March 12, 2017 


Dear Quashnet School Community, 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  This snow must go away!  When we have a snow day such as last Friday, we do NOT skip that day in the cycle.  Monday, March 13th, will be a Day 6.  Hopefully, there will be no more snow days where this will happen...but just in case! 

The schedule this week is quite unusual.  Thursday, 3/16, it is an EARLY RELEASE DAY for students.  Students will be dismissed at 11:30 AM -notes are needed for any change in regular dismissal plans.  Friday, 3/17, is a NO SCHOOL DAY for students. We are so grateful for these two days. The entire staff will be participating in professional development with the highly regarded educator, Anita Archer.  Anita lives in Seattle, but she travels all over the world teaching teachers and students using highly engaging instructional strategies.  She has authored numerous books on research-based teaching practices with an emphasis on explicit instruction.  Last year, Anita spent over 250 days on the road teaching and on speaking engagements. She is that good! It is outstanding that Mashpee students will benefit from her work with us. Please know that these days will be well spent as Mashpee teachers and staff never stop working and learning to support our students! 

Have you changed your clocks yet?  

Daylight saving time is here!  

Spring is sure to follow - hopefully soon! 

When the weather is changing from cold mornings to warmer afternoons, it is a time our LOST and FOUND really GROWS! There are Patriots, Under Armour, North Face, Vineyard Vines, Gap sweatshirts and more.  We have jackets, hats and gloves - even a backpack.  Be sure to check it out when you are in school. Lost and Found is located in the lunchroom - students are encouraged to look regularly, but they don't claim much! Where oh where does it come from???


The Quashnet School window and roof project has been getting a lot of press lately.  We have an

opportunity with the Massachusetts School Building Authority to have 37.95% of the cost reimbursed from the state.  The estimated cost is approximately $10.5 million.  The cost to the town would be under $6 million as some expenses have already been paid. The windows in the original section of the building are 40 years old and are in desperate need of replacement. The Liberty Wing is approx. 25 years old and the windows qualify for the reimbursement as they are reaching the end of their life. Based on a joint meeting of the Board of Selectman, School Committee, and Finance Committee, the funding of this project will need to be supported at the Annual May Town Meeting with a simple majority.  If approved, the work will begin hopefully in April of 2018 and be in full force over the summer of 2018 - every effort will be made to prevent disruption to the learning process. If any work is done during the school day, all workers will have a criminal records check and will not be with students. The work will upgrade 86% of the exterior of the building, prevent water during rain storms in the halls and gym, prevent heat loss, and allow us to open windows.  Did you know that in the cafe, the windows are completely inoperable, not one opens! The project includes windows, doors, roof, and will make all bathrooms ADA accessible.  Your vote at Town Meeting is important, needed, and appreciated!  

Thank you to our Miss Keohanes for
organizing this GREAT event! 

Get ready to lace up your skates again, Falcons!  

It’s the

Mashpee Family

 Skate Night

To benefit “Paws for a Cause!”

Sunday, March 19^th 5:00-6:30 PM

Gallo Ice Arena, 231 Sandwich Rd in Bourne

Rental skates will be provided free of charge

All children must be accompanied by an adult

This is a FREE event.  Donations will be accepted for the Quashnet School Service Dog Project!

March is Music in our Schools Month! This week Mrs. Hill and Ms. Sherman greeted students with a beautiful flute performance upon arrival, string students attended the Spring Jamboree in Nauset, and seven students participated in the All-State Treble Chorus in Boston this weekend. This was an outstanding performance - congratulations to all!   Talk about getting off to a great start!  Still to come is the musical performance of Willy Wonka by the Blue Flacon Theatre Company with QS Oompa Loompas over the weekend of March 25th-26. Thursday, March 23rd, is the Music in Our Schools Concert at MMHS.  If you haven't attended before, it is a fabulous night - warning though - get there early it is a packed house!!    

In true Quashnet caring form, students are sponsoring two important fund raisers.  The K-Kids participate in the program, Pennies for Patients, and all funds collected will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Every penny counts in this campaign.  Last year, K-Kids raised over $3,000! The sixth grade student council is leading the charge on the Service Dog Project and have two events planned this month.  They will be selling snacks during the Family Skate Night on March 19th and there is a Dining for a Cause event on Thursday, March 16th from 5-8 PM at Mashpee's Ninety-nine restaurant.  To sponsor a service dog for a veteran is $14, 000.  Currently, we are half way there.  Any help or suggestions are always welcome, please contact Jane Emery at 508-539-1550 x4100. 

Did you receive Superintendent DeBoer's all call on Friday canceling school?  If not, there is a problem in PowerSchool with your primary phone number.  Send in a note or call our office (508-539-1550) so we can ensure you will get important school communication in the future.  

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead. 
Respectfully, 
Mrs. O'Brien