Guidance Department
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the attendance policy?
State law requires that students attend school. Whenever a student is absent an absence note signed by a parent or guardian must be brought to homeroom on the day the student returns.
The note should include:
Who is my child’s guidance counselor?
6th grade guidance counselor: Lori Damphousse
7th grade guidance counselor: Michael McDavitt
8th grade guidance counselor: Julie McEwan
I am concerned about how my child is doing in school. Who do I contact?
If you are having concerns about how your child is doing in school you would contact their teachers directly. If you have difficulty getting in touch with their teachers you would contact your child’s guidance counselor.
How do I set up a meeting to meet with my child’s teachers?
If you would like to meet with your child’s teachers as a cluster you would contact their guidance counselor to set that up. If you would like to meet with an individual teacher you contact that particular teacher directly.
How are clusters determined?
Clusters are first determined by the needs of the student. Foreign language choice is a factor as to which cluster a student will be placed in as well as music choices such as chorus, band and music appreciation. Some other criteria that play a role in Cluster placements are the student’s levels as well as gender.
Can I change my child’s cluster?
Cluster changes are only done in extreme cases.
Can I change my child’s Math and/or English levels?
The determination of placement in Math and English is based on last year’s teacher recommendation. If there is a desire to move your child’s level it would be determined by the current teacher and your child’s performance in their class thus far.
Why is it required for my child to take a foreign language?
As of March 1999, the Massachusetts Department of Education has required foreign language to become a part of the Curriculum Frameworks. There are many educational benefits for students taking foreign language, including an expansion of their perceptions of the world around us. The requirement to take a foreign language is not just about the words and vocabulary, students also learn about the culture.
What resources are available inside and outside Furnace Brook Middle School to help my child succeed? (both academically and socially)
There are many resources both inside and outside of school to help your child gain academic and social skills. The Marshfield Recreation Department handles activities such as sports outside of school.
Resources within the school to help support academic skills are:
Tutoring-you may request a tutor list from your child’s guidance counselor
Extra help from teachers
Resources within the school to help support social skills are:
Where does my child go if he/she has misplaced their agenda?
Students should first look around for their agenda, ask around and check the lost and found. If they have not found their agenda after that they must go to the guidance office to get a new one. There is a fee of $5.00 to get a new one.
Why does my child’s schedule change?
There are many reasons as to why your son/daughter’s schedule might change. At the beginning of the school year there are often changes in classrooms as well as teachers. Throughout the first couple months of school, classes may become overcrowded therefore warranting a need for schedule changes to bring the class size down. Smaller classes allow for students to learn better in a less distractive environment. Schedules are also changed due to specific needs of the student.
When is MCAS testing this school year?
The schedule for MCAS testing is:
March 24th-April 4th
Grades 6-8: ELA Reading Comprehension (3 sessions)
Grade 7 (Only): ELA Reading Composition (March 25th)
May 12th-May 28th
Grades 6-8: Math (2 sessions)
Grade 7 (Only): History and Social Science (2 sessions)
Grade 8 (Only): Science and Technology/Engineering
You may also check the website: www.doe.mass.edu for more specific information.
What role does MCAS testing play in the education of my child?
MCAS testing influences the recommendations for level placements. The test also shows the strengths and weaknesses of the child.
Why is homework an important piece of my child’s education?
Homework plays an important role in education. It allows an educator to see the effort that a student is putting into their work. It is also an excellent way for students to expand their knowledge through practice. Homework assignments do not need to result in perfect answers, however must demonstrate effort administered for the work.