected and volunteer to become trained in the WEB program. Sixth graders will attend a WEB orientation on August 28 th where they will be welcomed toFBMS with opening and closing ceremonies, as well as small group activities with their WEB Leaders. Throughout the school year eighth grade WEB Leaders will meet with their sixth grade groups, helping each student to learn strategies to adjust to change while becoming a happy and successful middle school student. FY09 Budget Update The purpose of these monthly newsletters has been to improve all residents’ awareness of the Marshfield Public Schools. This awareness includes the 3A’s (Academics, Arts and Athletics),our school facilities, and the annual School Budget. Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns develop their municipal budgets based on the bestavailable information at the time. Subsequently, it is not uncommon for a town’s or city’s initial budget information to change as the new fiscal year approaches. Examples: * Marshfield’s FY09 health insurance costs was anticipated to increase 15%. The actual increase, voted by the Plymouth County Health Group on March 31, 2008, was only 3%. This represents a $548,537 savings for the Town.* Marshfield recently identified $750,000 from the overlay surplus account (anaccount established annually to fund anticipated property tax abatements, exemptions and uncollected taxes in that year. The overlay reserve is not established by the normal appropriation process). These are reminders that the development of a municipal budget represents an evolving process, changing as new information becomes available. Please remain informed by attending: Marshfield’s 2008 Town Meeting Monday, April 28 7:30 P.M.Marshfield High School GymnasiumDid You Know? Marshfield High School students are concerned with their peers’ alcohol use. Marshfield High School students want to discuss these concerns with parents. The Social Host Law impacts those who serve alcohol to minors. A Pre-Prom Alcohol Education Program is being provided for Marshfield students attendingthe prom. Students Taking Action Tuesday, April 29, 6:00-7:00 P.M. Marshfield High School Library Elementary School Hours The school hours of our five elementary schools are changing. Effective September 2008, through June 2010, the school hours will be: 8:50 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. for South River Elementary School and Martinson Elementary School. 8:20 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. for Daniel Webster Elementary School, Eames Way Elementary School and Governor Winslow Elementary School.
May - June, 2008 Dear Parents/Guardians: Not Just Another School Year…. The school year concludes on Tuesday, June 17th. The past ten months have provided us with a great many indicators that we should be very proud of. The achievements and accomplishments of Marshfield’s PK-12 students have been highlighted in each of this year’s Superintendent’s Newsletters. The progress made by each student is a measure of our school district’s effectiveness, all of which would not be possible without PK-12 teachers’ and administrators’ commitment, involvement by parents/guardians, and the Marshfield community’s sustained support. 2007-2008 School Year Highlights The accomplishments, achievement and service demonstrated by our PK-12 students speak for themselves: Elementary school students received 1,364 hours of after school academic tutoring from high school students. Students’ “Green Teams” in each of seven schools returned thousands of dollars to the Town by recycling. The high school Academic Decathlon Team finished 4th overall in State competition. 8 Atlantic Coast League Championships were earned in golf, boys’ soccer, football, boys’ hockey, wrestling, boys’ tennis, girls’ tennis, and lacrosse. The Super Bowl football game in 2007 also represented the first time competing at Gillette Stadium. 52 of the 55 Marshfield High School athletic teams maintained a 3.0 Grade Point Average as a team this year, earning Gold or Silver Academic Excellence Awards from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. Boston Globe Art Achievement and Art Portfolio Awards were earned by 7 high school students. Marshfield elementary school students received several writing awards during the school year: Boston College Science Poetry Contest, MARC Bullying Contest, and the Young American Poets Contest. The high school Key Club, as well as elementary school and middle school students, continued to send a powerful message about the value of helping others: raising funds for the Aleppo Shrine Center; donating over 1,000 video tapes to Children’s Hospital and Jordan Hospital’s Pediatric Unit; collecting canned goods for the Food Pantry; and raising funds to provide gifts and cards for many deserving persons throughout the year. Our Boat Building Program was featured in a local magazine for developing and construction of student-made boats. The Mock Trial Team earned the State of Massachusetts Trial Competition Sweet 16 attaining the highest score in school history. The Federal Reserve Challenge Team finished 2nd place in the New England Regional Competition. A documentary video explaining instructional technology in the Marshfield Public Schools will be played on local cable access channels beginning June 16th. Faculty, students and parents are included in this presentation. Graduating Class of 2008 86% attending college 32% National Honor Society 40 student Presidential Award winners for academic excellence and achievement Awarded $215,490 in local scholarships and $1,900,000 from colleges
Marshfield High School Master Study Plan The results of a recent Master Study Plan are now available on our district website homepage under “Information.” This plan represents an initial step to a lengthy process in conjunction with the Massachusetts School Building Authority, the Town of Marshfield and Marshfield residents. Furnace Brook Middle School 2006 - 2008 Two years ago I wrote in a June 2006 Superintendent’s Newsletter, “How Marshfield benefits from the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) School Assessment Report will be determined by what is done as a result of the recommendations.“ (see below)
Governor Winslow Elem. School The Marshfield Public Schools, in conjunction with the Massachusetts School Building Authority, has received approval to replace the school’s boiler, heating system and windows. A special THANK YOU to Marshfield residents who supported this $2.4 million project, of which $1.1 million of this will be paid by the State.
Enjoy your Summer !!
Furnace Brook Middle School |
